Ajani handmade came to be after realizing a gap in the local Kenyan beauty industry. Our products are developed to cater to natural and conscious self-care and lifestyle practices. They are a social enterprise aimed at catering to the demands of a growing natural and organic hair and skin care market. Ajani messages are socially rooted in challenging socially imposed beauty ideals. Through their work, they act as a platform for empowerment for women.
Some of Ajani handmade products
Ajani handmade target nurturing self acceptance by redefining mainstream standards of beauty by celebrating differences in physical make up and advocating for safe and informed self care and beauty practices. Through their brand their vision is to continue to develop an extensive and organic product line that nurtures and grows the local Kenyan handmade beauty industry by staying true to our social messages.
The story behind Ajani Brand
“Four years spent studying away from the luxuries and privileges of home left me with an afro, a world of information on African natural hair care and a will to make changes in the world around me. Through searching for information on how to care for unprocessed natural hair, I found that my story was one of many; often experiences that touched on identity, self awareness and self- esteem.
I noticed that reading and sharing these stories often led to conversations of empowerment and an unearthing of many previously unacknowledged histories and hidden social structures that shaped black women’s identities. The most exciting element of this journey was the acquisition of so much information and education on unprocessed African hair care, which had, oddly enough, never existed in my life world given that I had African textured hair.
Digging through vast amounts of new knowledge that other’s shared and experimenting with different recipes and hair care techniques naturally turned into a self- educating experience. This, coupled with a new holistic and health- conscious attitude led to two years of mixing, melting and whipping natural concoctions until I settled on a natural hair and body butter recipe that worked for both my hair and skin.
I decided to share my recipe as part of this Kenyan based product line for individuals with similar needs. I was keen to use my new skills and passions to navigate the world of social development, particularly pertaining to African women and how our life worlds affect our agency and capacities. Natural hair care was just my gateway.”
Content courtesy of Ajani Handmade & Nairobi fashion hub Digital team
Get some exclusive insights from Sandra Abongo and Emmy Belt, two women behind the success of Washindi Naturals, 100% natural body and lifestyle products. Sandra Abongo and Emmy Belt have an inspiring story to share. Learn more about their insights and the humble beginnings of there brand in NFH exclusive interview.
Some of Washindi Naturals 100% natural body and lifestyle products.
Sandra: My name is Sandra Abongo, Program Manager for projects and programs under the CBO Washindi Victory Center ( WVC ). Washindi Naturals ( WN ) started as a project under WVC and has now become its own fully-fledged social enterprise. Along with my partner and co-founder, Emmy Belt, through WN, makes high quality 100% natural body and lifestyle products.
We are a socially and eco-conscious brand creating opportunities for sustainable income for women in Kibera and other under-served areas through enterprise and financial training.
Emmy: I’m Emmy Belt, the Program Manager of Washindi Naturals. We started a year and a half ago, working with women from underprivileged areas, like Kibera and Kawangware. Our business side is selling artisanal, environmentally friendly and holistic body and lifestyle products.
We train women in basic business skills like production, quality control, accounting, inventory maintenance, sales, etc; The Tenets of Entrepreneurship!
When and how did you get into the beauty industry?
Sandra: In May 2018, by seeing the opportunities in the industry and how it can create avenues for change for the women we work with. We at WVC are always looking for sustainable ways of bringing change.
While researching one of these avenues and the opportunities within, we saw the potential for great impact through the beauty eco-conscious industry.
Emmy: We started in May 2018, first at small markets, then at the amazing co-share store Made in Kenya, while slowly growing our brand and reach.
We are still growing, but hope to expand our market two-fold in the next coming year!
What were you doing before you decided to set up Washindi Naturals?
Sandra: Working with WVC. I still do work as program manager for WVC.
Emmy: I’ve always had a passion for Eco-conscious and sustainable business and living, so when I wasn’t doing marketing and social media for our founder company, WVC, I had side projects that ranged from looking at the sustainability of using discarded corn cobs as fuel to recycling and re-purposing waste plastic in my neighborhood.
What was the catalyst in the journey of your natural product?
Sandra: Seeing the impact it made on the women we engage, as well as the significance and change that using natural, organic products has on mine and our clients’ skin and lifestyle.
