Rooted in Herbalism: Julie Williams on the Power of Plants and the Story Behind Leaf People
On this episode of Skin Anarchy, we sit down with Julie Williams, founder of Leaf People, to explore her journey into herbalism, plant-based skincare, and the deep relationship between humans and the natural world.
A Life Shaped by Nature
Julie’s connection to plants began early. Growing up in rural Alaska, she was surrounded by wild forests, medicinal plants, and a lifestyle grounded in sustainability. From harvesting food with her family to learning which plants supported health, the rhythm of nature was part of her daily life.
Her passion grew when she traveled the world after college, immersing herself in botanical medicine on nearly every continent. She studied under herbalists in Australia, South America, Hong Kong, and Europe, gathering a global perspective on plant healing traditions. Eventually, she returned to the U.S. to formally study Western herbalism and spent 20 years apprenticing under master herbalist Lillian McCracken, blending lineage-based mentorship with classroom science.
Beyond “Clean Beauty”
Julie launched Leaf People long before “clean beauty” became a buzzword. Her goal was to showcase a broader spectrum of medicinal plants in skincare, moving beyond common staples like chamomile and lavender. Leaf People formulations integrate powerful botanicals such as reishi, rhodiola, ginkgo, gotu kola, burdock root, and horsetail — plants revered in herbal traditions but underrepresented in mainstream skincare.
Her approach reflects a philosophy of plant to bottle, where whole plants are extracted in-house using layered techniques that preserve their vitality, energy, and therapeutic intelligence. Unlike lab-to-label brands that often rely on isolated actives, Julie emphasizes the synergy of the entire plant — how its complex array of compounds work together in harmony to support the skin.
The Energetics of Plants
One of the most fascinating aspects of Julie’s practice is her recognition of the energetic intelligence of plants. She describes working with them not only for their chemical properties but also for their subtle energetics — whether they’re warming, cooling, astringent, or synergistic with other botanicals.
Through meditation, Reiki practices, and even annual blessings by Tibetan Buddhist monks, Julie ensures that the energy of each plant is honored and carried into the final product. This holistic process reflects her belief that plants are communicators, allies, and healers when treated with respect.
Ally Pairing and Community
Julie’s formulations also follow a principle she calls ally pairing, which mirrors how plants naturally grow in communities. Certain botanicals thrive together in the wild, and she brings that philosophy into her formulations, creating products that allow plants to “communicate” with each other and with the skin.
This sense of community extends beyond the lab — Leaf People has always been rooted in local farmers markets, consumer education, and direct connection with customers, reflecting Julie’s belief that plants, people, and environment exist in a shared ecosystem.
Why Leaf People Stands Apart
In a beauty industry often dominated by trends and repetitive ingredients, Leaf People offers a refreshing perspective: skincare grounded in deep herbal wisdom and respect for nature’s intelligence. By working with whole plants, Julie ensures that both their physical nutrients and their energetic properties support the skin in a balanced, holistic way.
Her brand not only elevates underutilized botanicals but also reminds us of something essential: our survival and well-being are inextricably tied to plants. To honor them is to honor ourselves.
✨ Listen to the full episode of Skin Anarchy to hear Julie Williams share her journey, the story of Leaf People, and her unique perspective on how herbalism and skincare intersect.