Protect coral reefs with SeventyOne Percent's conscious suncare interview

SeventyOne Percent have put protecting our oceans at the heart of their brand. Created by two passionate surfers, Raphael Vannier and Marc Levy, who were struggling to find the right skincare products for their adventurous lives, their range of suncare and skincare products are ultra-protective – not only for us, but also our playground: the planet.

Tell us about your brand and how you came about?

R: "Marc (co-founder) and I are old friends sharing a passion for surfing. Ten years ago we started SeventyOne Percent because we couldn’t find any suncare products that would answer our surfing needs and values.

"At the time we thought we were launching an action sport brand!"

What’s your biggest challenge as a brand?

R: "Going from a brand that caters to the surfing community to a beauty and lifestyle brand while staying true to ourselves."

Tell us your favourite quote, mantra or best piece of advice

R: "Karma rules the life. Always paddle back out. A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. Being optimistic is the most radical thing we can be… we are mantras kind of guys!"

What’s the most stressful part of your day?

R: "Lunch! I never know what I want to order or cook - Marc is a precious ally for this key moment of the day."

Tell us your proudest moment as a business

R: "We are challenging ourselves everyday so it’s hard as an entrepreneur to step back and to feel proud - I guess we haven’t reached our main objectives for the moment.

"Right now, what makes me proud is to feel surrounded and helped by so many positive and smart people. This is the strength! We get what we deserve right? We feel very proud of this. Thank you everyone!"

What product do you wish you’d invented?

R: "We have an idea a day! I wish I could realise all the ideas we have. The good and the 'bad' ones."

What is your favourite discovery from THE FIND?

R: "Truthbrush - I love the quote, 'Using a bamboo toothbrush with a biodegradable handle is a small change but together we can make a big difference.'"

Who is your hero?

R: "Bob Marley for his universal and powerful messages. Yvon Chouinard (founder of clothing brand Patagonia and conscious pioneer) for his vision and guidance into the 'right' way of doing business and Sophie Vannier (my little sister - CEO at La Ruche) for representing what the world needs for a better future: Sophie for president!"

ALF: "Well, isn't that the sweetest thing ever?!"

What three things could you not live without?

R: "Love, waves, music (and, at the moment, my cell phone but please don’t say this to anyone!)"

What’s your biggest extravagance?

R: "My beloved and colourful wife hahaha ... I like to live dangerously <3."

ALF: Indeed - as she should be!

Where are you going on holiday this year?

R: "Banyak Islands in the Mentawais, Indonesia. It's a 35 hour trip to join friends from all over the world and surf world class waves all by ourselves on a 12 days boat trip. No phones - no worries!"

What’s your favourite place to hideaway?

R: "Lamalo Head Quarters in the South West of France. It’s also our family house and a natural reserve."

Now, let’s have a little fun and FIND out about you...

• Wellies or Flip-Flops: Ouch tough one! Jokes.
• Bubble Bath or Hot Shower: I had to restrain my passion for bubble bath...
• Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter: We are chasing the endless summer
• Beard or Shave: Beard
• Cinema or Theatre: Both were part of my life before having kids
• Paperback or Kindle: Paperback
• Yoga or Run: Soul cycling - it got me crazy
• Pressed Juice or Cocktail: Rum, neat
• Serums or Oils: Oils