Emmy:Apart from assisting women in empowering themselves keeping our products low impact, both on the planet and the body, is very important to me. It became a perfect mesh between my hopes for the world, and what I invest my time in!
How would you describe your signature look?
Sandra: African with a splash of new age!
Emmy: Natural, comfortable and inspired!
Why is it important for skincare products to be organic?
Sandra: The amount of synthetic and lower quality ingredients in commercial products can not only be ineffective, but even harmful. Organic products are free of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and additives, meaning clients can be assured that they are getting an authentic experience in using said products.
This gives them peace of mind that what they are using is not industrial, but taps into nature’s goodness and thus is more beneficial, both to them and the planet.
Emmy: Not only are they demonstrably and resoundingly better for your body, but the production and use of them has a significant impact on our footprint on the planet! Let’s make change wherever we are able.
How important are the ingredients in skincare products?
Sandra: People should always look at what they are putting onto their skin. It is the largest organ in the body and thus is immensely crucial to the whole network of our body.
Therefore my advice is always to look at the ingredients to see what you’re introducing to this network. Stay away from parabens and heavy metals, as they (indicated by tons of research) have detrimental effects, especially as carcinogens.
Emmy: Just as what you eat affects you from within, beauty products affect you from without. There are many ingredients, both synthetic and natural, that can be damaging to you.
I recommend you take a look at the ingredients lists in your bathroom and do a quick search! It pays to know what exactly you’re introducing to your body, as the effects can be long-lasting or irreversible, to detrimental or beneficial effect.
What’s a skincare secret that you wish more people knew?
Sandra: Moisturise! Your skin needs TLC and the best form, in my opinion, is a little moisture, especially during harsh weather such as extreme cold or heat. Like here in Nairobi, it gets super hot and dry in the daytime, and cold at night! Moisturizing helps retain elasticity so, younger skin, protects from the elements, and keeps the skin from drying out:
Making our skin look healthier and smoother with a nice glow!
Emmy: Let your skin breathe! Don’t overburden it with treatments and products. Limit yourself to a scrub a week, minimal makeup, wash your face with only water. Let your skin find its own balance before starting treatments.
How important do you think it is for people to have a regular skin care regimen?
Sandra: Very important! As I said, it is our largest organ, so if we take care of it then we are already playing a huge part in taking care of our bodies as a whole.
Emmy: Extremely! Don’t get me wrong, a skincare regime doesn’t have to be drawn out to qualify as a regime.
Wash your face with water every morning and evening, use natural oils and butters where your skin needs an extra boost. Repeated and deliberate love and care is very important!
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Sandra: Our products are local, African, 100% natural, eco-conscious and are made with organic ingredients. Every purchase helps us grow and furthers our mission to empower women. I say “made with organic” following a conversation I had with one of our clients. Most of our ingredients are organic, with the exception of the saponifying agent (lye) which in most, if not all soaps, cannot be 100% organic.
This is a common misconception, which makes some people question “are you really organic?” So I always try to dispel their doubts or fears by explaining this factor. We also have something for all skin types, and they smell great, too!
Emmy: Our long term vision is to assist women with limited resources to become independent, to create sustainable and scalable livelihoods. In order to get there, we need to build our brand, and it’s important for us to model eco-consciousness and body positivity while we do that.
More Washindi Natural products collections available at selected store in Nairobi
You started working in the beauty industry several years ago, how has the industry changed since you began?
Sandra: We are just a year old, but I would say there is more awareness and absorption of natural and socially conscious products these days.
Emmy: People are getting more and more interested in products that do service to the planet and their bodies.
The last couple of years we’ve really seen this grow in Nairobi, giving our vision a market to move into and within. We’re excited to see more businesses go in this direction, and more customers choose natural!
Sandra: Sure, we are always learning and diversifying. Washindi Naturals keeps evolving by trying to stay above the fray. Stay looped in by following us on Instagram @washindinaturals !
Emmy:Definitely! We are taking a holistic approach to natural body and soul care, adding more skin, beauty and lifestyle products. But we are taking the climb slowly and surely, taking care of our base customers and the women we work with, by keeping our main focus on our core product line.
What is your brand philosophy?
Empowering through Enterprise! We do this by creating avenues and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, while also championing for eco-consciousness.
