How it all began: My husband and I started making shea butter-based body care products in our kitchen to solve our family’s dry skin problems. I started selling our products at local farmer’s markets on the weekends while I worked full time as a software developer in Washington DC. The farmer’s markets helped us build a following and the confidence to approach our neighborhood natural food store, Roots Market and ultimately, Whole Foods Market. Our quest to find a consistent source of quality shea butter led us to West Africa, where we developed a relationship with the amazing women who harvest the nuts and process the butter. The revenue made from the sale of shea butter provided the women with additional income to clothe, feed and educate their children. This connection completely shifted the heart of our business. It became clear that our success would have a direct impact on the lives of the women in our supply chain.

What inspired you to start your business (a question from Tish & Snooky of ManicPanic): Solving the problem of dry skin, eczema and other skin inflammations without the continual use of steroids was my original inspiration. I had to find a natural alternative for both my boys who battled extreme dry skin and baby eczema. The hope and encouragement we bring to the women in our supply chain is my inspiration; the West African origins of shea butter and the ways it has been used for millennia in beauty food and healing.

What has been harder—starting your business or staying in business: Starting was easy, we knew we found a natural solution to solving the problem of dry skin; coming up with new and creative product ideas and packaging was exciting. We were doing what we were passionate about. Staying in business involves more effort—scaling, building a team, raising capital, finding the right distribution channels and managing them all takes a different set of skills. We have had to learn the art and science of how to be a sustainable business.

The product that I love the most is: Intense Moisture Balm. It’s a thick, buttery balm made with shea, cocoa butter and Kalahari melon seed oil.  It smells yummy and is extremely moisturizing. My skin loves it!

Our focus in 2018:  We will be focused on growing our online presence through meaningful interactions with our customers and through our website, blog and social media platforms. We will be focusing on gaining insights about what our customer needs, how she shops, what she loves and her pain points. Our customer insights will help to drive our product innovations.

Ask Another Indie (Funlayo Alabi’s question for our next Indie Inc. profile): What would you differently if you had to start your business over again?