Meet Aphaéa: A Story of Friendship, Ritual, and Natural Wellbeing

Founded by lifelong friends and chemical engineers, Stella and Maria, Aphaéa is rooted in the landscapes and traditions of Greece, offering waterless, plant-powered bodycare that nourishes both skin and spirit. But more than that, Aphaéa is a philosophy, a return to ritual, simplicity, and conscious pleasure.

We’re so excited to pass the mic to the inspiring duo behind the brand. In their own words, Stella and Maria share how Aphaéa began, the meaning behind their formulations, and what it truly means to live “The Good Life.”

1. Tell us about yourselves. How did the Aphaéa adventure begin?

We’re Stella and Maria—lifelong friends and both chemical engineers. From early on, we’ve shared the same dream: to care for both body and soul in a natural, meaningful way. 

The idea for Aphaéa Wellbeing was born in 2022, a few years after we finished our studies. It started very spontaneously—almost like a hobby. We began making body oils at home, just for ourselves. The process was joyful, calming, and gave us a deep sense of creativity and connection. Before long, friends and family started noticing the products and asking for their own. It was such an organic response that we realized—maybe this little hobby of ours could become something more. That’s when the Aphaéa journey truly began: with intention, love, and the desire to share this feeling of wellbeing with others.

2. Do you encourage other women to go into business together? 

Absolutely—we encourage it wholeheartedly. Building a business with your best friend is a beautiful, empowering experience. We’ve known each other since we were kids, studied together, and now we’re building something we deeply believe in. That trust, that shared history, has been the foundation of everything. Of course, it comes with its challenges—like any partnership—but when you have a strong bond and mutual respect, you grow not only as entrepreneurs but also as people. You support each other, you balance each other, and you celebrate every little win together.

For us, co-creating Aphaéa has deepened our friendship and brought even more meaning into our lives. It’s a reminder that when women support each other—especially in business—something truly powerful can happen. We’d love to see more women take that step together. There’s so much strength in shared vision.

3. The name Aphaéa is so beautiful and intentional—what does it represent to you, and how did you land on it?

The name Aphaéa is deeply rooted in our Greek heritage and mythology. Aphaéa was a powerful woman—an ancient goddess who embodied beauty, strength, and mystery. She represents the very qualities we aspire to in our brand: authenticity, resilience, and natural elegance. For us, Aphaéa t’s a bridge between tradition and modern wellbeing—a timeless symbol of balance and empowerment that inspires everything we create.

4. What are the daily essentials you can’t live without? 

For Maria, it’s the mastic face mist—every single day, right after cleansing.

"It’s more than just a mist; it feels like a sprayable serum. It deeply hydrates, tones, and preps my skin, and over the past year of daily use, I’ve truly seen a transformation. My skin looks more radiant, balanced, and calm. But beyond results, it’s become a ritual—a small act of care that grounds me before I start my day."

— Maria, Co-Founder of Aphaéa Wellbeing

Stella's essential is the body oil fig. "I use it every night after showering—not just for the nourishment, but for the scent and the calm it gives me. That five-minute ritual of massaging it into my skin is my moment of peace. It soothes my body and mind, helping me let go of the day and reconnect with myself. It’s like a quiet conversation between skin and soul." 

—Stella, Co-Founder of Aphaéa Wellbeing

5. Can you tell us more about the natural ingredients you use, and why they’re so essential to your formulations? 

Greece is not just our home—it’s our inspiration. Our ingredients come directly from the Greek land and reflect its richness, purity, and timeless connection to wellbeing. We use mastic water, known for its healing and soothing properties, sourced from the island of Chios. It's a unique, heritage-rich ingredient that brings balance and clarity to the skin. We also rely on cold-pressed olive oil, which is packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, and grapeseed oil, a lightweight yet powerful hydrator that supports skin elasticity and glow.

