OLIVE TREE PEOPLE opens Venice flagship showcasing Waterless Beauty philosophy

Venice, California, has welcomed a new landmark that embodies a revolutionary approach to skincare. The opening of the Venice flagship for OLIVE TREE PEOPLE marks a significant shift in the beauty industry, embracing the concept of "Waterless Beauty." This innovative philosophy has been central to the company's mission for over two decades, driven by the vision of founder Thomas Lommel.
Step inside the newly inaugurated space, and the commitment to nature and science is immediately evident. The flagship features an immersive environment that showcases the "From Tree to Beauty" philosophy, with interactive displays and sculptural forms inspired by olive trees. Central to this experience is Olive re:connect, an innovative installation that connects the living frequency of an olive tree in Andalusia, Spain, to the Venice location in real time. The tree's biofeedback is translated into a dynamic soundscape, bringing the essence of the Mediterranean grove into the heart of the flagship.
Lommel, who founded OLIVE TREE PEOPLE in 2001 after years of living and working with olive trees, explains, "Waterless Beauty didn't come from a trend. It was born from years of living with these trees, protecting them, and trusting that nature already knows better than we do." This philosophy is reflected in the company's approach to skincare, where water is replaced with an olive-tree elixir rich in bioactive compounds like hydroxytyrosol.
The flagship's design, crafted by architect Jeremy Barbour of Tacklebox Architecture, seamlessly blends Spanish and Los Angeles influences. Rammed-earth elements and sculptural olive trees create a natural and inviting atmosphere, while the Olive re:connect installation serves as a live connection to the olive groves thousands of miles away. The opening of this flagship comes during a period of remarkable growth for the company, with OLIVE TREE PEOPLE reporting $6.5 million in first-year revenue and $104.5 million in its second year.
At the core of the Venice flagship is a community of over 70,000 Waterless Beauty Consultants. Lommel describes them as pioneers, playing a crucial role in educating consumers about the benefits of Waterless Beauty and the alternatives to traditional skincare formulations. The flagship not only serves as a retail space but also a hub for consultations, product discovery, and rituals centered around this unique approach to beauty.
"This is a cathedral to Waterless Beauty," Lommel remarks, emphasizing the significance of the space. "The Treehouse, where it all began, still stands, and the idea that started there now has a home on Abbot Kinney."
OLIVE TREE PEOPLE's success is rooted in its commitment to organic and sustainable practices. The company now maintains more than 30,000 organically certified mountain olive trees in Andalusia, many of which are over a century old. These trees provide the raw material for the company's products, forming the foundation of its "From Tree to Beauty" philosophy.
The Venice flagship is part of OLIVE TREE PEOPLE's broader strategy to bring Waterless Beauty to a wider audience. The brand's treatment concepts, which have been recognized for their effectiveness by conventional medicine, are now available in a high-end retail environment. The flagship showcases the full range of OLIVE TREE PEOPLE's offerings, including its registered beauty brands OLIVEDA, LA DOPE, OLIVE ROSE, OLIVE MUSH, and IS THAT MATTY?
Waterless Beauty has garnered significant attention in the industry, with articles in U.S. Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, InStyle, and ELLE, as well as endorsements from celebrities like Gigi Hadid. The concept is now seen as "The Next Big Thing" in the beauty industry, with OLIVE TREE PEOPLE poised to lead this movement.
For Lommel, the opening of the Venice flagship is a culmination of his vision. "This is not just a store," he asserts. "It's a statement about the future of beauty and a testament to the power of nature."