What are 5 most popular beauty products you use?
Sandra: I use our whole product range, but if I had to choose: Coffee+Vanilla, Tea+Masala, and Charcoal+Pine soaps. The hair and body oils I use are Vanilla, and Lavender+Mint (these are great for massages, too, by the way!), and the Vanilla body scrub.
Emmy:That is a tough question to answer! I love citrusy and fresh scents, so if I have to choose I’d say the Coconut+Lemongrass and Chia+Eucalyptus Soaps, but then I also adore the relaxing combo of our Turmeric+Lavender+Rosemary Soap.
I also use the Lemongrass Body Scrub in the shower and the Lavender+Mint Hair and Body Oil for massages and to moisturize my locs.
How long have you been natural?
Sandra: As long as I remember!
Emmy: It started as a teenager when I began to realize that all these different products we were using were pretty much all the same, and to make it worse, damaging! The soaps were too harsh, whilst the conditioner and lotion faked moisture. It’s been a journey, but I’m much happier, having let the concept of natural and eco-friendly spread to other parts of my life, as well.
Which element of your job do you most enjoy?
Sandra:Working with the women. It’s a large reason I do what I do, because when I see the impact on their lives and how it has upgraded their living standards, in whichever way then I know I am accomplishing something great. I also love the production process. Whenever we make products, there’s a swirl of amazing smells.
I love it!
Emmy: Right now I wear many hats since Washindi Naturals we’re still sprouting, so to speak. I’m learning so much! It’s enrapturing, infuriating, rewarding, draining, and oh so worth it!
What is beauty for you?
Sandra: Inside and out. It’s character, it’s personality, it’s a je ne sais quoi!
Emmy: Beauty is confidence. The most attractive people I’ve met shone from the inside, and nobody could resist falling a little bit in love with them.
What are your 5 beauty do’s and don’ts?
Sandra: Do: wear sunscreen, moisturise, exfoliate, and tone. Those are my basics, I don’t do much more.
Don’t: Not use sunscreen or moisturiser!
Emmy: DO: Be Yourself, You Are Beautiful! DON’T: Worry Yourself, You Are Beautiful!
Does everyone look better with beauty products?
Sandra: Everyone is beautiful! We just want to help them stay healthy as well!
Emmy: Everyone looks better if they feel better! We hope to help with that.
If you turn up at a show/shoot and the model has terrible skin, what do you do?
Sandra: I guess the best quick fixes are make-up, which is not my forte I hardly wear any make-up.
If it’s not up to me to do a quick fix by make-up, I’d recommend one of our products depending on what is affecting her/his skin. I’d definitely always start with a good scrub the day before a big event, leaving your skin fresh and glowing!
Emmy: Wouldn’t it be great if that term didn’t exist? If blemishes and breakouts were normalized and also seen as natural? I’d work to help make that happen!
What inspires you today?
Sandra: A lot, but I’d say, first and foremost, my mother.
Emmy:There are so many amazing entrepreneurial and world improving women out there, and so many in Nairobi!
When I see the amazing company I find myself in, I hope I can measure up and work my hardest to someday be on equal footing with them. I’m currently very inspired by the ladies behind the Made in Kenya Store, who in addition to the store also have their own businesses!
Beauty Instagram profiles have become a major influence on the beauty industry, but you keep yours quite personal, how important are social platforms for you?
Sandra: As a marketing tool, they are vital in this day and age. Handled well, they can be pivotal to a business’ growth and have been to ours.
Emmy: We want to share with our customers our realness, zaniness, zest for life and zeal for the planet, and social media platforms are excellent to connect with our people!
Do you have any tips or advice for aspiring entrepreneur seeking to venture in organics products?
Sandra: Do your best. Dedication and tenacity are essential during the pivotal first years of growth.
There will be a lot of strife, manifested through obstacles and detractors, as you grow your business. An almost feverish focus will be required to manoeuvre these challenges.
And it always helps to have a substantive anchor, whether through family, a good team or personal hobbies. I’ve personally always garnered strength and respite through my faith.
Find something that keeps you whole, whatever that may be.
Emmy: Do your research, stay true to yourself, and stick it through. Starting a business is the toughest, but most rewarding thing you can do. It will beat you down time after time, but if you’ve chosen with your heart it will all be worth it.
