Daily Inspiration: Meet Brenda Rea

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Rea.

Hi Brenda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey started in Michigan, where my husband and I lived a busy life with our growing family. But we dreamed of growing olives and making olive oil in America, so we packed up and moved across the country to Arizona, where we knew the olives would grow and thrive.

That dream became the Queen Creek Olive Mill, Arizona’s only working olive farm and mill, which we founded as a family.

While the mill focused on producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil, I found myself drawn to another expression of wellness—natural skincare. It began simply, mixing oils and botanicals in my kitchen, crafting balms and soaps for friends, family, and eventually customers who visited the mill. That passion grew into Olivespa, which I officially launched in 2013.

Olivespa is built on the same values that brought us to Arizona in the first place: clean, natural living. We use extra virgin olive oil as a base for our products along with other natural and botanical ingredients, because I believe what goes on your body should be just as clean and nourishing as what goes in it.

Today, Olivespa has its own identity—a growing product line, a beautiful brick-and-mortar space in Phoenix, and a loyal community that believes in natural, simple skincare.

This isn’t just a business—it’s a continuation of our family’s story, our values, and our belief that living well starts with what you choose to surround yourself with.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t call it a completely smooth road to getting to where we are now, but I think that is a normal part of life. I have certainly dealt with the typical challenges of running a small business, from the learning curves to growing pains — navigating financials, balancing work and family, and wearing many hats along the way.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My favorite part of my business is that I get to formulate natural skincare products using extra virgin olive oil as the foundation—products that I want to use and that my family wants to use. We create products that are simple, clean, and effective, made with only all-natural and botanical ingredients. From soaps and body oils to lip balms and our newest product, ISEO natural eau de parfum, every item is made with intention and care.

We’re known for our commitment to quality and transparency—people trust our brand because they know exactly what’s in our products and where they come from. What started in my home kitchen has grown into a thriving small business with a brick-and-mortar location, an online presence, and a loyal customer base who truly value natural wellness.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve made through simplicity—helping people reconnect with nature and take care of themselves in a gentler, more conscious way. I’m also proud of how we’ve built Olivespa as a family business, rooted in the values that brought us to Arizona to start the Queen Creek Olive Mill.

What sets us apart is our story, our ingredients, and our genuine desire to make people feel good in their skin—without compromising their health or the environment.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love Phoenix for so many reasons—the sunshine, the wide-open skies, the amazing community, and the sense that anything is possible here. Moving from Michigan, the desert felt like a total change of pace (and scenery!), but it turned out to be the perfect place for our family to put down roots and grow both the Queen Creek Olive Mill and Olivespa.

There’s something really inspiring about the beauty and strength of the desert—it reminds me daily to stay grounded and appreciate the simple things.

Now, the summer heat? Let’s just say we have a love–”mostly tolerate” relationship. It’s intense, no doubt, but you learn to embrace early mornings, good air conditioning, and iced everything. It’s all part of the Phoenix experience!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.olivespa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivespa_az/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivespaAZ/