A new chapter in Saint Lucian entrepreneurship is unfolding as Auera, an all-natural skincare brand founded by a young Saint Lucian entrepreneur, has successfully exported its first shipment of products to Sint Maarten, a major milestone following a strategic trade mission organized by Export Saint Lucia.
The brand’s flagship product, the Seamoss Face Serum, was developed out of a deeply personal need; a skincare solution that is gentle, chemical-free, and effective for sensitive skin.
After two years of research, development, and real-world testing, the founder, Simmone Frederick, officially launched the product earlier this year, and now it’s making waves regionally.
“I needed a product that was 100% natural because I have very sensitive skin. I worked with a few professionals, did my own research, tested it myself, and the results spoke for themselves. That’s how the Seamoss Face Serum came to life,” Frederick shared in an interview with Saint Lucia Daily Post.
The journey from concept to export was catalyzed by a trade mission to Sint Maarten, held from September 1st to 9th, and facilitated by Export Saint Lucia.
The initiative was designed to foster business-to-business (B2B) linkages, explore new markets, and facilitate cultural exchange between Saint Lucian entrepreneurs and potential buyers in Sint Maarten.
“The response in Sint Maarten was incredibly encouraging,” Frederick declared. “There’s a growing demand for seamoss and its byproducts in that market, and many were excited about the natural ingredients and clean branding of Auera.”
Although the trade mission was facilitated by Export Saint Lucia, the exportation itself was independently executed by Frederick, highlighting a model of empowered ownership and initiative.
“Export Saint Lucia gave me the tools, exposure, and confidence to walk through the door and I maintained contact with all the business owners I met during the mission, and that persistence paid off,” she added.
The first shipment marks the official entrance of Auera into the regional market, with the hope that it will be the first of many.
“I feel proud, truly proud. The team at Export Saint Lucia rallied behind me with constant encouragement and support. I now look forward to expanding Auera across the region and eventually into international markets.”
The product has gone through all necessary testing and compliance procedures, ensuring it meets international skincare standards, a critical step for exporting health and wellness goods.
With this achievement, Frederick has a clear message for others who are afraid to take the leap.
“Start the business. All it takes is an idea, and faith. But you also need to shift your mindset, bet on yourself, and be consistent. Opportunities won’t always come knocking, but when you believe in your vision and stay ready, you’ll start seeing doors open.”
Export Saint Lucia CEO, Sunita Daniel, praised the accomplishment and emphasized how it aligns with the agency’s mission to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for export readiness.
“This is precisely what Export Saint Lucia is about, creating the bridge between local talent and regional or international markets. We’re incredibly proud of what Auera has achieved. It reflects the resilience, innovation, and world-class quality that Saint Lucian entrepreneurs are capable of. This success demonstrates how strategic trade missions, coupled with entrepreneurial determination, can produce real economic impact.”
With additional products in the pipeline, including other seamoss-based beauty offerings, Frederick says she aims to establish the product as a Caribbean brand built on authenticity, sustainability, and results.
The Sint Maarten shipment is not just a business victory she says, “It’s a powerful symbol of what’s possible when young Saint Lucians take the reins of their own economic futures. This is only the beginning.Saint Lucia has so much to offer, and I’m proud to be part of a new generation rewriting what success looks like.”
