Viva Maia on TV - Die Höhle der Löwen 🦁

Viva Maia on TV

The Founder Show 🦁

The beginning of our journey

So irresistible that every investor wanted to jump on board

On April 17, 2023, Viva Maia made a memorable appearance on the TV Founders Show on VOX. Our founders, Verena and Herbert, presented our innovative skincare to the five investors. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with all investors making offers, and we eventually struck a handshake deal with Nils Glagau.

Regenerating Serum - Tepezcohuite & Nōchtli

Regenerating Serum - Tepezcohuite & Nōchtli

$63.00

($140.00/100mL)

You can already see that you won't get out of here without a deal.

Ralf Dümmel

Introducing Tepezcohuite to the European market

During the show, we introduced our main product, our Tepezcohuite Bar, to the European market for the first time. Tepezcohuite, a tree native to Mexico, is known for its healing properties and has been used for centuries by the Aztec, Maya and other indigenous cultures. Our Tepezcohuite Bar combines the tree’s crust with a creamy formula to cleanse, exfoliate, and care for the skin, providing a unique and effective skincare solution.

Experience the power of Tepezcohuite for your skin

Our Tepezcohuite Bestsellers

View all

Toner

Hydrating Toner - Aloe Vera & Tepezcohuite

Step 4: Tone • 95mL

$32.00

Cleansing bar

Exfoliating Bar - Tepezcohuite

Cleanse & Exfoliate • 100g

$25.00

Special bundle

Mexican Skincare Bestseller

Steps 1, 2, 4, 5 • 4/5 items

From $125.00

$144.00

Serum

Regenerating Serum - Tepezcohuite & Nōchtli

Step 5: Treat • 45mL

$63.00

($140.00/100mL)

Routine bundle

Skin Refining Routine

Steps 4, 5, 6, 7 • 3/4 items

From $127.00

$144.00

6 weeks of using Regenerating Serum

Independent Clincal Study Results

A clinical tests show visible results: after 6 weeks of using the Regenerating Serum, PRIMOS® 3D scans revealed smoother skin, reduced wrinkle depth, and improved texture.

Before

After

The Deal and Investor Interest

All investors fighting to strike a deal with Viva Maia

All five investors were captivated by our brand, with Judith Williams notably praising the luxurious feel of our products. It was clear that our message resonated: Viva Maia represents high-quality, natural skincare that blends traditional Mexican botanical wisdom with modern scientific research to create potent, unique formulations.

After an engaging round of questions and discussions, the investors presented their offers. The three lionesses—Janna Ensthaler, Judith Williams, and Dagmar Wöhrl—proposed €150,000 for 25% of the shares, while Ralf Dümmel made a similar offer of €150,000 for 25%.

In the end, we chose to partner with Nils Glagau, whose winning offer of €150,000 for 20% of the company stood out. Nils’s genuine passion for Viva Maia, his personal connection to Mexico, and his knowledge of the Nahuatl language made him the perfect match for our brand.

Although the deal with Nils Glagau was not finalized, our appearance on the show was a pivotal moment. It significantly boosted our visibility and introduced many more people to our story and products. Today, Viva Maia remains a 100% family-owned business, proudly independent with no external investors.

A Natural Healer with Ancient Roots

Origins and Rediscovery of Tepezcohuite

Tepezcohuite, or the “Skin Tree,” originates from Mexico’s Chiapas region and was revered by the Maya for its regenerative properties. Rediscovered after the 1984 PEMEX explosion and the 1985 earthquake, it showed remarkable effects in healing burns, reducing pain, and regenerating skin, earning global recognition for its healing potential.

A Potent Blend

Powerful Healing Properties

Tepezcohuite’s bark is packed with tannins, lactones, flavonoids, and saponins, offering powerful analgesic, antiseptic, and bacteriostatic properties. It defends the skin against infections, speeds up wound healing, and inhibits hyaluronidase, preserving hyaluronic acid. Its ability to combat wrinkles and acne-causing bacteria makes it an invaluable asset in dermatology.

From Skin Regeneration to Anti-Aging

Cosmetic and Dermatological Marvel

Tepezcohuite’s regenerative effects shine in cosmetics and dermatology, where it heals skin injuries, reduces inflammation, and combats aging. Its bioflavonoids enhance capillary resistance and fight free radicals, while its sun-protective properties make it a favorite for after-sun care, acne treatments, and rejuvenating formulations.

Research & Results

Scientifically Validated Efficacy

Studies confirm Tepezcohuite’s antimicrobial and healing effects. Research from Paris Sud and the University of Ottawa demonstrated its ability to inhibit harmful bacteria and enhance cellular regeneration in skin wounds.

Proven Botany Meets Modern Science

Viva Maia's Mission

At Viva Maia, we combine Mexico’s ancient herbal traditions with Germany’s cutting-edge skincare science. Our Mexican-German team elevates powerful ingredients like Tepezcohuite and other time-tested botanicals into supercharged, natural cosmetics. By blending heritage and innovation, we deliver sustainable, high-performance skincare for a new era of beauty.

Our first Tepezcohuite Product

Exfoliating Bar with Tepezcohuite

Our first product introduced to the German market was our Tepezcohuite Exfoliating Bar, a formulation we meticulously developed over 1.5 years. Starting with a test batch, we conducted thorough dermatological testing to ensure its effectiveness. With the guidance of a Mexican medical advisor, we finalized the formulation and produced our first larger batch of 200 units. Remarkably, this batch sold out within just one week—before Viva Maia was even an established brand.