Our Story
Hey, Friend!
I’m Erin, the owner of Wind & Sea Botanicals, and I’m so excited to share my story with you. Grab your favorite cup of tea, get cozy, and let’s chat about resilience, creativity, and the joy of self-care.
This story is about transformation, purpose, and finding peace. How the calming beauty of the ocean inspired me to create Wind & Sea Botanicals.
Growing Up in San Diego
The ocean has always been my sanctuary. Growing up by the beach, I spent countless hours swimming, body surfing, and connecting with the natural beauty of San Diego and all she had to offer. All my best memories are at the beach. That connection shaped who I am today and still influences everything I do—from my love for self-care to the clean, natural ingredients I choose for our products.
A Life of Change and Discovery
BS- Before Soap (haha), I was a flight attendant, traveling the world and experiencing so many different cultures. I traveled through Europe, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Jamaica, India, and drove across much of Mexico. I have been to all 50 states. I met wonderful people and saw so many beautiful places. It was eye-opening to experience how other cultures lived, ate, and cared for themselves. It was a wonderful time of adventure and wanderlust.
But life took a turn when my daughter’s father passed away. I had to quit my job and eventually went into insurance—a field that paid the bills, but always left me feeling tired and unappreciated.
Where It All Began
In 2016, my daughter Savannah was struggling with acne. We tried everything from drugstore products to prescriptions. The harsh, chemical-laden products we tried only made things worse. I am sure many people will relate to this struggle.
The more Savannah struggled, the more determined I became to find a solution. I started researching natural skincare solutions and discovered that the process of creating skincare was a lot like cooking. I love to cook, so it was right up my alley. I spent hours researching ingredients, skincare, and processes. I created 3 simple formulations with pure, gentle ingredients. To our delight, they worked—her skin cleared up, and her confidence soared, and we were both smiling again!
This experience ignited my passion for simple, natural, effective skincare and set the foundation for Wind & Sea Botanicals. I became meticulous about reading ingredient lists, not just in skincare, but in everything—from food to shampoo.
A Turning Point in 2020
Fast forward to 2020: I was navigating a difficult divorce, was out of work due to the pandemic, and was grieving the loss of my beloved dogs, Max and Hero.
I felt like life had thrown me under the bus, and then backed up on me again.
I was looking for remote work in a field I had spent years feeling unhappy in. Insurance drained my time and energy, and as a single parent, I was tired, cranky, and stretched thin.
I thought I was being responsible, but I was really neglecting my daughter and myself. The pandemic forced me to take a hard look at what was important to me.
The lesson was clear—life is too short to spend it doing things that don’t make you happy.
But amidst that chaos, I found clarity. I knew I had to make a change—life needed to be fun again, I needed to change how I spent my time and energy. I needed to enjoy work again. My work needed to be more than just work, I needed to be edified by it.
While we (all of California) were quarantined, many of us turned to YouTube. There it was—cold process soap, beautiful, usable little pieces of art, glorious colors, beautiful scents, creativity, recipes, natural ingredients, simplicity—all the things I loved, all rolled into a bar… of soap. Soap led to body lotions, which led to lip products, which led to candles. The list keeps growing.
I shared my soaps and lotions with people, started making custom products, and the requests grew. So did my passion. I decided to turn my “little” hobby for natural skincare into something bigger. That’s when Wind & Sea Botanicals was born.
Inspired by the ocean’s healing power, I began crafting artisan soaps, lotions, and candles in my kitchen, then moved into my spare bedroom, which soon overtook my bedroom and part of the garage. As of 2025 I’m in the planning stage of building a shop for my manufacturing.
I finally felt like what I was doing was valuable. I felt better than I had in years. I was creating something that would bring joy, comfort, and healing to others, especially for people like myself who were overworked or experiencing uncertain times. Because sometimes, we all need a little love.
A Brand Rooted in the Beauty of the Sea
The ocean gives us many gifts—the seafood we eat, the ocean we sail on, the sports we enjoy... Anyone who spends time in the ocean knows the saltwater works wonders—it clears the mind, strengthens the body, heals skin, and seaweed is a miracle in many ways.
When I make soaps and lotions, I add natural seaweeds, muds, and extracts so you can enjoy their bounty. With the candles, I try to recreate the scents that remind me of the beaches and breaks in San Diego so you can experience them whenever you want.
Even the packaging is carefully chosen to take you back to easier times—lazy sunny days on the beach, with toes in the sand and a big floppy hat, and littles everywhere delighted to play in the mud. I hope you discover the calming essence of the sea, captured in every product.
More Than Just Skincare
Wind & Sea Botanicals is about creating moments of serenity and peace in a busy world. Something I’ve always enjoyed is restoring things to their original glory. I take great satisfaction in restoring items—whether it's Volkswagens, vintage trailers, or Vespa mopeds. These passions, along with my love for vintage advertisements, photography, and fashion, particularly from the 1950s, have all served as inspiration for our packaging.
The 1950s were a time of pride and prosperity for America, with products built to last and considered the best in the world. "American Made" was synonymous with quality, and that mindset influences every decision I make—whether it’s the materials we use, or the care we put into designing products that you can trust. I hope you can feel the bougie beach club vibe of exclusive places like the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. Or picture yourself on a Vespa riding by the seashore, going nowhere in particular, or headed off to a beach vacation in your Karmann Ghia, or camping on the beach in your Airstream.
It’s no surprise that these vintage inspirations influence both my product packaging and the overall brand aesthetic. I believe everyday items should be both beautiful and functional, and our products are designed with that in mind. They should feel good in your hand, be a joy to use, and make you feel cared for every time. Whether it’s the soft touch of our Marine Infused Crema on your skin or the soothing scent of Lavender & Sage taking you to a relaxing sunset by Ocean Beach Pier, I invite you to pause, pamper, and reconnect with yourself.
My Commitment to You
I don’t just care about creating beautiful products; I believe in doing so with responsibility. From sourcing local supplies and sustainably harvested ingredients to creating purposeful packaging, I am committed to making choices that improve the planet for future generations. Every product is made in small batches with care and attention, ensuring that each item reflects my personal commitment to quality and sustainability.
Stay Connected & Join the Journey
My journey from a mom on a mission to the founder of Wind & Sea Botanicals has been nothing short of extraordinary. I’m here to share that joy with you—helping you treat yourself to products that nourish your skin, uplift your spirit, and honor our planet.
I’d love for you to be part of the Wind & Sea Botanicals journey. Sign up for our newsletter, and you’ll receive a little coastal inspiration, stories behind the products, and exclusive perks as part of our High Tide Society. It’s a way to bring a little vacation to you, no matter where you are.
If I’m not crafting self-care treats, you can find me at Dog Beach with my dog Bodhi, or brewing a nice pale ale, or enjoying a concert at Belly Up.
When I’m not crafting self-care treats, you can find me at Dog Beach with my dog Bodhi, or brewing a nice pale ale, or enjoying a concert at Belly Up. Come join me—let’s hop in the water together!"
See ya at the beach!
Erin 😊
