Beauty
January 26, 2015
Gamila Secret: An Interview with Gamila Ziar
Gamila Secret
Gamila Ziar Interview
A Magical Recipe Crafted Over a Lifetime
Gamila Ziar, affectionately known as Grandma Gamila, the creator of "Gamila Secret," a soap that became a sensation in Japan as a "magic soap," is now 70 years old. The Galilee region in northern Israel, where she was born and raised, is a historic place known as the "land blessed by God," surrounded by magnificent nature. Using traditional herbal knowledge passed down in the Galilee region, Gamila spent over 30 years of trial and error to perfect "Gamila Secret," a soap made from 100% plant-based ingredients. The recipe for this soap, which has brought surprise and emotion to many, is now carefully kept in a vault at a Swiss bank. With the launch of "Gamila Secret's" first "Face Oil," Gamila herself visited Japan. She spoke about the product's appeal and her 70-year journey, overcoming numerous difficulties.
Text by OPENERS
Photo by JAMANDFIX
A Magic Soap Born in a "Treasure Trove of Herbs"
—What kind of place is the Galilee region in northern Israel, where "Gamila Secret" was born?
It is a place of deep history and great tradition. You may know it as the place where Jesus Christ was active 2,000 years ago. Our region is dotted with small villages, and people of four different faiths live here. Living in the mountains, as children, we had no paved roads, electricity, or running water, and we had to fetch water from springs.
—I also heard it's a "treasure trove of herbs."
That's right. Many medicinal herbs grow between the mountains. Therefore, many traditions have been passed down, and my parents actually made eye drops and ear medicine from herbs. My mother always said it would be a great shame if this traditional knowledge of medicinal herbs were to end with her generation. She also felt a mission to pass it on to the next generation. I was born in nature and raised by nature.
—So, it was natural for you to want to bring products using plants to the world. Where did the idea for soap come from?
I believe the idea of cleansing the skin and incorporating beneficial ingredients comes from my beliefs and faith. Many religions emphasize the importance of cleanliness. We wash our faces, hands, and feet, but I thought about how to connect cleansing the skin with medicinal herbs, and arrived at soap. I thought soap could be used by people of all generations. "Gamila Secret" contains ingredients with two effects. One is to heal various skin problems, and the other is to cleanse the skin and leave it smooth. Both are due to the power of medicinal herbs. For example, crushing herbs to extract their essence and rubbing it on the skin works like a cream to make the skin smooth.
—Are these the actual herbs you use?
Yes. This is a herb called Feijan, which my mother used to make ear medicine. This herb is considered very precious among various ethnic groups and means "angel of service" due to its wonderful properties.
Next, this is the laurel tree. It is called the prophet's tree. It is used not only by us Druze but also in Jordan, Egypt, and many other places. It is also used in cooking and pickling. When the berries from the laurel tree are crushed, they yield oil that has a warming effect on the body. Applying it to the chest of a child with a persistent cough can stop the cough, and it also helps with knee and back pain in the elderly. This extract is also in the soap and improves blood circulation. In this way, nature is like an open college, a place of endless learning. My soap contains 15 types of these plants and herbs.
Gamila Secret
Gamila Ziar Interview
A Magical Recipe Crafted Over a Lifetime
A Secret Recipe Perfected Over Half a Lifetime
—And that led to the creation of the secret recipe.
Each ingredient has various effects: strong, weak, skin-smoothing, problem-solving. And they all help each other to create a single effect. Therefore, the "secret" in Gamila Secret lies in the blend. It brings out a miraculous power through its exquisite balance. We use not only the leaves but also the roots. Some herbs have leaves that cannot be used but roots that can. It may sound simple when I talk about it now, but I have spent over half my life, 40 years, to reach this point.
—Why do you think you were able to persevere without giving up?
