After struggling to find products that worked with her sensitive skin, Rafaela Gonzalez was inspired to create and launch her own clean beauty line that especially worked for melanated skin. She wanted to create a clean, sustainable line that didn't just offer high-quality results but also luxury. "Dominican woman, and a lot of our men actually, are very immersed in beauty and self-care. In our culture, it's very important to represent and look our best," Gonzalez said. "In our culture, there is always a natural remedy for almost every ailment. I remember mixing up ingredients I found in the bridge and cabinets for my hair. I recall my cousin and aunts in the barrio, making pure coconut oil by hand and shipping it to me. There are many plants I remember from childhood that are amazing and quality ingredients, which I am planning to introduce to the brand in the future."
Gonzalez believes that the influence of her Dominican culture and being American have been powerful contributions to her perspective on both identity and beauty. "I think there is still a lot we can contribute, but I see this accelerating more than ever, especially in the hair-care department. There are lots of hair-care brands founded by Dominican women coming up now, and I can tell you that we have a special gift in this department," she said. "The products tend to be incredibly amazing and effective. I can only attribute this to our roots and our abuelas. I didn't think of it as it being important for me to be a part of this. I was just following a calling I felt in my heart — it was only after being in the industry that I realized how important it was to contribute and draw from my culture into the brand identity."
The brand's bestseller, the Manketti Oil Serum ($62), is a luxurious facial oil formulated with mongongo seed oil, olive squalene, and rooibos tea extract to limit free radicals, bring down inflammation, and smooth sensitive and irritated skin. It leaves skin instantly calmer and significantly more radiant.
