Meet Olivia Hensal

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

Hi Olivia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my brand, Olea Herbals, when I was studying clinical herbalism in grad school.

As a functional nutritionist, I see many women in my practice that struggle with symptoms of hormonal imbalance. What many people don’t realize is the personal care products we use can make a huge difference in our health. If we’re using products on our skin that contain preservatives linked to endocrine disruption, this can be problematic — especially long-term, chronic use.

And with that — Olea serves as an additional outlet for me to help people become healthier.

But outside of that, it helps me connect people deeper to herbalism, medicinal plants, and ultimately, deeper to themselves as a result.

When I was studying herbalism in my Master’s program, I fell in love with the topic. It didn’t feel like I was learning something new. It felt like I was remembering something I learned lifetimes ago. It lit a fire within me and I realized I needed to weave this into my everyday life, and I needed to help others do the same.

In my program, we were taught how to infuse herbs into oils and butters, and I began crafting products in my kitchen and selling them to people I worked with at Equinox while I was living in New York City at the time. And this was the start of Olea Herbals.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My brand, Olea Herbals is a clean, herbal-infused body, hair, and skincare brand. This brand was born from the belief (and my own anecdotal observations in my practice as a clinical nutritionist) that what we put on our skin makes a HUGE difference in health outcomes. So many women, and men for that matter, struggle with chronic symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. Unfortunately, there are many preservatives hidden in everyday personal care products that can disrupt our delicate hormonal system and contribute to dysfunction. Olea is another avenue for me to help the world become a healthier place.

Not only do we remove what’s ‘bad’ in everyday products, we also infuse each product with the good. Think nutrient-dense herbs, fruit extracts, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that your skin needs. Olea Herbals promote the use of skin and body care as a ritual, helping you to slow down and get more in tune with yourself.

The journey to creating and running a business is not easy at all. You have to really believe in yourself, what you’re offering the world, and be extremely self-disciplined. Being a business owner, no matter what business you’re in, means you are solving problems and challenges day in and day out.

One tool that has helped me the most is meditation. I attribute all of my discipline, focus, and success to my meditation practice. It truly helps me think more clearly, solve problems from a place of equanimity, and helps me to harness more creative energy to channel into my business and life.

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.
I love this question!

Our first stop would likely be Doya for dinner. This is one of my favorite spots in the city. I love the Mediterranean/Middle Eastern design and the food is to die for. We’d likely go to Barcelona Wine Bar after for wine and vibes (shoutout to Maria behind the bar she is the best).

The following morning, we’d likely stop at Novela in the morning for the best cappuccino in town before taking a heated yoga class at Ahana. We’d then spend the day at South Beach because…. for obvious reasons! It’s so lively and the beach is beautiful. Afterwards we’d stay in the neighborhood — maybe Tropezon for dinner and Medium Cool after for drinks and live jazz.

I really love this city, Miami is so vibrant and full of warm, happy people. There’s too many good spots to name all around the city. Mostly anywhere you go, you’ll find good people, good food, and high vibes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t have been able to start this business (and continue to run it) without the encouragement and help from my mom, and my entire immediate family. I have 3 siblings I’m really close to, 2 nephews, and 2 sister-in-laws that inspire me everyday to be the best I can be and encourage me to keep following my dreams. The most important thing in my life is the people in it. To me, this is what life is all about. In addition to my family, my dear friend and mentor, Dani Cruz, has been an invaluable asset to Olea’s growth. We wouldn’t be where we are today without her.

Image Credits
Libby Williams