Wild-Grown, Sustainable and Fair Trade Products by African Botanics

Powerful plant-based ingredients in each of these potions act as a little love letter to South Africa

Born from ongoing homesickness and a desire to use powerful, wild-grown and sustainable ingredients from South Africa, African Botanics was founded in 2012 by LA-based South African couple Julia and Craig Noik. The lush products (from rich Marula oils to scrubs and seaweed-infused serums) are each a little love letter to their country, its people and connection to nature. Right now, the brand is donating 20% of …

Behind the Scenes at California’s Organic Cowgirl Creamery

Dedication to local ingredients, experimentation, tradition and science provides the foundation for this beloved brand

Encased in a white bloomy rind, Cowgirl Creamery’s signature, triple-cream Mt Tam on a Rustic Bakery cracker with a dab of Jamnation‘s seville orange marmalade is more than the perfect mouthful, it’s also a taste of Northern California. Pairings with neighboring collaborators (be it bakeries, farmers, winemakers and beer-brewers) have always been integral to the mission of Cowgirl founders Sue Conley and Peggy Smith and …

Boy Smells Founder Matthew Herman on Scent and Gender

Reimagining personal care products in a more fluid and inclusive manner

Despite its name, LA-based Boy Smells—founded by David Kien and Matthew Herman—makes underwear and candles that aren’t intended for one gender; rather the brand is a purposeful amalgamation of masculinity and femininity and everything between. Conversation around personal care products typically being hyper-gendered led Kien and Herman to experiment within the space. They made candles in their kitchen with the mission to explore the dismissal …