Sandra Velasquez

It is said that constraint can breed creativity. This was certainly the case for Sandra Velasquez, who a few years ago found herself unemployed and with no savings. During this time, she began to ideate a beauty brand rooted in her Mexican heritage and in the iconic cultural symbol, the cactus. Her brand eventually became Nopalera, a Mexican botanicals bath and body-care line. As Sandra shares, “The idea for Nopalera was born from a place of discomfort. I was at a crossroads in my life.” Yet, Sandra’s firm belief in the impact a brand like Nopalera could have on the skincare market, elevating and celebrating Mexican culture, propelled her forward. Four years since the launch of Nopalera, the brand is now stocked at more than 700 retail doors, including boutiques, clean beauty retailer Credo Beauty, and notable U.S. retail giants such as Nordstrom and Kohl’s with plans for international expansion in 2025. Sandra sat down with Falta and shared her journey to founding Nopalera.