Beauty Boss: Antoinette Marquez, Co-Founder of Ama Sea Beauty
Antoinette Marquez.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Antoinette Marquez, Co-founder of Ama Sea Beauty—an organic thalasso therapy skincare line from Santa Barbara, California. The marine-based brand’s products utilize hand-harvested wild seaweeds and proprietary extracts, are minimally processed, all-natural, vegan, cruelty-free, sustainable, and recyclable. The product packaging is made from glass and reusable metal containers, and offers refill options to consumers who want to participate in its sustainability practices.
Ama Sea Beauty was developed to be part of the Blue economy by offering ocean stewardship through responsibly developed consumer goods. Marquez and her husband Daniel, a marine facilities expert, also own a 25-acre sea farm, PharmerSea, which is located off Elwood Pier in Santa Barbara and is the only facility of its type on the North American coast. It will also serve as a training facility for future ocean farmers and showcase the company’s expertise on designing and building Blue facilities.
“When we say we’re serious about sustainability and saving the oceans, we aren’t only talk,” says Marquez. “We’re definitely walking the walk!”
We chatted with Marquez, who shared more about the inspiration behind her line of products, wellness and beauty tips, best advice, and more.
When was Ama Sea Beauty founded and what inspired its name?
Ama Sea Beauty was founded in 2013 and fully came to life in 2015 when the possibility of acquiring our own ocean farm became a reality. My book, The Longevity Revolution: Thalasso Therapy, was published in 2012 when Ama Sea Beauty was a hope and a dream, larger than I had ever dared to dream. Now as I stand in this place—I’m glad I dared!
I’m a huge history buff and I always search for a place where I can return to the beginning. The namesake of the brand is an honoring of the traditional and treasured Ama divers of Asia. It is widely believed that the Ama divers are the women behind the myth and whom the mermaid eulogizes. The Ama divers were strong, confident women who understood the powers of the sea and bounty it has to offer.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
I have always looked to simple, natural solutions for my common concerns. From a balanced diet to yoga and meditation, I have always taken my health seriously and live a very proactive life. When age became a concern, I started seeking holistic solutions and found ThalassoTherapy, which shifted all I knew of beauty, longevity, and my ability to age well. As an educator I felt it was my duty to help others “SEA” beauty a new way.
Does Ama Sea Beauty have a hero product?
SeaMist is a hands down, stand-alone product loved by all. It’s great for beauty on-the-go or for those who want a no-fuss product. SeaMist is a blend of sea salts with red snow algae powder, an award-winning ingredient tested for calorie restriction-mimicking effects on skin. SeaMist works at the cellular level to clear toxins, reboot cellular activity, and DNA repair mechanisms.
What are your favorite products from the brand?
They are all my children, so this is a trick question. I formulate all of the products myself, so I’m always working on new formulas and creating new products. My very favorite products launched exclusively on Beauty Bridge for the holiday SEAson. I have created a set of simple highly effective products perfect for those with almost zero time, which makes skin care completely effortless. The set is available on Beauty Bridge through January.
L’Ocean is a spray-on moisturizing blend of algae oil and a proprietary blend of five deeply concentrated extracts.
Jus de Mer is a full-body, spray-on serum made from a proprietary blend of four deeply concentrated extracts.
Where are your products sold?
Ama Sea Beauty is currently in the process of scaling up, and we are adding a new e-commerce site and retail locations on a regular basis. Currently you can find our products at the following:
· Ama Sea Beauty’s e-commerce site
· 2 outlets in Hong Kong
· Skin Essential Spa in Montecito
Ama Sea Beauty SeaMist Toner ($50) balances, revitalizes, nourishes, and corrects tired, dull-looking skin with essential marine nutrients.
Who inspires you?
Boots on the ground and hand in the solutions—these are my kind of people. I’m inspired by companies like Patagonia who are out there on the front line of change. I’m inspired by Brené Brown—a hard-talking, say it real kind of gal who gives me the courage to do the same. I’m inspired by American indigenous people who still “speak” for the rights of the land, water right, and natural resources.
Secret to success?
The only secret is there is no secret to success! Hard work, focused goals, and the ability to create something from nothing is the golden ticket towards the ride of success. Success just like happiness is a moving target. I would bet most successful people still feel success is just out of reach. Managing expectations, not setting yourself up for failure, and giving yourself room to grow is the best way to generate success and make yourself ripe for miracles.
Beauty secrets?
Smiling often, laughing out loud, skipping on the beach, and basking in the light works wonders. Of course, I use Ama Sea Beauty products and engage in daily home-crafted marine baths. One of my biggest beauty secrets is Intermittent fasting, or some call it Calorie Restriction on Optimal Nutrients. I’m a CRONy, I live the fast life, and swear by it as a unique longevity system that helps me age well.
Wellness tips?
· Wake up early.
· Eat less.
· Bring intentional joy into everyday moments.
· Move it, move it! Do yoga daily.
· Give yourself a day “time out.” Meditate.
· Work hard, love harder, and know every little thing is going be OK!
Best advice?
Never take more than you give!
How do you like to relax?
In the morning, I look forward to my yoga mat and my meditation as a kickstart and grounding tool for the day. In the evening when it’s time to let it all go, it’s time for a soak in Ama Sea Beauty SeaTea. When all else fails…bathe!
For more information, visit amaseabeauty.com and follow them on Instagram: @amaseabeautysb
[Images courtesy of Ama Sea Beauty]
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