Beauty Out of Africa

Maturing Beautifully - Eat Well and Break a Sweat

Being at our best as we mature should not be based on striving to meet an impossible ideal. Very few of us will be able to maintain the same dress size we wore in our 20's. So, instead for striving for the impossible we should aim to be healthy.

In her book Living Beauty, Bobbi Brown reveals that the real fountain of youth lies in eating simple, wholesome foods and exercising regularly.

 

So far this has worked well for me. I found a no nonsense gym that gives me an intense workout and made some modifications to my diet. Instead of rice, I now eat bulgur wheat - a natural whole grain rich in fiber,  vitamins and minerals. It tastes great and goes well with all my African soups and sauces.

I refuse to eliminate chocolate :)

Add Shea Butter to your Haircare Routine

Shea butter is a rich emollient and this makes it an excellent conditioner for dry hair

Pre-shampoo Deep Conditioning Treatment - Divide damp hair into four sections. Apply a small amount of shea butter to each section. Pin hair up and sit under a hood dryer for 10 minutes for a deep conditioning treatment.

Leave-in conditioner - Spread a small amount of shea butter into freshly washed and conditioned hair. Comb the butter through the hair with a wide-tooth comb to distribute it thoroughly.

Ends moisturizer - Add a pea size amount of shea butter and emulsify it between palms. Spread the butter onto dry ends

Hair sunscreen - Apply shea butter lightly to hair before swimming or spending a lot of time outdoors in the sun.

Try our pure or whipped shea butters for your hair

Shea Butter, the Ultimate Healing Balm

Ask any West African about shea butter and they will tell you stories about how parents and grandparents used it for a myriad of purposes. Traditional uses of shea butter include a rub for achy joints, sore throat and cold, a remedy for dry flaky skin, daily moisturizer for hair and skin and more.

Research shows that unrefined shea butter is comprised of a moisturizing and a healing faction. These two factions make shea butter an ideal moisturizer and a healing balm.

Shea Butter has phytosterols which stimulate the healthy cellular processes and regeneration. Shea Butter also contains active resin esters essential for skin protection Other high concentration nutrients and vitamins A, E and F in Shea butter make it a very potent natural care which improves skin conditions like dry eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, stretch marks, burns, wrinkles, rosacea, scars, skin cracks, razor bumps, waxing rash and small wounds.

Shea Radiance uses only unrefined shea butter in product formulation.   We believe that skin care products should deliver results and unrefined shea butter allows us to create results based products.

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Maturing Beautifully

Now that I have my feet firmly planted in the 'forties', I am researching information on how to live the next half of life to the fullest. I'm reading a great book by Bobbi Brown, Her book, 'Living Beauty' redefines beauty for women in their forties, fifties, sixties and beyond. Bobbie offers practical surgery-free solutions on skincare, makeup and exercise for maintaining a beautiful look in even as we mature.

Now that I am in the middle phase of life, I am embracing the changes that I need to make to enjoy the best years to come. I hope you do the same too.

Customer Raves and Reviews about Shea Butter

One of the things I love is being at our local Farmers Market selling Shea Radiance luxury spa products. It is so gratifying when customers share how effective our products are and what they love about it.

Shea Butter for Women by Women - Mali

Spark Africa - Shea butter for women by women in Mali - Episode 7 from Africa Interactive on Vimeo.

Equestrians give Shea Butter a thumbs up!

My friend, Pam organized a spa party and invited 15 of her closest friends to sample our shea butter products. She and her family run Rolling Acres Farm, a horse boarding stable in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Grooming horses and working outdoors in harsh weather had wreaked havoc on Pams hands.  After sampling a jar of  Shea Radiance Pomegranate Whipped Butter, she called me to share just how much it had improved her hands.

She was so impressed with the results she invited all her friends who share her love and passion for horses and the outdoors to come and try our shea butter products.

