Sandra Ben-Joseph

Sandra Ben-Joseph is a self-made woman, a woman on top of her game, a success story born of a refusal to accept arbitrary limitations. In other words, she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Growing up in California, she became immersed in its music scene and her first job reflected that interest. A teen magazine hired Sandra to try her hand at interviews and occasional photography, allowing her to meet celebrities like the Beatles, Sonny & Cher and Herman’s Hermits. It was fun while it lasted. However, hot publications for trendy markets frequently fold like a house of cards. Thinking that mainstream America might be on to something as far as stability was concerned, she thought she’d give the corporate world a try. The experience was invaluable because it taught Sandra something about herself. She realized that she was too independent for the impersonal office environment with all its rules and regulations. She had talent, vision and drive and knew instinctively that she could do better on her own. Sandra discovered the word that would change her life: entrepreneur.

She began pursuing various business endeavors, such as modeling and interior design. Her talent for marketing was developed by first marketing herself. Regardless of her success, there came a point when living in California lost its appeal, and she and her husband, Naturopathic Physician E­liezer Ben-Joseph, decided to look for a more balanced place to raise their daughter.

Drawn to the exceptional quality of life that the Southwest had to offer, they moved to the area in 1981 and opened Dr. Ben-Joseph’s practice. Under Sandra’s administration, it became the largest clinic of its kind in the country for 14 years.

Seeing a need in the community and an opportunity to fill it, she opened her first natural products store here in E­l Paso in 1996. Within one year, the new enterprise outgrew its location and Sandra had to relocate to a larger building. A good quality problem to have, as she would say.

Having always been interested in the health and beauty field, she discovered Bare E­scentuals in 1996. With enthusiasm and a burning desire to share what she considered to be the best line of cosmetics she had ever found for women, she arranged a meeting with Leslie Blodgett, CE­O of Bare ­scentuals. Now, keep in mind that this move was not exactly acknowledged to be easy, but…well, see paragraph one.

Their connection was instantaneous and Leslie immediately accepted and embraced her as the first and only “sister boutique.” What Sandra sees as a tremendous honor and responsibility has not waned since opening her boutique in 2002. Working hand-in-hand with Bare ­Escentuals, Sandra has brought in the MD Formulations line of skin care products, and spa services are on the horizon. She has created a true destination place, the only full boutique in town, where women can come in curious and leave feeling fabulous. Sandra wants to share that feeling, so you’re all invited!