Meet Maria Henry

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Henry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Maria, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?

Empathy has consistently been my subtle superpower, allowing me to see myself through another person. Early on in life, I was able to read a room easily. Growing up on a small farm, I developed strong connections with the animals around me. This early bond with animals heightened my ability to connect with others on a deeper level. Whether it was understanding the unspoken needs of a distressed friend or sensing the quiet joy in someone’s eyes, my empathetic nature became a guiding force in my interactions.

As I transitioned into adulthood, this gift of empathy proved invaluable in my professional life. In my career, it enabled me to build strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues and clients. I could anticipate challenges and offer solutions that resonated on a human level, fostering a more compassionate and productive work environment.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My skincare brand is deeply personal, an expression of my heart. I create safe and healthy skincare products using plant-based ingredients, following the European Union standard of skincare. Unlike most brands that outsource production, all my products are meticulously researched, formulated, and hand-poured by me, making this approach quite rare in the skincare industry. While this hands-on process limits my production capacity, it adds value for my customers, who appreciate the uniqueness and can directly reach out to me.

I’m also an Astrologer, and I enjoy blending cosmic influences into my brand. The connection between plants and planets inspires me, providing a distinct perspective in developing my skincare line. I’ve been able to create hands-on workshops where participants can create their own facial products, while connecting planets like Venus to various flowers used in these skincare products.

Last year, I established my own formulation lab and physical store. This endeavor is a source of great pride for me. I love creating a space where customers can share their personal skincare journeys. It has evolved into a sanctuary for sharing my passion and building connections with my clientele.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Early on I studied graphic and web design. I was a designer for almost 20 years. As I transitioned into formulating skincare, my design skills became key in helping me create my own brand. Looking back, this education and on-the-job training became very helpful when I launched a new passion. All of our skills eventually support us along the way.

I find exploring your passions and pursuing them is key. I was first an artisan skincare formulator but then discovered my love for Astrology. I was unsure how to merge these interests or hesitant to share my love for Astrology. I realized that by following my heart, opportunities arose and everything fell into place.

Cultivating empathy has enabled me to create a safe space for my clients to open up about their most personal skin issues. I’ve discovered that attentive listening is key to building meaningful connections with others. By truly hearing their concerns and validating their experiences, I can offer not just solutions, but also comfort and reassurance. This approach has transformed my practice, turning routine appointments into opportunities for genuine human connection.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

To me, achieving work-life balance is crucial. I am truly passionate about my work, often losing track of time during the day. Being a small business owner means having a constant list of tasks. However, I understand that slowing down allows creativity to flourish. Stepping into nature grounds me and recharges my energy. Making time for nature has taught me that it is essential for maintaining balance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.luminousrosebeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luminousrosebeauty
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuminousRoseBeauty/

Image Credits

Blazel Photography