A Letter From Monarch Botanika

Dear Friends of the Monarch Butterfly,

I’m reaching out today to share my story and humbly ask for your support. Two years ago, during a time when the world felt upside down, I started a non-profit, Native Monarchs, with a simple mission: to protect the monarch butterfly by restoring its habitat. It began with a small but meaningful project at a local golf course in Camarillo, California, where I, along with a few dedicated volunteers, built a native milkweed and pollinator garden. That space is now recognized as a breeding site for monarchs by biologists—a success I could only dream of.

But my journey didn’t stop there.

As I worked to build more monarch habitats, I stumbled upon something remarkable. The seeds of the milkweed plant—often discarded—could be cold-pressed into a luxurious, nutrient-rich oil, full of omega fatty acids and skin-loving benefits. That’s when I decided to create Monarch Botanika, a skincare line made with responsibly harvested Milkweed Seed Oil. Every purchase would directly fund monarch conservation, encouraging more milkweed planting, ensuring habitats remain intact, and helping to save one of our planet’s most iconic migratory species.

But like many small businesses, I've faced my share of challenges. Between COVID delays, rising costs, and the fierce competition in the beauty industry, it’s been an uphill battle to get the word out about a product that I truly believe can make a difference. I’m not a marketing expert—I'm a conservationist at heart, but I’ve poured my passion and savings into this cause. And now, I find myself needing your help to keep the momentum going.

My dream isn’t just to sell skincare. It’s to create a product with a purpose—something that doesn’t just sit on a shelf but stands for something bigger. By choosing Monarch Botanika, you're not just purchasing a skincare product; you’re supporting a movement to save the monarch butterfly from the brink of extinction. You’re helping me build more habitats, donate more milkweed plants, and educate more people about the importance of pollinators.

This isn’t just about skincare—it's about conservation in action.

If you’re in a position to do so, please consider purchasing our products, gifting them to loved ones, or simply spreading the word. Every sale gives 5% back to our mission and brings us closer to saving the monarch. If you have a retail store or salon and would like to try our products on your shelf, please contact me!

Thank you for considering my plea, and for standing with me in this effort to protect the monarchs. Your support—whether through a purchase or simply by sharing our story—means the world to me, and more importantly, to the butterflies we’re fighting to save.

With gratitude and hope,
Chris Amendt
Founder, Native Monarchs NPO & Monarch Botanika

Shop now: Monarch Botanika Store
Learn more: Monarch Botanika
Support the mission: Native Monarchs