Photo courtesy of Leiapure
From a skincare line created as a tribute to her sister and mother to scaling it into a manufacturing lab, the Leiapure founder always aims to make space for women in a nurturing environment
Before creating a cosmetics manufacturing lab, Apple San Luis was just like any teenager navigating normal growing pains. One of those that impacted her was managing the emotional and physical toll of acne.
“What inspired me to enter the cosmetics manufacturing industry was a deep passion for skincare, basically fueled by distressing acne struggles I faced during my teenage years,” admits San Luis, adding that her experience also fueled her desire to help others.
But the story of Leiapure is also one of family. When her sister Leah was diagnosed with psoriasis, the entrepreneur understood how life-changing effective skincare can be. “To see how she fought back this emotional and physical pain made me realize how important it is to have good products which work properly.” San Luis made it her mission to make skincare products that “would bring relief and restore confidence in those who endure suffering.”
Leiapure was named as a tribute to her sister (who is also her business partner). It began as a retail brand releasing its own hero products of soaps and creams made with organic, vegan, and ethically-sourced ingredients. Coupled with her Master’s degree in Cosmetics Science, the chemist transitioned her company into a cosmetics manufacturing lab, developing and producing products for multiple brands.
Since expanding, their research and development team has launched skincare products such as firming eye creams and mineral sunscreens, makeup, and fragrances. Leiapure also extends these offerings to new entrepreneurs and name brands, encouraging them to come to their laboratory in Valenzuela.
For San Luis, it’s not just business. Building the brand and manufacturing products to help people is something personal to her. After her mother passed away, the idea of building something lasting took on a new meaning. “Everything I do with Leiapure is a tribute to her; it’s my way of honoring her memory.” That mindset carries through in how she treats her team. “For me, [it’s] way more than business; family, connection, and making of products with heart are what it really is.”
That sense of connection became critical during the global pandemic. “I was so terrified. I was worried about my employees, the people who had worked so hard alongside me to build Leiapure.” Instead of letting people go, she doubled down, shifted strategies and opened their doors to new clients. “What I did not expect was the unbelievable surge in demand. Suddenly, we were busier than ever and were given the lifeline.”
Now that her cosmetics manufacturing lab is thriving, San Luis is focused on helping other women grow as a senior certified professional coach in life and business. Her advice: “Start now because you alone have that unique blend of experiences. Your story is your power to connect with other and inspire change.”
For her, success isn’t about selling the most products, it’s about helping others build something of their own. “True success isn’t measured by what you accomplish for yourself, but by the path you carve for others to follow.”
For more information, visit Leiapure’s official website.
