Lal Saran on Self-Care, Rituals, and the Soulful Simplicity of Assos

Lalive’s story begins in Koruoba, a quiet village in Assos, where nature sets the rhythm. Lal Saran, the visionary behind the brand, set out to transform self-care rituals with products that nourish both body and soul—crafted with olive oil from the fertile lands of Assos. We spoke with Saran about the evolution of her brand, her aspirations, and the values that shape her approach to well-being.

You studied psychology and art history. What led you to start Lalive?

I’ve always felt that deeply empathetic and sensitive people don’t quite fit into the business world, which is why I chose to study psychology and art history. I wanted to connect with people and bring something meaningful into their lives. During my studies, I spent most of my time in galleries, working with children and their families.

After university, I realized that our olive harvest in Assos was unusually abundant. I took the olives to our village’s pressing facility, and when I saw the quality of the oil, I decided to bottle it. That moment pulled me into the world of entrepreneurship. What began with olive oil soon evolved into Lalive—a 100% natural beauty brand. My goal is to encourage people to embrace self-care, self-love, and self-compassion through rituals that remind them to prioritize themselves.

How would you describe Lalive in three words?

Natural, elegant, and cool.

 

For Lalive, you use ingredients from your own garden in Koruoba, Assos. How has the village influenced your brand?

The simple, serene beauty of Assos is something I try to channel through Lalive. It’s important that everything we create—every product, every message—carries that same calm yet captivating energy.

What do you prioritize when developing Lalive products?

A brand can have the best marketing in the world, but if the product itself isn’t genuinely good, success won’t last. Marketing can only take you so far. What truly matters is how a product makes you feel—how it supports your body, contributes to your well-being, or simply brings a sense of ease. That’s what we focus on at Lalive.

What does beauty and self-care mean to you?

Self-care is the time I consciously dedicate to myself—my body, my mind, my spirit. Beauty is the energy that radiates when I nurture that connection.

Do you have a personal self-care routine?

Every morning before my shower, I dry brush my body with our vegan tampico brush. Afterward, I take a few minutes to moisturize and use our lymphatic massage tool in upward motions. It’s a small but powerful ritual that helps me start the day feeling grounded.

If someone new to Lalive were to try just one product, which one would you recommend?

Deodorants with aluminum, ethyl alcohol, and parabens are some of the worst things you can put on your body. Lalive’s Natural Roll-On works with your body instead of against it—it doesn’t block sweat (which is essential for detoxification) but neutralizes odor with the refreshing scent of essential oils.

What’s currently in your skincare routine?

Our vitamin E-infused body oil. It keeps my skin hydrated for up to two days and is a lifesaver in colder weather.

Do you have a ritual that helps you reset when you’re not feeling your best?

When I feel off, I tend to get lost in my thoughts instead of staying present. I’ve learned that grounding myself through small physical rituals helps. A warm shower, lighting a cinnamon-scented candle, and slowly massaging my body with a natural oil—it’s my way of reconnecting with myself.

 

What’s your vision for Lalive’s future?

I dream of more people carving out time for themselves through Lalive’s products and rituals. I’d also love to build a community—Self-Care Club—where people who embrace this philosophy can come together to support themselves and each other.

Who are your favorite people and platforms to follow on social media?

Wonderflaw, Ezgi Apa, and Shayna Terese Taylor on Instagram.

If not beauty, what would be your next calling?

I’d probably be a clinical psychologist.

What’s your favorite flaw?

The fine red veins under my left eye—they remind me of a spider’s web. I usually cover them, but I know they’ll never fully disappear. And honestly, I think I’ve stopped trying.