Beauty Boss: Lejla Cas, Founder of KNESKO
Lejla Cas.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Lejla Cas, Founder of KNESKO—a line of skin care products that bridges science and spirituality with revolutionary GEMCLINICAL® skincare technology. Prior to founding her own line, Cas worked for leading international cosmetic brands after moving to the United States from Australia, while continuing to see private clients for skin care and makeup services across the country. She eventually followed her dream of creating a company based on the principles of her passions: energy work, skin care, and crystals.
KNESKO products combine Eastern and Western medicine with ancient healing practices and modern technology, and are consciously designed to replenish skin through the process of skin cell regeneration while reviving one’s spirit. Developed by Cas, who is also a Reiki Master, KNESKO’s serum-infused collagen gel masks use precious gemstones and minerals to activate the chakras and rejuvenate skin. She also personally treats every mask, gua sha and roller tool with loving, healing energy.
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills Debuts New GEMCLINICAL Facials By Knesko
Their groundbreaking proprietary formulas and healing complexes use clean, active, clinical ingredients to help penetrate and nourish skin for a deep inner glow. Developed by a team of skin specialists, KNESKO treatments are offered at spas around the world and are all natural, paraben-free, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, ophthalmologist-approved, and dermatologist-approved.
We chatted with Cas, who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, favorite beauty products, and much more.
When was KNESKO founded and what does the name mean?
KNESKO was founded in 2012. It is a family-owned company and the name itself is a representation of the founders last name—mine and my husband’s. It represents intuition, love, intention, and all the good vibes we put into each other's personal lives and our business.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
I've been in the beauty industry for 22 years. I grew up in Australia and worked with several cosmetics lines throughout my career. Through my work in the beauty industry, I’ve realized one of my favorite things has become working with other women and making them feel good about themselves. I started my company with the goal of creating a lifestyle brand that represented my great love of self-care. I wanted to inspire my clients to slow down and take care of themselves. My love for the wellness and spa industry, as well as my love for energy work, skin care and crystals, also inspired the brand. It is so inspiring to bring everything together with the KNESKO brand that promotes a self-care lifestyle.
Does KNESKO have a hero product?
The Gold Collection. Specifically the Face Mask and Eye Mask—these are global best sellers and have a celebrity cult following.
Developed by Reiki Master and company founder, Lejla Cas, KNESKO’s serum-infused collagen gel masks use precious gemstones and minerals to activate the chakras and rejuvenate skin.
What are your favorite products from the brand?
I’m a Libra so it depends on the day! This is a tough question because my entire brand is based on specific gems and minerals that correspond to different energy centers as well as skin benefits. I like to check in with myself daily and see what my skin looks like and how I’m feeling. For example, I'm in love with the Amethyst Collection for hydration. I meditate with my amethyst gemstones so I'm naturally drawn to those products. KNESKO was designed to be like a beautiful jewelry box of special gemstones. You open up the box, check in with yourself: How is my energy today? How does my skin look? And then you select a gorgeous product that will enhance your daily routine.
Where are KNESKO products sold?
KNESKO is sold in luxury department stores, resorts and spas across the world. You can find us at Neiman Marcus, Saks, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Langham, MGM Resorts, and of course on our website.
Future plans for the brand?
We have some exciting plans in the pipeline! Right now I’m developing a new collection, as well as a body and a skin care collection, which will debut in 2024. We’re going to continue our journey in the skin care and wellness space creating mindful products that are really results driven.
Who inspires you?
I would have to say my mother-in-law! When I first met my husband, she had her business and took care of the family. I found it so inspiring. Growing up I felt like I had to choose or juggle one or the other. She taught me I can have both and how to do it in a balanced way. She’s just an amazing wife, mother and entrepreneur. I respect her so much and she’s taught me a lot.
Marrying Eastern and Western medicine with ancient healing practices and modern technology, KNESKO products are consciously designed to replenish skin through the process of skin cell regeneration.
Secret to success?
Remember to be grateful for what you have.
Be content with where you are now and always remember to be good to other people.
My parents emigrated after a civil war and moved to Australia with only $500. Don’t let money be the only thing that drives you.
Be in touch with yourself and your soul. Take care of yourself from the inside out.
Beauty secrets?
Get at least 7 hours of sleep.
Smile more! It makes you look younger.
Don’t forget to use SPF.
Maintenance and consistent skin care > reactive skin care.
Drinking lots of water.
Wellness tips?
Letting go of negativity and past resentments can really transform and prolong your life. Live in gratitude and trust your intuition.
Best advice?
Follow your mission and go after your dreams!
Trust that what you’re doing is going to help someone or be good for the world.
Put yourself out there! When I first started my company, I knocked on the spa door at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire and left samples. Three days later they called me!
How do you like to relax?
I have a bath ritual every Sunday. I put on my calming Reiki music, my KNESKO masks, lay out some crystals, use bath salts, and allow myself to fully unwind and relax.
There’s a lot of power in quiet moments. I enjoy sitting with my thoughts in a quiet atmosphere or going for a long walk. For me personally, I feel that I can recharge by having my own space and solitude.
I also have no shame in admitting that I’m a big Netflix fan. Sometimes you just need a little bit of mindless TV to let your brain unplug from the busy world.
For more information, visit KNESKO’s website and follow on Instagram: @kneskoskin
[Images courtesy of KNESKO]
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