Shea Radiance Products featured by Indie Beauty CEO

Sat with Donna Maria Coles, CEO of the Indie Beauty Network to talk about Shea Radiance line of Shea Butter products. All products are handmade and formulated using pure unrefined shea butter. Our products are designed especially for those with dry skin

Expanding the Global Market for African Shea

USAID/West African Trade Hub had a strong showing of African producers represented at the Cosmetic Scientist Show, held in Edison New Jersey from May 11th to May 12th. This show is aimed at cosmetic chemists and formulators of beauty products of multinational cosmetic firms. 

 

Members of the West African Trade Hub, Shea companies and Friends

In our quest to expand the global market for shea, it is important to show skincare manufacturers the potential of shea butter and how it can be of benefit to the end user. Many of us believe that shea butter is a viable alternative to petroleum based emollients that are currently used by some cosmetic manufacturers.

 

Leo Ihedirionye of Saleton Nigeria, Shola and Funlayo Alabi (Shea Radiance-AgroBotanicals) with Dr Steve Maranz

Gladys of All Pure Nature in Ghana and Cindy of Delapointe in Canada, display shea butter based cosmetics

Larry of Vermont Soap displays bulk shea bulk butter

Expanding the market for handcrafted shea at the Hand Made Soap Makers Conference

Shea Radiance had a lively table at the 2010 Soap Maker Conference - #soapconf10 this weekend. Soap makers from all over the US, including Canada, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Europe stopped by to sample our handcrafted unrefined shea butter. 

Women coop in Bamako Mali

These crafters make beautiful soaps made with natural oils for sale in their various markets. I found that many were familiar with unrefined shea butter and its benefits. Some soapmakers were interested in learning more about the product and its sources. It was such a joy to be able share information about shea butter and the lives of the women producers.

Shea Radiance Partners with Local Cooperative to Produce Quality Shea Butter

Shea Radiance, through its parent company AgroBotanicals has begun a venture working directly with Women Foundation for Shea Butter Making Skills (WOFSHEMS), a Shea Butter Cooperative in Nigeria. 

 

The primary purpose of this venture is to provide cosmetic manufacturers with the following:

    * Premium Quality Shea Butter
    * Great Pricing
    * On time delivery

The Shea season has already begun and we will be providing a behind the scene look at how shea butter is produced, training and quality standards and the impact of the shea trade on the Women of the WOFSHEMS  Cooperative.

SHEA 2010: Tremendous potential for West Africa | West Africa Trade Hub

Excerpt taken form: SHEA 2010: Tremendous potential for West Africa | West Africa Trade Hub.

“Shea is without doubt the most important resource collected in the Sudano-Sahelian countries,” said Mali’s Prime Minister Modibo Sidibe in opening remarks. “The conference is an ideal forum to emphasize the value of and to promote internationally the shea industry.” U.S. Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic echoed his thoughts.

Sharing knowledge, making connections

“The main purpose of Shea 2010 was to share knowledge and help stakeholders make connections,” said Trade Hub Shea Sector Expert, Dr. Peter Lovett. And it succeeded several times over, participants said, informally and formally. A one-day training event preceded the conference and at the end of the event a business-to-business forum matched companies to discuss specific opportunities.

Dr Peter Lovett, Technical Expert WATH/USAID

Scientific Findings on Unrefined Shea Butter

Shea butter has been used for centuries (perhaps millennia) as a skin treatment in Africa, particularly for newborn infants. Although the clinical data often referred to by the cosmetic companies that market shea butter are hard to locate, recent scientific studies support its alleged therapeutic value in treatment of certain skin disorders.

 The bioactive substances in shea butter reside in the unsaponifiable fraction – the oil-soluble constituents that would not react with alkali to form soap – which is a by-product of the CBE/CBI production process. They include anti-oxidants such as tocopherols (vitamin E) and catechins (also found in green tea).

Alander and Andersson (2002) and Alander (2004) identified other specific compounds such as triterpene alcohols, known to reduce inflammation; cinnamic acid esters, which have limited capacity to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation; and lupeol, which prevents the effects of skin aging by inhibiting enzymes that degrade skin proteins. Shea butter also protects skin by stimulating production of structural proteins by specialized skin cells.

