Gladstone St. Auburn Etienne
Founder & CEO | Master Herbalist
A Legacy Rooted in Dominica
Long before ZABICOLife became a brand, herbal wellness was simply a way of life for founder Gladstone St. Auburn Etienne.
Gladstone was raised on the Nature Isle of Dominica, where his earliest understanding of botanicals began on his family's farm under the guidance of his mother, a traditional island herbalist.
There, he learned through experience—tending plants, observing how herbs were selected and prepared, and developing an appreciation for the relationship between nourishment, nature, and everyday wellbeing.
Those formative years created the foundation for what would eventually become ZABICOLife.
From Dominica to a Greater Vision
At sixteen, Gladstone left Dominica for Washington, D.C., carrying with him both his Caribbean heritage and the herbal knowledge that had shaped his childhood.
Over the years, his interest in wellness developed into a larger vision: to introduce traditional herbal wisdom through a modern, elevated botanical experience.
In 2014, that vision became ZABICOLife.
Named in inspiration from the Caribbean apricot known in Creole as zabico, ZABICOLife represents the intersection of heritage, thoughtful formulation, botanical artistry, and intentional living.
Herbal Wisdom, Reimagined
As a Master Herbalist, Gladstone approaches formulation with an appreciation for the character of whole botanicals—their aroma, flavor, complexity, and traditional uses.
ZABICOLife infusions bring together carefully selected leaves, flowers, fruits, roots, barks, and botanicals to create distinctive blends designed to complement modern wellness.
But the vision extends beyond what is inside the cup.
Gladstone believes botanical infusions can create something increasingly valuable in modern life: an intentional moment to slow down, reconnect, and restore.
Pause. Breathe. Recover. Renew.
The Future
Gladstone's vision is to help elevate botanical infusions from an everyday beverage into an integral part of intentional, restorative living.
Through ZABICOLife, generations of Caribbean herbal wisdom are being expressed through contemporary products and experiences created for today's wellness culture.
The mission continues to evolve, but its foundation remains unchanged: respect for nature, thoughtful botanical formulation, exceptional quality, and a desire to help people live with greater intention.
“ZABICOLife represents 3,000 years of herbal wisdom, fine artistry, and generational excellence. I intend to inspire and transform this generation one cup at a time.”
— Gladstone St. Auburn Etienne