Meet the Founder

Wild Life

I've always had a bit of a wild streak. In my early twenties, I dated the drummer of INXS and spent seven years traveling the world, living the classic rock-and-roll lifestyle. We attended countless parties and concerts, so I was always looking for ways to improve my appearance.

During that time, I followed a simple skincare routine, but everything changed when I met a radiant young model who revealed her beauty secret, passed down through generations of French women: "You must cleanse, tone, and moisturize every morning and night, no exceptions." I've lived by that mantra ever since.

Macer Floridus, 11th-Century Latin Herbal Text | Liber de Vinis, Arnaldo Villanova, 13th-Century Latin Herbal Text | Italian Herbal 1475 | Liber de Vinis

Elixir of Youth

The challenge for me began when I sought a facial toner that offered more than just astringent properties—I wanted one with rejuvenating benefits as well. The products I found were either over-formulated or made from extracts with little to no active constituents. Determined to find a solution, I immersed myself in the history of herbal medicine and embarked on a journey back to the ancients.

During my research, I discovered a 14th-century beauty elixir made with Rosemary, renowned for restoring the youth of the Queen of Hungary. As I searched the historical record, I discovered that the queen was actually a creation of Montpellier perfumers, who first introduced this beauty preparation at the court of Louis XIV. Intrigued by the elixir's mysterious origins, I delved deeper, and what I uncovered was truly astonishing.

Ancient Beauty Secret

Rosemary has been a key ingredient in beauty preparations for over 4,000 years. The ancient Egyptians were the first to use it in a beauty elixir renowned for its ability to transform the old to young, erase all signs of age, and beautify the skin. This closely guarded recipe remained unknown in the West until a Latin manuscript on the virtues of herbal wine emerged in the late 13th century.

Written by Arnaldo Villanova, the Liber de Vinis introduced the ancient elixir of youth to the West—a recipe attributed to Dioscorides, the father of herbal medicine, who is believed to have learned the secret in Cairo in the 1st century AD. The manuscript circulated across Europe for centuries, and by the 17th century, the recipe had become legendary as Queen of Hungary Water, a preparation whose popularity endured for generations.

Wild Mary

In my search for the elixir of youth, I not only discovered Rosemary's remarkable skincare benefits but also forged a deep connection with the generations of women who shared my quest. What led me to create Wild Mary was the desire to pass on this ancient beauty secret to the next generation, knowing I had found something truly extraordinary.

 Inspired by the belief that this divine evergreen herb could transform lives, I developed a next-generation Rosemary elixir using the purest, most effective botanical ingredients. With every small batch I make, I am reminded of my purpose: to share the rejuvenating benefits of Rosemary, honor the legendary elixir of youth, and inspire women to celebrate their natural beauty and feel confident in their own skin, at any age.

Dedicated to All Muses,
Lisa