That’s the truth about building a company and raising a family at the same time — it’s not about balance. It’s about noticing the good stuff as it flashes by. When I write it out, my life looks ordinary. Wake up, work, kids, dinner, sleep. But in the margins, there’s meaning.
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In 2023, I seriously considered selling the business. Not because I didn’t believe in it. But because I wondered if someone else might be better suited to take it further. I had built the foundation. Maybe it was time for the brand to soar with someone who loved scaling more than I do. An acquisition wasn’t an option for us at that time. And in a strange way, that forced me back into a redefined relationship with the brand itself. I stopped imagining an exit and started imagining our next chapter.
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Saint Jane de Chantal was someone who made an impact on those around her…At a time when women faced so much oppression, she created something meaningful. A sanctuary for women society had cast aside…the very old, sick, unwed mothers. She believed that empathy was an essential act of rebellion and she dedicated her life to healing those women. That’s what I’ve tried to build, too.
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Wherever you are this season…surrounded by chaos or calm or something in between… I hope you feel the warmth of tradition, and the softness of presence.
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Long before serums, packaging, or lab samples, there was a story — one that shaped everything I believe about beauty, resilience, and women who build.
My great-grandmother Teresa Franzia came to America as a mail-order bride. She crossed an ocean to marry a man she had never met, landing in California with little more than faith and determination. Instead of simply surviving, she built — a family, a business, a legacy. The vineyards she helped plant would one day grow into one of America’s largest wine companies.
Her story is stitched into my DNA. It’s the quiet strength I draw on every time I walk into our lab or sit down to create something new.
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When I started Saint Jane, I wasn’t chasing trends — I was chasing peace. I wanted skincare that worked powerfully, but also felt like an exhale for your skin. Something scientifically advanced, but sensorially gentle.
Creating formulas that earn trust doesn’t happen overnight. We work with incredible chemists, toxicologists, and botanists to develop every product from scratch. Each one goes through months of research, safety testing, and refinement until it meets what we call The Saint Jane Standard:
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Rebecca Bender's story is one of tragedy, survival, and triumph. At the vulnerable age of 18, she found herself ensnared in the dark world of human trafficking. Enduring unimaginable physical and emotional abuse, she spent nearly six years in the clutches of her traffickers. However, Rebecca's spirit remained unbroken, and with an unwavering determination, she managed to escape and went back to the darkest places she had seen to help others escape too.
Her journey towards healing and justice was fraught with challenges, but it laid the foundation for what would become the Rebecca Bender Initiative. The Initiative was founded with a dual purpose: to support survivors on their path to recovery and to raise awareness about the pervasive nature of human trafficking. In 2014, Rebecca officially launched the Initiative, fueled by a burning desire to make a difference and prevent others from suffering the same fate.
Human trafficking is not a distant issue; it is a cancer that permeates communities worldwide, leaving scars on its victims and staining the very fabric of society. The Rebecca Bender Initiative recognizes the far-reaching consequences of this crime and endeavors to address its impact on communities.
Trafficking doesn't discriminate—it preys on the vulnerable, exploiting the marginalized and disadvantaged. By using her personal story to train first responders, Rebecca has made a difference in shifting systems that prohibit victims from being seen, shedding light on the faces behind the statistics. This awareness is crucial in fostering empathy and understanding within communities, ultimately fostering a collective effort to combat human trafficking.
The Initiative engages in education and outreach programs, equipping communities with the knowledge needed to recognize the signs of trafficking and respond effectively. By empowering individuals with the tools to identify and report suspicious activities, the Rebecca Bender Initiative plays a vital role in preventing the further spread of this insidious crime.
Since its inception, the Rebecca Bender Initiative has achieved significant milestones in the fight against human trafficking. One of its notable accomplishments is the establishment of comprehensive training programs for law enforcement, first responders, and social service providers. These programs are designed to enhance the understanding of trafficking dynamics, equipping professionals with the skills needed to identify and assist survivors and has trained over 118,000 professionals to date.
Furthermore, the Initiative has been instrumental in shaping legislation aimed at strengthening anti-trafficking efforts. Rebecca's advocacy work has influenced policy changes at both the state and federal levels, creating a more robust legal framework for prosecuting traffickers and supporting survivors. After being appointed to the United States National Advisory Council, RBI has had a seat at reviewing and informing Congress on state responses that include over 120 recommended changes nationwide.
