Did you know that one of the pioneers of clean beauty is Latina? Tata Harper launched her farm-to-bottle brand in 2010 and quickly became a trailblazer for her early commitment to clean, green beauty—long before it became mainstream. From her iconic Vermont farm, second only to Martha Stewart’s, Harper has cultivated a devoted following with her 100-percent natural formulas. She attributes much of her brand’s inspiration to her Colombian heritage, where tradition and resourcefulness play a significant role in her approach to beauty.
What are you obsessed with right now?
I’m completely obsessed with walking these days! It’s such an underrated ritual, but I’ve found it to be the ultimate reset for both my body and mind. Every morning, I walk with my dogs, and it’s become this joyful, grounding practice that I can’t get enough of. I love that walking gives me the chance to breathe, clear my thoughts and really connect with nature. It’s like a moving meditation—by the time I’m done, I feel energized and ready for the day.
How has your Hispanic heritage shaped your approach to skin care and beauty?
It has deeply influenced my entire philosophy on beauty and skin care. Growing up in Colombia, natural beauty remedies were part of our everyday lives. My grandmother hosted spa parties at home where we made masks from fresh, local ingredients like avocados and papayas. This love for natural, farm-fresh ingredients became the cornerstone of my approach to skin care. I’ve always believed in using pure, powerful botanicals, and this stems from the beauty rituals I learned growing up.
Is there an experience that influenced how you create your formulas?
One of the most pivotal moments in my life was when my stepfather was diagnosed with cancer. It was such a wake-up call for me, and it led me to learn about toxic load and how synthetic chemicals in our environment and the products we use can affect our health. I started to pay attention to everything around me, from the food we eat to the beauty products we apply on our skin. That’s when I realized there was a huge gap in the market for high-performance, completely natural skin care. I wanted to create a line that was not only effective but also 100 percent free from synthetic chemicals—no shortcuts, no compromises.
How do you incorporate your Colombian heritage into Tata Harper Skincare?
In Latin culture, beauty is never seen as a chore—it’s something we embrace fully, and the more, the better! That philosophy really shapes the way I approach formulating my products. I believe in giving the skin everything it needs, not just focusing on a single-ingredient formula. This layered approach to beauty, where more is truly more, comes directly from my heritage.
What are your top three “desert island” products?
If I could only take three, I’d have to bring the Regenerating Cleanser ($88), which is my must-have for daily exfoliation and glowing skin. It’s like a mini facial every morning, and I can’t live without it! Then, I’d pack the Elixir Vitae ($490), my go-to for anti-aging. It’s the most powerful serum I’ve ever created, and it really is like nature’s answer to Botox. Lastly, I’d bring the Resurfacing Serum ($92), which gives me that instant glow and helps even out my skin tone. Together, these three products keep my skin smooth, radiant and youthful, no matter where I am.
What impact do you think Hispanic women have on the beauty industry?
Hispanic women bring a vibrant, passionate approach to beauty, with a deep love for self-care and a maximalist philosophy. For us, beauty is not just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, too. It’s part of our culture to indulge in beauty rituals and take time for ourselves. We embrace the idea that more is more—whether it’s layering skin care, trying new treatments or exploring bold looks. This passion for self-care and a full, rich beauty routine has inspired the industry to move toward more holistic, indulgent practices. Hispanic women are showing the world that beauty is a form of self-expression and self-love, and that taking care of yourself is a celebration, not a chore.
What aspects of your culture have you passed down to your children?
I’ve passed down the importance of family, tradition and respect for nature. I want my children to appreciate where they come from and understand the value of living a life that’s in harmony with the environment. I also teach them to embrace their roots, especially the traditions I grew up with in Colombia, like making our own beauty rituals and being connected to the natural world around us.
