Meet Alejandra Ramirez

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alejandra Ramirez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alejandra, what matters most to you?
The value that matters most to me is authenticity through quality.
I started Alquimista because I struggled to find truly natural products here in the U.S. — especially ones that didn’t irritate my sensitive skin or damage my hair. Back in Colombia, I was used to high-quality, natural options. But here, many products are filled with synthetic chemicals, preservatives, or ingredients that I can’t even pronounce — and over time, those can seriously affect our skin and hair health.

So for me, quality is non-negotiable. I would never sacrifice it for faster growth or more profit. I make everything as if it were for myself or someone I love — using only carefully chosen natural ingredients, with no shortcuts.

What I want most is for people to feel safe, connected, and confident using my products — knowing they’re putting something truly clean, effective, and handmade on their skin or hair. That trust is everything to me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art lives in the details — the textures, the scents, the intention behind every drop of oil I create. I’m the founder of Alquimista, a handcrafted beauty brand rooted in natural care, ancestral inspiration, and deep personal experience.

What sets my work apart is that I don’t create from trends — I create from need, tradition, and love. My formulas were born from personal struggles with sensitive skin and hair, and a deep frustration with synthetic products filled with preservatives and chemicals. When I couldn’t find what I needed, I made it — first for myself, then for others.

Professionally, my journey has been anything but easy. I left behind a promising brand in Colombia to start from scratch in a new country, with a new language and no support network. I worked full-time in another business while learning everything I could about product formulation, regulations, marketing, and design — all by myself, using YouTube, books, and life as my classroom.

I’m most proud of the fact that I kept going, even when I had to pause. That I never rushed. That I cared deeply about every detail — from ingredients to packaging — because I believe beauty is a form of care, not just a product.

What I want the world to know is that Alquimista is more than a brand. It’s my way of healing, creating, and honoring where I come from. It’s an invitation to return to what’s real — to beauty that’s simple, soulful, and made with both science and heart.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit, the first thing I’d show her is the magic of Miami at night. The city feels alive — the lights, the architecture, the streets — everything becomes inspiring. I’d take her to see the iconic Hard Rock Hotel, then to some quiet beaches near Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood, where we could enjoy a beach picnic with good food and a glass of wine, maybe even stay until evening to enjoy the ocean under the stars.

I’d also plan a day to visit places with breathtaking views like Miami Skyline View, and enjoy a glamorous dinner at Sexy Fish or Di Mauro’s — both visually stunning and full of character.

To reconnect with nature, we’d visit Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, which feels like a hidden paradise outside the city. We’d also spend time in Wynwood and the Miami Design District, where art, luxury fashion, and architecture come together in such an inspiring way. And of course, we’d save a day for shopping at the biggest outlets — because Miami is full of discovery at every corner.

More than just a destination, this city has been one of my greatest sources of inspiration. Its tropical climate, the challenges of living in a hot and humid environment, and the needs I personally experienced here were key to creating my first oil. Alquimista was born with the intention of improving daily routines in a city like this — helping skin and hair recover, stay nourished, and feel truly cared for.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my husband, who believed in my vision even before I did. He encouraged me to start creating again, reminding me of the very first brand I had built back in Colombia — La Alquimista. Leaving it all behind to move to the U.S. was one of the hardest things I’ve done, but his support gave me the strength to start fresh with even more purpose.

I’m also incredibly grateful to my mother, who taught me from a young age to trust in natural care for my skin and hair. Her influence, along with my Colombian roots, shaped my deep love for quality, handmade, natural products. My culture is a constant reminder that beauty can be simple, powerful, and rooted in tradition.

To my mother-in-law, who was the very first person to try my oil and saw incredible results — thank you for believing in it and sharing it with others. And to the girl in Medellín who first showed me an infused oil, thank you for sparking the idea that would later grow into something bigger than I imagined.

Finally, a special thanks to creators like Sasha Fitness, who inspired me through her journey and products. As someone who learned mostly on my own — through YouTube, books, and intuition — I’m thankful for every piece of motivation that helped me move forward when I had no roadmap.

Website: https://alquimista-products.myshopify.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alquimista.beauty/

Image Credits
Photos by Aleja Ramirez for Alquimista