Some companies start because an entrepreneur wants to launch a business with capitalism as the main goal — asking, “How can I make money doing x?” In the world we’re living in right now, it makes complete sense why there’s so much greenwashing, private-label manufacturing, and everything else that follows. Let me tell you a secret: almost all of the skincare you use on your body is made from this perspective. It’s the product of an industry that rewards fast results at the expense of the skin, combined with generalized formulas so broad that they effectively work for no one.
This is where my career began. I became an esthetician in 2001, working in various spas in search of a true solution for my own skin, as well as for each guest who came to my treatment table. Over time, I realized that no matter the style or type of facial, the entire system was broken. I was sick and tired of putting my name behind brands that might help at best but, at worst, actually harmed my clients’ skin.
Eventually, I decided to create the future I wanted to see—one in which we utilize real science about how human skin functions and apply that knowledge to cosmetic chemistry, plant biology, and human health. This intersection was what interested me most when I started Botnia. So, I took classes and teamed up with my friend Clayton Coker, a plant biologist at Stanford. We worked in my basement, applying what I learned in real time to my clients’ skin.
It took about seven years to develop the line — observing how each plant interacted with the skin, deciding which findings to incorporate long-term, and figuring out which plants would become our key ingredients. What came out of that seven-year journey wasn’t just another skincare line; it was nutrition for the skin: a group of plants that work in synergy to heal, hydrate, elevate, and condition.
But the heart of Botnia is the apothecary I developed for giving Botnia facials. It’s made up of 23 raw ingredients that an esthetician learns to use by understanding the chemical actions these natural compounds have on the body. This approach empowers the professional to focus on each client’s specific needs every time — rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all formula. Before this, if you had dry skin, you’d get a moisture mask. But what if your skin was dry and acne-prone? You’d be stuck choosing either moisture or a drying acne treatment. With an apothecary approach, you can target many different concerns at once.
This experience is unique to every person, and it evolves with them over time. After all, the skin you have today isn’t the same skin you’ll have in a year. Our bodies adapt to the environments we live in, and the best skincare serves those needs in real time — rather than chasing a marketing buzzword.
I like to think of Botnia as “punk rock” skincare. We do things radically to treat human health without just following trends. We also keep our values front and center. A few years ago, I changed all our packaging to be as sustainable as humanly possible. Because that’s what people deserve: a real solution that cares for your skin as much as it cares for the ecosystem we all share. Today, we offer reusable pumps (gifted with each Botnia product) to reduce plastic waste, and all our skincare is packaged in recycled and recyclable aluminum with compostable packaging.
For me, it’s about creating true solutions—solutions where your skin is nurtured and the Earth is protected. That’s Botnia. You can now find Botnia facials in over 400 treatment rooms across the United States, including some of the most prestigious spas and resorts. Botnia is a grassroots movement toward skin wellness: we make 100% of our products in-house, growing our own plants and working with trusted farmers for the ones we don’t cultivate ourselves — so every plant is offered at the height of its nutrition. I always joke that I didn’t start a skincare company because I love skincare; I did it because I love skin. That’s the simple difference between my line and others: we’re fueled by integrity, driven to heal beautiful skin and help humans thrive. This is the “heart palace” of who we are as a company.
To learn more — or to experience a Botnia facial for yourself — visit our website and find a partner near you. It’s a magical experience! And if you choose to bring our skincare home, I hope you use it in good health.
If you’re a licensed esthetician looking for the apothecary backbar of your dreams? Visit our website to explore a Botnia Wholesale Partnership page. When you partner with Botnia, you’re not just getting skincare — you’re joining a community built on education, support, and handcrafted, science backed products made with the freshest botanicals.