Share with us 3 random facts about you that very few people know!
Sandra:I like dark TV shows “ they help me better understand the world in a strange new perspective” , I make amazing chocolate potatoes “ thanks to my dear friend Elena” and I often make up random words “ my friend Sofi and I are notorious butchers of the English/Portuguese language! ” .
Emmy: I went to circus school for a year when I was 19, I have a fear of depths “ nope, not heights ” and I like attention but I really don’t want to become famous.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Sandra: Press towards the mark. Don’t let challenges or doubts dissuade you.
Emmy: It’s hard to know when or if to quit, but know that there is no such thing as failure.
Not succeeding is the best learning experience!
Where our readers can find you and keep in touch with you? ( Provide your Instagram, website, Facebook page if any please)
Adopt a simple routine, clean your skin gently, and don’t abuse of the sun (stay away from it potentially!). Drink a lot of water, don’t smoke and laugh without limitation!
Did you find this interview with Washindi Naturals useful and intersting ? find more exclusive interview with industry expert by visiting Designer spotlight here
Content courtesy of Washindi Naturals & Nairobi fashion hub
Miss Universe Kenya 2018, Wabaiya Kariuki will be representing Kenya at Miss Elite International beauty Pageant that will be going down at El Gouna Town Resort at the Red Sea, in Egypt.
The pageant that aims to celebrate exceptional models, singers, actresses and influencers among others in the beauty industry will be taking place from the 1st to the 3rd of April 2020.
” I guess the cat’s out of the bag now. A sis will be heading to Egypt in April for the miss elite world competition to represent the motherland. Excited for what’s to come. Thank you Nariman Khaled for the opportunity. “
Wabaiya will be contesting against over 20 other contestants from other countries such as Brazil, Serbia, Poland, Sweden, Lebanon, Nigeria, Egypt and Columbia among others. The young beauty queen who represented Kenya at the Miss Universe beauty pageant held in Thailand in 2018 posted the exciting news on her Instagram feed, indicating how proud she was to represent her motherland.
Founded by Stephano Douaihy, this will be the first edition of the Miss Elite International beauty Pageant. It will be hosted by MTV Presenter and Model Carla Haddad. The organizers are excited about this event and hope to make a historical debut into the pageant world.
Content courtesy of Wabaiya Kariuki, Miss Elite world & Nairobi fashion hub
Shiona Turini’s history with Barbie dolls is similar to that of many black women. Store shelves would be brimming with Barbie dolls in a range of different hair color shades—blonde, brunette, red, black, etc.—but when it came to complexion shades, options were few and far between. Then, in 1980, Turini’s sigh of relief came in the form of a black Barbie with an afro, clad in a fire red dress with gold accessories. Now, the former fashion editor and costume designer is making her own Barbie history by collaborating with Barbie Style to produce a a diverse collection of black dolls in honor of Black History Month.
“It was important for me to reflect Barbie as an icon through the lens of black culture during Black History Month,” Turini said in a statement. “I drew inspiration from the first black Barbie, who debuted her all-red look in 1980.
My vision was to style diverse dolls in bold looks with themes seen throughout my work, like contrasting snakeskin and leopard challenging traditional uniformity.”
Turini’s four-pronged collection showcases the versatility of black beauty and features 10 models of different skin tones and sizes, including a doll in a wheelchair, in various color palettes, including soft sherbet colors, all black, brown mixed with snakeskin, and red, the latter inspired by and featuring the first black Barbie doll.
The creative mind behind the movie “Queen & Slim” has designed Barbie’s latest looks, in honor of Black History Month.
Mattel worked with costume designer Shiona Turini to outfit a set of Barbies in 10 different hair styles, skin tones and body types.
“Thank you @barbiestyle — for collaborating with me to create Barbies with braids, finger waves and everything in between,” Turini writes in an Instagram caption announcing the collaboration. “Chicks by the layers, all different flavors. And even a curvy doll, in a crop top, with waist length twists. Baby Shiona is PROUD.”
Each look for the Barbies was inspired by three color themes: monochromatic, snakeskin mixed with black and white and sherbet colors. Though the outfits themselves aren’t for sale, the dolls modeling them are part of a new release of Black History Month Barbie dolls.
