Let’s start from the beginning! Tell us a little about the journey that led you to where you are now.

I’ve been passionate about beauty for as long as I can remember! It all started when I was a little girl growing up in Barranquilla, Colombia. I remember my grandmother used to throw spa parties at her home, where we’d all gather and pamper ourselves. For me, beauty was never a chore — it was a joyful part of my daily life. But, my professional journey into skincare began when my stepfather was diagnosed with cancer. The experience opened my eyes to the harmful chemicals found in everyday beauty products.

I was shocked at how many synthetic ingredients were in things we all used, even products that were supposed to be “good for us.” I couldn’t find any luxury, high-performance products that were 100% natural. So, I decided to create my own! It wasn’t just about making natural beauty products but about making them the best that they could possibly be — without any compromises. I spent years working with scientists and experts to formulate everything from scratch, growing many of the ingredients on our farm in Vermont. My mission was, and still is, to prove that you don’t need to sacrifice efficacy for purity. That’s how and why Tata Harper Skincare was born!

What inspires you? What factors have played roles in the development of your brand and business?

What really inspires me is nature and the power of botanicals. I’ve always believed in the healing power of plants and that nature provides everything we need. This belief has guided me from the very beginning. Another huge inspiration is the idea of wellness as a lifestyle. In Latin culture, beauty isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, living well, and taking care of yourself from the inside out. I wanted to create a brand that embodies that holistic approach, where skincare is a ritual, not a chore.

A big factor in the development of Tata Harper Skincare was the lack of high-performance, truly natural products available. This gap in the market really pushed me to create something that didn’t exist yet — 100% natural, but also incredibly effective skincare products. I’ve also been influenced by my journey as an entrepreneur. Building this brand from the ground up, with every formulation being made on our farm in Vermont, hasn’t been easy, but it’s been so rewarding. Our commitment to transparency, sustainability, and pushing the boundaries of clean beauty continues to shape everything we do.

Tata Harper Skincare products are made using naturally-derived ingredients. What can you share about the importance of non-toxic skincare?

The importance of non-toxic skincare is really personal to me. When my stepfather was diagnosed with cancer, I started looking into the products we were all using every day. I was shocked to see how many harmful chemicals were in them! I didn’t want myself or my loved ones to be exposed to these toxic ingredients and I realized so many people out there didn’t even know what they were putting on their skin. Your skin is your largest organ, and it absorbs much of what you put on it. So, for me, it’s really about safety and health. I believe skincare should do more than make you look good—it should also be good for you.

This is why I’m so committed to using only naturally-derived, non-toxic ingredients in all of our products. We source the highest-quality botanicals from all over the world, and we grow many of them on our farm in Vermont, so we can control the purity and potency of what goes into each formulation. Non-toxic skincare is also about transparency and trust. I want people to feel confident that when they use Tata Harper products. They’re getting the best nature has to offer without any hidden, harmful chemicals. It’s not just about beauty — it’s about well-being and making choices that are better for your skin and overall health

From cleansers, to makeup products, to skincare accessories, Tata Harper Skincare carries a wide variety of products available for purchase. What products are included in your personal daily skincare routine?

I always begin with the Nourishing Oil Cleanser. It’s incredibly effective at removing impurities and makeup without stripping my skin — it leaves it feeling soft and hydrated. After that, I use our Regenerating Cleanser for a gentle exfoliation that gives my skin a fresh glow.

I follow up with a few spritzes of our Hydrating Floral Essence to lock in moisture. Then, I mix two of my favorite products: the Elixir Vitae and the Resurfacing Serum. This combo gives my skin an incredible glow and helps to smooth out fine lines and texture.

Before I seal everything in with the Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil, I apply the Repairative Moisturizer, which deeply hydrates and nourishes my skin throughout the day. At night, the Retinoic Face Oil really works its magic, providing vitamins and nutrients to restore my skin while I sleep. It’s a routine I love, and it makes my skin feel incredible every day

How do you seek to incorporate balance in your life?

Balance is something I’m always striving for, especially with a busy schedule and constant traveling. For me, it starts with being intentional about self-care. My skincare routine is a part of that — taking time every morning and night to care for my skin is a ritual that grounds me. It’s a small act of self-care that makes me feel good and helps me start and end my day with a little calm.

But I prioritize wellness in all aspects of my life. That means eating healthy, organic food, staying active, and making sure I get enough sleep — though that can be challenging sometimes! I love hiking and walking outdoors whenever I can, especially when I’m at the farm in Vermont. Nature really helps me reset and recharge.

Another important part of balance is spending time with my family. My kids keep me grounded, and making sure I have time with them, whether it’s family vacations or just moments at home, is really important to me. I try to bring that balance into my work too, by creating a brand that’s all about well-being, both inside and out. I think balance is about recognizing that while life is busy, it’s important to take time for yourself, even if it’s just small moments throughout the day.

From farm to face, all Tata Harper Skincare products are made in-house on your organic farm in Vermont. What can you share about the impact of small-batch production on product quality?

Small-batch production is at the heart of everything we do at Tata Harper Skincare. By making all of our products in-house on our organic farm in Vermont, we have complete control over every step of the process, from sourcing ingredients to formulating, producing, and packaging. This ensures the highest quality in every single bottle.