The Initiative's survivor support program, Elevate Academy offers a lifeline to those on the path to recovery. Through mentorship, courses, and vocational training, survivors are given the tools to rebuild their lives. This holistic approach recognizes the complex journey of healing, addressing not only the immediate physical and emotional needs but also the long-term goals and aspirations of survivors and has assisted nearly 1600 survivors spanning 600 U.S. cities and 19 countries
While the Rebecca Bender Initiative has achieved remarkable success, the battle against human trafficking is far from over. The organization remains committed to its mission, constantly evolving its strategies to stay ahead of the ever-changing tactics employed by traffickers.
The power of community engagement is at the forefront of the Initiative's approach. By fostering collaboration between law enforcement, social services, survivor leaders and the community, a united front is formed against human trafficking. Community members are encouraged to be vigilant, to report suspicious activities, and to support survivors in their journey towards recovery by partnering monthly with RBI and other local organizations.
Rebecca Bender's story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit—a phoenix rising from the ashes of despair to bring about positive change. Through the Rebecca Bender Initiative, she has not only transformed her own pain into purpose but has also ignited a flame of awareness and action in communities around the world. She isn’t the only phoenix, there are survivors around the world stepping in and using their voices for change. When you partner with us, you partner with us all!
Human trafficking is a scourge that thrives in the shadows, but with advocates like Rebecca Bender leading the charge, the light of justice and compassion pierces through. As we stand united against this heinous crime, we honor the survivors, champion the cause, and work towards a future where no one falls victim to the darkness of human trafficking. The journey is ongoing, but with organizations like the Rebecca Bender Initiative, we can collectively strive for a world free from the chains of exploitation and oppression.
We are so honored to be able to give a portion of proceeds to help empower this incredible organization. You shop, we give. 🖤
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Clean skincare has become a popular topic over the last few years – especially for me. At 35 I was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer and started years of treatment. During treatment for my first cancer, I spotted something on my foot that caught my attention. Turns out it was a melanoma, and a new, different treatment plan to target my skin cancer started alongside my breast cancer treatment plan.
I am a California native and have spent loads of time in the sun. I am fair and have always been good about sun protection, but even then, I got skin cancer (between my toes no less!). Keep an eye on your skin – if something looks new or doesn’t look right – prioritize a dermatologist appointment.
During cancer treatment I overhauled my day-to-day life. Most people think about eating clean or removing toxins from the home, but few realize how many carcinogens and toxins are in the beauty and personal care products we use every day.
Our skin is our largest organ. It absorbs what we put topically INTO our bodies. Not only do we want to care for and nourish the most outward facing part of our body to keep it strong and healthy, we also need to make sure it’s free of chemicals that can harm us. It’s all about properly feeding and protecting it. Let’s just say I’ve done more than my share of homework on clean products, so let me give you the skinny!
There’s clean, and then there’s cancer-clean.
I’ve changed the way I think about skin and beauty. Healthy, nourished skin is beautiful skin, and needs little covering up. I’ve pivoted from investing in expensive heavy makeup into skin-improving products to make me glow from the inside out.
For me, the cornerstone of my cancer-clean skincare routine is SAINT JANE. SAINT JANE is a meticulously clean brand that uses the power of natural botanicals – and it is effective. The products rival the efficacy of clinical-strength products I’ve used in the past – and completely debunked the myth that “clean is not as effective” for me. Their products are clean, super luxe, and smell unreal. The packaging is also insane. I love having these little pieces of art in my bathroom.
I know many of you are always on the hunt for the right products, but are overwhelmed by the amount of clean (or, ahem, “clean”) products on the market. So I’m sharing what I’ve found to be the best, most effective products from a few years of research.
I’ll walk you through my daytime and nighttime routine with the SAINT JANE products I use – and tell you what they do, and why I love them. You can watch how I apply all of these products on our Instagram Reels @do.cancer. I also use a few other brands around the edges - and share my list of all favorites.
First – my skin type. I am fair and have sensitive, drier skin. SAINT JANE can work for lots of skin types, but the products from their line that I’ve gravitated to and super nourishing and hydrating.
