WELCOME TO HONGO WELCOME TO HONGO WELCOME TO HONGO WELCOME TO HONGO WELCOME TO HONGO WELCOME TO HONGO WELCOME TO HONGO WELCOME TO HONGO WELCOME TO HONGO WELCOME TO HONGO

MEET THE FOUNDERS

Hongo, pronounced like "OHN-GO," is a testament to the power of natural simplicity in skincare. This journey of purity and effectiveness was initiated by the three Gauer sisters - Krystina, Monika, and Veronica - whose shared passion led to the birth of a brand rooted in their Colombian heritage. 'Hongo', a term meaning 'mushroom' in Spanish, perfectly embodies the brand's core: using the remarkable benefits of mushrooms combined with nature's best ingredients.

OUR STORY:

Our journey toward creating all-natural skincare is deeply personal, rooted in love, loss, and a profound awakening.

 In 2012, our lives changed forever when we lost our father to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a devastating illness linked to environmental factors. Seven years later, in 2019, we faced another heartbreaking loss when our sister, Sabrina, passed away from Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer. Both our Dad and Sabrina were guiding lights, passionate about natural living and holistic health. They taught us to view the world differently, to see the beauty and strength in nature’s gifts. 

These painful experiences opened our eyes to the hidden dangers of chemicals and toxins that are all too common in our daily lives. We realized just how much these harmful substances could affect our health, and we felt a deep need to make a change—not just for ourselves, but to honor Sabrina and our Dad.

  • DAD & SABRINA

    Celebrating Sabrina's 19th birthday!

  • OUR FAMILY

    The Gauer's

    (circa 2003)

  • HOME

    Our generational homestead in New York!

  • US TODAY

    Mom, Veronica, Monika, Erik, Krystina & our Abuelita

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As we began to learn more about the world of natural products, it became clear that so many of the chemicals found in skincare were not just unnecessary but harmful.

With every new piece of knowledge, our resolve strengthened. We knew we had to do something different, something better.  When we set out to create Hongo, we didn’t just want another skincare line. We wanted something that could truly heal our own skin concerns—a product that was safe, effective, and nurturing for everyone who used it.

We were determined to create something that would never harm, only heal. Our vision was clear: to craft skincare that was as pure as it was powerful, rooted in the very essence of nature.

This dream took shape in the kitchen of our fourth-generation childhood home—a place filled with memories, creativity, and a deep sense of tradition. Every ingredient we chose was carefully selected, sourced from sustainable and local regenerative farms that respect the earth as much as we do. 

When we first shared our creations with friends and family, the response was overwhelming. People weren’t just impressed—they were transformed. Their reactions, filled with joy, told us we were on the right path. It was their encouragement and support that gave us the courage to launch Hongo.

Each product we create is a piece of our heart, a reflection of our passion for natural ingredients and our commitment to living a healthier, more mindful life.

Hongo is more than just skincare. It’s our way of sharing the love and lessons we’ve learned. It’s our commitment to creating products that are as gentle on the planet as they are on your skin.

Today, Hongo stands as a tribute to the belief that the best things come from the purest sources.

We hope our products become a cherished part of your daily routine, serving as a reminder of nature’s incredible power and beauty, and fostering a legacy of wellness that can be passed down through generations.

With love, light, and mushrooms,

Krystina, Monika, and Veronica <3

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