Excerpt taken from Reinforcing sound management through trade: shea tree products in Africa
E.T. Masters, J.A. Yidana and P.N. Lovett

Local Technologies Boost Shea Butter Production

Local Technologies Boost Shea Butter Production.

Shea Butter in Confections – Making African Shea More Visible in End Products

Shea Butter in Confections – Making African Shea More Visible in End Products.

 

Shea Butter Making Factory in Djoila, Mali

Visited Shea Butter Coop in Diola, two and a half hours outside Bamako. This coop sells unrefined shea butter and soaps to meet the regional demand

Shea Butter processing and Soap making facility 

 

Mechanized churning of the shea butter emulsion

Cooling processed shea butter

Packaging for local retail consumption

 

The crafts women of Dioila

Building a Value Based Brand - Lessons from the Body Shop

Posing with Madam Zainab of Daral Shea and Peter Stedman (Body Shop Senior Buyer)

Anita Roddicks legacy lives on through the Body Shop. Representatives from the Songtabaa Cooperative in Ghana were present at the  conference. This Woman led coop has done business with the Body Shop for over 15 years.

5 Core Values promoted by the Body Shop

• No Animal Testing
• Defend Human Rights
• Protect the Planet
• Support Community
• Promote Self Esteem

Mali Leaders endorse promotion of Shea Butter for eradication of poverty

Prime Minister of Bamako and other dignitaries welcomed Africa Shea Conference attendees.

Day 1 Africa Shea Conference

Over 300 participants from all over the world were present today. A diverse cross section of stakeholders in the shea business were represented - Women producers, Buyers, NGO's, and even Peace Corp Volunteers.

The presentations tooday covered a vast array of subjects including Trade Show Best Practices, Improving Quality of Shea Butter, Packaging and labeling, Export Documentation and Supply chain logistics.

 

Abdoul Aziz Yanogo and James Thompson of EcoCert

Posing with Eugenia Akuete of Naasakle Ghana

A Room with a View of the Niger River

It's a beautiful view of Bamako from my hotel room. I am looking forward to a great day of learning and networking on Day 1 of the Africa Shea Conference.

Getting around in Bamako

Bamako is a friendly city. I already love the city and the people. It is very easy to move around here. Most people scoot around on motorcycles. After unpacking, Zainab and I took a cab ride to find some authentic Malian food. We found a quaint place called Banfain that fit the bill

 

Rice and Fish

 

Poulet Yassa

Jet lagged but full

Following the Shea Butter Trail

 
Just finishing a rough draft of 'Branding Handcrafted West African Shea Butter', which I will be presenting next Wednesday at Global Shea 2010. I am really looking forward to my first trip to Mali. I am also very excited about the excellent training workshops that will cover topics including:

• Trade Show Training
• Improving Quality of Hand Crafted Shea Butter
• Certification Production and Process
• Formulation and Soap Making
• Brand Development
• Preparing Business Plans and Obtaining Financing

This year some well known names in the body care business from the United States and Europe will be in attendance.

Companies like The Body Shop will be leading a session on Packaging and labeling, Oxfam,  Root Capital Financing, Shea Butter giants like AAK, Shipping Companies including DAMCO and Maersk just to name a few.

This is a great opportunity to talk to the major players and learn a thing or two to move our business forward.

Fellow Indie, Lela of Bella Lucce will be presenting on the 'Opportunities for Shea Producers in the International Markets'. Lela and I plan on hanging out and having some fun during the conference.

I'll be heading out tomorrow evening, so stay tuned for lots of photos, sights and sounds from Mali.

Things to Enjoy in Mali - Food Glorious Food

I've been digging into some juicy sent to me by Lela of Bellalucce who will also be heading to Mali for the Global Shea Conference. She sent me some wonderful references from the Lonely Planet guide to Mali.  

