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Photographed by Leslie Kirchoff.

What makes Benshen different from other companies?

"My company is different than others because it has a piece of my heart in it. I use a lot of sound current to infuse the oils with elevated vibration. When you're working with ingredients that have all their living enzymes and life force intact, you don't want to be making batches while thinking of how angry you are at your partner, or how stressed out you are about your credit card bill. That will all go right into the product. So, I use Naad (sound current), which I play in my apartment 24/7 — especially when I am making products. I'll sing with it, so Benshen and I are in a time and space of positive frequencies. Nothing but love goes into each batch."



How has the New York beauty scene changed since you first started?

"I'm still a newbie in it, but it's profound and thrilling to see more and more women come to the realization that beauty comes from truly nourishing the body from within.



"One of my biggest fears when I launched was, How am I going to make it when there are so many natural brands out there already? And, the more I persist, as well as become friends with the creators of these brands, I realize that each of us has our own unique touch. Competition is a fear-based idea. There's plenty to go around. If the natural beauty army plans to take over the world and give people an alternative to overloading their bodies with chemicals, we need all the brands we can get!"



What’s one thing you would go back and tell yourself when you were first starting out?

"The same thing I tell myself 5,000 times a day, my favorite quote by Yogi Bhajan: 'Keep up and you will be kept up.'"



What has been the biggest challenge of opening your own company?

"Definitely the business side! I'm such a creative at heart, with my head in the clouds. But, I'm lucky enough to have the most amazing support tribe who tells me to come back to Earth when I need it.



"Also, staying on the path of your dreams. I could have quit many times. But, my commitment to my soul's mission on this planet reminds me that this actually has nothing to do with me. I am just a vehicle for Benshen to come to life, to bring this powerful plant medicine to others, and to share how to cultivate inner radiance."