Our Founder

Michelle Abeyawardena

My family and I immigrated to America when I was two years old. 

"Where are you from?

Who are your people?

What ARE you?"

These are questions I've been asked all my life.

Where are you from?

Well, this is a layered question. On one hand, I consider myself a true Californian. But that is not my heritage.

When I was young, I was eager to tell others that I was from Sri Lanka. That my native tongue was Sinhalese. How puzzling for me to be met with blank faces. Shocking to discover that most people had never even heard of our little teardrop shaped island with its lush forests, golden beaches, exotic spices, and gemstones.

Thirty years later, when my children tell their origins, they are met with a similar lack of recognition.

Who are your people?" One of the most biologically diverse countries in Asia, Sri Lanka, is home to ancient ruins, historic temples, architectural feats, colorful festivals, and national parks full of elephants. It is the world's second largest exporter of cinnamon and their Ceylon black tea is praised globally. Sri Lankans dazzle with thousand watt smiles and warm hospitality.

It stands to reason that between the jungles and mountains, lay a rich history of herbal and holistic medicine.

"What are you?"

I'm the proud wife of a brilliant man who is my inspiration, my partner, and my biggest supporter on this journey. I’m complex—a bit of an old soul with a sprinkle of revolutionist.

Most importantly, I'm a mother. The three children to whom I gave life also give me life. And as every mother can attest, we feel their joys and triumphs as intensely as their aches and pains

 When my youngest son began suffering from severe acne, I thought back to the stories I'd heard growing up. My parents' home remedies for such afflictions grew wild just past their doorstep. I could almost picture my aunt banging outside to unearth a misshapen root from her garden, then using that to brew a tea so foul your lips would pucker at the sight of the kettle. After drinking this concoction for a few weeks, your skin would feel as smooth and supple as a baby’s cheeks. Or so the tale went.

I was inspired to create something nature-based for my boy that had all the soothing, anti-inflammatory properties often missing from mass-produced cleansers. This involved a lot of trial and error and what I call failing toward success. I refused to settle for “good enough.” Not for me, not for my son, and not for you.

All the work was worth it. I'm so proud of what we have created together—my team by my side and my Sri Lankan family through their proud sharing of cultural activities.

I'm humbled and honored to share a small piece of this magic from my motherland. The next time I'm asked? I have my answer.

Here is where I'm from. These are my people, and this is who I am.