In addition to the great music that can be found in Bamako I have heard a lot of good things about the food. Malian food is very close to Senegalese food which I love.

I am looking forward to sampling Poulet Yassa - Grilled Chicken in Lemon Sauce, Jollof Rice or Rice with Peanut Sauce.

I will definitely be sampling the grilled beef and fried Nile perch smothered in spicy fried onion sauce. I am going armed with Cipro (a prescription antibiotic effective against a broad range of bacteria) just in case I run into any stomach issues.

Travel Checklist for Trip to Mali - What's Missing?

I will be attending Global Shea 2010 in Bamako Mali. This is an important event for anyone interested  in the  sustainability of the shea butter business.

With 12 days to go, this is what I have done thus far. For all you seasoned travelers, I'd love your feedback on my rather meger checklist.

1. Purchased ticket
2. Yellow Fever shot (required to obtain entry visa to Mali) and Melingitis shot (not required but recommended) 
3. Completed Visa Application and submitted to Embassy
4. Confirmed Hotel Reservations and Shuttle pickup
5. Get prescription for Cipro - Strong anti-biotic just in case i ingest something that doesn't bode well with my tummy :)
6. Pack camera and laptop
7. Business cards and marketing brochures
8. Product samples
9. Will I need a banner ... hmm not sure
10. Pack Snacks - any recommendations?

What else am I missing?

Enjoying the Simple Pleasures of Life - A Good Book

My post on  Living my New Life in 2010 gives some context on how my life has changed for the better when I made a decision to leave the corporate world.

I am an avid reader. I love a good book that can take me to places I have never been, or remind me of places I have been or renew and awaken my creative energy. Now that I am self employed, I make reading part my routine for relaxation

I am completed a great book by Ngozi Adicihie, The Thing Around Your Neck, and have started on William Faulkners, Intruder in the Dust. I have the following books on my list of must reads in the next couple of weeks

Purple Hibiscus - Nogozi Adicihie

Everything Good Will Come and Swallow - Sefi Atta (an old Schoolmate from Queens College)

The Scent of Water - Sinmisola Ogunyinka

Mali, Land of Music and Magic

 

Oumou Sangare, Mali's Premier Female Singer

 
Mali is the home to several world renowned singers. I know this because every now and again when my NPR station features African Music, more often than not, the musician is from Mali.

Salif Keita one of the best-known singers has collaborated with other musicians from all over the world. 

Oumou Sangaré, the "Songbird of Wassoulou", is Mali’s premier female singer. She comes from a family of Wassoulou singers.

Despite the poor economic conditions in Mali, music continues to flourish and enrich the lives of the hearers. The City of Bamako is home to the Bamako conservatory and the Music Institute for the Blind. I have read that Bamako is one of the best places in the world for live music.

I am looking forward to enjoying the sounds of Bamako in March when I attend Global Shea 2010.

 

The Cure for Dry Winter Skin - Snow Bizzard Special

It's snowing like crazy, but we've been busy in the kitchen whipping up tasty treats for the skin. Winter is especially harsh on our skin and shea butter is by far the best emollient to hydrate, restore and revive tired winter skin.

Shola just put the last finishing touches to some freshly made scrubs and whipped butters. Once the snow subsides we will doing a mad dash to the post office to ship out all these goodies.

Save 25% on scrubs and whipped butters by using discount code BLIZZARD. Offer ends on Friday February 12th. Free Shipping on all Orders$75.00 or more

Creamy Coconut Scrubs

 

Vanilla Whipped Butters

Preparing for Mali - Global Shea 2010

 

When I found out that the GlobalShea conference was in Mali, I was thrilled. Part of my secondary school curriculum in Queens College, Nigeria was a detailed study of the Ancient African Kingdoms. Who can forget tales of Mansa Musa or the exotic sounding cities of Djenne, Timbuktu, Gao and Bamako to name a few.

Ancient Mali was a strategic hub for trade and education. It was under the rulership of Mansa Musa that Timbuktu became a major center of learning.  

