THE FOUNDER
Mirella Crovetto (Lima, Peru)
A Calling Rooted in the Andes
Aypa was born from a deep desire to share and reveal the ancestral wisdom and wellness philosophy of the Andean culture of Peru. This ancient culture, which has remained silent for so long, holds invaluable health secrets and wellness treasures that deserve to be known in today’s world.
My Journey: From Beauty to Purpose
I spent years working in the beauty industry, first in Lima – Peru, my hometown, and later in Europe. Despite moving to change fields and explore the fashion industry, destiny guided me back to the world of cosmetics. My last corporate job involved extensive travel, bringing me into close contact with spas and wellness centers worldwide. I noticed that their treatment menus featured ancestral rituals from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Hawaii—but none from the Andes.
The Moment Everything Changed
That realization struck me like a lightning bolt. It felt like a calling, a mission. I knew I had to do something to bring the treasures of my culture into the modern wellness world.
Answering the Call
I didn’t hesitate. Following my intuition has always been my way. Even if it meant leaving behind security and stepping into the unknown world of entrepreneurship. It was 2008, a time of global financial uncertainty, yet I chose to return to Peru and start researching native plants and traditional rituals.
Immersing in the Andean Wisdom
This journey led me deep into the Andean philosophy, immersing myself in the way of life of communities living 4,000 meters above sea level. Their wisdom is passed down orally—nothing is written. To understand it, you must live it.
Years of Learning, Guided by Spirit
I spent almost four years researching Andean plants, energetic rituals, and health traditions, transforming this knowledge into products and treatments. The path was magical but far from easy. There was no roadmap, and I was overwhelmed by the vast biodiversity of powerful plants, wanting to use them all! At that time, natural cosmetics were not taken seriously, and the future was uncertain. But I had conviction and was fortunate to receive the support of family and friends who believed in me.
One of the most memorable moments up in the mountains of the Andes was when a Paqo (Andean priest and guardian of ancestral wisdom) performed a traditional coca leaf reading for me. In Andean culture, coca leaves may act as an oracle, revealing guidance and insights. He looked at me and said, “What you are doing is beautiful.” Those words resonated deeply, affirming what I already felt. Another time, a wise Andean woman, an expert in energy stones, told me—without knowing anything about me—”Pachamama (Mother Earth) wants you to communicate her message.”
These signs strengthened my resolve.
The Birth of Aypa
The name “Aypa” was born in the Sacred Valley of Cusco. I was on a horseback ride, discovering the landscape with a local guide. I knew I wanted the name to mean “earth” in Quechua, the native language of the Andes. When I asked, he said “Allpa.” To ensure the name could be easily pronounced internationally, I transformed it into “Aypa,” a tribute to the physical land where these incredible plants grow.
More Than a Brand—A Philosophy
So, in 2011, Aypa was created—not just as a natural beauty and wellness brand, but as an invitation to reconnect with Andean wisdom.
Through my connection with the Andean culture, I have learned that true well-being comes from recognizing our bond with the Earth and integrating it into our lives—body, mind, and soul. Beauty cannot exist without respect for nature and a deep connection to our inner energy.
Plant Energies, Community Roots
I have also discovered that plants carry a vibration, that their origin matters immensely. The land where they grow, the way they are cultivated, and the respect given to nature all imprint an energy into them. Our cells, like antennas, perceive this information. That is why I work directly with small farming communities who honor the Earth, give gratitude for their harvests, and recognize the energy within the plants. This energy is what we feel when we use them, elevating our vibration and bringing us back to our essence.
Aypa’s Purpose
Aypa is more than a brand; it is a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern self-care. My purpose is that through Aypa, more people can experience the deep connection with nature and the transformative power of Andean healing traditions. Because when we nurture our bodies with the purity of the Earth, we reconnect with ourselves in the most profound way.
Thank you for being part of this journey back to our roots, to simplicity, to truth.
