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Hidden Gems: Meet Monica & Henry Claus of Jara -Mente & Alma

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica & Henry Claus.

Monica & Henry Claus

Hi Monica & Henry, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After our wedding in 2023, the idea of Jara began when we were looking for a more natural, healthier approach to everyday wellness. That search led us to essential oils, and we quickly noticed how different they felt compared to many products we had used before. Essential oils offered scent without relying on synthetic fragrances, and we experienced benefits that fit easily into daily life — from easing stress and headaches to supporting healthy, regenerating skin.

As we paid closer attention to what we were using, we became more aware of how many soaps and cosmetic products contain ingredients that can impact health over time. We wanted alternatives we could feel confident using every day, so we began exploring how essential oils could be thoughtfully incorporated into body care.
From there, Jara grew naturally. We started by making soaps with gentle, nourishing ingredients like rice powder and oatmeal, then expanded into body butters, scrubs, and bath salts. All of our products are preservative-free and made using raw resources. We blend everything ourselves, guided by traditional recipes and hands-on techniques, creating natural cosmetics that are simple, effective, and enjoyable to use.
While we sell our products online, community has always been central to our journey. We regularly attend local farmers markets and community fairs, where we enjoy meeting people, sharing what we make, and listening to their stories. Those conversations have shaped not only our products, but also the way we approach wellness as something personal and shared.
We also collaborate with local boutiques, spas, and wellness practices. Through these partnerships, we offer custom infusion services that allow essential oil blends to be incorporated into body care products. These tailored spa packages are designed for professional treatment spaces or for clients who want to bring a calming, spa-like experience into their own homes.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the challenges we’ve faced along the way is trust. Essential oils are widely known, but many people are unsure about using them as part of everyday body care. That hesitation is often rooted in misunderstanding, especially when wellness information feels overwhelming or conflicting. We’ve found that education makes a real difference. By talking openly about how essential oils are used, why formulation matters, and how to use them safely, skepticism often turns into curiosity and confidence.

As you know, we’re big fans of Jara -Mente & Alma. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At its heart, Jara is about care and intention. It’s about helping people feel more connected to their bodies, more informed about what they use every day, and more confident in making simple choices that support long-term wellness. We believe self-care should feel approachable, personal, and easy to enjoy — and we’re grateful to share that journey with our community.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What brings us the most happiness is hearing directly from customers and clients about how their wellness has improved after switching to a more natural body-care and self-care routine. When someone tells us their skin feels better, their stress feels more manageable, or they simply feel more comfortable in their daily rituals, it reminds us why we started. Those moments of feedback feel deeply personal and meaningful. We also find a lot of joy in helping people learn. Educating others about the value of natural cosmetics — and how cleaner, safer ingredients can support the body over time — is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Watching someone move from uncertainty to confidence, especially when they realize they don’t have to choose between effectiveness and safety, is incredibly fulfilling.

Pricing:

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  • 15
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  • 55

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