Behind the Brand: Anihana’s Unique Natural Bath Products Indulge the Senses with Simple Moments of Bliss and Relaxation
Sophie Cooper, founder of anihana–a premium bath, body and hair care collection that is sustainable, safe and affordable.
While working as a florist in Auckland, Sophie Cooper discovered that not only was she drawn to creating beauty with arrangements, but she also fell in love with the soaps she would sell with the flowers. Her employer owned a soap manufacturing business and when the opportunity came to buy the business in 2016, Cooper took the leap.
“I just happened to be eight months pregnant at the time,” says Cooper. “So I ended up with a new baby and a new business. I still don’t know which job was harder.”
The brand first launched as Ahhh, offering safe and sustainable bath and body products to help people slow down and enjoy some “me time.” In 2020, Cooper’s husband, Aden, joined the family business full time and together they decided to rename the brand anihana–the Māori translation for Anderson. The name has strong family connections that honor both the couple’s daughter and Aden’s late mother.
Today, anihana is known for their natural beauty products designed to elevate the senses with the simple joys of relaxation. The products are sustainably-made, cruelty-free, safe, and affordable.
We chatted with Cooper about what makes anihana’s products unique, her favorite beauty and wellness secrets, and what’s next for the brand.
anihana Manuka Honey & Goat Milk Handcrafted Soap.
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When was anihana founded and what is the meaning behind the name?
Anihana is the Māori translation for Anderson, which is my husband and co-founder’s late mother’s maiden name. It is also our daughter’s middle name. The anihana brand is only 1 year old, but our business is 6 years old–and we were previously called Ahhh.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
My kids for sure. I grew up using a soap bar, as did my parents and grandparents, so I wanted my children to grow up doing the same. That’s what inspired me to create our solid haircare range. My 6 and 4 year old love washing their own hair with the shampoo and conditioner bars. I’m proud I can teach them about some small ways we can protect our planet.
Tell us more about your products and what makes them special.
We create fun hair care, bath and body products so our customers can enjoy some simple moments of relaxation and bliss. We try to be as sustainable as possible from our packaging to the way we manufacture. Nearly all our products still have a very handcrafted element to them so a lot of love goes into them. It means each piece is unique. You will never find one soap exactly the same as the other, which is exactly like us as people.
anihana Peppermint & Eucalyptus Shower Steamer.
Does anihana have a hero product?
I would have to say our shower steamers are the hero product at the moment, especially in the U.S. We have been spending a lot more time at home over the last few years with the pandemic, so I think the shower steamers allow everyone to create that little indulgent spa-like experience in the comfort of their own home.
anihana Raspberry Marshmellow Bath Bomb.
What are your favorite products from your brand?
I love the raspberry marshmallow bath bomb, it’s one of our signature products and it really was my go-to at the end of a busy day with a new baby and a business to run. I also love the raspberry and vanilla sugar scrub bar. It leaves your skin feeling so smooth!
Where are your products sold?
Target and Amazon in the U.S., as well as grocery and pharmacy stores across New Zealand and Australia.
Future plans for the brand?
We have some new products in development and hopefully some fun community events. I haven’t been over to the U.S. yet so it would be a dream to see anihana on Target shelves in real life!
Who inspires you?
There’s so many strong female business founders I admire. Sara Blakey stands out for me and I love what she does for other women in business with the Red Backpack Fund. Also my 6-year-old daughter–I wish I had half as much sass as her sometimes!
Secret to success?
I think success is a journey and we should always be trying to grow and improve. Anihana is still on that journey, but some parts of what success looks like for us are having a happy and empowered team and also happy customers. Without my amazing team and our customers, anihana wouldn’t be where it is today.
anihana Manuka Honey & Goat Milk Handcrafted Soap.
Beauty secrets?
Not really a secret, but keep it simple by getting plenty of sleep and water.
Wellness tips?
Take some time for yourself and do something that makes you happy, whether that’s going for a run, watering your plants, or having a long hot bath. Me time is so important to our well-being.
Best advice?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It took me a long time to live that one. In business and personally for my own mental health, it takes courage to ask for help and there are always people out there willing if you just ask.
How do you like to relax?
In a hot bath with a bath bomb and a book, or a walk on the beach.
A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. Her work has appeared in publications including Beauty Launchpad, Nailpro, DAYSPA, CNET, Entertainment Tonight, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16