Mali also lies within the West  Africa Shea belt and has huge untapped shea resources. Mali, like most African nations has it's fair share of economic challenges. Maybe the shea butter trade, which directly uplifts the lives of rural women, can restore Mali back to it's former glory.

For more information about Global Shea Conference go to Globalshea. For travel information to Mali go to Mali Embassy.

Global Shea 2010 - Bamako, Mali

Shea Radiance will be attending Shea Butter Summit in Bamako Mali

Global Shea 2010 will focus on the key issues affecting shea, from the nut to the butter, the producer to the retailer.

Issues to be discussed include: Women’s Shea Butter Associations, Processors, Traders, Financial Institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations, Government, Civil Society, Exporters, Transporters, Logistics Providers, International Buyers and more.

For more information on the event please contact Global Shea

Africa Now! Featured at NYC Gift Show Javits Center

Africa Now! Featured prominently at the NYC Gift Show. The show began on Sunday January 31st and continues until Thursday February 4th. You need to check them out.

 

Edwina Assan, Owner of Edtex and Textile Designer from Ghana.

Elitza of the West African Trade Hub and Sunil of Pangea Imports coordinated all the various cartfsmen and vendors from all over Africa

Visit Shea Radiance Kiosk in Columbia Mall and Save 15%

Stop by and visit the Shea Radiance Kiosk in Columbia Mall. We are located on the first level besides Kay Jewelers.

Tell our Sale Associates that you are a Shea Radiance fan and take get a 15% discount. See you there!!

Our loyal  customers from the Olney Farmers Market, stop by to pick up their shea butter products from our kiosk at the Mall

West African Shea Butter at Cosmetic Suppliers Exhibition - Long Beach, CA

Talking with prospects about benefits of unrefined Shea Butter

The West African Shea Butter Booth

 
Dr Lovett, Funlayo, Elitza Barzakova, Winfrey Owusu leaving the Convention Center after a long day at the Booth. My darling Shola is not most of the shots because he is the unofficial photographer.

Shea Radiance to attend SCC California Suppliers Day Show

The Society of Cosmetic Chemists California Chapter Suppliers' Day 2009 is a bi-annual West Coast Show. The 2-day event from October 22-23, 2009 is a networking platform for meeting with over 1,000 of the most innovative R&D Chemists, formulators, entrepreneurs, executives, manufacturers, retailers and distributors covering the western United States.

Shea Radiance-AgroBotanicals will be attending the event with USAID/West African Trade Hub to:

• Promote West African shea butter at an important cosmetic ingredient show that is well attended by importer/distributors (as exhibitors) and buyers (cosmetic formulators, manufacturers) from across the globe.
• Discuss issues and problems facing the shea butter industry and how those issues might be best addressed.

Show Location:Long Beach Convention Center
300 E. Ocean Blvd Long Beach,
California 90805
USA
The

Shea Radiance Debuts Eco-Tubes at 2009 Green Festival

Setting Up

Unpacking Display

We are ready for business

  Customers sampled and enjoyed the products

Aromatherapy Bath for Kids

My kids have been sniffling and coughing quite a bit lately, especially at night. I made up a bath time concoction to help relieve congestion and help them get a good nights rest. Our weekday bath time routine doesn't usually consist of soaking in the tub due to our hectic schedules, but this was well worth it. The kids enjoyed splashing around and the aromatherapy cleared their heads. An added bonus was that the bathroom smelled divine for quite a while too.

My concoction consists of a few drops the following Essential Oils added to a warm bath
Lavender 40%
Rosemary 30%
Eucalyptus 20%
Pink Grapefruit 10%

After the bath, I rubbed them down with my special Shea therapy cold relief balm. They slept like babies

African Shea Producers Urged to Focus on Quality

I was asked to give a presentation at the Shea Financing Workshop in Nigeria, on US companies concerns when purchasing Shea butter directly from Africa. My presentation was based on my own personal experience and information I had gathered on various discussion boards.

