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

Hi Stephanie, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Laguna Lily’s commitment to natural skincare extends beyond just providing high-quality products. Our business is dedicated to making a positive impact on both the community and the world. We prioritize sustainability by using eco-friendly packaging and sourcing ingredients from ethical suppliers. Additionally, we support local artisans and farmers in Southern California, contributing to the local economy and promoting sustainable practices. We also donate a portion of our profits to environmental and wellness initiatives, ensuring that our success benefits not just our customers but the planet as well.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets Laguna Lily and SNP Naturals apart is our deeply personal origin and unwavering commitment to natural, sustainable wellness. Our journey began from a place of love and loss, inspired by my mother Susan’s battle with ovarian cancer. Her story is woven into the fabric of our brand, driving our dedication to creating skincare products that are as gentle on the body as they are on the planet.

What we’re most proud of is our ability to stay true to our mission even as we’ve grown. We’ve maintained a focus on using ethically sourced, natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, and we’ve built strong relationships with local artisans and farmers who share our values. This commitment has resonated with our customers, and it’s their support that excites us to keep pushing forward.

Getting to where we are today hasn’t been easy. Like any business, we’ve faced our share of challenges, from navigating the complexities of sustainable sourcing to finding our footing in a competitive market. However, what helped us overcome these obstacles was staying true to our purpose. We knew that creating a brand rooted in authenticity and care would resonate with people looking for more than just another skincare product—they wanted something meaningful, something they could trust.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the importance of resilience and staying connected to our why. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations, but keeping Susan’s memory and our mission at the forefront has been our guiding light. We’ve also learned the value of community—leaning on local partners, seeking feedback from our customers, and staying engaged with the causes we care about.

What we want the world to know about Laguna Lily and SNP Naturals is that we’re more than just a skincare brand. We’re a story of love, resilience, and a deep commitment to natural wellness. Our products are a reflection of the values that mattered most to my mother—compassion, authenticity, and a reverence for nature. We believe that beauty and wellness go hand in hand, and we’re here to help people discover that in the most natural way possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here’s a week-long itinerary in coastal South Orange County, California, focusing exclusively on vegan food options, along with great spots to visit and enjoy the area’s natural beauty and culture.

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Morning: Start with breakfast at The Stand Natural Foods in Laguna Beach, a local favorite known for its fresh, organic, and plant-based options. The smoothies and breakfast burritos are a must-try.
Afternoon: Spend the day at Laguna Beach. We’d set up at Thousand Steps Beach or Victoria Beach for a relaxing day by the ocean.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic with vegan treats from Whole Foods Market or Active Culture in Laguna Beach.
Evening: For dinner, head to Seabirds Kitchen in Costa Mesa, about a 20-minute drive from Laguna. This entirely plant-based restaurant offers creative and delicious dishes like jackfruit tacos and artichoke hearts.

Day 2: Coastal Exploration
Morning: Start the day with breakfast at Active Culture in Laguna Beach, where you can enjoy acai bowls, grain bowls, and fresh juices.
Late Morning: Take a whale watching tour from Dana Point Harbor. Depending on the season, you might spot gray whales, blue whales, or playful dolphins.
Lunch: Stop by Nirvana Grille in Laguna Beach for a farm-to-table vegan lunch. They have a variety of plant-based options crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
Afternoon: Explore Doheny State Beach and consider renting bikes to ride along the coastal trail. You could also try a surf lesson.
Evening: For dinner, visit Freely Vegan in Dana Point, offering comfort food classics with a vegan twist, like burgers, fries, and more.

Day 3: Arts and Culture
Morning: Enjoy a plant-based breakfast at Urth Caffé in Laguna Beach. They offer a variety of vegan-friendly options, including pastries, oatmeal, and hearty salads.
Late Morning: Visit the Laguna Art Museum and then explore the art galleries in downtown Laguna Beach.
Lunch: Head to Veggie Grill in Laguna Beach, a popular chain offering a wide range of vegan sandwiches, salads, and bowls.
Afternoon: Take a scenic drive along Pacific Coast Highway and stop at Heisler Park for a picnic with food from The Stand Natural Foods.
Evening: Have dinner at The Deck on Laguna Beach, which offers vegan options like salads and grilled veggies, all with a beautiful oceanfront view.

