Startup Story
More and more consumers are becoming conscious of the products they put onto their skins, and are demanding more natural and organic products that are kinder to both skin and the environment. Uhuru Botanicals, founded by entrepreneur Neo Chatyoka, is a brand that celebrates Africa’s natural raw ingredients and turns them into skincare products that are both ethical and sustainable.
LoA chatted to founder Neo Chatyoka this month to find out more.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka and I am the founder of Uhuru Botanicals, which is a natural and organic skincare brand formed in 2017 that was inspired by my search for soothing skincare products for my baby daughter Lulu, who had eczema. Unable to find anything suitable, I began making my own skincare products for my family using the purest Shea Butter as the base ingredient and combining it with natural botanical oils from Africa. Today, Uhuru Botanicals is a fast growing business that is now trading in both the United Kingdom and South Africa, employing four people.
“Uhuru Botanicals formulates, produces and sells natural and organic skincare that is handmade.”
“Uhuru means “Freedom” in the Kenyan dialect of Swahili.”
What does your company do?
Uhuru Botanicals formulates, produces and sells natural and organic skincare that is handmade. We host home pamper parties for special celebrations and get togethers.
What inspired you to start your company?
Uhuru means “Freedom” in the Kenyan dialect of Swahili.
I was inspired to start Uhuru Botanicals when I struggled to find skincare products that could heal my daughters skin from Eczema. I was tired on using medicated creams from the GP which did not work. I started researching about natural botanicals that could combat eczema flare ups. I formulated a Organic Soothing Body Balm, it worked well for my daughters skin. I decided to share the balm with everyone because I knew of many mothers who's children were suffering with Eczema. Creating this balm felt like attaining complete FREEDOM.
This was the beginning of our journey.
“I was inspired to start Uhuru Botanicals when I struggled to find skincare products that could heal my daughters skin from Eczema.”
What makes your business, service or product special?
Our skincare range is produced with oils and botanicals from Africa. We use traditional African methods of manufacturing that we were taught by our ancestors. We provide products that are ethically made with sustainable ingredients. Our skincare range is cruelty free, eco-friendly packaging and 100% vegan.
Uhuru Botanicals aims to educate women about the importance of taking care of their skin using natural oils from mother nature instead of using products full of toxic chemicals that could damage their skin. We promote wellness and skin health.
Tell us a little about your team
My team consists of 4 main employees and we work a lot with other small business.
I formulate the products. My daughter Hayley supports with the manufacturing process.
I have two Brand Ambassadors who specialise in the marketing side of the business.
My son Caleb supports with the sales and delivery of the products.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I do not come from an entrepreneurial background but I have always yarned to have financial independence. When I was in high school in South Africa I started my first business as a photographer for students at school. At some point that business did not work because it took time to process the photographs, so I decided to sell sweets at school and that was successful. When I moved to the United Kingdom, I found myself in a total different environment and I had to adapt fast. I attended Staffordshire University, where I graduated as a Social worker. However I always knew that I wanted to be financially independent but I did not know how I would get there. My children helped me to find my purpose and passion and now I am also making a profit.
“Our skincare range is produced with oils and botanicals from Africa. We use traditional African methods of manufacturing that we were taught by our ancestors.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We would like our products to be found in every household all around the world. We would like to keep the manufacturing inhouse so that we maintain the quality and the traditions that we have learnt from our ancestors. We would like to give back to the communities that produce our natural ingredients.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Hearing a customer say that "your skincare products have changed my life","they have given me confidence" that is ultimate satisfaction.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
It is not an easy journey but it is worth every struggle.
Contact or follow Uhuru Botanicals
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL neo12@btinternet.com
Why LoA loves it….
So often we hear of women entrepreneurs who, when faced with a particular challenge in life, decide to find a solution and build a business around it. In the case of Neo Chatyoka, her challenge was struggling to source and buy soothing skincare products for her baby daughter Lulu, who had eczema. Unable to find anything suitable, she was inspired to begin making her own skincare products. Her own personal success in creating a soothing solution for Lulu led her to create a business where she could formulate products that would help others. Today, not only does her business, Uhuru Botanicals, create great products but she aims to educate women about the importance of taking care of their skin using natural oils from mother nature instead of using products full of toxic chemicals that could damage their skin. This is an inspiring story of a brand builder who is celebrating her African heritage and the natural healing properties found in nature. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa