MOUTE RENAULT Skincare maker
‘Raw minimalism’ is central to skincare brand Savon Stories – the idea that less is more and pure is better. It’s a philosophy inspired by Moute Renault’s centenarian grandfather who lived to 115 in the mountains of Morocco.
Growing up on the family farm in North Africa, Moute saw the benefits of a natural diet and healthy lifestyle; it’s something she has never forgotten and that she has now instilled in her business. “Skin absorbs what you put on it. Minimum treatment with good nutrition can work wonders,” she says. It’s an approach that is shared by her husband and business co-founder Ray.
The concept filters through to every aspect of Savon Stories, whose name is based on the French word for ‘soap’ and the tradition of storytelling, which is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture. The products – which include raw carrot soap and mandarin and geranium hand and body wash – are all organic, while the cold-processed method Savon Stories uses helps to keep ingredients as close to their natural state as possible, retaining nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants.
Gaining recognition in the competitive skincare market can be particularly difficult for a business just starting out, but since exhibiting at a number of Country Living Fairs, Savon Stories has received a nomination in the prestigious CEW Beauty Awards’ eco category and has come second place in the Natural & Organic Awards. Its products are also stocked in Heal’s and Whole Foods Market.
Ray and Moute live and work in rural Surrey, the beautiful scenery around them being one of the reasons they originally felt drawn to the Spring Fair. “The British countryside is one of the most beautiful landscapes to look at,” Ray says. “There’s something about it that’s really captivating. It’s an environment we like to be close to, and for us the Country Living Fair is the perfect place to reach customers with sensibilities that are similar to ours.”