Engineer, Marine Biologists, and Esthetician Join Forces to Launch Kvell Cosmetics, LLC
Entity has exclusive right to distribute algae-based skincare line, Oceanwell, in U.S.
Established in March 2012, St. Louis-based Kvell Cosmetics, LLC announces its full operability as the exclusive U.S. distributor of algae-based skincare line, Oceanwell. The Oceanwell product line is created by biotechnology firm, oceanBASIS, located in Kiel, Germany.
The Oceanwell skincare line is the only skincare product that includes bioactive molecules that are extracted intact from laminaria algae (brown algae). Because oceanBASIS’s patented fermentation extraction process is completed without the use of solvents or chemical additives, Oceanwell is a certified natural cosmetic line. Kvell Cosmetics will sell the Oceanwell lines to organizations that provide premium skincare services and sell associated products.
Oceanwell skincare products are in high demand overseas. European sales figures for 2011 totaled over $1.3 million; the line is carried in more than 150 salons and spas throughout Europe. Oceanwell is also carried throughout Australia and new agreements have been recently signed for exclusive distribution in South Korea and China.
“The Laminaria alga is resilient, regenerative, and withstands harsh environmental conditions,” said Jeff Ellebrecht, mechanical engineer and General Manager of Kvell Cosmetics. “These properties continually impressed the marine biologists at oceanBASIS as they were researching medical innovations.”
This research carried over into the harvesting process. First, algae from the Baltic Sea are harvested by oceanBASIS divers. Then, the algae are multiplied, and the bioactive molecules are extracted. It then enters the Oceanwell manufacturing phase before being shipped to Kvell Cosmetics in St. Louis.
“I was immediately drawn to the Oceanwell product line because of its all natural ingredients,” said Andrea Ellebrecht, Kvell’s Product Manager and cosmetics industry veteran. “oceanBASIS is committed to preserving the environment and Kvell is committed to distributing a product that promotes pride in purity.”
In fact, Kvell (pronounced Ca’velle) is both a Yiddish term meaning “pride” and the combination of the company’s principals’ last names. Andrea and Jeff Ellebrecht are joined by Xenon International Academy-trained esthetician Ashlinn Cavarretta and sales team leader Joshua Cavarretta. By July 2013, Kvell Cosmetics anticipates two additional hires and year one revenue of $500,000. By year five, they forecast a staff of 12, a distributor network totaling 100 organizations, and $3.5 million in revenue.
If you are interested in becoming a distributor of Oceanwell products, please contact Ashlinn Cavarretta at ashlinn@kvellcosmetics.com or call 866-607-5490. If you are interested in purchasing Oceanwell products, please visit the Kvell Cosmetics website at www.kvellcosmetics.com.