Sandra Velasquez is the founder of Nopalera, an award-winning Mexican Botanical Bath & Body brand based in New York City. It is currently sold in Nordstrom, Credo Beauty, Free People, and over 300 independent retailers nationwide. She launched Nopalera from her Brooklyn apartment in November 2020 with no outside funding, while working three jobs, at the age of forty-four. Prior to launching Nopalera, Velasquez was the leader of the Latin Alternative band Pistolera, which toured internationally, released three studio albums, and had its music featured on hit TV shows like Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert. She also worked as a sales manager for several CPG brands across categories. Sandra is the host of The Nopalera Podcast and works as a mentor to emerging CPG brands through her online classes. Nopalera was founded to elevate and celebrate Latin@ culture. Our products are inspired by the beauty and richness of Mexico. We take our inspiration from the nopal cactus, an ancient symbol of Mexican culture and one of the most sustainable, nourishing, and versatile plants in the world. You can eat it, make textiles from it, and use it to hydrate your skin and hair. It is strong, resilient, beautiful, and has always been here. Just like us.
