Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs & Wellness Leaders 2026

There comes a point when beauty stops being about reflection and begins to be about recognition. Not the recognition of flawless skin or youthful features, but the quiet acknowledgement of resilience, healing, and self-worth. The rituals people create for themselves often reveal far more than personal preferences; they reflect how they choose to care, recover, and reconnect. As conversations around wellbeing continue to deepen, beauty is gradually being understood not as a pursuit of perfection but as a practice of presence, where confidence is cultivated from within, and every act of self-care becomes an affirmation of one's own journey. It is this philosophy that defines Andrea Sanfacon’s work as the Founder of Maya Clean Beauty. Established in 2019, the brand was born from her personal experiences of transformation and her belief that skincare should serve as more than a cosmetic routine.

Andrea founded Maya Clean Beauty with a deeply personal vision to redefine the relationship between beauty, wellness, and self-love. Her own experiences taught her that true beauty extends far beyond outward appearance; it is rooted in healing, self-discovery, and the ability to reconnect with oneself. Moments of personal transformation and rebuilding became the foundation upon which Maya Clean Beauty was established in 2019. For Andrea, skincare was never meant to be just another daily routine. She envisioned it as a ritual of self-care, confidence, and empowerment that encourages women to honour themselves while embracing every stage of their personal journey. The name Maya itself reflects transformation and new beginnings, embodying her belief that every woman possesses the strength to heal, shine, and begin again. More than a skincare company, Maya Clean Beauty has evolved into a movement centred on conscious beauty, holistic wellness, and the conviction that caring for oneself creates a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond the individual.

For Andrea, clean beauty is defined not by what products exclude, but by the intention behind what they include. She views it as a philosophy built upon transparency, responsibility, and respect for the skin, personal wellbeing, the environment, and future generations. Every formulation is designed with carefully selected ingredients, ethical practices, and thoughtful craftsmanship while maintaining both effectiveness and the enjoyment of a meaningful beauty ritual. Through Maya Clean Beauty, Andrea sought to challenge the conventional perception that beauty exists solely on the surface. Instead, she believes genuine beauty is deeply connected to self-care, confidence, and the relationship individuals cultivate with themselves. Recognising the growing awareness among today's consumers, Andrea embraces a new era of beauty where people actively seek transparency about ingredients, sourcing, and the values behind the brands they support. For her, clean beauty represents the meeting point of science, nature, and wellness, enabling people to care for themselves while making choices that positively influence the world around them.

The mission of helping women heal, shine, and begin again influences every aspect of Maya Clean Beauty. Inspired by her own experiences of rebuilding confidence and embracing change, Andrea believes every woman carries a unique story deserving of compassion, celebration, and empowerment. Rather than focusing solely on the products themselves, Andrea designs each offering around the experience it creates. Every skincare ritual is intended to become a moment of self-care—a reminder for women to slow down, acknowledge their worth, and reconnect with themselves amid the demands of everyday life. This philosophy has also shaped the community surrounding Maya Clean Beauty. Andrea has cultivated an environment rooted not in perfection but in authenticity, growth, and transformation. The culture of the brand reflects values of kindness, conscious living, and empowerment, encouraging women to embrace who they truly are rather than striving to become someone else. For Andrea, true beauty emerges through healing, self-acceptance, and the courage to begin new chapters with confidence.

Andrea's personal journey has profoundly shaped her leadership philosophy and approach to entrepreneurship. Experiences of transformation, resilience, and personal growth have taught her that authentic leadership begins with self-awareness, alignment, and the courage to remain true to one's values. These principles inspired The New Normal, a platform built upon the belief that periods of change can become powerful opportunities for reinvention. For Andrea, every transition presents an invitation to reconnect with personal values, embrace growth, and move forward with purpose. This mindset also guides the way she makes business decisions. Rather than pursuing trends or external expectations, Andrea prioritises purpose-driven choices that create lasting value for customers, communities, and the wider world. She believes conscious creation involves building businesses that contribute meaningfully while remaining aligned with their founding vision. Her entrepreneurial journey has reinforced the importance of resilience, patience, adaptability, and trusting the process. These experiences continue to shape a leadership style grounded in empathy, authenticity, and long-term vision.

