We had the good fortune of connecting with Esra Aslan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Esra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My motivation was to create a brand that reminds women of the strength in our feminine traits and the perfection in being ourselves. I believe we are at our best when nurtured, and that a thriving woman leads to a thriving community. As a third-generation agricultural woman who grew up living off the land, I longed to craft feminine care products that honor ancient wisdom. Learning the art of cold-pressed herbs and botanicals, I knew I had to use timeless formulas. However, the right moment arrived later than expected. Only when I faced the overwhelming pressure of modern equality—juggling masculine expectations at work while fulfilling traditional feminine roles—did I realize the need for balance. My handcrafted products, made from seed to production by women, embody a true Californian apothecary spirit. They are small-batch, fresh skincare, created from our gardens to your skin, serving not as miracles but as vessels for women to embrace their nurturing essence and find a moment of self-care amidst today’s demands.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Before founding Fragil, I spent seven years as a formulator in the CBD industry, developing products for other brands in my own workshop in Venice Beach, LA. There, I crafted solutions to address various challenges using nature’s remedies. This experience profoundly shaped my approach to Fragil, where I blend this expertise with the timeless art of herbal care to create nurturing and healing products.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When guests visit me in LA, here’s a glimpse of what a week might look like:

Mornings start with a refreshing walk around the Hollywood Reservoir Lake, followed by breakfast at Clark Street Diner. Sunset walks are a highlight, either along the beach from Marina del Rey to Santa Monica or from Hermosa Beach, offering views of beautiful homes along the strand.

For dinner, I love taking guests to Sunset Tower and Chateau Marmont, both steeped in old Hollywood charm. Given LA’s vastness, I’ll drive downtown to explore the Arts District, enjoy lunch at Zinqué, and then cruise along Sunset Boulevard to the PCH, where we’ll have a drink at Moonshadows Terrace.

On Sundays, we visit the Lake Shrine Temple to offer a prayer in one of the city’s most serene spots, welcoming to all faiths. A sunset hike in Tuna Canyon or Mandeville Canyon is a must, followed by dinner at Gjelina on Abbot Kinney.

For me, LA is about its nature and grounded lifestyle, and I want my guests to fully indulge in these experiences.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would say my mother

Website: https://www.befragil.com

Instagram: Befragil

Linkedin: https://www.instagram.com/befragil/

Image Credits
If you would end up writing the story of Fragil than I would have my business partner which is also the photographer behind the brand send you pictures of product etc.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.