In the picturesque small town in Spain, Ondara, we had the pleasure of conversing with Pedro, the founder of TWELVE BEAUTY. TWELVE is a high-performance skincare collection that blends botanical expertise with clean, skin-safe science. His passion and lifestyle greatly inspire BANANATIME. Let's grab a coffee and enjoy our chat.
BT: From your childhood to young adulthood, through your studies to landing your career in London, and then to producing your very first cream for your patients and launching TWELVE BEAUTY, your journey seems very organic, yet driven by purpose. What drives and excites you, and what are your motivations?
Pedro: Throughout my education and career, I have been blessed with people who have helped and taught me what I know today. I feel it’s my duty to share the knowledge I’ve acquired and pass it on to others. This is my way of giving back the generosity I have received from the great mentors and motivators I've encountered in my life.
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BT: What are the core philosophies of TWELVE BEAUTY?
Pedro: We offer skincare solutions for everyone, including those with sensitive and reactive skin. We are an independent brand that focuses on healthy doses for healthy skin—no gimmicks or marketing tricks. It is not about following trends but about selecting and using what is most beneficial and what helps the skin stay healthier for longer.
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BT: Why was it important for you to base your company here in Ondara, and not elsewhere?
Pedro: Ondara is where I was born and raised. I have traveled far and wide, but I have always wanted to come back home, where I am truly happy. My family still lives in Ondara; in fact, my newly acquired office and laboratory are literally right next to my mother’s house and used to belong to my family. This place is filled with fond memories.
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BT: What do you do in your free time?
Pedro: Being an entrepreneur is a 24-hour job, but I try not to work during weekends. Apart from my passion for plants and nature, I love reading and art. I enjoy going to museums and art exhibitions. I also like collecting things such as old apothecary glass jars, and I am a frequent visitor of auctions as well.
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BT: Do you have any recommendations for people visiting Ondara and its neighboring cities? Places to eat, things to see and do? Any local tips?
Pedro: Yes, try to climb Segaria and Montgó. These areas are full of endemic plants unique to this region, offering a true Mediterranean forest experience at every stage. If aquatic plants interest you, go on a bike ride in La Marjal de Pego-Oliva and unwind in La Font Salà , a small natural pool with thermal water.
Don’t miss out on concerts, plays, and even opera at Ondara's auditorium. Also, check out the Teulada-Moraira auditorium for incredible productions, and visit Ondara's bullring, a fantastic example of early 1900s local architecture where many festivals take place.
Make your first swim of the year at Cala Portitxol in Javea, which has a very Greek island vibe, or visit Platja Almadrava in Els Poblets, a pebble-stone beach rich in history and surrounded by Roman ruins. Eat at Mare in Benidoleig if you are a real foodie, and at Noguera Mar Restaurant if seafood and octopus are your favorite foods.