All our products are vegan, cruelty-free, and waterless. That last point is what sets Aphaéa apart. We develop liquid skincare without using purified water—a true innovation. Instead, we use botanical waters and plant extracts, which means every drop is active, nourishing, and purposeful. We preserve the sensory feel of traditional skincare—smooth, light, luxurious—without the dilution. This approach respects both the skin and the environment. It’s our way of honoring Greek nature while creating a modern, mindful experience of care.

6. What does it mean to you to have Aphaéa introduced to a new community outside of Greece—and for the first time, to Canadian women through Kalovy?

It means the world to us. Aphaéa was born from something very personal—our connection to Greece, to its land, and to our own wellbeing rituals. Seeing it now travel beyond borders and reach women in Canada through Kalovy feels both surreal and deeply fulfilling.

We believe that the essence of Greek wellbeing—slow living, sensory connection, respect for nature—is universal. To share our products with Canadian women is to invite them into that philosophy. It’s not just about bodycare—it’s about creating small, beautiful rituals that nourish the body and calm the mind. We’re especially proud to be doing this in a way that aligns with our values. Aphaéa is built on the idea of "Your Sustainable Pleasure"—offering high-quality, sensorial products that care for you while also caring for the planet. This launch is an opportunity to share that vision and connect with a new community that appreciates conscious, intentional beauty.

7. Will you be bringing new products to Aphaéa? What is your long-term vision for the brand?

Yes, we’re very excited about what’s coming next. In 2025, we’ll be introducing two new products: a Body & Hand Balm and a Body & Hand Cleanser—both continuing our commitment to waterless formulation. We’re focused on creating only a few, carefully selected products because for us, it’s all about quality over quantity. Every formula is the result of thoughtful development and a desire to truly serve the skin—and the senses.

As for the long-term vision, Aphaéa is more than a skincare brand. We see it as a way to bring the spa experience home—a ritual of self-love, quiet luxury, and deep connection with oneself. We want Aphaéa to be synonymous with wellbeing, bodycare, and mindful pleasure—offering people not just beautiful products, but a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect.

8. What legacy do you hope Aphaéa leaves in the world of clean beauty and wellbeing?

At Aphaéa, we hope to leave a legacy of true innovation grounded in respect—for both people and the planet. Our waterless formulations are at the heart of this mission. In an industry that often relies heavily on water as a filler, we’ve chosen to challenge the norm by creating potent, liquid products without any added purified water. Instead, we harness the power of botanical waters and plant extracts, ensuring every drop is active and purposeful.

This approach is not only innovative but also sustainable, reducing water consumption and waste while delivering highly concentrated formulas that nourish the skin deeply and effectively. We want to inspire the clean beauty industry to rethink how products are made—not just what’s inside, but how they’re crafted. More than that, we hope Aphaéa becomes synonymous with mindful wellbeing—a brand that encourages people to slow down, embrace natural beauty, and create daily rituals that nurture both body and soul. By leading with integrity and innovation, we want to demonstrate that sustainability and luxury can coexist beautifully, and that true care starts with conscious choices.

9. And finally, what does The Good Life mean to you?

For us, “The Good Life” isn’t about grand or impressive moments. It’s about the quiet luxury of enjoying the simple things that truly nourish you—a walk in nature, a meaningful conversation, a long-dreamed-of trip, or even just a few minutes in your day that are just for you.

That’s the philosophy we want to capture through Aphaéa Wellbeing. Our products are designed to be a gentle reminder to pause and take care of yourself. To create your own small ritual: refresh your face with a mist, moisturize your body with an oil you love, light an incense stick and shift the energy of your space. For us, “The Good Life” is about balance—between the outside and the inside, between doing and simply being. It’s about feeling good in your body, at peace with yourself, and intentional about what you bring into your life.

That belief is at the heart of everything we create at Aphaéa.

Shop the collection exclusively here and receive 15% off any Aphaéa purchase at Kalovy.com —today only! Use code: APHAEA15