Community Spotlight: Botanic and Luxe
Leilani and Ariel, the owners and creatives behind Botanic and Luxe.
Meet Leilani and Ariel, two childhood best friends from the beautiful island of Kauai. These authentic, kind women are the owners and creators of our beloved Botanic and Luxe. A consciously curated collection of fair trade home goods, unique gifts from local makers, holistic natural skincare and tropical island plants can be found in every corner of the shop. Botanic and Luxe is a true reflection of their ALOHA roots.
I had the pleasure of interviewing these lovely ladies who radiate sunshine, to find out what soulful living truly means to each of them.
Sage CBD bath salts~ $24 Made locally in Capitola with 100% legal hemp CBD.
Honey Love Mask from Leahlani~ $53.50 Made with organic, wild harvested ingredients from Hawaii.
Moss Mornings Sleep Peel~ $32 Hyaluronic acid for hydration and lactic acid for softer, smoother skin.
Glow, The Beauty Chef~ $66 A daily probiotic powder.
What is your favorite beauty ritual? What Botanic & Luxe products do you love and can not live without?
Leilani: My favorite beauty ritual is taking a spoily bath with yummy bath salts. My fave are the Sage CBD bath salts we carry at the shop. I almost always enjoy a face mask at the same time. My personal favorite at the moment is our Honey Love mask from Leahlani. It’s packed with vitamin C from exotic fruits and raw Hawaiian honey, also sold at the shop. A product I can not live without lately is the Moss Mornings Sleep Peel. It’s seriously the easiest way to take care of your skin and takes hardly any time or energy. You sleep with it on and then wake up to fresh skin. Such a good mom hack!
Ariel: My favorite beauty ritual is starting my morning each day with a probiotic powder called Glow from The Beauty Chef. We sell it at the store and it’s seriously the best. It gives you glowing skin and tastes so yummy.
Everyday Oil~ $46 Wild harvested, all in one body oil.
Oil Of The Sisters~ $46 A rich, thick oil for hair, body and face.
Growing up in Hawaii, how do you bring ALOHA into your business and everyday life?
Leilani: In Hawaii everyone is warm and treats each other like a friend, even if they don’t really know each other very well. Everyone says “Hi” to one another and smiles at strangers. We genuinely feel that bringing this mentality to our community is important.This year has really shown us how we are all in this together.
Ariel: Showing kindness to each and every person we come in contact with is so important to us. In downtown Santa Cruz you definitely meet people from all walks of life, and it’s important to remember we all share this planet and deserve respect and ALOHA.
Tropical, jungle foliage around every corner.
What do you love about our Santa Cruz community?
Leilani: I love how supportive we are of one another. This community truly supports each other and that’s something really special that is not found everywhere. We feel so connected to the community and appreciate everyone’s openness and warmth.
Ariel: I love how welcoming everyone is here. I didn’t know anyone in Santa Cruz besides Leilani and a few of her friends when I first moved here, but since then I have met so many warm and wonderful people. It’s been a smooth transition and I’m grateful for that.
Don’t know where to start for your holiday shopping? Botanic and Luxe can help you create a tailored gift box.
How do you balance being business partners, best friends and new mommas?
Leilani: I think some days are easier than others. Ariel and I have a very solid friendship and know we can get through anything together. We respect each other, love each other, and have made a rule that we can’t talk about the shop when we are having a friend day. This doesn’t always happen, but it is our aim.
Ariel: Communication is key. Lei and I have always been on the same page and communicate openly with each other. Sometimes it feels more like a marriage than a friendship. It is the best!
Hand crocheted baby rattles~ $30
What sort of self care practices do you make sure to weave into your hectic schedule?
Leilani: I go on daily walks with my husband and baby. I usually go on two walks a day and although I genuinely enjoy my time at work, I’ve been really enjoying my special walks with my little family. Getting out in nature is such an important self care practice and has been so important for my mental well being.
Ariel: I allow myself lots of rest and cooking yummy meals - when I’m not enjoying Golden Roots of course!
Botanically hand dyed, silk eye mask, made in Santa Cruz ~ $30.
Handmade, one of a kind incense holder from Curious Clay~ $32
Celestial amber incense~ $18
Handmade, local sage and flower wand~ $30
Favorite must have plant that brings you joy in your home?
Leilani: My calathea orbifolia. I am literally obsessed with it and stare at it ten times a day. I’m constantly telling my husband how much I love it, and he’s just like - okay crazy plant lady!
Ariel: My favorite plant has to be a ficus decora. I have one in my bedroom and it’s just so striking and beautiful, a true statement plant!
Tillandsia, air plants.
What is your favorite Golden Roots Kitchen dish?
Leilani: Oh man, this is such a hard question. If I have to choose I would say the Fogline Farm Chicken Ragu. It is seriously so good!
Ariel: I have to go with the Sprouted Seed Bread. It has become a staple in my home. I love it in the morning with a fried egg.
Sacred Spaces Kit~ $68
Three things that can be found in your kitchen cupboard?
Leilani: Canned organic coconut milk, popcorn kernels because I finally bought an air popper, and steel cut oats. I always have these three items in stock.
Ariel: Buckwheat noodles, wheat flour, since my husband Ryan loves to make bread, and nutritional yeast.
Gift wrapping available with every purchase.
Shop small this holiday season supporting your local community.
Open everyday from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm.
701 A Front St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-515-7710
Email info@botanicandluxe.com if you would like to schedule a private shopping appointment at 10:00 am before the store is open to the public.
Photos and words:
Creative @goldenrootskitchen