Rebekah Lewis and Onyx + Petal Elevate Everyday Luxury

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Rebekah Lewis is no stranger to reinvention. Before launching her brand, Onyx + Petal, she spent two decades in the retail and fashion industry, navigating everything from sales and customer engagement to management and operations. But it was her personal struggle with severe skin and fragrance sensitivities that ultimately led her down a new path—one that would redefine luxury skincare for those like her.

“I had this ‘aha’ moment years ago,” Lewis shares. “I realized that what we put on our skin actually goes into our bloodstream. That awareness changed everything for me.” What started as a personal need soon evolved into a mission. Lewis began crafting small-batch skincare products for herself, later sharing them with friends and family. The overwhelmingly positive response made it clear—there was a real demand for clean, non-toxic self-care products that didn’t compromise on quality or effectiveness.

Onyx + Petal was born from that necessity, but also from something deeply personal. Raised in a large family with limited means, Lewis learned early on that luxury wasn’t always about extravagance. Her father instilled in her an appreciation for life’s “simple little luxuries”—a lesson she carried into her brand. “Whether it was a great cup of coffee or a long walk in nature, those small indulgences made a difference,” she recalls. “I wanted to create a self-care line that felt like an everyday luxury, one that was clean, effective, and beautifully simple.”

Simplicity, however, doesn’t mean cutting corners. Transparency is at the heart of Onyx + Petal. “I wanted to eliminate the guesswork,” Lewis explains. “You shouldn’t need a chemistry degree to understand what’s in your skincare.” Every product is formulated with plant-based, fragrance-free ingredients, making them safe for even the most sensitive skin types. From moisturizers to candles, each creation is meticulously crafted to ensure that purity and efficacy go hand in hand.

One of the brand’s standout products, the Petal Body Drip, embodies this philosophy. Infused with rose, sandalwood, and citrus, it was inspired by the very first balm Lewis ever made—a formula that quickly became a customer favorite. “Every product starts with intention,” she says. “It has to serve a purpose, and it has to bring joy.”

Beyond skincare, Onyx + Petal is built on a commitment to environmental responsibility. The brand’s products are housed in premium ultraviolet glass for longevity and recyclability, and shipping materials are carefully chosen to minimize waste. It’s a holistic approach—one that considers both people and the planet.

For Lewis, the journey from retail executive to entrepreneur wasn’t always easy, but it was always purposeful. As a Black woman in business, she recognizes the importance of representation in the luxury space. “It’s about making sure we have a seat at the table,” she says. “Luxury is for everyone, and I want to show that we belong here, too.”

From her California roots to her current home in the Pacific Northwest, Lewis has infused every aspect of Onyx + Petal with meaning. Even the brand’s name reflects the balance she strives for—Onyx, symbolizing strength and resilience, paired with Petal, a nod to softness and femininity. “We all carry both,” she notes. “And knowing when to embrace each is its own kind of beauty.”

As Onyx + Petal continues to expand, Lewis remains dedicated to the simple luxuries that started it all. “Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated,” she says. “It just has to be intentional.”