Once I set a goal, I was determined not to stop until I achieved it. And above all, I believed in the power of medicinal herbs. However, the path was truly difficult. The Druze community, to which I belong, was once very insular, and it was unthinkable for women to study or work outside the home. For us women, being a good wife at home was the only path. But I felt I had to break with tradition and make this widely known; it would be a waste to keep it only to myself, so I deliberately ventured out.
The price for that was very high. At first, my husband strongly opposed it, and we came close to divorce several times. When my actions were reported in newspapers and the media, I was criticized for a Druze person doing such things. But eventually, my husband began to support me, and I was able to establish a factory. Now, I employ women from poor families and promote employment. People now treat me with respect.
—I heard you have dreams, Gamila.
I have three dreams. First, that my soap becomes known worldwide and helps many people with their problems. Second, to provide work for women in my community who have no opportunity to work. And third, to do something for the hungry children around the world. Two of these dreams have been realized. I am happy that "Gamila Secret" brings smiles to people's faces, and I employ 50 women to make the soap. I want to be able to employ more women, but that will depend on God's help. My third dream is that once this business expands a little more, I want to give back the profits to children around the world. I myself grew up in poverty, so when I see poor children, I feel an overwhelming urge to help them.
Gamila Secret
Gamila Ziar Interview
A Magical Recipe Crafted Over a Lifetime
The Birth of Gamila Secret: A Leave-On Treatment
—Have you changed yourself, now that two of your dreams have come true?
My children say I work even harder (laughs). When I was a child, my diet consisted of just a slice of pita bread and cheese, and that hasn't changed. I also wear only the most basic, simple clothing, so in that sense, my lifestyle hasn't changed. As long as I am alive, I want to contribute as much as I can and help children in need. Just recently, with a lawyer present, I wrote my will. In it, I stated that after my death, my sons should not just think about profit, but should give back as much of the profits from the business as possible to children who need help. I am sure my children will follow their mother's instructions.
—Finally, could you tell us about the new oil product?
Although it's introduced as a new product in Japan, I developed it during the 40 years leading up to the soap. Many customers asked if there were any other skincare products besides the soap, which led to its commercialization. This is also one of my secrets. One thing to note is that this oil is extracted from plants that have not been strongly pressed. Regular olive oil is the oil left after removing vitamins and minerals, but this product retains those nutrients.
This is a 100% pure oil and is very good for the skin. After cleansing your face with soap, I recommend applying this oil instead of cream. Because the skin is clean, the oil penetrates deeply. I have never used creams or cosmetics in my life; I only use soap and oil. I know that Japanese skin has a very fine texture, but if you don't take care of it like this by the time you're 60, the difference will show. Today, our skin is damaged by various pollutants, and our diet includes more junk food, creating an environment that is not good for the skin. This oil breathes life back into such skin.
And finally, I want to say one thing: if anyone doubts what this soap and oil are, I urge them to try it. After two weeks, their skin will be the proof.
—Thank you very much.
Gamila Hiar
Born in 1940 in the village of Pikiin, in the Galilee region of northern Israel. Her parents were plant specialists. She inherited the art of utilizing herbs from her mother and began working with herbs by imitation at the age of six. She started making soap in earnest around the age of 20. While the wisdom of soap making was passed down from her mother, Gamila's own ingenuity was in adding plant oils. She began self-study with the desire to create medicinal soaps using olives and herbs native to her birthplace, the Galilee region, and after more than 30 years, she established her unique recipe. That soap was named "Gamila Secret." Even now, the recipe is kept in a vault at a Swiss bank, and only a select few can view it.
Gamila Secret Face Oil
A leave-on Gamila Secret. A blend of several plant oils, including olive oil, black cumin seed oil, and jojoba oil, this face oil is packed with the power of nature. It was developed to provide everything the skin needs after cleansing.
Price | ¥8,925 (50mL)
*Pre-sale available at Isetan Shinjuku Main Building Beauty Apothecary and
our own e-commerce site.
Scheduled for nationwide release on February 2, 2011.