Authenticity remains one of the defining principles behind Andrea's leadership philosophy. She believes that meaningful leadership is not measured by external recognition but by the willingness to remain aligned with one's purpose, values, and integrity, particularly during periods of uncertainty. Rather than allowing market trends or external pressures to dictate direction, Andrea approaches entrepreneurship through conscious decision-making that reflects both personal conviction and long-term impact. She views authenticity as the foundation upon which trust, meaningful relationships, and sustainable businesses are built. Her experiences have shown that entrepreneurship rarely follows a predictable path. Moments of challenge have strengthened her resilience while reinforcing the importance of patience, adaptability, and continuous learning. Throughout every stage of her journey, remaining connected to her values has provided clarity even when circumstances were uncertain. Today, Andrea continues to lead with empathy, authenticity, and purpose, believing that businesses built with integrity create influence that extends far beyond commercial success. For her, true leadership lies in creating something meaningful, something that not only serves customers but also inspires positive change within individuals, communities, and the world around them.

Building Maya Clean Beauty has been one of the most rewarding chapters of Andrea's entrepreneurial journey, but it has also required resilience, patience, and adaptability. Transforming a deeply personal vision into a purpose-driven brand meant navigating the complexities of product development, operations, education, and community building while remaining committed to long-term impact rather than immediate results. One of the greatest challenges, according to Andrea, has been staying true to her values in a rapidly evolving beauty industry. While trends continue to shift, she believes lasting trust is built through authenticity, transparency, and products that genuinely serve people's needs rather than simply responding to market demands. These experiences have reinforced Andrea's belief that entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth as it is about building a business. Every obstacle has strengthened her confidence, broadened her perspective, and reaffirmed the importance of perseverance. Rather than viewing challenges as barriers, she embraces them as opportunities for innovation, transformation, and discovering strengths that often emerge only through adversity. Today, Andrea approaches every challenge with curiosity and gratitude, recognising that each step contributes to creating a brand with enduring purpose and meaningful impact.

Andrea believes the world is entering a new era where wellness is understood as the connection between body, mind, and spirit rather than being defined solely by physical appearance or the absence of illness. In her view, genuine wellbeing is rooted in how people care for themselves, create balance, and nurture both their emotional and physical health. While skincare forms an important part of this journey, Andrea sees it as something far more meaningful than a cosmetic routine. She believes the simple act of making time for self-care can become a powerful ritual of self-connection, influencing confidence, emotional wellbeing, and the way individuals engage with the world around them. According to Andrea, confidence grows naturally when people prioritise their health, nourish their bodies, protect their mental wellbeing, and cultivate healthy habits. This inner sense of balance ultimately reflects outwardly. At Maya Clean Beauty, this philosophy shapes every product and experience. Andrea believes beauty should form part of a broader wellness journey—one that supports people physically, emotionally, and energetically. As wellness continues to evolve, she envisions a future where beauty, health, longevity, and emotional balance are recognised as interconnected elements of living well.

For Andrea, the future of beauty and wellness lies not in resisting aging but in embracing it with confidence, vitality, and self-acceptance. She believes aging is a natural and meaningful part of life, and that the industry's role should be to help individuals feel their best rather than encouraging them to erase the passage of time. This perspective calls for a broader understanding of wellbeing—one that extends beyond appearance to include skin health, nutrition, emotional wellness, preventative care, and overall quality of life. Andrea believes innovation should support longevity by encouraging healthy habits and empowering people to care for themselves throughout every stage of life. This philosophy is deeply embedded within Maya Clean Beauty. Andrea has built the brand around the belief that beauty has no expiration date and that every stage of life brings its own wisdom, resilience, and unique form of beauty. Rather than pursuing perfection, the brand encourages individuals to honour who they are while embracing each new chapter with confidence. Ultimately, Andrea believes the future of beauty is not about looking younger but about living healthier, feeling stronger, and celebrating every stage of life with authenticity and self-love.

