Off the Cuff: A Q&A with Natura Bissé’s Patricia Fisas

November 15, 2024

Patricia Fisas is senior vice president of research and innovation at Natura Bissé

“Off the Cuff” is a Q&A series from Luxury Daily exploring the career paths, current projects and next steps of those shaping the world’s best luxury brands.

The interviews feature a Proust-style twist, allowing readers to get to know industry leaders on a personal level. The 16th edition features Patricia Fisas, senior vice president of research and innovation at Spanish skincare company Natura Bissé.

In this Q&A, Ms. Fisas discusses her passion – and tips – for self-care, spending quality time over good food with friends, family and fantasy guests, and embracing technology and innovation in the beauty business.

Here is the dialogue:

What was your first job ever? What did it teach you?

From a young age, my siblings and I were involved in our family business, combining studies with work.

My passion for cosmetics came about when I transitioned from university to Natura Bissé, a natural step. During my studies in Business Administration, Management Research and Product Development, I provided support in many areas of the company, which allowed me to learn a lot about specific business needs – knowledge that still serves me greatly today.

Which skills have been critical to your success? Did you gain these skills within or outside of the workplace?

My mother’s passion for cosmetics, combined with her intuition and impeccable taste, set the standard of excellence that defines our products today. Standing by her side, I learned to embrace this commitment to quality and attention to detail, values I strive to reflect in each of our creations.

Over the years, I’ve realized that flexibility, the ability to analyze specific needs and adapting to ever-changing circumstances are essential skills for success and effective leadership.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Choosing just one is difficult.

My father left us a list of 10 fundamental rules to run a successful business, which we still keep close. Simple but powerful, they include: listen with interest, be kind, stay generous and always ask for the name of the person you're speaking with. These practices greatly improve both personal and professional relationships.

I also always keep in mind what he used to tell us: “Repeat the good, forget the bad.” He encouraged us to trust ourselves, take bold steps and not fear making mistakes — because that’s how we learn.

From my mother, who was passionate about her work, I hold onto this advice: “Enjoy what you do and, if not, change course.” I live by that every day.

How has your field changed since you started out in luxury, and what do you think your industry will look like in a decade?

Luxury cosmetics have evolved significantly since we entered the market. Companies now invest heavily in research and development, which has been a main principle for us since the beginning. Consumers have become more discerning, demanding treatments that deliver visible, immediate results to meet their unique skin needs.

Additionally, the connection between beauty and wellness has also grown, with a focus on products and spa experiences that not only enhance appearance, but also support mental and emotional well-being. We are fortunate to be part of an industry that offers so much to a hyper-connected society where time and wellness have become the ultimate luxuries.

Looking ahead, I believe our sector will continue to evolve toward sustainability and technology-driven solutions, even though the power of touch will remain a central point. The consumer will seek holistic experiences that integrate wellness, beauty and ethical responsibility.

What recent projects have ignited your passion for working in luxury?

We are inspired by a spirit of challenge, which seeks to always go one step further and which has excellence as its driving force. In fact, we constantly are looking for inspiration from the latest trends across various sectors, including gastronomy, medicine and education, to develop revolutionary experiences.

A prime example is our Pure Air Bubble, a traveling spa that was introduced more than a decade ago. It allows clients to enjoy our rituals in a space where 99.99 percent of the air is completely pure, offering wellness benefits beyond just the physical.

Another project that we have developed recently is our neuroscientific study, which demonstrates that Natura Bissé spa rituals improve people’s well-being by nearly 70 percent in addition to transforming their skin and boosting self-esteem.

The power to transform emotions and add value to society motivates me deeply, reinforcing my passion for a role that prioritizes the importance of self-care.

Who, in any industry or sphere, would you most like to share a long lunch with and where would you take them?

There are so many people I would love to chat with and ask about how their backgrounds influenced them and their thoughts on the world today. But if I had to choose one, I would say Ferran Adrià, the renowned Spanish chef and former head of El Bulli.

I have long admired Ferran for his groundbreaking approach to cooking, his creativity and his ability to push the boundaries of what food and a restaurant experience can be. What truly fascinates me is his relentless pursuit of innovation, blending science, art and food in ways never seen before, and his generosity with his entire team and all the culinary sector. All in all, for his challenger spirit, but also for his down-to-Earth nature.

I would invite him to my home for a lunch, creating a warm and trusting atmosphere that would allow us to enjoy meaningful conversation.

How do you get into the right mindset before a big meeting or presentation?

I prefer to spend some time alone in a quiet place, preferably outdoors, reviewing the key points I want to cover and reminding myself the main objectives of the meeting and how to add the most value to those in front of me.

On your days off, what can you be found doing to relax or have some fun?

What fascinates me the most is to behold the sea, either walking along a beach, from a sailboat or just having a lunch overlooking the Mediterranean. The feeling of the sea relaxes me and gives me strength at the same time. Whenever I get the chance, I escape to the beautiful place of Menorca with my family.

I also love trying new restaurants, and in our city, Barcelona, luckily, I can delight in delicious cuisine. My favorites are Rafa Zafra's ESTIMAR restaurant or Nandu Jubany's PUR. You shouldn't miss them next time you visit Barcelona!

What does luxury mean to you?

For me, luxury is synonymous with excellence. It embodies quality, attention to detail, efficiency and a touch of craftsmanship.

But it is also closely linked to well-being, enjoyment, and the time we dedicate to taking care of ourselves and our loved ones. It includes those after-dinner conversations we enjoy by the sea, surrounded by good company.

But also, time is a luxury, especially time for self-care. For instance, the 60 minutes when expert hands pamper our skin at the spa – this is what we call "well-living".

Whether a product or service/experience, what is your favorite luxury indulgence?

Regarding a product, I love masking: Arriving home, taking off my shoes and indulging in a moment of self-care with our Essential Shock Intense Mask while reading a book.

When talking about experiences, my favorite luxury indulgence is the yearly family trip we do since my father passed away. We’ve traveled to amazing places like Egypt, Sicily, South Africa and Colombia, where we collect unforgettable memories all together. Not just me, but all the family members, cherish that moment and look forward to them throughout the year.

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Off the Cuff: A Q&A with Natura Bissé’s Patricia Fisas

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Off the Cuff: A Q&A with Natura Bissé’s Patricia Fisas

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