Amid all the noise about protein; how much, what kind, when- it’s easy to forget what really matters: quality, integrity, and joy. Enter Erika Tamayo, founder and director of HERMOSA, a brand quietly redefining wellness with its thoughtful, elevated approach to nutrition.
Before launching HERMOSA, Erika spent years immersed in the fitness and lifestyle world- one that often felt overly commercial. Then, a trip to Hermosa Beach, California, changed everything. Surrounded by light, movement, and effortless energy, she found inspiration for something new: a protein brand with purpose, crafted with care, and made to make wellness feel beautiful again.
We sat down with Erika to explore how it all began, what sets HERMOSA apart, and how she’s bringing joy back to performance.
What inspired you to start HERMOSA, and when did the idea first come to life?
“HERMOSA was created from a desire to bring purity, craft, and joy to wellness. Too much of the industry feels synthetic or transactional. I wanted to make something truly refined - protein made with integrity, designed to perform beautifully, and crafted to elevate daily life. It’s the pursuit of excellence, distilled into something simple.”
The name HERMOSA feels evocative. Where does it come from, and what does it represent to you?
“HERMOSA takes its name from Hermosa Beach in Los Angeles, a place known for its light, energy, and effortless rhythm of movement. In Spanish, hermosa means “beautiful,” a reminder that real beauty lies in vitality and balance. That spirit inspired the brand: to encourage active, joyful living powered by quality. Wellness should feel like a privilege, not a chore.”
Why protein? What makes it such a cornerstone of healthy living?
“Protein supports recovery, strength, and longevity - it’s the foundation of performance and vitality. Many people still associate it only with athletes, but it’s essential for anyone who values their health and how they live. At HERMOSA, we believe nutrition should be an elevated experience: clean, honest, and crafted with taste.”
HERMOSA has such a distinct identity. What sets it apart from other protein brands?
“We treat protein with the same respect a vintner gives to wine, with patience, precision, and provenance. For example, our whey comes from grass-fed cows in the Lake District on Red Tractor certified farms, ensuring the highest standards of care and sustainability. Every blend is clean and uncompromising, made to taste exceptional and perform flawlessly. No additives. No shortcuts. Just the finest ingredients handled with care.”
How do you personally enjoy HERMOSA?
“Always with coffee. Blending our vanilla protein with a shot of espresso, ice, and almond milk is smooth, rich, and energising. It’s my everyday ritual. Balanced, intentional, and distinctly HERMOSA. You’ll find it as “The CEO Shake” on our Instagram. I also add some creatine in it these days.”
You clearly live and breathe wellness. What’s your favourite way to move?
“Barry’s is my go-to. The mix of strength and cardio demands focus and intensity, and it leaves me clear-headed and grounded. For me, movement is freedom. It’s how I reset, refocus, and reconnect. That’s the energy behind HERMOSA: wellness for joy, not obligation.”
What are your three non-negotiable wellness habits?
- Fuel with intention - quality first, always.
- Move every day - strength builds clarity.
- Protect recovery - discipline needs rest.
For someone just starting their wellness journey, what’s your best advice?
“Start with one habit that makes you feel good, and repeat, repeat, repeat. Consistency builds momentum, not perfection. Wellness should enhance your life, not restrict it. Find what brings energy, not pressure.”
Building a brand like HERMOSA must come with its own challenges. What’s been the hardest part and the most rewarding?
“The challenge has been staying true to simplicity in an industry that rewards noise. The reward is knowing we’ve built something enduring. A brand that stands for taste, integrity, and excellence. HERMOSA isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about setting a higher standard.”
Finally, where do you see the wellness and protein space heading next?
“People are becoming more discerning. They want transparency, provenance, and performance, without compromise. The next era of wellness will be defined by refinement: products that feel as good as they are good for you. That’s where HERMOSA leads - elevating protein to the level of the world’s finest goods.”
Speaking with Erika, it’s clear that HERMOSA is more than just another wellness brand, it’s a philosophy. Every detail, from the provenance of the ingredients to the intention behind each ritual, speaks to a deeper purpose: to make health feel joyful, effortless, and beautiful. In a landscape crowded with noise, HERMOSA reminds us that true wellness isn’t about perfection, it’s about quality, connection, and a quiet pursuit of excellence.
To learn more about HERMOSA, visit their website here. We are also happy to offer a 15% discount on all Hermosa products online. Use code IAMHERMOSA15 at checkout.
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