How I Found My Purpose in Skincare — And Myself Along the Way

A note from Leslie, founder of Bella Botanicals

When I was in my early twenties, a boyfriend once told me, “You’d be a total catch if you were passionate about building a career.”
At the time, I was working as a server with no real plan for my future — and to be honest, I couldn’t even be mad at him for saying that. Looking back, he wasn’t wrong for expressing how he felt.

The truth is, I didn’t lack interest or ambition. I lacked belief in myself.

Growing up, I struggled to love who I was. I couldn’t see my own beauty or worth, and my confidence was nearly non-existent. I measured my value by what others thought of me — not what I believed about myself. It wasn’t that I didn’t want a career or a purpose… I just didn’t think I was worthy of one.

Eventually, I went back to school and earned an associate degree in radiography. Was it because I was deeply passionate about medical imaging? Not exactly. It felt like a “safe” career choice — but deep down, I knew it wasn’t the right fit. Nearly a decade later, I found myself in a job that drained me, wondering if there was more to life than just getting through the day.

Everything began to shift when I surrounded myself with people who were chasing meaningful, purpose-driven lives. Their courage gave me permission to start imagining the same for myself.

And once I cracked that door open, everything changed.

I’ve always loved the natural world — gardening, whole foods, herbs, plants. I believed then (and still do) that the closer we are to nature, the better off we are. I also had a deep love for skincare, especially after developing rosacea in my twenties. My first major flare happened after a facial that included cayenne — a huge no-no for sensitive skin. That experience launched me into obsessively researching skincare ingredients and how they interact with delicate skin types.

But passion without action doesn’t lead to purpose. So I finally took a leap and signed up for a handmade soap class in Trempealeau. It was led by two amazing women from Purple Thumb Lavender, and I went with a few friends and family. From the first pour, I was hooked.

From there, I dove into experimenting — crafting soaps with oils, butters, herbs, clays, and essential oils. Eventually, I started selling them. Then came body butters and balms, which are a natural next step when you’re already working with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, mango butter, jojoba, and beeswax.

I'll be honest: I had no idea what I was doing in the beginning. I was learning as I went — and yes, I definitely tried a few things I had no business formulating at the time (hello, homemade sunscreen 😬). But every mistake brought me closer to understanding. And it wasn’t until I enrolled in Formula Botanica’s Organic Skincare Formulation course that everything started to click.

That course was a turning point. I learned how each ingredient works within a formula, how it interacts with the skin, and — most importantly — how to create products that are both safe and effective. It’s where I truly leveled up.

And from there… Bella Botanicals was born.

I believe that when you lean into the things you’re meant to do, the universe meets you there. Opportunities arise. People show up. The pieces fall into place. That’s exactly what happened with Bella — and with me. I didn’t just find skincare. Skincare found me. And the only reason I’m standing here with a thriving business is because I finally stopped doubting myself — and started trusting my gut.

So I’ll leave you with this:

Have you found your purpose in this wild and beautiful life? Have you found something that lights you up and makes you feel alive?

If not — start. Take a soap class. Try painting. Sign up for a writing workshop. Follow the breadcrumbs of your curiosity. Quiet the voice that says “you’re not enough,” and start walking toward the version of you who knows she is. See what happens when you believe you’re worthy.

Because the only person holding you back… is you.