The loss of our Mom took quite a toll on us, and shortly after we felt the need to go back to our native Morocco to reconnect with our roots. We took a trip during the summertime when conditions are especially dry and harsh, visiting the rural, mountainous areas of our home country. During our trip, we encountered the many women who make their living by working in these mountains, many times for low wages for importers from abroad. Even in the most treacherous and dry environments, they possessed the most radiant hair and glowing skin. But how? These women then shared with us their secret to healthy skin and hair that had been passed along for generations: the Opuntia Prickly Pear plant.

Considered a “miracle crop” since ancient times, the Prickly Pear’s ability to grow abundantly in warm, dry climates without any irrigation has earned it a reputation for being strong and resilient, a sentiment that greatly resonated with me on a personal level. At that moment, I suddenly felt deeply connected to this plant—strong, adaptable, and impenetrable on the outside, protecting its soft, rich, and precious inside. Thriving in even the most seemingly impossible conditions, this cactus persisted. And for me? Even after experiencing a devastating and heartbreaking loss, I, too, persisted. This plant was a symbol of my own determination, conviction, and fortitude.

I knew I wanted to create my own line of skin care with it, a line that was safe and toxin-free but still delivered potent, powerful results. At the same time, I also wanted to help these women by sourcing this wonder plant from them while paying them a livable wage. From there, the idea for Lunalis was born—a symbol of hope and metamorphosis, with Prickly Pear Seed Oil as the hero ingredient of all of its products.

We went to work, and after rigorously testing and perfecting the products over the course of two years, Lunalis embodies everything Laila and I have ever dreamed of.