Our Interview With Alison Ragusa: Founder of ‘BOGAVIA’ An All-Natural Beauty And Vegan Skincare Brand She Created In Los Angeles

Photo: Alison Ragusa: Founder of ‘BOGAVIA’ Skincare 

Alison Ragusa is the founder and creator of Bogavia, an all-natural beauty and vegan skincare brand she created in Los Angeles. Alison is a former Florentine Chef and Holistic Health Expert who was inspired by the beauty of the Adriatic which “uses the power, purity, and sensuality of plants for a weightless hydration experience.”

She says: “It has been thrilling to see this innovation (natural beauty products becoming luxurious) completely transform the beauty industry, and now a decade later not only has natural beauty become luxurious, it has become completely accessible, and it has become the standard.”

1.) CA: What led you to start your own beauty line and what is your favorite beauty secret?

Alison Ragusa: My love for showering led me to create my own beauty line! Since I was a kid I just loved to shower, I always felt that it was so magical, and the products that sat in the shower were treasures. I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to start purchasing my own products to use, and then I couldn’t wait to create my own products and share them with the world.

My favorite beauty secret is to use facial masks in the shower. It turns your shower into a spa. The steam from the shower helps your pores to open up more and allows the facial mask to work deeper into your pores, and then you can rinse the mask off effortlessly under the running shower water.

2.) CA: What separates your skincare line from other traditional beauty brands?

Alison Ragusa: The love that I put into it! Bogavia is made with the love and attention that my sister and I (and our incredible team of friends) put into it every single day. 

Photo courtesy of Bogavia www.bogavia.com

3.) CA: Have you seen any innovation in your industry that has changed the game since you started?

Alison Ragusa: When we started Bogavia almost ten years ago, the concept of natural beauty products as a luxurious experience did not really exist. Natural beauty products were not seen as a luxury item, but to me, they were so luxurious; I mean what can be more luxurious than pampering your skin with the lushness of plants! Bogavia’s mission was to create that experience for consumers and to fill that void in the market.

It has been thrilling to see this innovation (natural beauty products becoming luxurious) completely transform the beauty industry, and now a decade later not only has natural beauty become luxurious, it has become completely accessible, and it has become the standard. 

I am so proud to have been a part of this incredible shift, that has cleaned up the beauty industry, and it is an honor to continue to keep consumers healthy and safe with Bogavia’s whole range of clean beauty products.

4.) CA: What advice would you give to anyone trying to get into the beauty industry or any thoughts you’ll like to share with our readers?

Alison Ragusa: My advice is to keep your brand true to you. Stay true and believe in your vision, don’t be afraid to put it out there.

5.) CA: Can you share a book recommendation or a personal mantra that has had a major impact on you both in your personal and work life?

Alison Ragusa: “Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential” by Caroline Myss. This is one of my favorite books in the world. It is a treasure and it takes you on an adventure as you read. It is also a book you can keep coming back to and you will discover more and more each time.