Interview with Ipsum Alii founders Kikoc Veopraseut & Nora Kato
Ahead of my Ipsum Alli review, I want to introduce you to the female founders of the brand whose ethos & originality truly stood out for me this year
It all started in a very modern way - two people followed each other on Instagram. Gradually Ipsum Alii ( or rather one of the founders, Kikoc ) and I got to know each other through message exchanges and now I am writing and editing my review of the brand’s three products - my way of sharing something special with you.
A brand deeply rooted in ancient traditions and culture of Japan, a land of the rising sun and immense depth and mystery. Visiting the country is on my ‘bucket list’, but like many people around the world, I find Japan and Japanese people absolutely fascinating. The food and the fashion, behaviour and language, diverse nature and artisan craftsmanship leave me endlessly fascinated. I loved watching Vladimir Pozner’s documentary about Japan, in the same way I love reading books about the country. I would gladly recommend a couple books to you now, in case you want to cosy up somewhere warm during the festive break and immerse yourself in the culture and history that as Westerners we often struggle to understand, unless we have lived in Japan for a long time. Alex Kerr “Another Kyoto”, written with Kathy Arlyn Sokol is a modern masterpiece of writing about modern Japan ( Alex has lived in Japan for many years and his other books are also noteworthy ) and Hannah Kirshner’s “Learning Craft and Cultivation in a Japanese mountain town” - her book chiming perfectly with something I have read on Substack by
last week.Now, back to Ipsum Alii. Kikoc and Nora created a brand that combines ancient traditions with scientific advances and modern lifestyle requirements for those, who feel the need to slow down, rather than continue at 100 miles per hour. When I received the products, I examined the boxes carefully - for me perception of the brand is so much more than the initial visual. When I took the products out of their boxes my perception that I was holding something special in my hands only grew. Now, after I have used the products for a few weeks, I can say that this is one of the skincare brands that made a big overall impression on me in 2023. So, without further ado, please welcome Kikoc and Nora into the spotlight and do keep an eye on my Ipsum Alii review which will be available for all of my subscribers, not just for the paid ones in the case of this post.
How did you two meet ?
Kikoc & Nora: We met at a dinner party in Tokyo back in 2008, while we were both living and working in this city. It was an all girls dinner and most of us did not know each other. Following that night, we ended up going out a lot together - to concerts, clubs, restaurants and weekend trips to the Japanese countryside. When you move to a new place where you don’t have family, friends become family.
What made you both want to start a skincare brand ?
Kikoc & Nora: at that time when I moved back to Switzerland after years in Tokyo, Nora ( who was already living in Zürich ) and I were remembering our good times in Japan and how we felt pampered and taken care of in this country - as well as during stressful times. With a busy working schedule and two kids each, “self-care” in Europe seemed difficult to attain. We were recalling how well-being and beauty in Japan, which includes Kampo, acupressure and acupuncture, were part of our wellness routine in Tokyo.
Kampo incorporates the essence of wellness in Japan - beauty and health are considered to be one. Kampo transcends from TCM, but unlike TCM, it is not yet well known in Europe, as it can be practised by certified physicians only. We were very keen in finding a way to bring this philosophy to Europe. This is how our idea of Kampo based skincare came to life - we wanted to offer a concentration of Japanese health and beauty integrated into daily products.
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