Meet Denise

 

Denise Leicester: A Visionary in Holistic Healing & Natural Skincare

Denise Leicester is a world-renowned pioneer in holistic healing, dedicating her life to exploring the power of natural remedies. With an extensive background as a qualified nurse, aromatherapist, yoga teacher, sound healer, holistic bodyworker, and spiritual philosopher, she holds a unique and expansive knowledge of both Eastern and South American healing traditions—many of which she has helped preserve.

A Journey from Traditional Medicine to Holistic Healing

Between 1983 and 1987, at just 27 years old, Denise served as a private nurse for one of the UAE’s rulers in Dubai. This experience transformed her approach to healing. Initially trained in conventional medicine, she began integrating essential oils and alternative therapies into her treatments—achieving remarkable results. Inspired by this profound shift, she returned to the UK to study at the Institute for Complementary Medicine in London and embarked on extensive travels through India, where she qualified as a yoga teacher and immersed herself in Ayurveda.

The Birth of ila: A Skincare Revolution

Denise’s personal health struggles led her to develop a skincare range free from harsh chemicals. Suffering from chronic fatigue and severe skin reactions, she began creating her own pure, plant-based formulations at her kitchen table in the Cotswolds. After two years of sourcing the finest organic ingredients from remote parts of the world, ila was born in 2007—an all-natural, sustainable skincare brand designed with healing intent.

Named after the Hindu Goddess of Truth and the Sanskrit word for Earth, ila quickly gained a devoted following, including celebrities like Natalie Portman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss, and Donna Karan, as well as top luxury spas worldwide. Despite its global success, ila remains true to its roots, with products still hand-blended in the Cotswolds, using ancient Ayurvedic traditions of geometry and infused with positive energy through sacred music and mindful production techniques.

A Legacy of Conscious Beauty & Sustainable Living

Denise has not only set a new benchmark for ethical, sustainable skincare but has also created a business model based on self-worth, mindfulness, and reconnection. With the support of her husband, John, and mentor, Pawan Tandon, she continues to inspire a new generation of holistic beauty enthusiasts.

Experience the power of pure, healing skincare with ila—where nature, intention, and well-being unite.