The 5 major areas of concern identified were:
1. Consistent Quality of Product
2. Finding reliable supplier in Africa
3. Timely delivery of product
4. Traceability
5. Certification

Funlayo presenting at Shea Financing Workshop in Niger State

Managing Customer Expectations

Have you ever had a customer who was not happy with products they ordered from your online store? I had a few unhappy customers last week. Our local magazine ran an article about our company and featured our signature Whipped Shea Butter.

I typically describe my whipped butters as thick rich and creamy. We got quite a few orders for the Whipped Butters and within a few days a customer emailed me back that the product texture was not what she expected. It was too thick and she didn't like it. I was able to direct her to our Ultra Rich Creams which are water based creams and she was fine with the product.

I never have this problem selling at the local farmers market. I usually have both the Ultra Rich Creams and the Whipped Butter samples available for customers to try.I am able to talk to customers to find out what moisture intensity they are comfortable with and direct them to the one that suits their need. We have a loyal following of customers who have tried the Whipped butters and love them.

How do you manage online customers expectations? Should I have described the Whipped butters as a cross between a thick cream and a balm? I' d love to hear about your experience and what has worked for you.

Good things are happening in Africa - Maizube Farms

Nigeria's private sector continues to grow and thrive in spite of the ongoing problems with poor infrastructure and leadership. During our stay in Minna, we ran into a wonderful gentleman by the name of Rabiu and found out he was the manager of Maizube farms on the outskirts of the city of Minna. We happened to be passing by the farm on our way to Bida and we stopped by the fruit stand run by the Farm to purchase fresh yogurt and juice. In addition to a working dairy with Holstein milk cows, the farm boasts of an orchard with various types of fruits like mangoes, oranges, grapefruits and bananas. There is a greenhouse unit were various types of vegetables are cultivated and a field crop unit where maize, rice and legumes are grown.

Dairy Cows at the Maizube farms

Fresh juice and Yogurt from the Maizube farm stand

Hanging out at the fruit stand with Zainab

African Camwood for Skincare

Camwood or African Sandalwood has been used for centuries by Africans for skincare. Couldn't find much scientific information about it on the web, but in Africa it is said to have antiseptic and skin balancing properties. While I was in Nigeria, Zainab, owner of Darlkuchi Enterprises was kind enough to give me some ground camwood to experiment with. Camwood comes from the bark of a tree. The bark is ground into a red looking powder.

 

Ground camwood has a slightly fibrous feel, theses fibers give a gentle yet thorough scrub that is ideal for delicate skin

Made a thick paste with Camwood Sweet Almond oil scented with Rosemary

Rinsed off with Liquid black soap

I mixed the powder in a light oil and applied to my face as an exfoliant. Then I left it on for a few minutes as a mask. I rinsed the mask off and then washed my face with some black soap. My skin felt smooth and supple. My skin did not feel dry neither was it oily. I think I am on to something here.

I look forward to hearing more about your experiences and encounters with camwood.

Pitching my Products to WholeFoods

I want to get Shea Radiance Products in Whole Foods so I have been calling my local Whole Foods stores to find out their process.  I spoke to a wonderful lady on the phone at the Wholefoods in Mount Washington, and she agreed to see me earlier this afternoon.

I met with Megan and Tanuj the Whole Body Team Leader this afternoon and I have say I was very impressed with them. Very friendly and down to earth folks. They were very helpful in offering some packaging pointers that would make my products more in line with what they are looking for. They were especially impressed with the Shea Radiance business model that partners closely with the Women producers in West Africa.

So I'll be doing some minor revisions and I am pretty sure you will be seeing us in you neighborhood Whole Foods very soon.

More Amazing Facts about Shea Butter

Shea Butter has been used by Africans as a skin treatment for centuries. Western scientific studies now support the alleged therapeutic value of Shea Butter in the treatment of certain skin disorders.

