Valentina Hernandez Botero credits growing up in a family of artists with fueling her desire to create and “build something out of nothing”. After overcoming her own bouts of self doubt in her early twenties, twenty-seven year old Valentina did just that.

In February 2020, along with her team of ‘Skin Healers’ (aka estheticians), Valentina opened Sana Skin Studio, in an effort to provide “goal-driven facials, real guidance, and clean skincare”. It was only weeks later that she had to make the challenging decision to close her doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But since then, the Sana team has pushed on, building out their online store, blog, and digital community, connected by a passion for clean beauty, wellbeing, and education.

Today, Sana Skin Studio is reopening its doors (with all the right precautions in place), excited to welcome their community back into their Miami space IRL. Now that we can leave the house, the only question left to ask is, ‘When can I move into Sana Skin Studio?’ and believe me, when you see this equally calming and beautiful space, you’ll want to.

Who were you at twenty?

At twenty, I had just transferred from Emerson in Boston, where I had wanted to study film, to the University of Miami. I was studying advertising and marketing and thought my dream was to work at a big Ad agency. I was meeting new people and had just started dating a new boyfriend (which is now my husband)! 

How have you evolved since?

After graduating, I ended up not getting my dream internship at an Ad Agency I loved. It crushed me but led me to look at other options. I ended up working for a branding agency and learned that I had a passion and sensibility for building brands. Since then I have evolved exponentially, I am confident in my skills and the value I bring. I am confident in speaking my voice as a leader. I have learned to love the skin I am in and embrace my imperfections. I also dove into wellness and spirituality that have really transformed the way I live my life. I have clarity of what I like, who I want to surround myself with and the kind of life I want to live. 

On launching Sana

I founded Sana with a vision for a new kind of skincare experience. An experience that felt natural, supportive and fun in all the right ways. Our mission is to shift the relationship with your skin and your products through goal driven facials, real guidance and clean skincare. More than a skin studio, we’re a movement towards healthier skin and self love. We believe getting a facial is not only beneficial to keep your skin clear and healthy but also a chance to learn more about your skin and how to take care of it. Our facials are not only effective but also educational.

I’ve always loved the idea of hosting and speaking to people in real life. So I knew when I started a business that I wanted to have a physical interaction with our guests. I love being able to connect with our community online and then meet them in person every month when they come in for their facial. 

On what differentiates Sana from other experiences

We wanted to create an experience that fit naturally into your life and your budget. Our facials are 30min, 50min and 70min and range from $55 to $165. We also created a membership in which you can have consistent support on your skin journey, for $85 a month you can experience a 50min facial monthly, 10% off products and more. At Sana, we stand against toxins and curate the best of clean beauty. Our products are not only effective but also supportive of your wellbeing. 

I’ve curated and tried everything on our Sana shelves. So you can say I’m obsessed with everything we carry. Check out @SanaSkinStudio for my full skincare routine and more.

On self-care, without breaking the bank

It’s all about prioritizing what’s important to you. You can choose to skip your daily starbucks or restaurants and save towards investing in clean skincare or a facial. 

There are also many free ways to practice self care, one of my favorites is meditation. But even taking a walk outside, journaling and being more mindful are all wonderful ways to self care. 

What advice would you give to yourself at twenty?

I would tell my 20 year old self to keep going. That I’m on the right path and everything is a worthwhile lesson. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to be perfect and allow life to unfold. 

What would you say to a twenty-something year old about finding her place in the world?

I would tell her that it’s not a race. We all have different timelines so just stay focused on yours instead of comparing with others. Focus on what makes you happy, challenge yourself everyday and prioritize self love. 

So what are you waiting for, click here to explore all things Sana, learn more about Valentina, & book an appointment at Sana Skin Studio