Where It All Began — The Azul Organic Skincare Story

People often ask me where the journey of Azul Organic Skincare began, and the answer surprises many! Not in a bustling city like L.A. or New York, but in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana in Southern Africa.

After finishing my Esthetics courses in California, I moved back overseas and found myself immersed in a completely different pace of life, one that ultimately shaped the heart of my skincare practice. Starting a business in a foreign country isn't exactly easy, and when you think of Africa, you might not imagine all the amenities or tools you’d need to launch a spa business. But life has a funny way of opening the right doors at the right time.

Just as I was getting started, a local salon in town was closing its doors, and I was able to purchase their secondhand equipment, the perfect foundation to set up my first treatment room in one of the rooms at home. With the help of my girlfriends (and a few bottles of wine & paint), we turned that space into a little sanctuary. It all began with a paint party, me practicing on my friends, my very first (and very patient!) clients, as I perfected my facial treatments.

Falling in Love with Organic Skincare

Living in Botswana exposed me to a whole new world of organic and natural skincare. I discovered a South African skincare company that harvested local herbs and botanicals from their own farm in Durbin. Their products were handcrafted with natural ingredients, and I noticed how the skin responded to these formulas. Absorbing them more effectively than synthetic alternatives. I was hooked. I knew from that moment on that I wanted to create a space that celebrated clean, organic skincare.

A Business Built on Word of Mouth

With time, practice, and passion, I started building a clientele, mostly through word-of- mouth and connections with the local expat community. Eventually, my home spa became a welcoming haven for facials and self-care.

Sometimes, I’d even pack up my portable massage bed, skin care products, and hop on a small airplane with my husband as he traveled for work in Northern Botswana. I’d turn our rental house into a pop-up spa for the week, treating new word-of-mouth clients. Looking back, I’m not even sure how I managed it all, but when you’re young, passionate, and ready to hustle, you find a way.

Botswana Changed Me

My time in Botswana was more than just a chapter; it was a transformation. I fell in love with the slower pace of life, the warmth of the people, and the deep connection to nature. I spent weekends on safari, camping near elephants, hearing lions roar under the stars, enjoying fireside braais (South African barbecues), and learning to truly savor the present moment.

Although I’m back in the States now, I carry the spirit of Botswana with me every day,

through my business, my philosophy, and my love for organic skincare. Azul Organic Skincare was born out of that journey, and I’m so grateful for where it all began.

Established in 2011- Azul Organic Skincare