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 FOUNDER

Hongo, pronounced like “OHN-GO,” is a testament to the power of natural simplicity in skincare. This journey of purity and effectiveness was started by Krystina, whose passion for thoughtful, ingredient-driven skincare led to the creation of a brand rooted in her Colombian heritage. Hongo—the Spanish word for “mushroom”—perfectly embodies the brand’s core philosophy: harnessing the remarkable benefits of mushrooms, thoughtfully blended with nature’s best ingredients.

MY STORY:

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

In 2012, my life changed forever when I lost my father to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a devastating illness linked to environmental factors. Seven years later, in 2019, I experienced another profound loss when my sister, Sabrina, passed away from Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer. Both my dad and Sabrina were guiding lights in my life—deeply passionate about natural living and holistic health. They taught me to see the world differently, to recognize the beauty and strength found in nature’s gifts.

These painful experiences opened my eyes to the hidden dangers of chemicals and toxins that are far too common in our everyday lives. I began to understand how deeply these substances can impact our health, and I felt a strong calling to make a change—not only for myself, but as a way to honor the legacy of my dad and Sabrina.

  • DAD & SABRINA

    Celebrating Sabrina's 19th birthday!

  • MY 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 I began to learn more about the world of natural products, it became clear that many of the chemicals commonly found in skincare were not only unnecessary, but harmful. With each new discovery, my resolve grew stronger. I knew I had to do something different—something better.

When I set out to create Hongo, I didn’t want just another skincare line. I wanted to create something that could truly heal my own skin concerns—products that were safe, effective, and deeply nurturing for everyone who used them.

I was determined to create something that would never harm, only heal. My 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 my fourth-generation childhood home—a place filled with memories, creativity, and a deep sense of tradition. Every ingredient I chose was carefully selected, sourced from sustainable and local regenerative farms that respect the earth as much as I do.

When I first shared my creations with friends and family, the response was overwhelming. People weren’t just impressed—they were transformed. Their joy and encouragement affirmed that I was on the right path, and their support gave me the courage to finally launch Hongo.

Each product I create carries a piece of my heart—a reflection of my passion for natural ingredients and my commitment to living a healthier, more mindful life.

Hongo is more than just skincare. It’s my way of sharing the love and lessons I’ve learned. It’s my 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.

I 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 <3

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