Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenefer Palmer.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jenefer. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I come from a family of healers. My grandmother was one of the first female chiropractors in the United States, she graduated in 1918. In her 40s, she had a terrible fall and injured her leg. She was bedridden for many months. One morning she awoke from a dream in which the ocean had healed her. She was determined to swim in the water, even though it was the middle of December in New York!
She immediately saw an improvement and continued swimming daily. Within a month, her leg was healed. She attributed her rapid recovery to the minerals and trace elements present in the seaweed-rich saltwater.
My grandmother swam daily in the ocean well into her 90s! Her belief in the healing powers of the sea was passed down to me.
In the early 80s, I was the spa director at one of Southern California’s first wellness spas. It was there that I started designing new treatments including: Ayurvedic body wraps, detox baths, herb-based aromatherapy salt glows, underwater lymphatic massage and body wrap based on flower essences.
To complement these treatments, I searched for natural skincare products to use and sell at the spa. It was nearly impossible to find skincare brands that weren’t packed with harmful ingredients. I had this “aha” moment where I knew I could create something better. Something safe and effective. I formulated my first product 35 years ago and launched OSEA 24 years ago!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a life adventure. Starting a business is rarely a smooth road, but it is most certainly a path to self-discovery. Twenty-four years ago, few people understood the importance of natural skincare. They were unaware of the harmful effects of some of the most common skincare ingredients. They did not believe that natural/organic products would work, much less be more effective than traditional skincare.
In 1996 everyone asked me why I used glass packaging. A common “complaint” I would get is “it’s so bulky and heavy. Plastic is so much more convenient.” At that time, no one was thinking about the environmental impact of plastic.
Luckily, today consumers are much more educated about the benefits of clean skincare and the ocean plastic crisis. We’re fortunate to have such loyal, passionate customers.
OSEA – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
OSEA Skincare was inspired off the coast of Malibu uniting the elements—Ocean, Sun, Earth and Atmosphere—to deliver safe, effective wellness solutions for all. OSEA is vegan, non-toxic, cruelty-free and made in California.
I am most proud of the fact that we’ve never compromised and stayed true to our vision for 24 years. The quality of our ingredients is what sets us apart. We take great pride in creating innovative, one-of-a-kind-products.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Learning from my mistakes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1795 Washington Way, Venice CA 90291
- Website: oseamalibu.com
- Phone: (310) 985-1447
- Instagram: instagram.com/oseamalibu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oseamalibu
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/osea-skincare-studio-venice
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