SINGAPORE — Cricket fans may be familiar with former New Zealand national team player Dion Nash. The 43-year-old Kiwi may have his bats and pads in 2002, but is still busy putting his country on the map with his male grooming brand Triumph & Disaster.

“New Zealand is a long way from most places and I travel to see distributors and agents, and attend trade shows, said Nash, who was in Singapore last month to promote the brand that is stocked at Sultans of Shave. He started his line in 2012 using ingredients inspired by his heritage. “We’re proud to be Kiwi — we use indigenous ingredients (such as ponga and Kawakawa leaf extract) and we’re completely unique. The recipes for our products are bespoke.” And the products aren’t attracting only the guys. “We even have female fans. They like the simplicity of our products and that they work.” Serene Lim

Q: Your products have pretty interesting names, such as the On The Road travel set and Rock & Roll Suicide facial scrub. How did you come up with these?

A: It was a natural process. For example, On The Road is the title of the Jack Kerouc book and it’s one of my favourites. It ties in with what the product is about. Rock & Roll Suicide came from David Bowie — it’s like a warning song and fit the idea of what I wanted for a scrub. It’s like “You better clean your face!”. No Dice (a sunscreen) is a saying I’ve always liked. It has an old-fashioned gangster feel that sends a sharp message, especially since the sun is really harsh in New Zealand. I want the names to convey the attitude of the brand.

Q: What is your favourite place to visit?

A: Los Angeles. I love the weather and I look forward to it every time I jump off the plane. It’s a very open and friendly place and it is like 10 different cities in one. Each neighbourhood has got its own identity. Santa Monica is completely different from Silverlake, which is unlike downtown. You need a local person on the ground to show you around.

Q: Besides having locals show us around, how can we have a better local experience?

A: There is such a difference when you travel with a local. I think being open to meeting new people and taking a risk to be friendly helps. You can ask locals where they like to go.

Q: What are your fail-proof tips for surviving long flights?

A: There’s no magic bullet. Drink more water and try to get a good night’s rest on the plane. I think products do help as a routine to ease into the day. A great shower after a flight definitely helps get rid of cabin fever. And I love the feeling of exfoliating my face. You feel so much fresher.