Beyond the beauty industry, Andrea's work as Co-founder of Eira Technology reflects her belief that innovation should be driven by purpose as much as progress. She believes technology has the power to create more inclusive, accessible, and meaningful experiences when designed with people rather than processes at its centre. According to Andrea, technology should extend beyond improving efficiency to fostering greater understanding, connection, and empowerment. Human-centred innovation enables individuals to make informed choices, access personalised solutions, and feel genuinely supported throughout their wellness journeys. Andrea believes the future of technology depends on recognising the diversity of people's experiences, needs, and backgrounds. Inclusion, in her view, should never be considered an afterthought but should instead form the foundation upon which products, services, and organisations are built. Through Eira Technology, Andrea continues to champion a vision where innovation serves humanity first. By combining empathy, responsibility, and thoughtful design, she believes technology can create experiences that are not only smarter but also healthier, more inclusive, and profoundly meaningful.

Andrea encourages aspiring women entrepreneurs to believe in their vision long before others recognise its potential. In her view, every meaningful venture begins with the courage to take the first step, even when the destination is uncertain. Having experienced the realities of entrepreneurship firsthand, Andrea acknowledges that fear and self-doubt are natural companions on the journey. Yet she believes confidence is rarely something people possess before they begin. Instead, it develops through action, perseverance, and the lessons gained from overcoming challenges and celebrating small victories. She also encourages women to stop waiting for the perfect moment and instead embrace the process of continuous learning, growth, and creation. Every entrepreneurial journey is unique, and Andrea believes the greatest strength lies in building something that reflects one's own experiences, passions, and purpose rather than following someone else's path. For Andrea, entrepreneurship is ultimately about creating impact rather than simply building a company. She encourages women to remain grounded in their values, surround themselves with people who support their aspirations, and recognise that setbacks are opportunities for growth rather than signs of failure. Above all, Andrea believes every woman's story holds extraordinary power. The experiences she has lived, the challenges she has overcome, and the lessons she has gathered often become the very foundation of the purpose she brings into the world. Through courage, authenticity, and belief in their own potential, Andrea believes every woman has the ability to create, lead, and inspire lasting change.

Andrea believes the next generation of clean beauty brands will be defined by a deeper commitment to transparency, sustainability, and purpose driven innovation. As consumers become increasingly informed, they are seeking far more than beautifully designed products. They want brands they can genuinely trust. Understanding ingredient sourcing, product development, and the values that guide a company has become just as important as product performance. According to Andrea, one of the industry's most significant transformations is the growing connection between beauty, wellness, and sustainability. Future beauty brands will be evaluated not only by the benefits they deliver to the skin but also by the impact they have on people, communities, and the planet. She also believes education will play an increasingly important role. Rather than creating fear or confusion, clean beauty brands have a responsibility to equip consumers with the knowledge needed to make informed choices. While innovation will continue to advance through sustainable packaging, responsible sourcing, personalised skincare, and sophisticated formulations, Andrea believes the brands that endure will be those that combine technological progress with authenticity and genuine purpose. At Maya Clean Beauty, this philosophy remains central to the brand's vision. Andrea continues to champion conscious beauty, a movement where effectiveness, ethics, sustainability, and self care come together to create a more meaningful relationship between people and the products they choose.

