This month, we’re shining a spotlight on someone who is not only a dedicated team member but a true embodiment of Tierra & Lava’s spirit: Mindy. Her creativity, passion, and commitment to conscious living make her an essential part of our family.
Can you tell us a little about yourself? (home, family, hobbies, etc.)
Hi! I am Mindy and I was born and raised right here in San Cristóbal el Alto. I'm almost 38 years old, single, and I have a beautiful 11-year-old daughter. I studied to be a bilingual secretary, and we live with my parents.
My father is a master tailor, and my mother is a homemaker. I am the seventh of nine siblings, all of whom studied various professions. All of my siblings currently work, as well, in the family's tailoring business. We’ve all inherited a love for creating things, each in different ways.
In my free time, I make clothes for my daughter or help my sister with her sewing. I love spending time with my daughter; we read mystery books, watch wildlife documentaries, and go to the movies. I’m passionate about reading romance novels and love cooking for my family.
How long have you been working with T&L?
I started working with Tierra & Lava's founder, Lucy Ashman, in January 2015, so several years ago, right here in San Cristóbal el Alto.
What do you enjoy most about working at Tierra & Lava?
When Lucy creates a new recipe or experiment, I love watching the formula transform into something magical. I enjoy harvesting organic ingredients from the garden, especially when everything is green, knowing they’ll become part of the products.
I love creating products and playing with the aromas. Putting on my favorite music and working in the workshop from morning until evening is what I enjoy most about my work.
What are your favorite T&L products?
I have three favorites:
- For personal use, my favorite is the Copal & Lemongrass Deodorant.
- For making, I love creating the Hibiscus & Rose Serum.
- For its story, I love the Copal, Myrrh, & Rose Soap.
What have you learned about nature, the environment, or sustainability since working with T&L?
I didn’t know much about recycling before and learned about it here, along with plant properties, appreciating nature, using natural resources more fully, and many other things about the connection we have to the earth that I can’t fully put into words.
What does conscious care mean to you?
It means fully understanding that every product we use in our daily lives has a story of care, exclusivity, luxury, sustainability, fair payments to small suppliers, and zero pollution behind it. Knowing that it’s not just a soap or a shampoo but a story of life.
What kinds of things do you do for your personal care?
I enjoy facials using products that are all-natural, like Tierra & Lava products, and make-up that contains no chemicals.