I have 3 young kids, so sleep is sometimes hard to come by. So the very first thing I do is splash my face with water, and some days I use a cold jade roller to depuff.
SAINT JANE Superflower Detox Serum. I was a little dubious that I needed this product before using it, but it is a gamechanger and my daytime favorite. I place a few drops on clean, dry skin and press it into my face and down to my neck. I think of this like a multivitamin for my skin – and it smells amazing. Since I’ve started using it my skin is brighter, firmer, has better tone and overall just feels healthy and hydrated. It’s loaded with micronutrients that nourish the skin and has florals like rose and chamomile that keep it balanced. You may not think you need a skin “detox” product – but try it! You’ll be hooked. Learn more.
SAINT JANE Luxury Sun Ritual 30 SPF. The most important part of my morning routine – SPF. I have tried tons of clean, natural sunscreens and this one is my favorite. First – its’ clean which means it has zero chemicals (unlike most sunscreens), and it’s reef safe. The texture is almost whipped, and it has a little warm color to it which adjusts to all skin shades to help blur-out imperfections. Second – it’s a multitasker, which I love. It works like a primer, moisturizer and sunscreen in one. My routine has to be fast and SPF is non-negotiable so this can act as a base for no-makeup days, or as my primer when I’m wearing make-up. Finally, like all SAINT JANE products it’s beautiful and smells amazing. It’s light and has a desert rose and jasmine scent. After my Detox Serum dries, I apply this right on top. Learn more.
SAINT JANE Hydrating Petal Cream. After SPF I need a little extra hydration, especially in the winter. I like the Hydrating Petal Cream because it’s light and super effective without being greasy or heavy – perfect for daytime and under makeup. It has essences and antioxidants from 10 flowers (!) and instantly lifts my mood whenever I smell it. It is also brightening. I’ve always struggled with my skin looking sunken and almost a little gray. This really brightens it up with 10% vitamin C. That’s a pretty big dose for dry skin, but it never makes me flaky or dries me out because of all of the nourishing peptides and hyaluronic acid. After sunscreen sits on my face for a minute, I apply a thin layer. Learn more.
SAINT JANE Bright Repair Eye Cream. Oh, my under eyes. It’s always been the one place I really struggle to improve. This product has really helped the dark circles and crepiness around my eyes. It’s loaded with 10% vitamin C – so definitely patch test (I’ve never had an issue). It has a unique texture – almost silky and pillowy due to vegan collagen. It instantly wakes up my under eye. Learn more.
SAINT JANE Luxury Lip Oil. Run run run to get this product. It’s an all in one lip-saver. My lips have always been super chapped and dry. Even when I was a kid, I had to constantly apply Carmex and Aquaphor (definitely NOT clean). Lip Shine doubles as a lip hydrator and non-sticky lip gloss. It’s only got 8 ingredients, which for a beauty product is almost unheard of, and gives you a light wash of color. It’s silky, stays on, and works like a lip treatment vs. lip gloss. My everyday go-to is Calm, but I own 4 shades. I have them stashed everywhere – in my purse, the car, bedside table… you get the picture. As I wrap my morning routine I swipe this on and I instantly look pulled together and ready to tackle my day. Learn more.
On most days, I just leave it there (I’m not a big makeup wearer). This standard daytime routine takes me about three minutes. Easy peasy. I grab a hat and head out the door. If I’m going to be outside that day – I always reapply SPF. I keep one tube of sunscreen on my vanity and one in my purse – ALWAYS. On days I want to look a little more polished, I put on light daytime makeup and even though I’m wearing a fair amount of skincare, my makeup never pills over SAINT JANE. Everything glides right on.
Okay, my day was fun (and exhausting) and now is when I show my skin a little extra TLC. Daytime I’m all about brightening and hydrating, nighttime I’m more focused on treatments and correcting. My main concerns are wrinkles, hydration, and still – brightening.
If I’m really doing it up I’ll take a bath. The reality is – this only happens every couple of weeks. But when I do, my new addiction is the Deep Sleep Bath Salts. Holy luxury. Think of these like an elevated Epsom soak. They’re loaded with Magnesium and smell so rich – nothing clean I’ve ever smelled can compete. There’s tons botanicals in the mix but evening primrose and bergamot really jump out. My skin is definitely softer when I use these, but what I really love is just the ritual that helps my sleep (which I’ve really struggled with after cancer). Divine! Learn more.