What’s also special about small-batch production is that it allows us to produce zero waste. We only make what the demand accounts for, so we’re not overproducing or wasting any resources. It’s a more sustainable way to operate, and it means our clients always receive themost fresh and powerful products, with active ingredients at their absolute peak.

When you produce in small batches, the products are always fresh, which is crucial when working with natural, bioactive ingredients. Small-batch production helps preserve their potency and effectiveness. It’s really about making sure we deliver the best that nature has to offer, with no compromises.

What advice would you give other women leaders in the business world?

Do you have any beauty or skincare tips you could share with us?

I was taught by both my grandmother and mother to never go to bed with makeup on. This simple lesson has stuck with me throughout my life. Cleansing your skin before bed is essential for allowing it to breathe and regenerate overnight.

In terms of skincare, one tip I always share is the importance of layering your products correctly. There’s real science behind this: the effectiveness of each product can depend on the size of the molecules. I also love to mix products for an added boost. I personally mix our Elixir Vitae with the Resurfacing Serum for an instant glow and to smooth the appearance of fine lines. Layering different textures and ingredients can really elevate your skincare routine.

Another tip is to never forget your neck and décolletage! These areas are often overlooked, but they deserve the same attention as your face.

Your products utilize a variety of eco-friendly alternatives including recyclable glass, recycled paperboard, plastic derived from sugar cane, and soy-based ink. What can you share about Tata Harper’s dedication to sustainable sourcing and packaging?

At Tata Harper, sustainability is a core value that runs through everything we do. Our dedication to eco-friendly sourcing and packaging is not just a trend for us; it’s a fundamental aspect of our brand philosophy. We believe that beauty should not come at the expense of our planet. We utilize recyclable glass for our product containers, which is not only beautiful but also helps reduce waste. Glass is infinitely recyclable, and it keeps our formulas safe from contamination.

For our packaging, we use recycled paperboard and materials that are sourced sustainably, ensuring we’re doing our part to minimize our environmental footprint. One of the innovations we’re particularly proud of is using plastic derived from sugar cane in some of our packaging. This bio-based plastic is a renewable resource, which means it helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Plus, we use soy-based inks for printing, which are more environmentally friendly compared to traditional inks.

We are constantly looking for ways to improve our sustainability efforts. It’s important for us to not only create effective products but to also ensure that every aspect of our process respects the environment. By making these conscious choices, we hope to inspire our customers to think about their own impact on the planet and embrace more sustainable practices in their beauty routines.

What’s next for you? How do you hope to see the impact of  your work take form?

Looking ahead, I’m excited about continuing to innovate and expand Tata Harper Skincare, while staying true to our core values. We’re constantly exploring new ingredients and formulations that align with our commitment to natural beauty and efficacy. I want to push the boundaries of what’s possible in clean beauty and show that you don’t have to compromise on quality or results when choosing natural products.

I also hope to deepen our sustainability efforts. As the beauty industry evolves, it’s crucial for brands to take responsibility for their environmental impact. I envision Tata Harper becoming a leader in sustainable practices, setting an example for others in the industry. By continuing to prioritize eco-friendly sourcing and packaging, we can make a real difference in reducing waste and promoting a healthier planet.

Beyond product innovation, I want to focus on education and community engagement. I believe it’s essential to empower our customers with knowledge about clean beauty and the importance of self-care. Through workshops, events, and digital content, I hope to create a space where people can learn not just about our products but about how to incorporate wellness and sustainability into their daily lives.

Favorite way to relax and unwind?

My favorite way to relax and unwind is to spend time outdoors, whether it’s hiking in the beautiful Vermont countryside or enjoying a quiet moment in my garden. Walking with my dogs brings me immense joy — it’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and find a sense of peace. These walks not only help clear my mind but also keep my body active and engaged.

One product that’s always in your bag?

One product that’s always in my bag is our Hydrating Floral Essence. It instantly refreshes my skin, adds hydration, and can even be used as a setting spray for makeup. I love that I can use it throughout the day to keep my skin glowing and dewy, no matter where I am. It’s like carrying a little burst of hydration with me wherever I go!

Favorite place to visit to spark inspiration?

Traveling to different regions and immersing myself in their unique beauty rituals and traditions often ignites fresh ideas for our products at Tata Harper Skincare. Nature and culture are my ultimate sources of inspiration.

Favorite space in your home?

One of my favorite spaces in my home is the breakfast room, where I love to hang out with my kids. It’s a cozy, sunlit space filled with warmth and laughter, making it the perfect spot to start our day together. We enjoy sharing our breakfast together, whether it’s fresh fruit, smoothies, or a hearty meal. This room is more than just a place to eat; it’s where we catch up, share stories, and plan our day. I cherish these moments of connection and the joy of being together as a family.

Go-to coffee or tea order?

My go-to coffee order is a simple, yet classic, cappuccino. I love the balance of rich espresso and creamy milk — it’s the perfect pick-me-up to start my day. I also discovered my love for matcha a few years ago during a wellness retreat, where I was introduced to its vibrant green color and unique flavor. I was intrigued by how it’s not just a drink but a whole ritual — ceremonial matcha is whisked with care and mindfulness, which I found so appealing.