Homegrown Business: Eliza Trendiak of Lavoh

Lavoh was founded by former salon owner, Eliza Trendiak, in response to the environmental impact of disposable products in the beauty industry. We spoke with her to learn more about her Vancouver-based beauty brand’s eco-friendly solution to makeup removal.

Lavoh

What is your business called and what does it do?

Lavoh is a Vancouver-based beauty brand to simplify your skincare and bedtime routine. Lavoh is a reusable facecloth that removes makeup using only water, no products required. The cloths are beautifully soft and stylish as well as sustainable and eco-friendly. One Lavoh facecloth replaces approximately 3000 disposable wipes (3-5 years’ worth!)

What made you want to do this work?

From 2015 to 2023, I owned 4 salons in Vancouver. During this time, I became increasingly aware of the environmental impact of single-use products in the beauty industry. After stepping away from the salon world, I set out to create a reusable solution that supports both consumers and the planet, eliminating the need for disposables.

As a new mom, I was also looking for something that made makeup removal quick, effortless, and gentle on sensitive skin. Creating Lavoh felt like a natural next step, combining practicality, sustainability, and real-life need into one simple product.

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

I hate taking my makeup off every night and wanted something easier. Lavoh was created to solve the overcomplication in my everyday skincare routine. Traditional makeup removal relies on disposable wipes and multiple products that are costly, time-consuming, and hard on the environment. I needed something easy!

The goal was to offer a simple, reusable solution that’s gentle on skin, effective with just water, and eliminates the need for single-use products.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Lavoh’s clients range widely, from everyday makeup wearers to kids in face paint, drag performers, and theatre actors. Anyone who values a truly clean face at the end of the day is a great fit.

Generally, our customers are mindful of the environment and are looking to simplify their routines, using fewer products, reducing waste, and spending less on face care.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

Lavoh operates through a direct-to-consumer model via our website, alongside select retail partnerships across Canada, including well.ca, Suki’s hair salons and others!

We offer full-sized cloths, mini facecloth sets, and curated bundles, making it easy for customers to try, gift, or stock up on a reusable alternative to traditional makeup removal.

Where in the city can we find your profession?

We share a warehouse in East Vancouver with another female-led brand, Revol Cares. Mostly though, you’ll find us in retail, on our website and on Instagram.

Lavoh

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

A question I get asked often is: “Will this actually replace my current routine and work for my specific type of makeup and skin?”

The answer is yes! Lavoh is designed to fully replace traditional makeup removers, wipes, and cotton pads by removing all types of makeup (including waterproof) using only water. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin while still being effective, which means you can simplify your routine without sacrificing results.

A great product in this space shouldn’t just be sustainable, it should genuinely work better, save time, and eliminate the need for multiple products. Lavoh does all three by combining effectiveness, simplicity, and reusability into one solution.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part of what I do is the flexibility. Running an online and wholesale business allows me to build my schedule around my two young kids, which is something I couldn’t do when I owned multiple salons.

In addition, I genuinely love talking about the product. Whether it’s with retailers or at trade shows, it never feels forced. I use Lavoh every day, so sharing how well it works comes naturally. I also love how creative I get to be with my marketing, packaging and in photoshoots with my photographer husband, Rob Trendiak.

The hardest part of launching a new business is wearing all the hats. From production and inventory to marketing and customer service, it can be a lot to juggle, especially during busy seasons.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

This isn’t my favourite, but one I hear all the time, usually from older men, is, “I don’t wear makeup, so I don’t need Lavoh.”

I always laugh and remind them… you still need to wash your face.

Where can we follow you?

You can follow me on Instagram @elizatrendiak and Lavoh @lovelavoh. Also, visit our website.

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?

I recently collaborated with another Vancouver-based, female-led brand I admire, Homecoming Candles. Founder Suraiya Nanji creates beautiful candles designed to bring intention into everyday moments, through soft light, layered fragrances, and thoughtful details. You can find a custom Homecoming Candle in my recently launched, Treat Box, a perfect Mother’s Day gift!

 

About Maia Belmore 5 Articles
Whether traveling or wandering her hometown, Maia Belmore loves to find what makes somewhere memorable.