MEET VIVIAN
Vivian Zarvis, a West Coast American followed family footsteps back to her parent’s village in the mountainous region of Peloponnese Greece, a place where wild herbs and flowers are integrated into everyday life. Vivian’s fascination for plants, fragrances and their use in natural skin care were ingrained early, with her mother handing down preparation of medicinal herbs and flowers which she often used to care for her delicate skin. “I was told when my mother first came to America in 1937 that she had traveled with herbs and seeds. She always proudly kept a garden”
After college Vivian traced her family history by traveling to Greece. Here she enjoyed hiking in the mountains and found that she was familiar with many of the local herbs. “I was passionate about plants, plant lore and what they do and how one can make them beneficial to us.” Vivian realized a key to understanding was exploration and a quest for knowledge took her to study traditional Indian herbal medicine with Ayurvedic doctors at the foothills of the Himalayas. “It was an incredibly lucky time for me to be taken in and be gifted with such understanding of the healing power of plants. That opportunity and knowledge set me on the path to full understanding of therapeutic benefits and healing properties of plants and flowers.”
Upon arriving to England in the early 1970’s Vivian was keen to become involved at the Chelsea Physic garden located in Chelsea, London. This pristine garden has been collecting plants and seeds from around the world for over 400 years. Vivian worked under the head botanist and spent her time cataloguing the green houses and reading the library to enhance her knowledge of English plants. This work won her a scholarship to investigate scent and perfume production in France.
Vivian’s experience and knowledge set the stage for formation in 1976 of Zarvis London. As one of the first companies to concentrate on using all natural ingredients to care for the body, Vivian has spent a career perfecting oil based fragrances, infused massage oils, and naturally effective cosmetic bath botanicals.
“I love what I do.”
THE STORY
In 1976, Vivian established Zarvis London as one of the first companies to concentrate on using all natural ingredients to care for the skin. Growing from strength to strength, perfecting oil based fragrances, infused massage oils, and cosmetic bath herbs to create a harmonious range of botanical body care.
Zarvis London has long been influential in ingredients, packaging and product lines and is well known as a couture bath-house, specialising in the finest natural and organic bath and body products available.
We opened our first shop in Chelsea during the mid 70’s and since the beginning we have always based our approach to personal care on an in-depth understanding of the healing power and therapeutic properties plants and natural ingredients have on restoring and maintaining healthy balanced skin.
Over 30 years were spent perfecting the highest quality blends of natural and organic ingredients: whole plants, cold pressed oils, roots, barks, flowers, and spices to create a range of natural and organic products, always with a 100% commitment to quality.
Our drive has always been to create products that really work but also to create products that enhance the lives our customers. A strong focus is on ensuring the content and design of our products allows them to fit into the lifestyle of our customers, bringing luxurious natural care for the body to everyday life.