If someone had told me years ago that a simple green plant would change my life, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. After all, how could something as ordinary as Aloe vera shape my journey in ways I never imagined? But as I look back, I see how this humble succulent—often overlooked in gardens or used casually for minor burns—became a source of healing, discovery, and even entrepreneurship for me.
Like many people, I didn’t grow up with a deep awareness of Aloe vera’s benefits. It was just another plant in the background, one I barely noticed. But life has a way of introducing us to things at just the right time. My first real encounter with Aloe vera was unexpected, and at the time, I had no idea that it would lead me down a path of learning, growing, and even starting my own business.
This is the story of how Aloe vera found its way into my life, how I learned to cultivate it, and how it eventually became more than just a plant—it became a passion, a source of income, and a way to connect with people. From my first small plant to running a business centered around Aloe vera, this journey has been filled with surprises, challenges, and valuable lessons.
Whether you’re someone who’s just starting to explore the wonders of Aloe vera, a gardener looking to grow it, or an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, I hope my story encourages you. Because sometimes, the most unexpected things—like a spiky, green succulent—can lead to the most incredible transformations.
My First Encounter with Aloe Vera
Growing up, Aloe vera wasn’t something I ever paid attention to. It might have been around—I may have passed by it in a neighbor’s garden or seen it tucked in a pot somewhere—but to me, it was just another plant, lost among the greenery. I had no idea that this unassuming succulent held so many benefits or that it would one day become such a big part of my life.
It wasn’t until my late twenties that Aloe vera truly entered my awareness. At that time, I was introduced to a well-known company that sold a range of Aloe-based products, from health supplements to skincare essentials. The person who introduced me was passionate about Aloe vera’s benefits, speaking with enthusiasm about how it could support digestion, improve skin, and even promote hair growth. I listened with curiosity, but at that point, Aloe vera was just another health trend to me—something interesting, but not yet personal.
What struck me most during that first encounter was the sheer versatility of the plant. It wasn’t just a remedy for one thing—it seemed to have a solution for everything. Whether it was soothing burns, hydrating skin, or aiding digestion, Aloe vera was being presented as a kind of miracle plant. I remember wondering, How could one plant do so much? It felt almost too good to be true.
Later, as I casually mentioned Aloe vera in conversations with friends, I was surprised to find that many of them were already familiar with it—but for a very specific reason. In my circle, Aloe vera was known primarily as a natural hair treatment. My friends swore by its ability to make hair grow longer and shinier, and they spoke about it as if it were some kind of secret passed down through generations. That was also when I learned its local name—“Sabila.”
My First Aloe Vera Plant: A Turning Point
My journey into the world of Aloe vera wasn’t instantaneous. Even after learning about its remarkable properties, it took me over a decade before I finally owned my first Aloe vera plant.
It all started when a good friend of mine introduced me to his Aloe vera plant. He had acquired it from another friend who lived out of town, and he spoke highly of its uses. With enthusiasm, he shared how this plant was not only beneficial for skin and hair but was also edible and packed with health benefits. To prove his point, he carefully demonstrated the process of extracting the gel from the leaves. He sliced open a thick, fleshy leaf, revealing the clear, soothing gel inside. Without hesitation, he scooped some out and ate it, explaining that it could be consumed raw or blended into juice for a refreshing and nutritious drink.
I was captivated. Seeing Aloe vera being used in such a practical and natural way sparked something within me. I had always been aware of Aloe vera’s reputation as a skincare remedy, but this was my first real encounter with its edible and medicinal potential. At that moment, I knew I wanted to cultivate my own Aloe vera plants, not just to use them but to truly understand their growth and benefits firsthand.
Without hesitation, I asked my friend if he could spare some pups for me to plant. Generously, he gave me two small Aloe vera barbadensis pups, the variety commonly known for its thick, nutrient-rich leaves and widely recognized for its health benefits. But he didn’t stop there. He also handed me three more pups—these belonged to a different variety, which he had obtained through a trade with another friend. He didn’t know much about this type, other than that it looked slightly different from the barbadensis. At the time, he simply referred to it as ‘native Aloe vera.’ Later, I would come to learn that these three pups were from the chinensis variety.
And so, my journey as an Aloe vera grower officially began with five small plants—two barbadensis and three chinensis. Little did I know at the time that these five plants would be the foundation of a much bigger passion, one that would lead me to explore, experiment, and eventually share my experiences with others. From that moment on, Aloe vera was no longer just a plant I had heard about—it became a significant part of my life.
