Hola! I'm Meleesa and my journey with LaB.OTANICA began long before its inception. Raised in the vibrant landscapes of Costa Rica, I was surrounded by medicine women, lush flora, and majestic fauna. Their wisdom and the beauty of nature shaped my path, leading me to embrace the healing power of plants and the importance of balance for body and spirit.
After 23 years in the beauty industry, working behind the scenes for product companies and in one-on-one environments with clients, I uncovered many dirty beauty secrets. I noticed the harmful chemicals present in beauty products and the relentless media pressure for agelessness and physical perfection. Witnessing the damage caused by these unrealistic beauty standards, I felt a profound calling to reconnect with my roots and embrace the healing power of plants. Thus, LaB.OTANICA was born—a manifestation of my dedication to providing the world with a range of plant-based, cruelty-free products, alongside fostering a community and lifestyle focused on elevated beauty vibrations empowering them to embrace their authentic beauty.
LaB.OTANICA embodies a return to my roots, my land, and the wisdom passed down by my ancestors. Inspired by the practices of traditional medicine women, our formulations are meticulously crafted to nourish and rejuvenate, promoting harmony between skin, mind, and body. To me, ritual beauty means nurturing one's beauty vibration—recognizing that beauty reflects our inner world. Your beauty vibration is your purest essence, unfiltered and authentic. This new perspective acknowledges beauty as a divine resonance within and around us. By embracing our beauty vibration, we become magnetic, drawing in experiences and energies that resonate with our souls.
In addition to my work with LaB.OTANICA, I've dedicated over two decades to the artistry of hair. From founding Meleesa the Salon, Orange County's premier sustainable beauty sanctuary in 2005, to evolving into my private Intuitive Beauty Studio in 2024, I've woven sustainability and intuition into every strand. You become my muse as soon as you sit in my chair. My journey extends beyond the salon chair, encompassing editorial styling and education in sustainable beauty styling nationally and internationally.
Embracing the wisdom of herbal studies, I infuse my work with the energetic signature of herbs, deeply believing in the power of plant magic. My upcoming Diploma in Organic Formulation (2024) is a testament to my ongoing dedication to pioneering holistic skincare and herbal remedies, ensuring that my formulations honor the cycles of our life and deliver botanically designed, energetically aligned formulations.
As a student, I've honed my craft through top training at esteemed institutions like Bumble & Bumble NYC, L'Oreal Soho Academy, and Vidal Sassoon. My resume boasts a rich tapestry of experiences, from working with celebrity clientele to gracing the pages of magazines like Beauty Launchpad and appearing on programs ranging from E! Entertainment to The Oprah Winfrey Show.
With a Gemini's knack for balance, I merge the worlds of beauty, fashion, and holistic wellness seamlessly. I am a hair alchemist, blooming herbalist, and beauty vibration advocate.I love to educate and mentor. I prioritize traveling around the world and hold a passion for learning from indigenous cultures, feeling a responsibility to keep the knowledge and traditions alive.
My mission is to bring grace and help people embrace their beauty vibration while honoring the natural world. At the heart of it all, I believe in the power of plant magic, the awakening of inner beauty, and the importance of harmonizing with nature.
I believe in the awakening of our inner power and authentic beauty.
I believe it is time to listen to our bodies, slow down, and harmonize with nature.
I am an advocate for authentic beauty.
I am here to provide you with holistic practices to fall in love with the skin you live in
Join me in this holistic and transformative journey.
Fall in love with the skin you live in.