Athena Hewett , founder , formulator and esthetician behind Monastery , is offering a new way to nourish and sustain your skin ’ s natural glow ... In 2011 , she opened her skincare studio in San Francisco to treat patients with different methods of oil cleansing , waterfree moisturizing and alcohol-free / salt - free skincare ( all inspired by her mother and grandmother ’ s love for oils and botanicals ). Soon thereafter , she founded Monastery , a collection of natural skincare inspired by her grandmother ’ s holistic recipes — a blend of the best nature has to offer , with essential oils carefully chosen for their non-irritating properties . Monastery offers a tightly curated product range , made in small batches at Athena ’ s studio in San Francisco . Each ingredient is of the purest form and highest quality …