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Initially, Yvonne Strahovski didn’t plan to become a celebrity investor; instead, it became part of her profile through an unexpected sequence of events that many aspiring collaborators in Hollywood might fantasize about – a chance encounter via a casual knock on the door.
During the filming of season five of “The Handmaid’s Tale” in Toronto, a delivery of skincare products from Canadian clean beauty brand Sahajan, renowned for its Ayurvedic approach to beauty, arrived at Elisabeth Moss’ makeup trailer. Moss explains to The Hollywood Reporter that she typically would pass on such gifts because as a mother of three, she doesn’t like to carry extra items around.
When working on season five of “The Handmaid’s Tale” in Toronto, Elisabeth Moss received a delivery of skincare products from the Canada-based clean beauty brand Sahajan, which is known for its Ayurvedic focus. In her conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, she shared that she usually gives away such gifts due to being a busy mother of three and not wanting to carry around excess items.
Back in August 2022, the Australian celebrity mother of three recollects, “I initially applied the serum and that’s when I was struck by how wonderful it was. ‘Wow, this is truly fantastic!’ I thought. It’s a splendid item that convinced me to try out the rest of the line.” She expresses.
Exactly a year later, it turned out to be fate when Sahajan’s team contacted Lisa Mattam, their founder. At that time, the company was in the midst of securing seed funding. After just one Zoom meeting, Strahovski became an investor in the company’s seed round, which also included Rupi Kaur (an artist and poet), Celeste Burgoyne (a Lululemon executive), Colorado-based Ridgeline Ventures (known for backing Cotopaxi and Bobo’s food products), and Toronto-based Wonderment Ventures. The brand can currently be found online in the U.S., available at Credo Beauty, Detox Market, Amazon, and sahajan.com.
When Yvonne initially contacted us, it was quite unexpected and heartfelt as she mentioned she couldn’t stop thinking about our brand,” Mattam shared with THR. “Her manager called to say that she simply couldn’t shake the idea off. That was exactly how she put it. It’s not often we encounter people who are genuinely passionate about our brand without any prior connection. But when someone reaches out to you without any prompting, it’s truly remarkable. Brands often talk about wanting a brand ambassador, and that’s indeed a crucial strategic move. However, in this case, I believe the organic nature of her interest made it unique. Sometimes, the universe brings opportunities our way when we least expect it.
On a Tuesday, Mattam and Strahovski commemorated the upcoming launch of their Eternal Glow Cream at an intimate brunch held at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. Among the attendees were Ever Carradine from ‘Handmaid’s Tale’, Poorna Jagannathan known for her role in ‘Deli Boys’, Nisha Johny – a renowned fashion photographer, Roxy Earle – a star on ‘Real Housewives of Toronto’ and Ana app co-founder, content creator Sasha Exeter, and others. They indulged in a South Asian-inspired meal that included turmeric lattes, buckwheat pancakes, avocado toast with saffron oil drizzle, gluten-free Ayurvedic almond banana bread served with ghee as a side.
10 years ago, as I watched my toddler daughter experiment with my anti-aging creams, a thought crossed my mind: “I hadn’t the slightest idea what those skincare ingredients might do to her delicate, radiant skin.” I promptly whisked her upstairs and pointed out, “If you want to play with things, these are the ones you should play with.” Those were small bottles that my parents had recently brought home from a trip to India. It was in that instant that I realized, “If this skincare isn’t safe enough for her, it probably isn’t safe enough for me.” This moment sparked the beginning of Sahajan, founded by me, as I sought to create skincare products that were truly safe for everyone.
Reflecting on the brand’s inception, Mattam stated that “brunch turmeric lattes wouldn’t have been a thing back then.” She noticed the world becoming more open to yoga and delving into South Asian and Eastern practices. However, she felt that beauty was yet to explore these areas. She deeply believed in the power of these ingredients for optimal strength, and at that time, there were few discussions about it. Inspired by this gap, she thought, “I can be the bridge“. Her parents hailed from Kerala, a region in India known as the hub of Ayurvedic studies. For them, Ayurveda was simply part of their daily life and never discussed explicitly.
Besides venturing into the cosmetics industry, Strahovski is exploring ways to keep herself occupied following the conclusion of The Handmaid’s Tale, where she portrayed Serena Joy Waterford, a Gilead wife. However, as of now, she hasn’t had the chance to watch the seventh and final season of the Hulu series that is adapted from Margaret Atwood’s eponymous dystopian novel.
As for me bidding farewell to the character I’ve been gaming alongside for almost a decade? “Well, I mean, I know all the stories that unfolded, but I just need to take a seat and finally witness the grand finale!” I plan to do it with my buddies, no kids around, in one long, uninterrupted session.
