2025 marks 29 years since we launched OSEA! Some of you have been with us since the very beginning (we see you, lifers!), and for those just joining our community, here’s a little backstory.
OSEA was founded in 1996 in Malibu, California, by Jenefer Palmer, our Chief Seaweed Officer and her daughter Melissa, now our CEO. Inspired by her great-grandmother Elsa and her belief in the ocean’s restorative properties, Jenefer set out to share the healing powers of the sea with formulas rooted in purity, quality, and efficacy.
Almost 30 years later, our mission remains the same: to formulate clean, effective, seaweed-infused skincare with a holistic approach to wellness and self-care. We’re filled with immense gratitude for you, our community, who continues to believe in our vision. Whether you’ve been with us for 29 years, 29 months, or 29 days: thank you for being part of our journey! As we officially step into our Saturn Return, we asked our team to reflect on nearly three decades of skincare from the sea.
Erin Wilder, Director, Engineering
Team Member Since 2013
Astrological Sign: Aquarius
What made you want to work at OSEA?
“When I first met Melissa, she was in her Venice office, sitting barefoot and cross-legged on a floor cushion during my job interview. I immediately thought, “She is SO COOL.”
Favorite memory?
“Melissa used to start each day by pulling a card from one of her decks—these beautifully illustrated cards with little nuggets of wisdom or inspiration. We’d read one together every morning as a kind of mantra or focus for the day.”
Moment you’ll never forget?
“The launch of our first real e-commerce site is something I’ll never forget. Before that, we had these blog-based websites, so creating something polished and professional felt like a big step forward for OSEA. It was such a fun project, and I still remember the excitement of celebrating our very first order. During our last Leap Year promotion, I stumbled on that old site on Wayback Machine, and it actually made me a little emotional—so many memories!”
What’s the most “Malibu” thing about working for OSEA?
“Sound baths on the beach during our company retreats—so Malibu, and so much fun!”
Alena Olorunfunmi, Associate Manager, Influencer Marketing + Content
Team Member Since 2018
Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
Moment you’ll never forget?
“The launch of our Sea Serum! My mom and I modeled for the campaign at Melissa’s home in Malibu, and it felt like a full-circle moment—a celebration of the bond we share and OSEA’s mother-daughter roots.”
What’s your “desert island” product?
“I can only pick one?! The Undaria Algae Body Oil will forever be a staple in my body care routine. I love to put it on damp skin right after the shower.”
Has working at OSEA changed any of your daily habits?
“OSEA has made me more mindful of my personal responsibility to care for the planet, inspiring me to make small, meaningful changes in my daily life to contribute to sustainability.”
Nina Munk, Copywriter
Team Member Since 2016
Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
What’s the most “Malibu” thing about working for OSEA?
“Our gua sha facial massage training, tarot card readings, weekly team meditations and hanging out in the Gigartina Therapy Club. During the pandemic, when we were all totally remote, Jenefer introduced us to tapping therapy. It completely changed the energy in the room.”
What’s your “desert island” product?
“Undaria Algae Body Butter. My word, I am addicted to this product! I think everyone on the team knows by now that I spend a ridiculous amount of my quarterly product credit on this decadently creamy, crepey-skin-smoothing miracle. Makes me feel very rich, very expensive. I might actually be the reason we have a hard time keeping it in stock.”
What made you want to work at OSEA?
“I’ve always been passionate about beauty and wellness, especially clean skincare. As a single mom with a young child, I needed a position with the flexibility to spend more time with my daughter. From day one, I felt supported—not just by leadership, but by the whole team.”
Sam Koch, SVP Growth & E-Commerce
Team Member Since 2016
Astrological Sign: Taurus
What’s the most “Malibu” thing about working for OSEA?
“Everyone’s extensive knowledge of the Vagus Nerve.”
Moment you’ll never forget?
“The day we moved into our Abbot Kinney Venice office. Finding space in LA, especially on Abbot Kinney, is nearly impossible. After weeks of searching with no luck, we were starting to feel like it might not happen. Then, one Thursday night, Melissa drove by and spotted a “For Rent” sign in the window. She called the landlord on the spot, signed the lease by noon the next day, and by 2 p.m., we were moving in. The way it all came together so serendipitously, at the very last second, and ended up being exactly right for us feels so true to who we are.
What’s your “desert island” product?
“Atmosphere Protection® Cream – a true staple!”
Melissa Mao, Chief Sales Officer
Team Member Since 2020
Astrological Sign: Pisces
Most creative way you’ve used an OSEA product?
“I’ve used my empties every way possible – my favorite was our mask jar as a chick feeder when we were raising chickens during the pandemic.”
What’s a milestone or product launch you’ll never forget?
“We had just arrived at Ulta’s Brand Appreciation Event and just as we arrived, they announced the Wellness Brand of the Year as OSEA! Jenefer did not miss a beat and from the back hall elevators in her neon (theme for the evening) blazer and glasses, went to the stage excitedly pumping her arms in alternating thrusts with the entire audience clapping along like it was a concert.”
Janou Lightning, Customer Care Operations Specialist
Team Member Since 2015
Astrological Sign: Leo
Moment you’ll never forget?
“Ten years ago, when I first started at OSEA, I spent four weeks working one-on-one with Jenefer in Malibu. At the time, we were still working out of her garage! It was such an incredible experience learning everything directly from her about natural skincare—it’s something I’ll never forget.”
If you could describe OSEA in one word, what would it be?
“Caring.”
What’s a milestone or product launch you’ll never forget?
“I always remember in our Weekly Meetings that Melissa’s goal was to get our website to bring in $10,000 a month. I have to chuckle every time I see where we are now!”
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