“My vision was to style diverse dolls in bold looks with themes seen throughout my work, like contrasting snakeskin and leopard, challenging traditional uniformity,” says Turini, while adding that she spent many childhood hours dressing Barbies.
“I grew up obsessed with @barbie and while she was one of my first fashion icons, I clearly remember searching shelves for a doll that looked like me and coming up empty handed,” she writes on Instagram.
Turini drew her inspiration from the first black Barbie, introduced in 1980 dressed in a sparkling red dress with an Afro. Turini’s red collection pays homage to the doll. Mattel has also brought back that first black Barbie, dressed in bold red as a 40th anniversary black Barbie doll.
Lately, Mattel has been releasing a gamut of diverse dolls in different sizes, colors, abilities and professions to keep up with the times. Recent additions include the gender-neutral doll, the Barbie Fashionistas line, the Barbie Wellness collection and Judge Barbie.
On Instagram, Turini points out that she is “the curvy Barbie in the crop top,” which is the fourth from the left. “Thank you @barbiestyle for making my childhood dreams come true, customizing these @queenandslim inspired snake skin boots + bodysuits, going thru the painstaking process of giving Barbie twists and allowing me the freedom to create something special so that my community can see themselves represented in such an iconic brand,” she writes on Instagram. “Life is good in the dream house.”
In the red collection, you can clearly see Turini’s personal style in her own red-clad outfit on Instagram, and this red collection reflects the first black Barbie who shined in red sparkles. “Here she is, on her customized throne, surrounded by friends created and styled by me. I hope other young children, and adult Barbie lovers, are as excited to see themselves reflected in these dolls as I am.”
In the “brights” collection, Turini says, “While flipping through styles a sherbet-green coat totally captured my eye. I loved it so much, I built an entire vignette around it.”
Content courtesy of Shiona Turini & Nairobi fashion hub
Miss Universe 2019, the 68th Miss Universe pageant, was held on December 8, 2019 at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, the United States. Catriona Gray of the Philippines crowned her successor Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa by the end of the event. This is South Africa’s third win after their recent victory in 2017. This edition also saw the crowning of the first black woman winner since Leila Lopes was crowned in 2011.
Contestants from 90 countries and territories participated in this year’s competition. The pageant was hosted by Steve Harvey in his fifth consecutive year, with Olivia Culpo and Vanessa Lachey as backstage corespondents, and with a performance by Ally Brooke. The new Mouawad Power of Unity crown made its debut. Swe Zin Htet of Myanmar became the first openly lesbian contestant to compete for the Miss Universe title.
Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe Sunday night after excelling through rounds of swimsuit and evening gown struts, questions on social issues and one final chance to explain why she was the right choice.
“I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me with my kind of skin and my kind of hair was never considered to be beautiful,” she said in her last response. “I think it is time that that stops today. I want children to look at me and see my face and I want them to see their faces reflected in mine.”
The two runners-up for the crown were Miss Mexico and Miss Puerto Rico.
“If you do not use your beauty for your life’s mission, it’s just an empty ornament,” Sofía Aragón, representing Mexico, said earlier in the competition.
Madison Anderson represented Puerto Rico.
“Being on the Miss Universe stage is not just a dream” Anderson said. “I believe that I found my mission. It’s a representation of dedication, resilience and perseverance. I do believe my mission is to show the world that magic happens when we refuse to give up because the universe always listens to a stubborn heart.”
And if you’re wondering, yes, there was another mix-up and Steve Harvey was involved in it. But it was nothing like the 2015 disaster when he called out the wrong winner.
Harvey hosted the pageant for the fifth time sporting a bedazzled green and gold suit jacket.
He was commenting on a costume from earlier in week and said Miss Philippines won the National Costume Contest. He was right, but the woman who came out on stage said she was Miss Malaysia.
“Y’all got to quit doing this to me,” he said.
The massive competition was hosted at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
It has already made history with Miss Myanmar, Swe Zin Htet, who says she’s the first openly gay contestant.
Last year’s winner, Catriona Gray from the Philippines spoke during Sunday’s pageant, saying the past year has been “unforgettable, life-changing and purposeful.”
“We’re getting this amazing platform to voice the things we’re passionate about, the things we care about,” she said in a video. “I always had a voice, but Miss Universe allowed me to amplify it.”