Okay – so adding a bath is when I’m living my best life, but this is what most nights look like:
First, I do a double cleanse. I remove my makeup with a clean removing wipe (Burt’s Bee’s Rose Towelette) and I use 100% Pure Virgin Coconut Moisturizing Milk Foam cleanser. Then I pat my skin dry and start my nighttime routine.
Luxury Beauty Serum. This beauty oil is hands-down the staple of my nighttime routine. It does everything. It hydrates, repairs, reduces wrinkles, improves tone. It just sinks into my skin and starts working away. I apply a few drops to my face and neck and press it in. It does so much for the skin, it’s really the only thing I HAVE to use.
Bright Repair Eye Cream. Again – gotta hit those under eyes, unfortunately! I apply this, after my Luxury Beauty Serum. Just gently dab with your ring finger around the eye.
My dry skin doesn’t stop at my face – so I apply SAINT JANE all over my body. When I was healing from radiation burns, yes I had prescription creams and I used them as directed, but medicated creams are unfortunately loaded with toxins. I used these as I was supposed to, but couldn’t wait to start clean body care. The creams you are given for radiation accelerate skin repair, but nothing feels nourishing and healing. Then I found my healer:
Luxury Body Serum was a godsend for skin healing. It’s a super-clean dry body oil that was created to nourish skin deeply. It sinks right in, smells heavenly, and was just what my body needed. After radiation was over and my skin could handle topicals again, I would apply it all over my torso and saw the benefits immediately. There’s almost 30 botanicals in this body oil including those that have been used for centuries to repair fragile skin. When your skin is ready to heal this product is amazing! I still use it. I throw a few pumps in my hands and apply all over my body. A good hack is to keep this beautiful black glass container in the shower so you can apply it right after you’ve dried off. Learn more.
If a body oil isn’t your thing for everyday use, I love the Hydrabloom Body Silk. Finding a truly clean body lotion is hard, and this one delivers. Super light but effective, smells amazing. As you can tell – I’m addicted to hydration. Learn more.
These products have been a staple for me everyday. I’ve become incredibly focused on clean ingredients that improve the health and strength of my skin – my skin looking beautiful is a happy byproduct of that.
Daytime treatment: Superflower Detox Serum
Daytime face lotion: Hydrating Petal Cream
SPF for Face: Luxury Sun Ritual
SPF for Body: Green Tea SPF 30 or Alba Kids Very Emollient Sunscreen SPF 40
Body treatment: Luxury Body Serum
Body lotion: Hydrabloom Body Silk
Cleanser: Virgin Coconut Moisturizing Foam Cleanser
Makeup wipes: Micellar Rose Towelettes
Eye cream: Bright Eye Repair Serum
Sheet Mask: Does It All or Collagen Boost
Under Eye Mask: Bright Eyes Mask
A hero ingredient in our Deep Sleep Bath Salts, we love Magnesium for its rich skincare benefits as well as its innate ability to help your body enter a state of relaxation after a long day. Melt away the chaos of the day and prepare for a restful night’s sleep with a warm bath, infused with Magnesium, our holy grail ingredient for relaxation.
Magnesium is an essential mineral found naturally in your body. When absorbed through the skin, it can have calming effects on both the body and mind — perfect for helping you unwind from the day and get ready for bed. When it comes to your skin, soaking in a Magnesium-infused bath surrounds your skin with softening and hydrating benefits so you step out of the tub and into bed with nourished skin.
We’ll be taking a deeper look at what magnesium is, its importance for our bodies, and how incorporating it into your bath ritual can lead to relaxation, and softer, more supple skin.
Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in your body — often dubbed the ‘miracle mineral’ because it plays a pivotal role in over 300 chemical reactions in our body. Predominantly found in our bones, but also in our muscles, it has numerous benefits for our overall health – including brain and heart function, bone health and even the integrity of our muscles. Whilst we get magnesium through the foods we eat, it is also easily absorbed through the skin, and can be a very effective addition to your skincare rituals.