1. Shea Butter is rich in anti-oxidants such as Vitamin E and catechins another anti-oxidant that is present in Green Tea - antioxidants prevent and actually repair damage to your skin caused by free radicals such as the sun, pollution and smoke
2. Shea butter contains compounds like tripetene alchohols which are known to reduce inflammation
3. Shea  butter also contains cinnamic acid esters which have some capacity to absorb UV radiation and provide sun protection
4. Shea Butter contains lupeol which minimizes againg by inhibiting enzymes that degrade skin proteins.

Shea Butter Conference in West Africa

We just got back from a week long visit to Nigeria attending a Workshop on Shea Butter financing in Nigeria. It was a wonderful event and we got to meet many of the participants in the Shea Butter business. We had a wonderful time learning and sharing information with Dr Peter Lovett, Shea Butter, Technical Consultant for USAID/ West African Trade Hub (WATH).

Peter Lovett, Funlayo and Shola Alabi

We spent several days after the workshop with Dr Lovett, traveling to shea butter production sites observing the shea producers. Dr Lovett conducted training with the women to help increase the quality goals in order to meet international standards.

Discussing the pros and cons of washing shea nuts. Can the quality of butter be compromised by washing too much?

Shola observes as Peter Lovett gives input

Visit to Shea Butter Site in Bida, Niger State

After the workshop on shea butter financing concluded in Minna, we headed out to Bida to meet the Women of a Shea Butter Coop in Assanyin in Bida. We were accompanied by Dr Peter Lovett, Shea Butter Consultant with USAID/WATH, Bisi Ajayi from the Bank of Industry, Jacob Shinka from Meena-Agro and our wonderful host Alhaji Mohammed Kotangora, Director General for Exports and Commodities. Thompson Ogunsanmi, Technical Consultant for GTZ, had spent time with the women observing their process. Dr Lovett and Mr Ogunsanmi made recommendations to improve quantity and quality of their shea butter.

Financing Shea Butter in Nigeria

USAID’s West Africa Trade Hub, the Bank of Industry, GTZ and the Niger State Government  will be conducting a seminar on Financing Shea in Nigeria, a workshop and business networking event focusing on access to finance issues in the shea sector.

 

The opportunities in the shea industry are exciting – and expanding. Financing Shea in Nigeria will bring together shea exporting companies, banks and the Trade Hub’s technical experts. You’ll hear the latest news on the market, innovative techniques to increase production and quality, and all about financing your activities. You’ll meet valuable contacts across the shea value chain too!

Shola and I will be representing Shea Radiance, we hope to see you there!!

 The workshop  being held at the Hydro Hotel in Minna, the capital of Niger State, Nigeria. To indicate your interest in participation or sponsorship, send an e-mail to Kafui at kdjonou@watradehub.com by close of day, Friday July 24, 2009. Please include your name, company or organization name, number of people in your party, and telephone number(s). A follow-up e-mail with information about the agenda and speakers will be sent to you soon.

 

There's no Such Thing as Bad Shea Butter

Even the 'worst' grade of shea butter is has it's uses.

Shea Butter comes in 3 Grades based on specific quality parameters
a    Unrefined shea butter of ‘First’ grade can serve the needs of the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, and for direct consumption.
b     Unrefined shea butter of ‘Second’ grade can serve the needs of   the food industry (confectionery, chocolate,    edible oil, or as a basis for margarines).
c     Unrefined shea butter of ‘Third’ grade can serve the needs of the soap-making industries, or can be further refined for direct consumption.

So when life hands you a batch of stinky shea butter, make a bar of soap

Why I Believe in Fair Trade

My husband grew up working with his father on their cocoa farm in Ekiti, a small town in Western Nigeria. It was hard, back breaking work. They prepared the seed/shoots, planted them, tended them and harvested them. All this was done by hand using very crude farming implements. At the end of the cocoa season they would gather their harvest and sell through the local cooperative. The fruit of their labor would be sold for a bare minimum. Nothing to compensate them for the toil and sweat expended in the process. Most African farmers and agricultural workers live in poverty even though they work hard.

