Founder of
Luna Sundara
Luna Sundara embodies the creative spirit and purpose of empowering Latin American artisans by showcasing their crafts globally. Sandra Manay, a native Peruvian and co-founder, originally planned to launch a clothing brand featuring traditional Peruvian textiles. However, her journey took a different direction when she noticed the demand for Peruvian aromatherapy oils during her spiritual explorations. Recognizing this niche, Sandra, with the support of her partner Thomas Konik, officially registered Luna Sundara as a wellness company in 2015.
The company's name, "Luna Sundara," reflects its commitment to natural beauty and holistic well-being. "Luna," meaning "moon" in Spanish, signifies spirituality and the natural world, while "Sundara," derived from Sanskrit, translates to "beautiful," representing physical beauty and inner harmony. This dual emphasis underscores Luna Sundara's dedication to enriching people's health and well-being through sustainable, natural means. Sandra's Peruvian background plays a crucial role in establishing authentic relationships with suppliers and farmers, aligning with their mission to empower local artisans and communities, ultimately making a positive global impact.
Everything You Need to Know About Luna Sundara
What is Palo Santo?
Bursera graveolens, commonly known as Palo Santo, is a wild tree native to coastal South America. The name translates to "Holy Wood" in Spanish. It has been traditionally used by indigenous cultures for its purifying properties.
How do you use and burn Palo Santo?
To use, ignite the Palo Santo stick with a lighter and let it burn for approximately one minute. Waft the smoke throughout your space to cleanse the energy. Afterward, place the stick in an incense burner to allow it to smolder. Always handle fire with caution and place the used stick in a fireproof container.
What is smudging?
Smudging is a ritual for cleansing the energy of a space, object, or person. Light the Palo Santo as instructed above and walk through the area, focusing on clearing away unwanted energy while fanning the smoke.
Where are Luna Sundara products sourced from?
All of our products are sustainably sourced from local communities in Peru and Ecuador. We work closely with artisans to ensure ethical and environmentally friendly production practices.
What is wildcrafting?
Wildcrafting is the practice of sustainably harvesting plants from their natural habitat. All of our botanicals are wildcrafted, supporting local communities and promoting environmental responsibility.
How is Palo Santo harvested and distilled?
Our Palo Santo is sustainably harvested from fallen trees in Ecuador and Peru. We distill Palo Santo essential oil in a way that promotes reforestation and supports local communities.