How precious the human body is, and hardworking too. The skin is our largest organ acting like a beautiful distinct sponge taking in everything from sunlight to senses. Knowing this has led me to take better care of my body externally as well as internally. I wanted to seek out skin care products that were full of wellness and biological nutrients, without the use any synthetics & toxins. Through the rabbit-hole of natural beauty I stumbled upon Sequoia Beauty. Based in North California, Sequoia Beauty creates skincare and beauty regimes that are completely organic, and some are bio-dynamic and raw. When I write completely organic, I mean it. There are no chemicals, fillers or preservatives or anything synthetic. Everything is plant+floral & nature based. I asked the beautiful and passionate Laurel (the belle who runs Sequoia Beauty) if she would be up for an interview about her blooming company, her joys, and she kindly shared some photos of her at work!
ediotors note* the company’s name has changed to Laurel Whole Plant Organics
Hello my name is Laurel & I am the creator of Laurel Whole Plant Organics
What projects are you currently working on?
My love of beauty, herbalism and apothecary came from…
My work schedule is:
I wake up around 6:30 and start working immediately – usually in my pajamas still on the computer. Eventually I tear myself away to make tea and settle into the day. Sometimes I take a break from work midday to take a dance class, which I love! And then I usually work until 7pm, and then head home to make a farm to table dinner. I like it when business is slow enough that I have time to take my class and to make dinner – because sometimes we get too busy for me to even do those little things.
How do you go about finding the perfect alchemic blend? (both medicinally/holistically)
Thank you so much for creating blends that are organic and raw! What led to this?
We love honey, tell us a bit about your raw honey + berry mask and its benefits!
You are a gardener and use your blooms in Sequoia Beauty products, but what are you cultaivintg this fall/winter season?
5 Things that Heal/help you relax:
- taking a bath
- spending time with my dogs & my boyfriend
- going on a tv series binge by watching multiple episodes back to back,
- traveling or getting away
- hiking
Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce. I know that sounds like something simple from the 90’s that everyone knows. But I have had a lot of odd jobs through school in offices/spas/restaurants – and it always blows my mind how few businesses make those things a priority. A lot of businesses don’t even have recycle bins! Most of my loved ones do practice that in their home, as do I’m sure your readers — but I think everyone I know can easily do more at their work place to cut back on waste.
Besides Sequoia Beauty products, what are some of your loved products?
For make-up, Vapour Organics. There’s also a body soap I cannot live without called Artha Soaps – a really small business here in NorCal. I use her soaps for the kitchen, bathroom, shower — LOVE. Veriditas essential oils also play a large part in my home life, as well as in our products.
Guilty pleasures?
Project Runway, anything fried, and champagne!
In 5 years I want to…
Have a full farm where Sequoia Beauty is produced. I would love to grow almost everything we use there, as well as make the product there. I will probably want a spa there too… the list is long!
Dream vision board, what would your ideal day consist of:
Meditation, healthy breakfast, making product, a dance class, tea with friends, making dinner with my boyfriend, and cuddling with my dogs.
One piece of advice?
I discovered your blog today and I am absolutely IN LOVE. I went through and read every post. I feel like we could be good friends. 🙂
http://callielee.wordpress.com/