Scientist, Artist, and Reiki Master: The Story of Dr. Fernanda da Silva Tatley Emulating Her Soul into Azurlis

Dr. Fernanda da Silva Tatley, the value-driven founder of Azurlis, describes herself as a scientist by training, an artist at heart, and a Reiki Master in her soul. Her inspiring journey, from growing up in sunny Portugal surrounded by the turquoise Atlantic Ocean waters to finding purpose in an apartheid-stained South Africa and chasing after her dreams all the way to New Zealand, has always been fueled by an insatiable urge to leave the world a better place. Now, at the helm of Azurlis, she fulfills that mission by leveraging her experiences to create sustainable, cruelty-free, and science-backed skin care products.

Born in Lisbon, Fernanda has always grown up on the coast, developing an infatuation with the deep blue unknown. As a child, she explored the Arabic land of Northern Africa; prompted by her dad’s job opportunities, the family moved to South Sudan, where he completed a project on the Blue Nile dam. Years later, they traveled to Egypt, where Fernanda, curious about the ancient history of Cairo and Alexandria, developed a genuine passion for languages, etymology, and the art of writing.

In 1973, her family moved to the then-divided South Africa, with Fernanda joining them after finishing school two years later. On a relentless pursuit of wisdom, she enrolled in the University of Cape Town, where she received impressive academic accolades, including a BSc with Med: honors and a PhD in Medical Biochemistry. While strolling through the magical campus, she also met the man who became her husband and the father to their two children.

At the center of Fernanda’s heart is South Africa. Despite having lived in beautiful, picturesque New Zealand for over 20 years, Fernanda fondly looks back on the times she would take scenic drives through Drakensberg and watch bright orange and pink sunsets in the Western Cape. Somewhere between the spine-chilling crack of bombs and the daunting sight of violence, contrasting with the nationwide elation of Mandela’s release and the long-awaited end of apartheid, Fernanda fell in love with the country’s diversity, its vibrant culture, people’s cheerful attitude, and bright smiles illuminating their faces regardless of the situation.

More than the place her heart lies, South Africa is where Fernanda first conceptualized Azurlis, or what, back then, was a unique idea without a name. In 1989, while discovering new secrets of science, the notion of developing a range of sustainable, cruelty-free, and organic skincare products blossomed, remaining at the forefront of Fernanda’s life for two more decades. Before founding Azurlis in 2010, she had perfected her plan, sharpened her academic knowledge, and nurtured her business management skills.

In South Africa, surrounded by poverty and crime, skincare didn’t seem like a solution to the most pressing issues. What ultimately inspired Fernanda to pursue her dream was the move to New Zealand, where she was offered a position at the University of Otago. At that university, she also completed a Master’s in Entrepreneurship—the final step before embarking on the rewarding Azurlis journey.

Behind the company name lies a prolific story written by Fernanda’s most meaningful parts of life. Azul, the Portuguese, Latin-derived word for blue, symbolizes the peaceful color that envelopes the Earth. “Blue is everywhere. It’s in the sky, the seas, the rivers, and the oceans,” she adds. “It’s also one of those colors that are calming and evoke positivity.” Lis, on the other hand, means smooth. Together, Azurlis symbolizes the feeling of being in a blue, soft, smooth state. That essence of serenity is reflected in all of the firm’s products, from their aesthetic packaging to ingredients that nourish on and below the surface.

Fernanda da Silva Tatley, a creative scientist on a mission to revolutionize the way people think of skincare, is dedicated to fostering a culture of altruism, education, and diversity. Through her informative blog posts published on the Azurlis website, she aims to raise awareness about the importance of conscious skincare choices, recommending products and companies that align with Fernanda’s approach.

A successful owner and respected expert in skincare ingredients and science, Fernanda hopes to share her story to inspire people and ignite a transformational change in the world. “It breaks my heart to understand what is happening in the world—all the wars, genocides, and poverty. I can’t help but think, ‘We all want the same thing. How come we can’t get it right?’” she shares. “I’m so grateful for everything I have experienced, and Azurlis is how I want to give back, leave a legacy, and spread happiness.”