Our Vision
Dar Lara Beauty started as a simple idea: to bring the lush, natural beauty of Moroccan culture into the hands of our guests at a Riad courtyard guesthouse in Marrakech. What began as a few custom products quickly grew into something much more significant, as visitors fell in love with these creations and wanted to bring them home.
Inspired by a 450-year-old home and its timeless spirit, we crafted Dar Lara Beauty to preserve the delicate, slow art of traditional beauty techniques. But our vision reaches beyond just beauty. We aim to create a sustainable way for local artisans to thrive, protecting their unique crafts and traditions for future generations.
Our mission is broad — it’s about cultural preservation, whether in architecture, beauty, art, or any form that embodies the richness of human creativity. By celebrating and supporting these time-honored practices, we hope to keep them alive, in any way that we can help support.
Our founder
Olivia Haynie Lara
I am an architect, explorer, pilot and writer with a passion for discovering and preserving the beauty of traditional craftsmanship around the world. I’ve wandered through the medinas of ancient cities, feeling the pulse of history in every alley, and trekked through remote villages where traditional building techniques are a vibrant and adapted way of life. I’ve sat with artisans in their workshops, listening to their stories, and watched their hands work with a skill passed down through generations.
My work at Dar Lara Beauty, in my architecture practice, and in my travels is all about honoring these traditions—creating spaces and products that are infused with the soul of the places I’ve been. I believe in the power of time-grown, delicate, slow processes—whether it’s the making of a handmade ceramic bottle in Morocco or the growing of a city perfectly adapted to culture and climate. My mission is to create not just beauty, but a bridge that connects people with the forces that shaped it.
Through my travels, I’ve learned that true beauty is about respect, authenticity, and a deep connection to the earth and its people. I want to share that with you, to invite you into a world where every piece has a story, and every story is a celebration of the human spirit.
Check out our architectural work, studying vernacular architecture and cultural preservation.
Our holistic approach
Dar Lara Marrakech is dedicated to a deeply sustainable production - from beginning to reuse - at every level of our brand. We are committed to a plastic-free, local-focused, and slow artisan based small beauty brand.
Slow Beauty
We take great care to create slowly with local artisans, creating custom products filled with lush and delicate beauty products. Purchasing from Dar Lara Beauty is truly guilt free - as we have taken the utmost care at every level to create a product with dignity, and love for every ounce of energy poured in.
luxurious products
We could have very easily sold these products within a typical beauty model. These oils are so luxurious, but paired with stunning artisanal vessels, they become truly extraordinary.