Beauty Boss: Mary Jane Ong, Co-Founder of PILI ANI
Pili Ani Co-Founders Mary Jane Ong and Rosalina Tan.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Mary Jane Ong, Co-Founder of PILI ANI—a line of skincare from the Philippines that utilizes the powers of Pili and Elemi oils in all of its products. Ong started the brand in 2016 with her mother Rosalina Tan with the goal of creating clean and natural skincare products that were ethical, supported the local farming community, and offered incredible skin benefits.
Each Pili fruit is hand picked and cleaned before extracting the oil from the pulp, and it contains one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it nourishing and soothing for all skin types. Elemi oil comes from the sap of the bark of the Chosen Tree and is touted for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial benefits to fight acne while toning and firming skin.
For every purchase from the brand, consumers are not only supporting PILI ANI’s partner farmers but they’re also supporting reforestation in the Philippine region of Bicol. As a result, more than 250 new Pili trees have been planted in their forests and PILI ANI has partnered with the local Philippine government to plant an additional 20,000 trees.
We chatted with Ong who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, beauty tips, and much more.
When was PILI ANI founded and what does the name mean?
PILI ANI was launched in the Philippines in 2016 and in the U.S. in 2017. The name was inspired by the key ingredients used in the brand’s products: pili and elemi oils. Both of these skin-nourishing, hydrating, and firming oils are responsibly sourced from pili trees grown in the Philippines. The word “ANI,” which directly translates to “harvest,” was later added to create a word play. Together, PILI and ANI mean" “chosen harvest.”
Before we created the brand, my mother Rosalina would buy hand pressed pili oils from local farmers in Bicol as a means for supporting the local community. She had acquired such a massive supply that I began thinking of meaningful ways to utilize these oils. After much research and product development, we came up with the idea of developing a skincare line using pili elemi oils.
The goal was to create ethical, all-natural, and effective beauty products that would highlight the amazing benefits of locally sourced pili and elemi oils. At the same time, we wanted to stay committed to supporting local farmers and communities. Since my mom is a pioneer of organic farming in the Philippines, it was also very important for us to uphold values of fair trade and sustainability.
Since its founding, PILI ANI has continuously worked towards setting the bar high for proudly Philippine-made skincare products and has been a trailblazer in Philippine-made skincare and beauty products.
PILI ANI Self-Care Night Recovery Oil ($40 to $80) is infused with soothing botanicals to minimize breakouts and redness, and brightens and moisturizes skin.
Does PILI ANI have a hero product?
PILI ANI takes time and invests heavily in research and product development. Every new product we launch is crafted as would a masterpiece. Our hero products would include the Self-Care Night Recovery Oil, Deep Detox Volcanic Exfoliating Mask, and our Ageless Concentrate.
In all of PILI ANI’s products we use pili and elemi oils, which we synergized into a potent, natural compound called Pili Active Oils. In a nutshell, this is a combination of highly nourishing ingredients extracted from pili trees. Our ingredients are the heroes.
Pili oils are packed with natural antioxidants like squalene, oleic acid, linoleic, and tocopherols, which help protect us from external aggressors that cause skin damage (and ultimately, skin aging). Carotenoids (the best known natural antioxidant) is abundant in pili oils. Regarded as skin superfoods, pili oils are also loaded with Vitamins A and E that bring back skin radiance and elasticity .
Elemi, which is responsibly tapped from the bark of pili trees, are rare and precious ingredients often likened to Frankincense and Myrrh. Clinical studies have shown that Elemi oils possess skin firming benefits, and it is also an effective natural anti-bacterial. In fact, some of the top luxury skincare brands use this ingredient for products that help lift and firm skin.
Where are your products sold?
Pili Ani is available in the Philippines and in the U.S. We have an online store and also have an Amazon store.
Future plans for the brand?
We have exciting new launches in the pipeline so stay tuned! This much I can say: our new products will highlight the remarkable moisturizing properties of our beloved pili oils–not just for skin care, but for the entire wellness routine as well. Soon we will introduce a new formulation that draws on time-honored beauty traditions of keeping hair shiny, silky, bouncy, and healthy.
As it was in the beginning of this journey, our long term goal is to bring incredible, proudly Philippine-made skincare products by PILI ANI to the world. We’ve always believed in the healing and rejuvenating wonders of our ingredients and want to bring this to beauty and wellness routines across the globe.
At the heart of all this are the artisans and pili farmers we work with who make it possible for us to create these products. They are with us on this journey and share in every win and milestone. In fact, this extends to everyone else who is involved in our supply chain.
PILI ANI Deep Detox Volcanic Exfoliating Mask ($17) is formulated with harvested ash from the Philippines' most active volcano Mt. Mayon to pulls toxins from skin and exfoliate dead skin cells.
Who inspires you?
My mom is my inspiration. Through her I’ve learned virtues of generosity and selflessness. This has helped us create a culture of kindness within the PILI ANI environment. At the same time and as a business owner, my mom has also inculcated a strong sense of foresight and vision to take the brand forward. All this, without losing touch of what is realistic and sustainable to keep a business running.
Secret to success?
More than anything, success begins with passion. It becomes fully manifested the moment you find the wisdom to accept and acknowledge mistakes or missteps you may have taken along the way.
The road to success also need not be a solitary experience. Choose the right team who shares your passion. Empower them to bring their unique brand of magic to the business.
Beauty secrets?
My daily routine and beauty secret is very simple, natural, and effective. I apply my favorite Youthful Glow Cream and add two drops of Self-care Night Recovery Oil daily. For everyday cleansing, I use our Gentle Facial Cleanser which is infused with Elemi Oil. Once a week, I do a skin reboot with our Deep Detox Volcanic Mask.
Wellness tip and favorite way to relax?
Carve out time for the things that bring you joy. It could be a two-hour massage in the middle of a very busy week or time spent playing with your pets. Massages are always part of my weekly routine. I also have over 20 cats and kittens who spark happiness each day.
Best advice?
As a business owner and founder, I’ve shifted my perspective from wanting to hear that there are no problems to becoming proactive about creating solutions. Challenges and obstacles are all part of the journey and we should learn to see them as precursors to growth and learning. When someone tells you there are no problems, that’s when you should wonder if progress is taking place.
For more information, visit PILI ANI’s website and follow on Instagram: @piliani
[Images courtesy of PILI ANI]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk