Founded by Olfa, whose journey began during a humanitarian mission in the Kasserine region, Biothelya was inspired by the strength and wisdom of the local community. These women, guardians of ancestral knowledge, shared their secrets: how from a thorn-covered cactus, beauty and nourishment are born. To honour them, Olfa chose not to build her factory in comfort but at the heart of Zelfène, where the fruit itself grows, a land with no running water or electricity, yet rich with soul and purpose.

Before it becomes a fruit, the prickly pear begins as a flower, delicate, defiant, and full of life. Against the odds of scorching heat, icy winds, and arid soil, the cactus blooms, and soon after, the fruit ripens, a symbol of endurance and renewal. In these mountain altitudes, the prickly pear thrives in its purest form, rich in nutrients, bursting with flavour, and renowned for its powerful benefits: the seeds are among the richest natural sources of vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

Biothelya’s partnerships with local farmers are built on trust, respect, and fair trade. Many sell their fruit exclusively to Olfa, not out of contract, but loyalty, a bond forged through shared vision and mutual upliftment. For Bio Thelya, nothing from the prickly pear is ever wasted. The seeds, once cold-pressed into the brand’s Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil, are then ground into the exfoliating and softening powder. The final remnants are then fed back to nature, the local animals.

Today, Biothelya stands as a symbol of ethical luxury, blending science, sustainability, and soul. Spanning over 170 hectares of pesticide-free cultivation, the brand ensures an entirely organic supply chain, certified by accredited bodies, and manufactured in their mountain facility, a hub of empowerment that offers stable employment and fair wages to local women.