Ugandan beauty and cosmetology brand, Minama has today announced the release of its latest skin care product, out on the market. The brand’s C.E.O Afsana Pey S.K announced the release of its Minama skin oil, which goes on the market today, in Uganda and across the continent.
“Minama skin glow oil has really helped many of our clients and myself, particularly for ailments like Acne, blemishes, black spots, scars etc. it also clears your skin and leaves it glowing with that beautiful shine,” she explains.
When asked what was her motivation for setting up the skin care line, Afsana explains that she suffered with skin issues for a long time, and being as there weren’t many solutions available on the market, she decided to start up her own skin care line, whose many other products include lotions, soaps, creams and other cosmetics.
“I know first-hand how bad skin can affect you, especially your confidence, so I started the line to help others and myself. We have more products launching in December, and we can’t wait for all our clients, old and new to get their hands on this skin oil,” she concludes.
Content courtesy of Minama Cosmetics & Nairobi fashion Hub
AfroliciousKe is a Kenyan brand celebrating African beauty, and encouraging women to love the hair and skin they’re in,Quality, Organic,Oils and Butters,Premium products made with natural, and pure ingredients to keep your hair and skin glowing.
Driven by a passion to EMPOWER women and INSPIRE them to feel to feel BEAUTIFUL and CONFIDENT in their NATURAL beauty, we traveled to different East African countries to source for the best raw products.
We researched and learned from women who have been using natural oils and butters for generations in order to bring you the best in quality for a natural you. All our products have been crafted with LOVE with the AFRICAN woman in mind.
Content courtesy of AfroliciousKe & Nairobi Fashion Hub
Keyara is a premium brand and our packaging and branding appeals to the upwardly mobile target market.
Keyara Organics is a proudly Kenyan, organic and Natural skin care business that keeps Africa at the heart of its philosophy. They are a skincare line that draws the best of Africa’s oils and butters. We package them to suit today’s upwardly, mobile yet nature living and aware individuals. Our products are great for Pregnant women and mums. They are also very good for babies.
Keyara Organics is a proudly Kenyan, organic and Natural skin care business that keeps Africa at the heart of its philosophy.
Keyara Organics provides Pure Natural body care products with ingredients drawn out from the purest of African oils and butters, ranging from Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Coconut oil, Macadamia Oil and Black African Soap, the list continues to grow as we continue to explore the rich wealth of Africa’s beauty
Keyara Organics is committed to developing and retailing high quality African made body and hair care products, blended with essential oils to get your skin alive, young fresh and beautiful. ‘KEYARA Baby’ line products are formulated with only the best ingredients to add some extra care to our little bundles of joy.
Keyara Organics has five brands: (Keyara Shea Butter, Keyara Shea & Almond Keyara SHEA & Coconut Oil and Keyara Baby).
Keyara Shea Butter This ultra-hydrating extract from Shea Tree nuts is a Treasure from Northern Uganda, a pride of the African Savanna. KEYARA packages the best of this rare and exotic butter and delivers to you an ultra hydrating hair and body balm. 100% unscented, no additives, no preservatives, best for baby too!
Keyara Absolute Shea (Infused with Almond oil and Frankincense) With its well known benefits for your hair and skin, KEYARA infuses shea butter with Frankincense oil which is aids in fading scars, stretch marks, fights eczema strengthens hair roots, tones and lifts skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
Keyara Shea (With Macadamia oil and Lyang Lyang) Shea Butter infused with Macadamia oil offers beautifying benefits for your skin. In addition to its moisturizing benefits, macadamia is packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that protect your skin and promote healing following sunburn or other types of skin damage.
Keyara Coconut Oil Coconut oil prevents dryness and flaking of skin, delays the appearance of wrinkles. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. It’s being used as a frizz tamer, eye cream, cuticle oil, and make up remover. It is great for healthy shiny hair and preventing dandruff.
Harvest of Sunshine is a Kenyan manufacturing company that produces organic and water-based natural cosmetics products for natural African hair and all types of skin. We’ve been manufacturing our products since 2012, by using ingredients that can be found on our continent growing in the African sun.
