Interview with Andrea Janitor, founder of the natural cosmetics brand MARK face and body, and a graduate of our Authentic Leadership Program
Interview with Emília Tomljenović, founder of the artisan bakery KRUH and graduate (not only) of our Authentic Leadership programs
17. April 2024
Doing business means growing – not only in business, but also as a person. Andrea Janitor has been part of the LeadIN eko-system for some time now. She combined her passion for nature with the courage to create her own products. Today, she doesn’t only produce, but also successfully sells natural cosmetics in 15 countries around the world. She also openly talks about how her self-development in a LeadIN program helped her cope with business challenges, find authenticity and bring a more conscious approach to life and business.
Andrejka, how did your passion for natural cosmetics arise? When did the moment come when you told yourself that this would become a business?
With the arrival of my children, I began to be more interested in the composition of cosmetics – not in marketing slogans or whether there were green plants on the label. I was more interested in what was actually in the products. At the end of my maternity leave, I came across a coffee scrub that I immediately fell in love with. Not only because of its wonderful invigorating scent, but especially because of its pure and effective composition. Since it was not available on our market at the time, the idea arose to start importing it. However, it was not possible to implement it, so I started making the peeling myself at home. I was happy that I could customize it according to my own ideas – choose the composition and scent that suited me. I made various fragrant samples, bought the first raw materials and packaging, and my surroundings helped me test them. The positive feedback encouraged me, and together with my husband, we said that maybe it was worth starting our own brand.
However, not only creative work followed, but also studying legislation, taking a professional qualification exam, looking for suitable production premises, obtaining permits and numerous tests necessary before launching products on the market. Gradually, I understood that the production of cosmetics is not only a creative activity, but above all a great responsibility. Cosmetics are part of our lives every day and touch us all - yet every person is different, many have different health or skin problems. I am convinced that natural cosmetics, with a gentle and respectful composition, are a better choice in many ways.
What is the difference between a product that is created "just for the market" and one that also carries a personal story?
I think that products, and not only cosmetic ones, that are created "just for the market", often mainly pursue profit, low costs and to be quickly available. On the contrary, when a product has a personal story behind it, the creator approaches it much more responsibly. He is not interested in mass production, but in quality and real benefit for people. Price or higher production costs do not play a major role - the value that the product carries is more important. At the same time, he can create a more personal relationship with the customer, reveal his story to him and thus naturally build trust.
Both production and business bring challenges. You and your husband have both completed our transformational development programs focused on authentic leadership – what led you to do so?
Actually, my husband signed me up for the program. Maybe he felt that I could handle work challenges and stress better :) At the beginning, I was driven by curiosity, and also by the opportunity to meet people with similar challenges, from whom I could draw inspiration.
Which moment from the programs left the strongest impression on you?
The moment with the breaking of arrows left the strongest impression on me – I realized that the human mind can do much more than we often think, when we really focus and want to achieve it.
How specifically did self-development help you in the production of cosmetics?
Self-development gave me a lot, especially in that I learned to look at business not only through numbers and duties, but also through my internal attitude. It helped me get to know myself better, my values, strengths, and weaknesses. This has also been transferred to the production of cosmetics – where I look at each product not only technically, but also with the knowledge that it carries a piece of my conviction. Thanks to this, I make decisions with greater confidence and am not afraid to step out of my comfort zone, even if the journey is difficult.
Your cosmetics are about purity and authenticity. Do you see a parallel in this with your personal journey?
Yes, I definitely see a parallel. Right from the beginning of my journey, I was looking for something in cosmetics that had an inner quality, not just marketing gloss. And I approach life in a similar way. I believe that things should have their natural basis, without unnecessary additives or artificial additives. That is why for me, the production of natural cosmetics is not only a business, but also a way to live authentically, in line with what I believe in.
What would you tell someone who has an idea but is afraid to start?
The most important thing is to take the first step. Fear is natural, but it shouldn't be a reason to procrastinate. Start small and learn from every experience. Often, the first step will kick-start the whole process and show you new possibilities that you wouldn't have tried otherwise. I've been there too and I'm still learning about it. :)
If you had to sum up what our programs have brought you in one sentence, what would it be?
More effective communication with different types of people and knowledge of how to focus your energy on meaningful activities.
Why would you recommend our programs to other people?
I think personal development is important because it allows us to get to know ourselves better, develop our strengths, but also to be aware of our weaknesses and work on them. Ultimately, this will help us communicate more effectively, handle challenges, and make difficult decisions. LeadIN Center programs are not just about theory, but also provide practical tools that you can apply in your work and personal life.
What can your customers look forward to in the near future?
We are preparing new products that are currently in the testing phase, because we care about our products being not only clean and gentle, but also truly effective. We use interesting active ingredients offered by natural cosmetics. The hair line will be complemented by a serum to support hair growth, and we are also working on changing some of the packaging to make them more practical and visually interesting for you.
Thank you for the interview and we wish you much success and satisfied clients.😊
– 14 November 2025 –