Our latest Beauty Boss is Adriana Green, Founder of Esteli—a line of pure botanical skincare that offers a clean alternative to many standard beauty products that are filled with toxins and chemicals. Her products are hand crafted in small batches and feature organic and all-natural ingredients that help restore skin’s natural balance.

After she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease, Green began to study the amazing qualities of botanicals and skincare formulation, which led her to create her own products that only included ingredients that contributed to the health and beauty of skin. Every ingredient she selects is carefully chosen with people’s health and the well-being of the planet as its foundation, and all of her products come packaged in reusable and recyclable green glass containers.

We chatted with Green who shared the inspiration behind her brand, secrets for success, beauty tips, and much more.

When was Esteli founded and what does the name mean?

It was founded in 2016 out of my tiny apartment in Oakland, CA. The name Esteli is inspired by a town in Nicaragua, the country where my mother is from. While traveling there for the first time, I noticed that the tropical air, gorgeous greenery, plentiful fruits, warm sunshine, and tranquility had an amazing effect on my skin and soul. 

In Esteli is a nature preserve called Miraflor, which translates to "Look the flower” or “Flower view.” There are over 200 species of orchids in this reserve. Experiencing healthy glowing skin while surrounded by beautiful plants served as the inspiration for Esteli, from the botanical ingredients to the green glass containers. I want to bring others moments of peacefulness with the products I create using these amazing botanical gifts from nature.

What inspired the creation of the brand?

When I entered my thirties, I experienced the consequences of too much toxin exposure. This made me understand that the ingredients in my cosmetics and skincare items had a direct impact on my health. I wanted to create products that I felt good about using and that helped me heal. During this time, I realized that our health and well-being is a journey that lasts a lifetime. It’s not a destination. True health requires a commitment to daily rituals and intentional choices. The purpose of Esteli is to offer support to the body to function at its best, as well as provide a sensorial experience to uplift a person’s spirit and mental well-being.

Does Esteli have a hero product?

This is a tough question because I really have two hero products. The first is the product that I first formulated and is usually my customer’s initial introduction to Esteli. That is the Rosa Jamaica Face Mist. It’s made with organic plant hydrosols of rose, rosehip, aloe, and hibiscus. There are no filler ingredients in any of my products and this includes our Rosa Jamaica Face Mist. Unlike many other face mists on the market, which are predominantly water, ours contains no water—just pure plant hydrosols and botanical goodness.

The second product is Oro Rosa Supercriticals Face Oil, which has people coming back for more. It has a bit of a cult following. I’ve reformulated both products since their beginnings and am very proud of the ingredients and results that people achieve using them. They work beautifully on their own, but wonderfully when used together.

What are your favorite products from your brand?

I love them all, having formulated each one myself. I take great care when selecting the ingredients and sources that I use. I only choose the best, minimally processed botanicals to ensure that I'm getting the best nature has to offer. My go-to products for my daily rituals are Rosa Jamaica Face Mist and Oro Rosa Supercriticals Face Oil (I always use them together) and Verano Body Oil, which I use after every shower. On Sunday nights, when my children are asleep, I like to take some extra time to relax by lighting a Lavanda Coco candle and adding some Ojo de Agua Soaking Salts to my bath.

Where are your products sold?

On our website and in small retailers/boutiques across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Future plans for the brand?

We're excited to expand our range to include more aromatherapy and natural perfumes. We want to offer non-toxic products for everyone, especially those with allergies and sensitivities to common allergens and synthetic ingredients often used in fragrances.

Who inspires you?

My children. I hope that my children (and all children) can grow up without having to experience the detrimental effects of toxic build-up in their bodies and surroundings as I have.

Secret to success?

Waking up each day with enthusiasm for new experiences. Even when you stumble and experience setbacks, keep pushing forward until you reach that amazing "Aha!" moment.

Beauty secrets?

Healthy skin is beautiful skin. Beautiful skin is healthy skin. When you are tired, dehydrated, and/or stressed, skin will reflect this. It’s common to hide these issues with more coverage makeup which exacerbates the problem. A well-rested and hydrated person simply needs less products. For me, having adequate rest eliminated those products that I used to depend on such as eye drops, heavy coverage makeup, color correctors, and blemish concealers. I keep Todo Bien on my nightstand so that it is within reach and it is the last thing I apply before I go to sleep.

Wellness tips?

Get out into the great outdoors. Move your body and take in the beauty of nature. Enjoy the early mornings and go on walks. Switch up your Friday night plans with a Saturday morning trip to the Farmer's Market or a hike—you'll get some fresh air and connect with people you care about. Added bonus: no hangover!

Best advice?

Find people you admire and take their advice. There are plenty of books, podcasts, and other resources where people are willing to share their knowledge and wisdom. Listen to what they have to say from their experiences. You can learn just as much from their missteps as you can from their successes.

Favorite way to relax?

Beach naps. Getting to a sandy beach, spreading out a blanket, setting up my little sunshade, my loved ones close by, closing my eyes, listening to the waves and people enjoying themselves is my idea of a perfect moment.

Relaxing isn’t always resting, sometimes I’m happiest in my production studio working on a new formula while listening to a podcast. Other times it’s listening to my 4-year-old describe a dream he had a month ago.

For more information about Esteli, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @estelibody

[Images courtesy of Esteli]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk