Shea Moisture gets connected
During ‘Fro Fashion Week I had the pleasure to interact with several hair care companies including the beloved Shea Moisture. Many of us are familiar with the brand that can’t stay on the shelves in our neighborhood Walgreens and Target. But Shea Moisture comes from a deep family tradition that weaves together a story of survival, perseverance, entrepreneurship and the need for organic skin care and hair care options for our community.
While talking with CEO Rich Dennis during the first day of ‘Fro Fashion Week and further examining their history, I learned of Shea Moisture’s humble begginings from where we see them today.
Shea Moisture began in 1992 with CEO Richelieu Dennis and Nyema Tubman after the two child hood friends escaped civil war torn Liberia for America. The unemployed young men began making soaps and other wares using Rich’s grandmother’s fourth generation recipes. Only a year of after selling the organic skin care items on the streets of Harlem,NY Rich and Nyema had a 3,000 square foot plant and were now selling through other street vendors, stores, beauty supply stores, and the like.
I am very inspired by Shea Moisture’s story as many people can relate, including myself on how a passion, skill, or trade can blossom into a beautiful community oriented business.
Shea Moisture and their sister company Nubian Heritage purchases their ingredients from women cooperative and farmers in Africa to help improve their quality of living. Among their many other initiatives Shea Moisture also donates a percentage of their sales to local congregations for youth and community development programs.
My Shea Moisture/Nubian Heritage Favorites
- Curl Enhancing Smoothie
- Leave in Conditioner
- Lavender and Wild Orchid PMS relief balm
- Coconut and Hibiscus Shea Butter Wash
- My Fiancées favorite: Shea Moisture Shave line
Noting some similarities in my humble begginings establishing Naturally Me! Media and ‘Fro Fashion Week, Rich decided to flip the script and interview me and offer pearls of wisdom on the idea, concept, and progression of ‘Fro Fashion Week. Here is a brief look at that interview as well as the interview from Sharina of Thirsty Roots.
Shea Moisture Interview from ThirstyRoots on Vimeo.
Category: Business Spotlight
