Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariana Beltran.
Mariana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Sometime during High School, I realized our planet was deteriorating and I did not want just to watch, but to act. I wanted to do something to benefit the environment and living beings. Before graduating from college, I started using shampoo bars and conditioner bars, then I realized how effective and easy to use they were. After a few months, I decided to make my own, and after many trials and failures, finally, I decided to take many courses on solid cosmetics. My dad has always taught me about the importance of having your own business or a side business to create and use my talents, basically become an entrepreneur. Now I feel really happy about following my gut and start One Less Bottle. I have met many people from all backgrounds, I learn from my mistakes and I’m so looking forward to being part of many more projects within the community that will allow others to know about eco options.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a mix of everything. I smile every time I think of how far this project has grown and all the interest is getting. In the beginning, I realized the changes I needed to make in my life. Plastic is everywhere, it’s like if I was pregnant and all I saw was pregnant women. All-day, every day I was conscious of my choices and it even made me feel anxious, but then it goes away. I’m not an extremist on the plastic issue and I try not to judge myself or others for making decisions that will affect the planet. There is a quote I love, I don’t know who wrote it, but it says, “We do not need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”
The best moments have to be when I get text messages or approached by friends and family about how they now use reusable water bottles and bring their coffee cup because I changed and became vocal about it. That is what we all need, those little changes and to speak about this issue.
Please tell us about One Less Bottle.
One Less Bottle carries personal hygiene and cosmetic products with no plastic packaging or less waste. You can find shampoo bars, conditioner bars, soap bars, face clay masks, face wash, and soon more. Each product contains naturally derived ingredients such as organic butter, clays, essential oils, and naturals oils that are macerated by me. I also deliver all around Houston and if you live less than 10 miles from our location (Uptown), your delivery is free. Now that a few have started going back to doing small gatherings, there is an option for cute and simple party favors.
One Less Bottle is about going back to our roots. To understand that our skin and hair only show our health and how we feel on the inside. And think about questions that can make you doubt the cosmetic industry. Everybody wants to buy a shampoo that will help an oily scalp, but have you asked yourself, Why is it oily? Usually, it’s based on your choice of foods. Why do I smell bad when I sweat? Why is my hair falling?
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
The only thing I could change would be to start this project way before I started it. But it’s happening now for a reason and I wouldn’t change that.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 832-628-8901
- Email: 1lessbottle@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1lessbottle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1lessbottle
- Other: @1lessbottle, @refinementhouse, @thegiftsocietyco
Image Credit:
Harrison Broker
Lese Agency
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