Day 4: Hiking and Nature
Morning: Grab a quick breakfast from Juice Crafters in Laguna Beach, known for their organic juices, smoothies, and wellness shots.
Late Morning: Hike the Moro Canyon trail in Crystal Cove State Park. The views of the ocean and surrounding hills are stunning.
Lunch: After your hike, head to Wild Goose Tavern in Costa Mesa for a vegan-friendly lunch. They offer great plant-based burgers and sandwiches.
Afternoon: Cool off at Little Corona del Mar Beach. It’s a more secluded spot perfect for swimming and exploring tide pools.
Evening: For dinner, visit True Food Kitchen in Newport Beach, which offers a seasonal menu with plenty of vegan options like ancient grains bowls and vegan pizzas.

Day 5: Day Trip to San Juan Capistrano
Morning: Start with breakfast at Ramos House Café in San Juan Capistrano. They offer vegan-friendly options like seasonal fruit bowls and avocado toast.
Late Morning: Visit the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano to soak in some local history and beautiful gardens.
Lunch: For lunch, try Mayfield in San Juan Capistrano, which features plant-based options made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Afternoon: Explore the Los Rios Historic District, one of the oldest neighborhoods in California, and stop by Hidden House Coffee for a vegan latte or tea.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Shwack Beach Grill in Dana Point, where you can customize vegan bowls and tacos with plenty of fresh veggies and plant-based proteins.

Day 6: Luxury and Leisure
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at Zinc Café & Market in Laguna Beach. They have a variety of vegan options, including tofu scrambles and grain bowls.
Late Morning: Spend the morning relaxing at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. Whether it’s a spa day or lounging by the pool, this is a day to indulge.
Lunch: Grab a vegan-friendly lunch at Harvest at The Ranch in Laguna Beach, offering seasonal plant-based dishes.
Afternoon: Explore Salt Creek Beach or take a leisurely walk along the beach trails.
Evening: Dinner at The Rooftop Lounge in Laguna Beach, where you can enjoy vegan options while watching a stunning sunset over the ocean.

Day 7: Shopping and Farewell
Morning: Start with breakfast at Bear Coast Coffee in Dana Point for top-notch coffee and vegan pastries.
Late Morning: Spend the last day shopping at Fashion Island in Newport Beach or exploring the boutiques in Lido Marina Village. Both spots offer vegan-friendly eateries.
Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Native Foods in Costa Mesa, a plant-based chain offering hearty bowls, wraps, and more.
Afternoon: Take a scenic drive to Balboa Island for a stroll, maybe grab a vegan frozen treat, and soak in the charming island vibes.
Evening: End the trip with a farewell dinner at Las Brisas in Laguna Beach, where you can enjoy vegan-friendly options with a breathtaking ocean view.

This itinerary would give my best friend a full taste of coastal South Orange County’s natural beauty, vegan dining scene, and vibrant culture, making it an unforgettable trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The story of Laguna Lily and SNP Naturals is one deeply rooted in love, loss, and the pursuit of wellness. This journey began in memory of my mother, Susan, whose name fittingly translates to “Lily” in Hebrew—a symbol of beauty, purity, and renewal. Susan was a remarkable woman who faced her battle with ovarian cancer with grace and strength. Her passing left a profound impact on my life, sparking a desire to create something that would honor her legacy and help others embrace natural wellness.

Laguna Lily was born from this heartfelt mission. We sought to develop skincare and wellness products that not only nourish the skin but also reflect the values that Susan held dear—compassion, authenticity, and a deep respect for nature. Every product we create is a tribute to her, crafted with the utmost care using natural, ethically sourced ingredients that promote healing and wellness.

This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our Southern California community. From local artisans and farmers who share our commitment to sustainability, to the dedicated team at SNP Naturals, who work tirelessly to bring our vision to life, we are deeply grateful. We also recognize the environmental organizations we partner with, whose efforts to protect our planet align with our mission to create a healthier world for future generations.

Above all, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers. Your belief in our products and our story is what keeps us going. You are a part of this journey, and together, we are building something that is more than just skincare—it’s a movement towards natural wellness, inspired by the love and memory of a remarkable woman.

Website: https://www.snpnaturals.com

Instagram: @laguna_lily

Linkedin: Laguna Lily

Facebook: Laguna Lily

Youtube: @lagunalily

Image Credits
Meredith Lynn Photography
Emily Spitaleri Photgraphy

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