Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Guerrero.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been an Esthetician for 12 years and have always worked in salons/spas. It finally came time to have something of my own and I started a skincare business. It lasted about a year and it completely failed due to differences between my partner and I. It was super devastating and I had to run away to Mexico for a few weeks. I had already been traveling back and forth to DF for about a year so I had friends and my regular spots I go to. It was very natural for me to want to run away there.
While I was there, I truly opened my eyes and heart and allowed Mexico to sweep me away. I immersed myself in the mercados there. Many of the vendors in these mercados had earth ingredients that I used in my facials. I was creating new products for my previous line and brought some with me on this trip. Strangers would come up to me and ask me about a balm I was using. I could see in their faces that what I made was intoxicating. A friend started calling me “Brujita” which means little witch in Spanish. It didn’t click at first because I found it endearing more than anything.
One day I went to a Mercado looking for a specific ingredient. I finally found it and the vendor asked me why I wanted so much of it. I told him about my facials and how most of his ingredients can help with acne and other skin conditions. He called me “Brujita” and it then it clicked! Soon enough it became my new name and product creations were pouring out. I came back home with fire and passion that I’ve never felt before. It’s why I call Brujita my Phoenix. I finally accepted my failures and ended a chapter that needed to come to an end to make way for this new fire life.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Brujita will be 1 this October. In the beginning, I was terrified. It was only because I thought I was alone. Everything that had happened while I went to Mexico, was waiting for me when I got back. That was the hardest part of starting Brujita. Closing the previous chapter to start new but once it happened Brujita just took off instantly. It was wild!
I’m still amazed by how much support I receive. Pretty sure I’ll always be!
Brujita Skincare – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Brujita Skincare is an essential skincare brand made with ingredients sourced from mercados in Mexico with a focus on reconnecting communities with earth. I travel back and forth about once a month to different parts of Mexico to source clays and earth ingredients.
Most of the ingredients come from Baja Norte and DF Mexico City, If these places don’t have the inventory, then I have to travel so sometimes ingredients will come from Guanajuato, Leon and other surrounding areas. This is the best part of Brujita, the sourcing! Brujita is known for its Facial Masks. All of the clays and earth powders can only be found in Mexico. I’ve worked with many different clays but the best come from Mexico.
I’m very proud when I hear people tell me that they feel more connected to earth, their ancestors and homeland while using Brujita. Its important to me to pay whatever price a vendor says. I never go searching for the cheapest deal and I spread the wealth to different vendors. It’s important that everyone gets a slice.
I believe this is what sets Brujita apart from many other brands. As well as documenting my sourcing trips with photos and videos on Instagram. Its necessary for me to show everyone all these amazing regions and mercados.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The best moment so far is sharing a huge studio space with my partner Yomahra of Small Batch Supply Co. It all happened so quickly and naturally. Our space looks like a jungle and funhouse!
Teaming up with her is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my adult life. Being able to travel with her to Mexico and create has been a huge light to me and Brujita. Also, my Dad has been telling me he’s proud of me often, so that’s cool.
Contact Info:
- Website: brujitaskincare.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brujitaskincare/
Image Credit:
Yomahra X, Fabian Guerrero
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
