I was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia until I was 16 and left for Paris. I first arrived there to finish my studies and work in fashion until I was around 18 and left for New York. I lived and loved the city for seven years until I started seeking something more grounded and a direction that gave more depth and meaning to my life. I read a book on Ayurveda and decided to go study with Dr. Vasant Lad at the Ayurvedic Institute, Albuquerque for one year. Later, I spent a year and half living in India, predominantly studying yoga therapy. On my return, my sister was living in Barcelona and I shyly came around. I ended up staying here, working first in the field of yoga while producing and working on my life-long love for photography and the art of seeing; later running an NGO called Niños del Mundo; and finally creating two restaurants after learning from my partner and father of my two children about the hospitality industry.

Les Filles started with our brand of juices, Loup et Filles. We wanted a place to offer them that was a bit like my business partner Tamsin and I both were: lovers of nature and green spaces, followers of wholesome yet delicious and fun meals, easy going, with a clear sense of aesthetics and open to new experiences. We were offered this space with the possibility of having a private garden and the timing felt right for what we were looking for, and here we are. 

We are all living organisms, on a living planet, sustained in a universe that is also alive. From the smallest part within us to the grandest part around us, all is interconnected somehow. That awareness, respect and reverence for life is essential to our well-being and in turn to the well-being of the planet and its sustainability. 

Ayurveda was the result of searching for meaning and finding coherent answers, health and clarity. I had the chance of having an amazing teacher, an example of Ayurveda and its benefits. The time I spent with Dr. Vasant Lad in the Ayurvedic Institute, Albuquerque was a deeply transformative period –the idea of wholeness and interconnectedness between every aspect of life, inner and outer, became ingrained in me.

You understand that the skin is not separate, but a mirror expressing what is going on inside. That the elements and their role throughout everything we do will manifest through the skin. The way we are feeling, and our lifestyle will affect the health of our skin and the body. 

To give an example: now that Autumn is starting, my lips and skin are getting drier, I know how I can balance it with food and routines, I know that oil is the counterpoint to dryness, which is a quality of Vata, and I also know that heat is helpful, as it is having more stillness and warm foods. When it’s warmer, I need less oil, when the sun is present I use organic sunscreen more often, or a serum for the season. My diet changes and the rest periods as well.

I start with a big glass of water, then lemon warm water, brushing my teeth, oil pulling and tongue cleanser. Then, a cold shower (if I'm courageous) and a tonic following the shower. I use a good hydrating cream or sunscreen if it’s sunny. I rarely use makeup, I feel the skin needs to breathe. I like to start with an Ashtanga class early in the morning, followed by meditation, and that is ideal for the skin, in all the ways that exercise oxygenates and clears blood and stagnation which directly influences the skin. I eat wholesome foods mostly and try to have organic and real, local food (also directly related to microbiome and skin). I drink water as much as I can. Before bed, I always clean the skin with a cleansing cream, then tonic, then oil massage and some eye serum. A good night’s rest is also essential. Sometimes I’ll use Triphala at night or take probiotics at certain periods when seasons are changing.

Yoga, meditation, reading, prayer and mindfulness practice. Silent meditation retreats are the best way to care for myself, nothing more grounding than days of silence, befriending the shadow and caring for our inner voices. Whenever I can, I enjoy a sauna or cold dips in winter. 

First thing you notice is the way the products smell. So real and fresh, they hold the integrity of where they come from. I’m also delighted with the Hydrating duo. It’s like an ancient art, and leaves my skin soft, nourished and supple. I can feel how the floral mist prepares the skin to take in the oil, and I love spending some time massaging to help lock-in moisture. The Tangerine Cleansing Balm feels healing, like food for the skin. And I’m also delighted with the Eye Contour Serum. So practical, I use it in the morning, after swimming, before bedtime... It has become my constant companion. 

I would love to travel more with my daughters and partner, take them to see the world and open their eyes to the wonders of cultures and ways around the world. I have a photo book project that started while in the pandemic, we were stuck in the countryside with my business partner Tamsin and her family, let's see if time permits me to continue with that... Maybe another Les Filles… We feel very supported by our clients and feel room to grow and search for other areas in the city. A meditation retreat would do me good once again.