I am honored to have social entrepreneur Alida Boer on this episode of Bewitching the Home. Alida is the founder of two eco-conscious, human-first businesses, Nolé and Marias. We talk about her journey to develop these businesses and how they help both people and the planet. Alida also shares what home is to her and the rituals she’s currently incorporating into her life.

Guest Bio

CEO and founder of Nolé and Marias, Alida is a social entrepreneur on a mission to leave a positive mark on the planet through eco-conscious, human-first businesses.

She created her first company, MARIAS, after seeing the immense talent of female artisans who could not provide proper financial support for their families. What started as a small group of weavers from the village of Pastores has grown into a network of over 500 craftswomen throughout Guatemala who now have the opportunity to bring home a fair income. 

Next, Alida discovered an ingredient that changed her hair and inspired her newest venture, NOLÉ. Struggling with postpartum hair loss, she was recommended a popular Central American ingredient known as "batana oil." She partnered with a local chemist to develop hair care products that used this ingredient. 

In tune with her ecological and human values, she also ensured that the line was totally free of any ingredients that were toxic to the human body or damaging to the environment. So, she created shampoo and conditioner bars without any sulfates, salt, silicone, parabens, cruelty, or plastic.

In addition to entrepreneurship, Alida was granted an Aspen Institute CALI Fellowship, through which she continues to address issues within Guatemala and work on developing initiatives that benefit the underprivileged.

Featured in this episode

Featured candle: Beeswax candle from Mithras Candle

Featured brew: Champagne Oolong Tea from Paru Tea Bar

Featured Tarot deck: La Flora Tarot

Episode Highlights

02:29 - Card pull from La Flora Tarot

05:08 - What is home for Alida

06:05 - How Alida and Rachel first connected

07:07 - Alida’s inspiration and journey to develop her businesses

17:09 - Alida shares more about Marias bags and why she was drawn to share these beautiful textiles

22:37 - How Alida gathered a team to help her build both businesses

26:26 - What rituals Alida is currently incorporating in her life

28:56 - What’s next for Alida

Connect with Alida

Websites:

Nolecare.com

mariasbag.com

On Instagram:

@nole.care 

@aliboer

@mariasbag

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