Wambui JL is a creative mind who oversees the Creative and Marketing aspects of Harvest of Sunshine. She brings to Harvest of Sunshine an attention to detail. She also assists the team to brainstorm new ideas for future products and marketing concepts.
Martha Osier has a financial background, with an MBA from Harvard Business School and brings her wealth of knowledge about creating a solid financial structure for Harvest of Sunshine. She keeps Wambui and I on the straight and narrow – as creatives we tend to throw caution to the wind and this is not always a good idea, Martha is invaluable in directing us and giving solid advice as we move forward.
Content courtesy of Harvest of Sunshine & Nairobi Fashion hub
BU.KE’ is an artisan hair & skincare brand that was founded in January 2017 by Lucy Kingóri, an entrepreneur, and is a play on 2 things. It means ‘Buy Kenyan’ and was also borrowed from our founders’sons’name, the reason she decided to come up with the range of products in the first place.
Her son was born with Eczema, a skin condition that caused serious skin irritation to the point of bleeding. She embarked on a mission to find a way to manage her sons ailing condition and what she found was eye-opening.
Lucy Kingori Tsalwa founded Bu.Ke beauty products and also the CEO a key formulator for Bu.Ke, and besides her son, this name also has import for her country of birth. “The name also means ‘Buy Kenyan’ for me, hence the spacing in the middle of the logo. I am all about promoting Kenyan made products.”
Findings
Almost NONE of the creams/concoctions available in the market to help manage the symptoms of the condition were truly STEROID-FREE. It had been 4 months of trying and experimenting on the ailing boy. One day however, Lucy came across Shea butter from South Sudan, a natural cream that has helped manage her son’s condition to date.
Further research was done on the butter, and that was the beginning of what was to become a fantastic range of natural hair & skin care products that the entire family could enjoy.
Research, Formulation & Certification
Upon further research and once our founder understood the value of incorporating natural ingredients into hair & skin products, she embarked on releasing a line that included, body butter, shampoo bars, hair oils and clay masks.
The said products were taken through the testing and certification process by the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Industry as well as the Kenya Bureau of Standards after which they made their debut into the market.
It has been 2 years of great products in the market and so far the BU.KE range is retailing in Kenya, Tanzania & Ethiopia.
Content courtesy of Bu.Ke Beauty Products & Nairobi Fashion Hub
We are a startup manufacturing plant at the frontiers of luxurious organic beauty care, delighting our consumers worldwide with result driven transformative products and experiences, inspiring them to express their uniqueness confidently. Infused in our organization is our inherent desire to express love in how we engage and do our business.
This same attitude creates the ripple effect to our customers who have experienced what has famously come to be known as a touch of#SaruLove. At the core of our structure is a dedicated passion to push beyond our foreseeable limits/boundaries and invent the unexpected with love,creativity and innovation.
Our Mission Bringing out the best version of you and employing excellence in everything we do.
Our Vision To be a leading global prestigious organic beauty care brand
What Sets Us Apart?
Culture & Values We are like a family in a fast growing business in the Natural & Organic beauty care industry. This unique rare mix has seen us create a caring, collaborative and compassionate work place that is also very demanding employing an excellent spirit in all our undertakings. Above all else there is a key focus on long-term sustainable growth which cultivates loyalty from all stakeholders.
Our founder is a firm believer in a value-driven organization firmly rooted in Kingdom principles. Our actions are rooted in Christian faith values of love, honesty, generosity of spirit and integrity. Building on these core values we also abide by the following principles:
Infusing Design Thinking in our creativity and innovation through all aspects of the business from product development to packaging, sampling to selling, marketing to merchandising we are in the process to identify, empathize and create products that touch your unmet needs.
A resolute commitment to create unmatched quality and excellence. From unique exceptional and breakthrough products to creating brand experiences delivered through our market pop ups and activations.
Nurturing and developing our human capital. We believe in lifting other up by harnessing the unique strengths of our talented employees. Continuous learning is employed throughout our staff development and taking a leadership mindset is highly encouraged and expected.
Embracing an inclusive diverse culture is highly encouraged and it further fosters our belief that no one person or group has all the knowledge and skills for success. Inclusivity helps us harness cultural diversity ensuring our messages, products and market experiences reflect diverse desires and aspirations from a large consumer base.
