Zehra started Belfiore Herbal in late 2019 after some fun experimentation with the lavender grown in her backyard. Being all scientists in the family, and at the same time...pseudo-farmers (yes, we call the backyard garden our ‘farm’). After turning all the garden vegetables into a variety of creative cuisines, Zehra focused her attention on what to do with all the beautiful lavender growing in her backyard. Inspiration struck when touring the weekend farmers markets - seeing the bushels of lavender and simple cosmetics made from them. Zehra reached back to her bioscience experience to create something for skincare using all natural plant based ingredients, from items (especially lavender) available right in her backyard. There were some early mornings to harvest, late nights to formulate, and a family to support, but through a few iterations (and some grit) she created a few creams that were a hit among her family, friends and community.