The company MAZAL, incubated at StartUp Angra, was born from the union of three women: founders Vera Leal and Luísa Pereira, and partner Izabel de Paula. The project, created on Terceira Island, aims to offer products that combine quality, ethics, and respect for the planet, while promoting the Azores on an international scale. It was born out of a need for more sustainable alternatives and the lack of a solid cosmetics segment in the Azores. The products are made from basalt, thermal water, and volcanic sand. The entrepreneurs revealed to Correio dos Açores that they are “committed to reducing water consumption, eliminating plastic packaging, and promoting a smarter and more sustainable model.” The brand plans to launch its first products in the first quarter of next year.

Correio dos Açores – Who are the founders of the project? What is their story?

Vera Leal and Luísa Pereira (Founders of MAZAL) – It was born from the union of three women whose paths, although different, came together organically and almost inevitably. It all started when we discovered we shared deeply aligned visions for a more natural, conscious, and wellness-oriented way of life. The name initially came from Vera, with the support of her friend Gabriela Juárez, who accompanied and inspired the first steps.

Vera’s experience in the world of biocosmetics, developed since 2016, and Luísa’s background in health, thermalism, and prevention, began to shape a plan that quickly became more than just an idea. Joining StartUp Angra marked the moment when MAZAL became a structured concept, with identity and direction.

However, during the phase leading up to its market launch, the project identified its third pillar. In search of partners and new opportunities, and through a friend of Luísa’s, the brand reached Izabel de Paula, a figure widely recognized by the Portuguese public in the field of wellness and weight loss processes, with over 30 years of experience. Her connection to nature and holistic body care made her inclusion not only logical but essential.

Thus, a rare and balanced trio formed: three women with different backgrounds, united by a common purpose: to create, innovate, prevent, and treat. The complementarity between us became the driving force of the organization, allowing us to present ourselves to the market today with a clear, solid, and deeply human vision.

What led you to create this concept and invest in organic cosmetics in the Azores?

It arose from an internal desire and from a careful reading of the surrounding territory. When observing the local situation, an unavoidable equation became evident. There was a real need for more sustainable alternatives, a largely unexplored segment of solid cosmetics, and, above all, the opportunity to create something that reflected the territory’s identity.

From this convergence between personal purpose and identified gap, MAZAL was born, a company rooted in the region but with a vision that goes far beyond the islands. From the outset, we made clear our ambition to grow and reach new audiences with our philosophy. Today, we are actively exploring opportunities to expand into other continents, seeking to establish strategic partnerships that will enable us to bring the authenticity, values, and essence of the Azores to an international audience.

How did the idea of using basalt waste as raw material come about?

It emerged with the intention of incorporating ingredients that tell the story of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and translate what the landscape reveals to the eye onto the skin. It was in this search that the idea arose to start with an element deeply rooted in identity, basalt, the stone that shapes the archipelago and is at its very origin.

We discovered a company on São Miguel that uses basalt stone waste from civil construction, reducing it to powder, which enabled us to integrate the rock into our formulations. We also added other emblematic substances, such as thermal water and volcanic sand. We realized that the concept not only paid homage to the Azorean landscape but also valued minerals that promote natural skin and hair care.

What is the main objective of this initiative?

The main purpose is to offer products that combine quality, ethics, and respect for the planet, while promoting the essence of the Azores beyond borders. Since its inception, we have had a clear intention to bring the region and its resources to the four corners of the world, giving people from different places access to natural care inspired by a unique and incomparable environment.

To fulfill this mission, all formulas are developed in accordance with vegan principles and made with carefully selected organic ingredients. Each product undergoes dermatological testing to ensure it is safe, effective, and suitable for the skin and scalp.

At the same time, we have adopted a strong environmental responsibility. The decision to launch the first line in solid format aligns with our commitment to reduce water consumption, eliminate plastic packaging, and promote a more intelligent, sustainable use model. This approach minimizes waste and ecosystem impact, which is essential in an island territory with limited resources.

Thus, we position ourselves as a brand that combines tradition and innovation, prioritizing the body and the planet, while elevating the island’s identity to a global stage.

What kind of items do you currently have? Do you intend to make others?

We are preparing to launch the first two products, a facial cleansing bar and a solid shampoo, both created to reflect the business philosophy: they are effective, natural, and sustainable. We have also designed, though planned for a later stage, a body and facial scrub, as well as a body moisturizer, to complement the initial care line.

At the same time, we are in the research phase, evaluating minerals from other continents for potential inclusion in future recipes. The goal is to further enhance product performance and develop treatment ranges tailored to different skin types, such as oily, combination, and dry skin. This approach reinforces the desire to combine the best of the islands’ resources with globally sourced ingredients, improving performance and positioning the initiative to compete, innovate, and assert itself internationally.

How does the process of transforming basalt waste into material for goods work?

We only use raw materials that have already been transformed. The basalt powder we incorporate into our creations is produced through ultra-fine grinding of volcanic aggregates from the island of São Miguel, known as Olivine Basalt. Using specialized industrial equipment, the small stones are successively crushed until they reach an extremely fine, smooth, and uniform texture.

