We recently connected with Denise Zubizarreta and have shared our conversation below.
Denise, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Bohiti Botánica’s all-natural skincare mission is an extension of their overarching commitment to holistic well-being and the power of nature’s gifts. The company believes in the importance of nurturing the skin with pure, natural ingredients that are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic additives.
The inspiration for our all-natural skincare mission came from recognizing the detrimental effects of conventional skincare products that often contain harsh chemicals. These chemicals can cause skin irritation, disrupt the skin’s natural balance, and even have negative impacts on the environment and the gut.
After trying everything under the sun that said it was all natural, I found my skin getting worse or not really having its needs met by other big name all natural brands. I live with an autoimmune disease that impacts my gut health pretty severely, so I needed to take matters into my own hands to truly have products that worked but also were free of all the junk that was making my symptoms worse.
I was also concerned with the amount of plastics and waste in the cosmetics sector. I would throw away so many unnecessary additions to packaging that I knew there had to be a better path. On top of all that, I wanted to know more about where the products I was using were coming from but there wasn’t any information so my goal also became to source from other small local businesses to not only offer natural products that work but natural products that were pretty much farm to bottle.
To address these concerns, we set out to create a skincare line that focuses on the healing properties of plant-based ingredients. We carefully select botanical extracts, essential oils, and other natural compounds known for their nourishing and revitalizing effects on the skin.
In line with their broader mission, Bohiti Botánica’s all-natural skincare range aims to not only enhance the physical appearance of the skin but also promote a more ethical approach to packaging. All our products are packaged in glass or tins which are easily recycled or reused and we also focus on minimal packaging, so we don’t create more waste.
We’re thinking of everything from how we ship to how we source our ingredients. We know the names of the goats who’s milk is essential for our goat milk bath and we work with small businesses in the US to keep everything as local and sustainable as possible.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Denise “The Vamp DeVille” Zubizarreta, a neurodivergent artist of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, resides in Arvada, CO. She is a dynamic multidisciplinary creative, researcher, and scholar. Denise holds a B.F.A. in Fine Art from the esteemed Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. Presently, she is pursuing her Masters in Arts Leadership + Cultural Management (M.A.L.C.M.) at Colorado State University.
Her passion for arts and culture finds expression in her compelling writing for renowned platforms such as Hyperallergic and Southwest Contemporary. Denise’s artistic endeavors encompass mixed media works that delve into post-colonial theory, intertwining traditions, memories, and contemporary life. Through her creations, she gracefully honors, reclaims, and reinvents narratives of the past, present, and future.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My path was not without challenges, as I simultaneously pursued my Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) while coping with the daily complexities of living with an autoimmune disease. I had to embrace resilience and unwavering dedication to my vision.
Throughout my BFA studies, I spent endless nights at home, experimenting with botanical ingredients and formulating skincare products that would be both nourishing and gentle. Balancing the demands of my art projects and health requirements, I found solace in the creative process and the potential of my skincare creations to help others. The journey was not easy; it required patience, extensive research, and numerous trial-and-error moments. But with each setback, I learned and grew stronger, never losing sight of my ultimate goal. Even though some days I did want to give up and I wasn’t sure if this would even work.
It happened faster than I expected but three years of relentless effort passed. Finally, my artistic flair found its way into my brand’s aesthetic, seamlessly blending with the essence of our mission. Bohiti Botanica was born and reborn more than once. It was a journey that required a lot more from me than I anticipated but it’s been so fulfilling.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One common misconception or lesson that aspiring entrepreneurs may need to unlearn about starting a business is that it guarantees immediate success and financial stability.
In reality, starting a business involves significant risks and challenges. It may take time to build a customer base, establish brand recognition, and generate consistent profits. Many successful entrepreneurs have experienced failures or setbacks before achieving their goals.
The process of starting and running a business requires dedication, perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning. It’s essential to embrace the possibility of failure, learn from mistakes, and be open to pivoting when necessary. Understanding that success may not be instantaneous and being prepared to face obstacles can lead to a more realistic and resilient approach to entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bohitibotanica.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bohitibotanica