Bonkosi Horn, Co-founder + Creative Director of Freedom Apothecary

I always find joy in watching women speak what’s on their minds without skipping a beat.

Bonkosi is no exception. Also, I have a special love for Aries women! Give me all of the fire, the intelligence, the directness. Read on to learn about someone I admire and love speaking to daily. Whether it’s politics or extraction videos.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, what you do, and something you secretly enjoy?

i’m a first-generation congolese-iowan, living, raising a family and building community in the city of brotherly love (which, as an iowan in philadelphia is funny — but that’s a story for another day.) i’m the mother to three amazing, kind and brilliant little humans (silas, ronin and emery) and wife + business partner of an adult-sized human, with whom i’m creating the life of my wildest dreams. i’ll know your life story in a matter of minutes, i’ll meet someone along the way that you’ll wanna know and when the time’s right, i’ll connect you with that person and make the world a smaller, more connected and more fulfilling place. freedom apothecary kind of came from a story like that, to be honest because after 11 years working for a global yoga + wellness brand that was rooted in community, it was time for me to spread my wings, use my voice unapologetically and cultivate a more inclusive and authentic community. morrisa and i met through a series of the universe connecting us and our love child that is freedom apothecary came to be.

my not-so-secret obsession is dateline. yep, the one on nbc. i watch it religiously because i’m obsessed with the psychology of crime and why people do what they do.

What is your sun, moon, and rising sign? In what ways do you identify with each?

aries sun

aries moon

gemini rising

this combo literally couldn’t be more me. i’m all in your face, all initiative, always bold, questioning everything, leading without abandon.

Describe yourself in five words.

bold, confident, intelligent, kind-hearted, independent

The creative process is very purposeful with Ritual. With so much derivativeness, how do you find inspiration while honoring your authenticity?

it’s important for me to travel, so i can see the world, explore and understand how people experience life. there’s a sense of freedom in travel and that freedom helps to open pathways to the biggest, most bold and brilliant ideas that have been dormant.

What is your favorite part of being an Esthetician? How long have you been in the industry?

i could never — i don’t even know how y’all can watch those extraction videos all day without gagging.

What are your coveted skin essentials?

botnia balancing oil cleanser, heart of gold (RIP) red tara mask, botnia hydrating serum + soothing repair mask, AKT therapy spf, everyday oil mainstay blend and freedom apothecary green tea butter for my body.

And finally, what does Feminism + Sisterhood mean to you + why is it important?

feminism means black lives matter. no one is free until we are all free, so feminism means justice, equity, respect, embrace, honor, love, understanding, power, strength, vulnerability, and empowerment for all of us.