Magnesium can be beneficial in maintaining moisture levels while softening the skin and visibly reducing signs of premature aging. It’s calming properties are also amazing for helping sooth redness or irritation while providing relief for those with sensitive skin.
Due to its calming effect on both the body and mind, Magnesium can help to reduce stress levels by inducing deep relaxation — allowing us to drift off into a peaceful slumber more quickly during bedtime. This also means that we wake up feeling refreshed every morning due to improved sleep throughout the night.
Additionally, magnesium baths are incredibly beneficial when it comes to detoxifying and purifying — aiding in removing impurities from our pores while soothing sore muscles.
Infusing your evening bath with Magnesium, envelops your skin in fatty acids which can help with collagen levels - responsible for keeping your skin bouncy and moisturized. Your skin is left hydrated and visibly more even bringing life and light back to lackluster skin. Magnesium can also help to protect your skin from external damage, as it helps to regulate cellular regeneration, increasing recovery when skin is disturbed and giving it strength when it’s under attack.
Our Deep Sleep Bath Salts are infused with Magnesium, Peptides and a bouquet of floral essences designed to soothe tired muscles, and envelope the skin in nutrients and hydration, for a relaxing, skin-softening experience. As part of your evening skincare ritual, run a warm bath and add 2-3 scoops of Deep Sleep Bath Salts. The salts will dissolve and infuse your bath water into a skincare sanctuary, restoring moisture loss and replenishing nourishment for a healthy skin barrier.
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We believe in the de-stressing power of a bath. A relaxing way to recharge, to take 30 minutes for yourself to melt away the chaos of the day, and prepare your body and mind for a night of deep sleep. Bath rituals are sacred and we wanted to create a product that infuses the bath water surrounding and soaking your skin with rich-florals and essential minerals for your skin and body. Meet DEEP SLEEP BATH SALTS, rich in Magnesium, Peptides and a bouquet of skin-loving floral ingredients that work to soothe tired muscles, soften, nourish and deeply hydrate your skin. These bath salts transform your bath into a skin-softening sanctuary that instantly calms to prepare you for your best night’s sleep…ever.
When thoughtfully selecting ingredients for our bath salts, we wanted a combination of science-backed actives and our signature florals to achieve optimal benefits for your skin while you soak. Here are our holy grail ingredients in Deep Sleep Bath Salts that transform your bath water into a pool of skin benefits:
Our hero ingredient in the formula, we love Magnesium for its calming properties. Soaking in a warm bath with Magnesium can help to soothe tired muscles, promote a feeling of calming relaxation and deeply nourish your skin.
Peptides can help to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by increasing collagen production and stimulating the skin's natural repair processes. Peptides can also help to restore skin hydration levels and improve overall skin tone by boosting ceramide production. This helps to keep skin looking plump, firm, and radiant.
Evening primrose oil is rich in essential fatty acids which help to strengthen the skin's natural barrier and keep it properly hydrated. It also helps to promote cell renewal which can improve the overall texture and tone of the skin over time.
Wild Orchid is packed with essential antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by environmental stressors and free radicals that cause oxidative stress…which can lead to pre-mature aging.
Sacred Lotus is an incredible source of essential fatty acids, which are important for healthy cell growth and keeping the skin hydrated and balanced.
Jasmine is a great source of Vitamin E, an essential vitamin and antioxidant which helps to keep the skin hydrated by preventing moisture loss and strengthening your skin’s protective barrier against the environment.
We love Chamomile for its widely known calming properties for the skin. Chamomile can help soothe redness and irritation providing rich, hydrating relief to dry, sensitive skin.
As part of your nighttime, self-care ritual, run a warm bath and add 2-3 scoops of DEEP SLEEP BATH SALTS directly into the water. The salts will dissolve and infuse your bath with vitamins, minerals and rich floral nutrients to calm your mind, body and beautifully soften your skin.
For even more skin-smoothing hydration, apply our Luxury Body Serum and Hydrabloom Body Silk once out of your bath.
Incorporating these luxurious formulas into your evening self-care routine will prepare your mind and body for a night of deep sleep, leaving you feeling rested and ready for the next day. You’ll wake up with soft, hydrated skin that’s balanced and more nourished than ever.
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