Life and Work with Lena Leyva

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Leyva.

Lena, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began making my own deodorants and skincare products about ten years ago. I was frustrated that I couldn’t find natural, low ingredient, non-sterilizing products that WORKED and were affordable. And ideally I wanted to support businesses that were accessible to queer folks and humans of color. I had an aligning interest in using plant-derived ingredients as medicine and health support, so I just put two and two together. Before I knew it I was pumping out products for friends and family, while looking to the scientific community for more solid, evidence-based research. Eventually, I had friends looking to me for information and solutions to all kinds of body-related quandaries.

Eventually, (with the help of a brilliant and like-minded friend, Brit Cole), we decided to a launch a gender-neutral, accessible, natural personal care line with a limited selection of simple products that did their job… without robbing you of the benefits of your naturally occurring microbiome. Brit has since left the business, but I am still plugging along, playing with plant extracts, making potions, and thinking a lot about what people need and want for their bodies, and how to keep that accessible, relevant, and attractive.

Has it been a smooth road?
Of course, it hasn’t been smooth! I say “of course”, because one of the main sources of pain and murkiness I see for myself and fellow small business owners is the pressure to seem like you always have your shit together. We don’t. And that’s ok.

That being said- I have had A LOT of incredible support and purely magical and serendipitous moments along my journey. I have had my fair share of struggles and a hard time accepting support without guilt. When we were starting out there was a COMMUNITY of people who came together with favors, support, information, EXPERTISE, skill… our community was EVERYTHING. I absolutely would not be where I am without the magnanimous and un-repayable support of the folks that rallied around Zola and believed in us and our mission.

Having a small business is messy, and make-shift, and sometimes hopeless and lonely feeling. But the community you can create is ABSOLUTELY worth it. Remember to reach out, lean on your community, VALUE others’ experience and expertise. Forever-ever remember gratitude and humility go a long way to keep your mind and options open, and that no-one knows exactly what the “right way” is.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Zola Oil Co. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
We do simple, unconventional, plant-based personal care. We approach body care with the idea that putting healthy things on your body should be inclusive and accessible. We do not believe in sterilizing your body. We DO believe in open body conversation and loving yourself unapologetically.

Who have you been inspired by?
I was raised by a tribe of scary-smart, powerful feminine forces… mother, aunties, sisters. The kind who hug for real, value intellect, are not afraid to call you on your BS, and have high expectations of those who wish to keep their company. Those women are the foundation for everything I am proud of being today, and my continuing source of power.

Pricing:

• All Products $20 or Under

Contact Info:

• Website: zolaoilco.com
• Email: contactus@zolaoils.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zolaoilco/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zolaoilco/

Image Credit:
Nigel Penhale, Brit Cole

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