Looking ahead, Andrea envisions Maya Clean Beauty evolving into a globally recognised wellness brand that encourages people to embrace beauty as a holistic journey connecting skincare, self-care, confidence, and conscious living. While developing thoughtful and effective products remains a priority, Andrea's greater aspiration is to cultivate a community where individuals feel supported, empowered, and reminded of their own resilience. She wants Maya Clean Beauty to represent far more than skincare, serving instead as a symbol of transformation, hope, and the belief that every individual possesses the ability to heal, shine, and begin again. Beyond entrepreneurship, Andrea hopes to continue leading conversations around conscious beauty, healthy aging, self-worth, and holistic wellbeing. Through both advocacy and business, she seeks to encourage people to care for themselves from the inside out while inspiring future generations, particularly women, to build businesses rooted in authenticity, compassion, and purpose. For Andrea, success is measured not simply by what is created but by the lives positively influenced along the journey. Her enduring goal is to build a legacy that continues to inspire meaningful change long into the future.

Andrea believes sustainable leadership begins with intentional daily habits that protect both personal wellbeing and inner balance. Her routines are centred on discipline, gratitude, and creating the mental clarity needed to lead with purpose. Another practice she follows consciously is the setting of technology boundaries. The exclusion of the electronic devices from the bedroom and no use of phones or television at the beginning of the day allows Andrea to create room for reflection, intention and peace of mind before work starts. Another non-negotiable aspect is sleep. Knowing that being productive means being able to recover correctly, Andrea tries to spend about nine hours a day sleeping, considering sleep an important investment in her performance. Moreover, she practices exercise, nutritional supplements, red light therapy and visits saunas as well in order to keep up the good condition, focus and energy. Besides, Andrea considers her spiritual side to be one of the important aspects of her life. Being together with God, practicing gratitude and staying humble reminds her that leadership goes far beyond accomplishments – it is also about being compassionate and serving others. The continuous learning is another essential practice which helps Andrea to develop herself by means of reading and audiobooks. However, above all practices Andrea values her family as an integral part of her life and achievements.

Among the defining moments of Andrea's life, the separation from the father of her child became the experience that most profoundly reshaped her understanding of leadership, resilience, and personal purpose. It was a period of uncertainty that required her to confront change while rediscovering her own strength. Rather than being defined by the previous chapter, Andrea decided to convert the difficult period into a time for development and rebirth. She learned that resilience is not the absence of adversity; instead, it is about having the ability to stand up, start anew, and move forward regardless of what life throws at you. In this process, she was able to reconnect with her principles and values, find appreciation for her personal resilience, and build a new vision for herself and her career. These lessons have continued to guide her leadership approach, inspiring her to lead with empathy and compassion. Indeed, this became one of the basic sources of inspiration for creating both Maya Clean Beauty and The New Normal. In her opinion, everybody has the ability to heal and transform themselves and start a new life, while life challenges turn out to be the greatest source of growth.

Andrea's message to entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, and aspiring women leaders centres on one enduring principle: never underestimate the power of purpose. She believes every meaningful venture begins with the courage to believe in a vision long before others recognise its potential. While acknowledging that the entrepreneurial journey is rarely easy, Andrea views every challenge as an opportunity to become stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. She encourages women to embrace their personal stories, recognising that experiences, hardships, and moments of transformation are not weaknesses but invaluable sources of wisdom capable of shaping meaningful leadership. To Andrea, leadership is much more than acknowledgment, success, and prosperity. Leadership serves a higher purpose, and its goal is to serve others, create enduring value, and use your abilities to positively impact society. The experience of Andrea has convinced her of the truth that everyone has an opportunity to heal, to shine and to start from scratch. In her opinion, it is possible to build companies, communities and movements by leading with intentionality, humility and authenticity that will have an impact not only on the financial success. In the end, Andrea is convinced that the future belongs to those people who create with intention, lead with compassion and have enough courage to materialize their ideas. Most of all, she hopes that people will never forget that their stories are valuable and they have an enormous impact that they can produce.

“My journey to creating Maya Clean Beauty began with a deeply personal desire to redefine the relationship between beauty, wellness, and self-love.” “To me, clean beauty is not simply about what we choose to leave out of our products; it is about being intentional with what we choose to put into them.” “The mission of helping women heal, shine, and begin again is at the heart of everything I create with Maya Clean Beauty.”