Acting responsibly and caring for our mother nature. Throughout the business we have ensured to partner with only suppliers who offer organic produce and biodegradable ingredients as part of our sustainable practices. We ensure efficient operations with reduced wastage, green chemistry and playing a part in preaching awareness to health and environment.
Saru Love Approach Saru Organics has been at the fore front of using authentic best premium organic ingredients to create high performing superior products. We also have something unique that has truly distinguished us: our Saru Love approach that guides us to deliver exceptional personalized service and education to our consumers.
With Saru Love we build strong emotional bonds with our consumers: the unmatched quality of our products, combined with expert advice from our beauty care consultant Miss Lucia Mamta and exceptional personalized service, creates a complete package of invaluable worth that goes far beyond price, product and science.
It’s a total experience that sets our luxurious organic beauty care brand apart. Our Founder Mkamboi Mwakale is always at the fore front of selling floors in pop up markets and market activations to personally introduce her beauty care products to customers knowing very well her personal interaction, assistance and connection to the customers will create a lasting bond.
Content courtesy of Saru Organics & Nairobi Fashion Hub
Saru Organics is home to the finest quality in luxury organic beauty products to customers around the world. Founded by visionary Mkamboi Mwakale while attending her MBA studies at USIU, Nairobi, Saru Organics has grown to become synonymous with premium quality, earth-friendly botanical ingredients and the ultimate in delivering stunning hair styling results. Each of our product has been deliberately crafted to let you experience awesome love with your natural crown.
Saru Organcis Founder?
A Kenyan native, Mkamboi Mwakale begun this journey accidentally when her 4-year-old daughter kept on being sickly and had to use antibiotics that turned out to be a frustrating cycle of events. She came across Moringa powder after a Nigerian friend urged her to try it on her daughter, something that was a turning point in her life.
The Moringa powder turned out to be an excellent solution to her health concerns and she was curious to find out more about her new-found discovery. However, a visit to her upcountry home in Taita Hills made Mkamboi realize something else altogether; the farmers from Taita had grown the Moringa Oleifera tree in plenty but they were yet to experience the economic benefit from the tree.
It was this realization that made Mkamboi get into more researching about the entire tree with an aim to create a solution to the Moringa farmers from her home. Coincidentally she had a unit that required her to come up with a social enterprise project as part of her MBA course work requirements and things just fell neatly into place as she used the opportunity to identify a solution. Her attention was particularly caught with the content and properties of Moringa seed that produced such a high-profile oil.
It was at this realization that she explored the idea of using Moringa oil to solve some of the pin points ethnic hair experienced and with her dedication to a healthy life growing in her personal life, she began to realize the perils posed by inhaling and handling harsh chemicals. She then sought and committed to create value addition to Moringa Oil by creating a toxin-free hair products, and went ahead to incorporate only organic ingredients in her formulations.
She also began extensive research and testing of essential oils, plant extracts and other botanical ingredients to produce her first organic haircare product the Revitalizing Clay Cleansing Shampoo that has been a pioneer in the market and a darling to her customers who love the beautiful experience of soft, conditioned moisturized hair they get after a hair wash.
Her pioneering product is her very first innovative solution that applied design thinking while creating the product. She wanted a sulfate free shampoo but one that worked for ethnic hair that easily gets knots and tangles and can be a mess. The clay shampoo is also great enough for kids leaving kids hair cleansed and soft to manage.
Mkamboi is dedicated to creating professional quality performance products crafted with care and respect for the mother nature. She dreams to create a blossoming full line of incomparable hair, skin, and body products for the entire family.
Natural Beauty With Purpose
Today Saru Organics is not only recognized for its pioneering products in luxury organic beauty but also for the uplifting inspirational messages shared through its various social media platforms. “A positive vibe creates great energy for the day to conquer and accomplish your set goals, we just love being part of that positive energy getting channeled your way as you read our posts,” says Mkamboi Mwakale who is a believer of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Through partnerships with Moringa farmers and harvesters of organic and wild-crafted ingredients, and dedication to using 100% recyclable packaging and earth-friendly production methods, Saru Organics lives true to its mandate. The commitment to continually seek the highest standards of quality, performance, and organic certification is how Saru Organics brings natural beauty with purpose to you.
Content courtesy of Saru Organics & Nairobi Fashion Hub
