Written by OSEA Staff | Updated October 9, 2024
Today holds a very special place in our hearts. As we celebrate National Esthetician's Day, we want to share the story of our spa origins, our journey and the extraordinary role estheticians have played in our success. In the words of our founder, Jenefer Palmer, "Without estheticians, we would never be where we are today."
The Birth of OSEA
In the early '80s, Jenefer took on the role of Spa Director at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, one of Southern California's first wellness spas. There, she crafted groundbreaking holistic treatments such as Ayurvedic body wraps, detox baths, herb-infused aromatherapy salt glows, underwater lymphatic massages, and seaweed body wraps infused with flower essences.
To complement these treatments, Jenefer searched diligently for natural and organic skincare solutions that met her high standards. At the time, clean, effective, skincare products were a rarity. Unable to find formulations that met her rigorous criteria, and unwilling to compromise, she embarked on a mission to create her own.
Living by the ocean in Malibu, the inspiration for a marine-based skincare line was right before her eyes. Just like her grandmother before her, Jenefer believed that the ocean was the source of life with profound therapeutic properties for the mind, body, and spirit. She wanted to harness the pull of the ocean's energy, and the healing power of the sea, to restore beauty, health, and well-being. In 1996, OSEA was born as a beacon of this vision.
A Spa Brand, From the Start
Staying true to her spa roots, Jenefer always knew that she wanted OSEA to be accessible to consumers, estheticians and spas alike. This led her to develop both a retail and a professional-only line. “After leaving my job as Spa Director, I wanted to create an efficacious product line for estheticians,” Jenefer recalls. “I wanted customers to see results immediately just like after they've received a facial, to bring a taste of the spa home with them.”
Our very first spa partnership was in 2002 with the prestigious Four Seasons Maui, a moment that Jenefer treasures: "It was such a privilege to launch at one of the most esteemed spas in the world." Today, our products grace the shelves and treatment rooms of hundreds of spas worldwide, including renowned destinations like the Ojai Valley Inn, The Breakers Palm Beach, Four Seasons Maldives, Montage Kapalua Bay, and Rosewood Montecito—bringing the serenity of the sea to wellness seekers around the globe.
Celebrating Estheticians, Everywhere
On National Estheticians Day, and every day, we celebrate the estheticians who are the heart and soul of OSEA. They were the first to believe in our brand, taking a chance on our products when 'clean' beauty was met with skepticism. Jenefer fondly recalls those early days: "Estheticians were kind enough to agree to spend an hour with me, to learn about our seaweed-based skincare brand."
"In our early days, Spa Directors would tell me they could always tell if their guests had gotten an OSEA facial because their skin was so visibly glowy. The unwavering support of estheticians and their invaluable feedback has inspired some of our most cherished creations."
Today, whether you're in the Maldives, Maui, or beyond, you can step into an OSEA-stocked spa and experience an atmosphere that's both healing and inviting, guided by knowledgeable and friendly estheticians.
Our Venice Skincare Studio
In 2018, we opened our flagship skincare studio on Abbott Kinney Blvd in Venice Beach. Featuring retail space and facial treatment rooms, we offer three signature seaweed-infused facials designed to deliver soothing, transformative results. Our skilled estheticians excel in gua sha and craniosacral touch therapies, leaving your skin smooth, healthy, and radiant. Our Venice Skincare Studio isn't just a place for facials; it's a space for our community to gather and share Jenefer's passion for clean beauty and spa-inspired skincare.
Celebrating National Esthetician's Day
After nearly 29 years, one thing remains unchanged: our deep commitment to crafting clean, high-quality seaweed and active botanical skincare, rooted in our rich spa heritage and the extraordinary connection we share with estheticians.
In celebration of National Esthetician’s Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable estheticians who have believed in us, embraced our products, and partnered with us on countless beautiful skincare journeys.
With heartfelt thanks,
Team OSEA
