Questions for the Co-Founders:
Can you please share with the AILLEA audience a little background about yourself, both personally and professionally?
I was born and raised in Ecuador to a family of hairdressers. I adopted the profession early on in life, which led me to later opening my own salon on Fifth Avenue in New York City. My personal passion has always been to protect plants and trees, which started when I was just a child. I would go to the Amazon Rainforest with my parents, and fell in love with nature and everything it had to offer at a very young age.
What was your inspiration when initially launching Rahua?
I was introduced to a beauty secret of the Quechua tribal women during one of my many environmental trips to the Amazon Rainforest. I had heard of the legendary Rahua oil growing up, but it wasn’t until I brought it back to my salon in New York that I realized its potency. As a hair expert, I knew this was an ingredient that was rare and pure that could do wonders on hair. Research followed, a product line was developed, and the Rahua product line was born.
We know that Rahua is deeply committed to sustainability, can you please share why this is so important to you?
When we created the Rahua brand, it was specifically created to empower the preservation of Mother Nature. We have helped preserve over 150,000 acres of primary, pristine, biodiverse rainforest. In addition, we secured the tools needed to protect Indigenous lands for the Indigenous communities in order to sequester carbon from the air we breathe. We all need the trees to stay in the ground and the right people to protect them in order to live.
What is your personal favorite Rahua product?
Our Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo. It is a gentle exfoliating shampoo I like to use once a week. It makes my hair happy and I love the main ingredient, Star Anise, which acts as the physical exfoliator.
What are your favorite non-Rahua products or brands at AILLEA?
I’m a minimalist when it comes to my routine. I exclusively only use Rahua. It checks the boxes for all of my needs.
Can you please share with the AILLEA audience a little background about yourself, both personally and professionally?
I grew up in Georgia and graduated from Savannah College of Art & Design. Following my degree, I moved to New York City to pursue a career in fashion and trend forecasting.
I met Fabian at one of his first New York City hair salons, after a friend of mine
recommended him as a hairdresser. He impressed me right away with his artistry and wit. I left the salon with beautiful highlights and a fabulous cut and the rest was history. We started traveling together to the Amazon Rainforest and I became more inspired than ever by the untouched forest, culture and beauty.
What are some of the hero ingredients featured in the Rahua collection?
Our hero ingredient, which is in all of our products, is Rahua oil. It fortifies weak and damaged hair, while nourishing and maintaining hair follicle and scalp health. The super-fine molecules push color pigmentation deep into the hair shaft, greatly extending color endurance.
Another amazing ingredient is Palo Santo, which is known as “holy wood” and prized by Amazonian shamans for its spiritual purifying properties. The essence of this wild tree is Rahua’s signature scent. You’ll find this in our Classic Shampoo & Conditioner, which is a cult-favorite.
Are you planning to launch any new products in the near future? If so, can you share any details?
We are always planning for new launches and product development! For the holiday season this year, we will be launching our two best-selling shampoo and conditioner formats, Classic and Hydration in 14 o.z. Lush Pumps.
What is your personal favorite Rahua product?
I truly love all of our products. Right now, my go-to is our new Hydration Hair Mask. It’s part of our best-selling Hydration Collection, which is packed with amazing ingredients such as passion fruit, mango and shea butter to name a few. It’s a great treat for whenever my hair is feeling extra parched and lacks shine. My favorite way to use it is on a “self-care Sunday.” I’ll massage and comb through my hair and leave it in for a few hours before washing my hair. It leaves the hair feeling smooth and ever so hydrated.
What are your favorite non-Rahua products or brands at AILLEA?
I really love the 'Ocean Cleanser' by OSEA Malibu, 'The Optimist' Hydrating Essence' by Maya Chia, and the 'Limitless Lash Mascara' by ILIA!
