Today we’d like to introduce you to Helena Oseguera Abrahamsson
Hi Helena , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When Plantéa was founded in 2020, it began as a simple idea from a girl who wanted to support her mom with her skin concerns, as well as her own.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in agriculture between Mexico and Texas, I was always surrounded by nature. My mom instilled in me a love for plants and their healing properties. Skincare became a frequent topic of conversation between us, and our daily ritual of washing our faces together strengthened our bond.
As a teenager, I desperately sought quick fixes for breakouts, trying every product I could find in department stores. During visits to family in Sweden and Mexico, I experimented with every brand at local apothecaries, hoping to discover something that worked—yet I never did.
Training as a professional ballerina, I yearned for a cleanser or cream to soothe my skin after hours in the studio and performances under harsh stage lights. Again, I found nothing.
It wasn’t until my mom was diagnosed with rosacea that I realized the key to my skincare struggles wasn’t just about products or brands; it was about a specific ingredient. And that ingredient had been right under my nose—growing on my ranch.
One day, during a visit home from university, I walked around the ranch and decided to create a skincare line that would calm my mom’s rosacea and nourish her skin. That’s when my dad pointed out the cacti surrounding us, and we wondered how cactus could help her skin—or if it would do anything at all. To our surprise, it did wonders for her skin.
We’ve always known that cactus is a powerful and healing plant packed with minerals and nutrients. Intrigued, we delved into its potential for skincare, uncovering the remarkable power of this prickly plant.
Not only did I want to include elements of my family’s agricultural background in the company, but I also aimed to incorporate my diverse heritage—Mexican, American, and Swedish. I wanted to bring together what I considered the most beneficial skincare attributes from each culture. This approach would not only blend three distinct cultures into one product but also involve a diverse team I trusted to create something exceptional.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has certainly had its challenges. From bootstrapping the company and building a reliable team to developing a formula we as a company wholeheartedly believe in. I’ve encountered many obstacles along the way, such as building a community that trusts our products and effectively communicating our values in an oversaturated skincare market. Managing cash flow during the early months was particularly tough, and on top of that, the emotional ups and downs can be challenging, requiring resilience and adaptability. However, each struggle has been a valuable learning experience, ultimately shaping my company into what it is today, and I am excited about the bright future ahead!
We’ve been impressed with Plantéa Skincare , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Plantéa is a skincare company rooted in the rich benefits of cactus, sourced directly from my ranch in Castroville, TX. We specialize in cactus-based formulations designed specifically for rosacea and acne-prone skin. Our unique approach utilizes prickly pear cactus to soothe, nourish, and hydrate, striking the perfect balance of acids, oils, and essential vitamins. We embrace the Swedish concept of “lagom,” meaning “just right,” to ensure our products deliver optimal results without overwhelming your skin.
What we’re most proud of is the vibrant community we’ve built. Our loyal customers inspire us daily, and we’re committed to their health and happiness.
We have complete faith in our skincare products, but we understand that everyone’s skin is unique. That is why we invite new customers to explore our products with confidence, believing that women shouldn’t be penalized for trying out new skincare. That’s why we offer a 3-week trial period with a money-back guarantee policy, allowing you to get your money back if you find that Plantéa isn’t the right fit for you.
What matters most to you? Why?
Transparency regarding our ingredients is essential to myself and my company. That’s why we provide a full list of ingredients on the Plantéa website, along with explanations of each ingredient’s role in our products. We believe this commitment to transparency and education fosters healthy, happy customers.
Pricing:
- 30 ml Rich serum: 70 usd
- 50 ml Rich serum: 90 usd
- 30 ml Nourishing Serum: 70 usd
- 50 ml Nourishing serum: 90 usd
Contact Info:
- Website: https://planteaskin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantea_skin/
Image Credits
Plantéa skin
