Los Angeles-based skincare brand Monastery is earning international acclaim for its minimalist, plant-based approach to beauty—one that prioritizes protection over intervention. Founded by aesthetician Athena Hewett, the brand has cultivated a loyal following, including prominent figures such as director Sofia Coppola.
The genesis of Monastery traces back to Hewett’s own prolonged struggle with acne. During a month-long backpacking trip, she experienced a remarkable improvement in her skin despite abandoning her usual regimen. This unintentional discovery led her to reconsider traditional skincare practices. Upon returning to Los Angeles and resuming her routine, her acne returned, prompting Hewett to develop her own natural formulations rooted in simplicity and skin balance.
Her first product, the Rose Cleansing Oil, was designed not to strip the skin, but to support its natural microbiome. “It’s a way to remove sunscreen at the end of the day without disrupting the skin,” Hewett explained. At the time of its creation in 2011, the concept of the skin microbiome was still emerging in the beauty world. Nevertheless, Hewett intuitively recognized its importance. “The oil molecules are large, so they remain on the surface, dissolving impurities without penetrating or damaging the skin barrier.”
With over a decade of experience as an aesthetician, Hewett tested her products on her clients, observing a high success rate, particularly with acne-prone individuals. Her findings led her to reevaluate common assumptions about hormonal acne. “Maybe it was a topical issue all along,” she remarked. Encouraged, she expanded her line with the Gold Botanical Serum, aimed at healing pigmentation and nourishing the skin with vitamins and omegas.
Years of hands-on refinement culminated in the official launch of Monastery. In an era of increasingly complex skincare routines, Hewett offered a counterpoint—fewer products, better results. The brand’s ethos of “quiet luxury” reflects her belief in skincare as a ritual and moment of personal stillness. The name “Monastery” was inspired by her Greek heritage and a photograph of a monastery near her great-grandmother’s home, which evoked feelings of serenity, ritual, and self-care.
Sourcing only the highest quality botanicals, Monastery’s ingredients are obtained from around the world. Hewett initially partnered with small farmers, though the brand’s growth necessitated scaling. “It’s not unlike winemaking,” she noted. “Ingredients vary with the seasons, which affects texture, scent, and feel.” Nevertheless, she maintains a hands-on approach at the brand’s Los Angeles lab, allowing for immediate experimentation and refinement.
Monastery’s distinctive philosophy found a like-minded partner in Ara’kai, a spa in Copenhagen founded by Heydi Vasquez. After a career in fashion, Vasquez sought a more meaningful endeavor and discovered Monastery during a trip to New York. Their partnership was formalized during Copenhagen Fashion Week in February 2025, with Ara’kai becoming the exclusive European home of the Monastery Super Glow Signature Facial—an indulgent yet results-driven treatment combining botanical formulas and sculpting massage.
In the U.S., Monastery recently launched a residency at Hotel Chelsea’s spa in New York, with Hewett as its first “artist in residence.” The collaboration follows the brand’s involvement in backstage skincare at Khaite’s Autumn/Winter 2025 show during New York Fashion Week. There, models were prepped with an unreleased dual-purpose product featuring a proprietary ingredient—usable both as a cleanser and moisturizer. The routine was completed with Monastery’s Aloe Serum and the Hideaway Essence, a collaborative creation with Sofia Coppola.
The latest innovation in Monastery’s expanding line is The Deep Red, an at-home LED light therapy mask released in late 2024. Despite the brand’s growing presence and devoted fan base, Hewett remains committed to her founding principles: simplicity, effectiveness, and respect for the skin’s natural harmony.
In a beauty industry often driven by complexity and excess, Monastery stands as a testament to the power of a minimalist, mindful approach.
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