During her off-camera moments, she shares that she’d prefer to keep herself occupied with various tasks as much as possible. While viewers can catch a glimpse of her portraying a different type of mother in her directorial premiere, the short film titled Vlog, which delves into the backstage life of a mommy vlogger. (Its release date is yet to be announced on a forthcoming streaming platform.) Furthermore, she’s also slated to take on starring roles and executive produce A Woman of Intelligence, where she collaborates with Nina Tassler, founder of PatMa Productions, and Joan Boorstein, the president.
How did you go from being a fan of the brand to an investor?
It was more of a gut feeling that drove me. The idea just wouldn’t leave my mind, and I found myself pondering it, thinking, “Hmm, I find myself considering that. That’s strange.” This isn’t typically how I feel, nor am I usually passionate about things similar to this. Yet, I couldn’t help but express my thoughts. In fact, I reached out to my manager and shared, “I know it might sound peculiar, but I gave the product a try and found myself quite fond of it. If there’s ever an opportunity in the future, I would be keen on collaborating with your company.
That’s when I connected with Lisa over a Zoom call, which led me to become her investor.
This whole situation seemed to unfold naturally, as if by itself; there was no prearranged plan or organization involved. Beyond Lisa sending the product, it wasn’t a case of her initiating a partnership or collaborative effort. Instead, I was the one who eventually reached out to her.
Based on the speeches we delivered prior to brunch, it appears that our thoughts align quite closely, which is crucial when working together in a business partnership.
It’s evident how extraordinary Lisa is, as she possesses such an exceptional vision. This is undoubtedly a deep-seated passion for her, and she boasts a unique background in science. Remarkably, our paths crossed as mothers. Lisa was committed to providing a clean product when her daughter began using skincare products, which resonates with me deeply. Over the past seven years, I’ve either been pregnant or nursing, so ensuring that everything in my home is safe has been a priority for me. I strive to maintain good health, and this commitment includes being mindful about the products we use.
How would you describe your approach to beauty and wellness?
In a simple, authentic manner, I prefer products that are natural, clean, and organic. I must genuinely appreciate the product, and once I find something I love, I tend to stick with it for a long period. My makeup collection might be considered minimal by some, as it mainly includes an occasional mascara, brow brush, and foundation. I don’t have much in terms of makeup, like eyeshadow, and my focus is more on skincare and maintaining a natural, clean appearance.
At the end of the day, you might find yourself yearning to cleanse your hair and makeup, as if they’ve become too much.
Indeed, I must admit that I’ve been quite impressed by this cleansing oil. It’s a lifesaver at the end of long workdays on set, especially when there’s a lot of makeup to remove. Not only does it do an excellent job of cleaning, but it also feels incredibly nourishing on the skin. In truth, it’s quite lovely.
How else do you stay in the know about the beauty world?
My primary sources for makeup are Tamah Krinsky in L.A., who specializes in clean beauty products, and Derek Syuen, my hair stylist. Additionally, I’ve worked with numerous makeup artists throughout my career, who have also become valuable resources. Once I find a product or service that works well for me, it’s difficult to persuade me to switch. However, I always appreciate learning about the latest trends and innovations in the clean beauty market.
What are some other essentials that you always keep on your person?
I’m utterly smitten with Sahajan’s Lip Karma lip balm and I always carry around the scent of Ambre Blends. My bag is often filled with crayons, and there’s usually a small item or two that I can pull out in an emergency if my kids need something to keep them occupied – like a diaper!
In addition to Sahajan, what other projects are you working on that you can mention?
I’ve teamed up with producers Nina Tassler and Joan Boorstein for the pilot of Karin Tanabe’s book, “A Woman of Intelligence.” I’m venturing further into the world of production and we’re soon going to release my short film, “Vlog,” once we sort out some musical issues. It initially premiered at Palm Springs and then went on to six other festivals, including a trip to Australia. While not currently working in front of the camera, I’m eager to keep myself occupied with various projects. There’s a surprise project coming up, although it will take a while to complete.
What convinced you to go from a fan of the brand to investor?
It seems like the narrative was predominantly about Lisa, with a focus on her unique experiences, her roots stemming from South Indian culture, immersion in Ayurvedic traditions, and her scientific education as well.
Her entire tale deeply moved me, particularly because it was motivated by a desire to help children. This detail seemed almost decisive in pushing her to embark on this venture. It’s not so much about Ayurveda per se, but more about her commitment to maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and integrity. What struck a chord with me is that she wanted her kids, especially her daughter, to receive support. As a mother myself, I can truly relate to this sentiment.
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2025-06-15 02:25