What is your background?

I went to USC and studied Political Science, Journalism and Marketing. I started my career as an entertainment and fashion on-camera host and journalist, but always knew I would find my way into beauty. I have worked for outlets like Who What Wear, POPSUGAR, Refinery 29 and ET Online prior to starting my line.

What inspired you to start Mara after being a beauty editor?

I was consistently disappointed with the many face oils I had tried, so I set out to create my own! I love wellness, so clean foods + clean beauty products have always been top of mind. I used my years of experience and connections, along with my family’s strong background in beauty and my access to thousands of products to my advantage to do research and find incredible labs + manufacturers.

When did you become aware of sun safety as it relates to beauty and health?

Since I was maybe 5 or 6? I am very fair and my dad spent a lot of our childhood working at Neutrogena, which is basically synonymous with sunscreen. He always stressed the importance of daily SPF and I have been wearing it daily since middle school.

How are you mindful of sun exposure with your beauty routine?

Rain or shine, I wear SPF! I actually do not wear much makeup, so typically SPF is the final step in my beauty routine each morning. I also make sure to re-apply, especially if I’m out in the sun! Also – hats!

How do you see beauty editors and skincare founders being able to promote ideas and products with wellness in mind?

The trend towards cleaner formulations is incredible–there are so many amazing products to choose from that are good for you and good for the planet. I feel lucky to be apart of the movement–MARA is totally clean and still has that sense of luxury you find with more mainstream prestige brands. Consumers are more savvy and retail stores are listening, which is paving the way for smaller indie brands with clean initiatives to shine.

For more about Mara Beauty, go here.