We sat down with Lucy Tavares, the passion behind the brand O Nutricia. As someone who has experienced a variety of ailments from the stress of working around the clock, Licia began experimenting with collagen to resolve the many illnesses that were depleting her body.
The “O” represents the brand’s determination to have zero wheat and gluten, zero E numbers, zero soya, zero sugar, as well as zero additives in the product – providing customers with only pure collagen in every scoop or capsule.
GLAMOUR: What does Women's Month mean to you?
Lucy Tavares: It signifies a day of celebration of all the achievements of women. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in gender equality, empowerment and women’s rights and the goals that still need to be met. It’s a time to refocus and strengthen our resolve to advance the many issues South African women still face in 2023
GLAMOUR: Why is it important to celebrate the women of South Africa?
LT: In SA we commemorate the roles women played in our country’s troubled political past. We celebrate all women who have been robust, successful and ordinary women in our country. They need to be honoured, wearing so many hats from businesswoman, daughter to wife and mom, who keep their families together, provide for their children and care for their communities.
GLAMOUR: What inspires you to be successful?
LT: People inspire me. Success is achieved when I see how Onutricia has added value to people’s lives. It is not just about the business, it’s the community, our fans, our stockists and agents. We are successful together! Be the best version of yourself. Passion to help people and inspire them to find their full potential. I believe everything is possible in a world filled with impossibilities, find the silver lining, and pursue your dreams with tenacity and authenticity. Most importantly stay true to your morals and values.
GLAMOUR: What do you think is the most significant barrier to female success?
LT: Lack of self-confidence and the guts to stand up for your rights. Honour your values and voice your feelings. If you lack the skills go equip yourself with knowledge, read, read, read or watch motivational videos. It can be tough at the beginning but you’re tougher.
GLAMOUR: Your biggest motivation?
LT: Most importantly always put God and your spirituality first. My biggest motivation is my mother, she has been a pillar of strength in times of adversity. The women in our society were discriminated against, their place was in the kitchen and they couldn’t stand up for themselves without being broken down. All the lessons taught me; to live within my means, save for a rainy day and always give my best in everything I do. I want to encourage more young women, that anything is possible if you put your mind and heart into your dream. If I became a femtrepreneur at the age of 25 so can you! Be audacious and authentic! Eat, sleep, drink and live your passion daily.
GLAMOUR: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
LT: You are worthy, stop comparing yourself to others. To speak louder and make your voice heard. It’s okay to not always be okay. Change is difficult. It requires effort, attention, awareness and discomfort but to know it feels good when you move closer to your goals. Stay connected to the end goal by focusing on the progress. Never give up! The times when you feel it is tough are the times that matter most.
GLAMOUR: Which women are on your radar and why?
LT: I admire Izelle Hoffman a lifestyle chef who was born with hip dysplasia. Fourteen operations later, she was adamant to make people aware of the health benefits of eating the right foods and choosing a life of health and wellness. She has overcome all obstacles, broken all boundaries and risen to the challenges life has thrown. Izelle motivates us to take on our own limits and live a passionately limitless life. When you focus on your blessings you will always be happy and content with what you have, despite your shortcomings! When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change…
GLAMOUR: What’s your message to women in business?
LT: Believe in yourself! Embrace change and stand up for what you believe in. Take Risks, challenge yourself, step outside of your comfort zone and grow. Support and uplift other women! Be consistent and committed wholeheartedly.
GLAMOUR: How are you celebrating Women’s Month?
LT: We are running a campaign on “Embodiment” with some limited edition products. We want to help women identify ways to shape themselves as an individual. Feeling at home in your body and feeling connected to your body. Authenticity flies out the window if someone dares to go against the grain. There is this push and pull to belong and to be part of. A constant comparison goes on inside women’s minds. Constant comparison between what another does best, what another is best, what another does best, and what another embodies best. Like Oscar Wilde said: Be yourself, everyone else is taken.
GLAMOUR: Your favourite beauty moment OR The best advice you’ve received to date and from who?
LT: The best advice was from a Brazilian friend Lucia who introduced me to collagen from Brazil in 2012. This is where the journey of Onutricia started, a white powder with numerous benefits: reducing inflammation, and wrinkles, improving hair health, gut health, reducing stretch marks, strengthening nails and other benefits. My biggest one was the increase in skin hydration and firming of skin, my hair was growing longer and stronger as well! I noticed a huge difference in my face, after comparing pictures from 9 months prior. Massive improvements! That’s why today I drink Onutricia Collagen together with Vitamin C capsules without fail. I like to alternate with our Marine collagen products as well – the Beauty must-have for the skin!