I believe that fair trade allows farmers to rise above poverty and make a decent living. It allows them to provide for their families and educate their children without getting into debt. Fair trade gives the hardworking farmer options. It allows him to know that his hard work has value.

*The nine standards/principals for Fair Trade are:

1. Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers; supporting the poorest producers
2. Transparency and accountability; dealing fairly and openly with trading partners
3. Capacity building; developing the skills of producers and creating opportunities for trading their products
4. Promoting Fair Trade; telling as many people as possible about Fair Trade and informing customers where products have come from
5. Payment of a fair price; ensuring that producers receive a fair price for their products
6. Gender Equity; providing equal pay and opportunities for women and men
7. Working conditions; ensuring that producers are working in a healthy and safe place
8. Child Labor; ensuring that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is respected
9. The Environment; ensuring that materials used in production and packing do not damage the environment

COFTA - Cooperation for Fair Trade in Africa

Why buy fair trade?

You may have heard the words "fair trade", and wonder "what is it?", and  how should it affect me?"Often  in developing, (or poorer) countries, workers may provide goods or labor, receiving little or no pay.  Men, women, and even children work in deplorable conditions for long hours, with no benefits.

Fair Trade is a global act in 48 countries, allowing workers to be paid fairly, thus improving trade in the developing country. Farmers and workers alike, are also ensured proper working conditions. Fair Trade encourages use of renewable and sustainable resources.  (Resources that renew themselves and create no environmental damage).

How do I know if a product is fair trade?

Some products may feature a logo that says "Fair Trade Certified". 

How can I help?

We all need to increase supply and demand of fair trade products, by actually buying them! Without our support, increase of fair trade products halt, leaving workers to be stuck in a cycle of exploitation.

By buying fair trade, you are making a difference.  It may seem small, but this, may improve conditions in a small community, village or town. Conditions on a larger scale are then improved also.  

What makes Shea Radiance different?

Shea Radiance is passionate about supporting fair trade. In April, we will be visiting two Shea butter womens cooperatives in West Africa, to see how we can have a positive impact on the community.

Keep your Skin Moist and Glowing in the Winter Months

One sure way to know that winter is upon us, is the return of dry itchy skin. You may find that the body care products that worked just fine in the Summer and early Fall are not quite cutting it anymore.
The following steps will hep banish dryness and leave you skin soft and glowing

1. Take warm showers instead of hot. Hot baths and showers dry the skin
2. Use a natural cold pressed soap bar loaded with natural oils like Shea butter and coconut oil instead a regular store bought bar
3. Exfoliate regularly with a moisturizing scrub.
4. Use a rich body butter that is loaded with natural oils like Shea butter, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and natural humectants like glycerin to trap moisture to the skin
5. Use a humidifier
6. Drink Lots of Water

Shea Butter - Practically Good Enough to eat

Did you know that unrefined shea butter is edible? In the shea growing regions of West Africa, shea butter is used as a cooking oil.
We all know that Europeans make some of the finest chocolates, did you know that a certain amount of shea butter is used as a substitute for Cocoa in these exquisite treats?
Asia is catching on and Shea Butter is used as a margerine substitute. If it's good enough to eat, it's certainly wholesome enough to pamper your skin.

The pain relieving properties of Shea Butter

The traditional peoples of West Africa, know  the healing and anti inflammation properties of Shea Butter. In many villages in eastern Nigeria, when kids play soccer at school, the first line of defense against muscle fatigue is (okuma) shea butter rub. It is wonderful to be able to use natural remedies from nature. Older people with and arthritis and joint aches, ease the pain by rubbing raw shea butter on the joint area.

 

Scientific research now confirms what our elders have known for years. Research show that shea butter, is rich in Triterpenes. Triterpenes contain natural sterols which are part of the anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter.

Shea Radiance has combined tradition and science in it's formulation of Shea Therapies Muscle Relief Balm