The result is a high-quality powder incorporated into our cosmetics, particularly exfoliants and other skin care products, ensuring a competent and sensorially pleasant experience.

What challenges are you currently facing?

We primarily face challenges related to certification processes. Although indispensable for ensuring excellence, safety, and credibility, these procedures are generally lengthy and complex, ultimately delaying market entry. For a young and growing project, this slowness represents not only time barriers but also financial ones, requiring rigorous management and careful planning.

At the same time, as we move into a period of expansion, the very geography of the archipelago imposes additional obstacles. Insularity leads to higher logistics costs, longer distribution times, and greater reliance on external transport, all of which require creativity, resilience, and effective strategies to remain competitive. Despite these obstacles, we view this journey as integral to our growth. Every day, we reinforce our commitment to quality, sustainability, and the promotion of Azorean materials, turning each challenge into an opportunity for improvement and affirmation.

Are the products designed in the Azores, or are they designed elsewhere?

Currently, they are manufactured in mainland Portugal, in partnership with a certified laboratory with the technology and capacity to produce high-quality cosmetics. To date, we have not identified a space on the islands with the appropriate equipment and technical conditions for this specific type of work, making this external collaboration essential to ensure rigor, safety, and success. Although manufacturing occurs off-island, we remain committed to valuing island resources by incorporating local raw materials and conveying the authenticity and uniqueness of the environment.

How do you guarantee the superiority, reliability, and effectiveness of your products?

European cosmetics legislation is extremely strict, aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring high-quality standards. We fully comply with these regulations, ensuring that everything we sell is safe and reliable. In addition, all efficacy claims are rigorously verified through recognized laboratory tests, in accordance with legal requirements. Each item undergoes mandatory testing, from dermatological tests to stability and hazard assessments, to meet all required criteria for commercialization. This commitment to legislation also reflects our ideology: to offer natural, sustainable, and reliable cosmetics without compromising safety or value.

How do you contribute to the sustainability of the region?

We contribute in several ways, reflecting our commitment to environmental preservation and appreciation of regional riches. We use raw materials from the Azorean biome, such as basalt powder from São Miguel, thereby valuing resources and contributing to the economy. By giving these unique elements international visibility, we help create value from an incomparable environment, encouraging responsible exploitation and safeguarding practices. Finally, production and logistics processes are managed to maximize efficiency and minimize impacts on habitats, reflecting a system of responsibility that extends across the entire product lifecycle.

Has the community supported this initiative?

Since we are not yet on the market, we do not have an overview of this issue. The products will be launched in the first quarter of 2026.

How did incubation by StartUp Angra help you develop?

Incubation at StartUp Angra was crucial in the initial phase. It provided us with expert guidance on the sector, helping us to structure and transform an idea into a brand.

In addition to technical and strategic support, the incubator provided access to a valuable network of contacts, which was essential for creating partnerships, establishing collaborations, and preparing to enter the commercial world. This support was undoubtedly one of the foundations that allowed us to evolve from an initial concept to a plan with vision, organization, and capacity for expansion.

What support do you feel is necessary for the future success of the company?

The biggest challenge to future success lies in market integration and consolidation, both nationally and internationally. To achieve this goal, the strategic support of the three pillars is essential.

Izabel de Paula’s presence is crucial to our European projection: with the knowledge she has developed throughout her career and her visibility among the Portuguese public, she can help consolidate us, increase our recognition and credibility in Europe, and be supported by the thousands of followers she has.

We are also committed to a well-defined international strategy, with Luísa leading expansion and promotion in the Americas, while Vera Leal focuseson Asia.

This strategic coordination enables us to address the challenges of market entry and consolidation, turning the aspiration for universal expansion into a solid, structured, and sustainable plan.

What are your plans for the future?

In the short term, we are preparing to launch our line of solid cosmetics nationwide, strengthening our presence and reinforcing the Azorean personality. In the medium and long term, our goal is to expand globally, with well-defined tactics for each region.

In addition, we want to continue to innovate by developing new product lines, incorporating minerals and raw materials from different areas of the globe, promoting specific treatments for different skin types. In all these initiatives, we remain committed to quality, ethics, ecology, and valuing the unique nature of the Azores, taking its tools to the four corners of the world.

What message would you like to leave to the community?

Each product we develop is inspired by the unique heritage of the islands, with carefully selected local elements, and designed to offer natural, effective, and responsible care.

We also want to convey that it is possible to reconcile respect for the environment with innovation and global expansion. We believe that small gestures, such as choosing solid and sustainable cosmetics, can have a positive impact on the Earth, while promoting the authenticity and resources of our territory.

Finally, MAZAL is an invitation to everyone to value organic products, care for themselves and the environment, and follow a brand that aims to bring the essence of the archipelago everywhere, transforming ethics, well-being, and sustainability into something accessible and inspiring for all.

Diogo Simões Pires is a journalist for Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, director.

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.