From Skepticism to Success: My Shea Butter Journey

When I first started in business, I faced more than my fair share of advice—from friends, mentors, and even business besties. One memorable piece of advice came from a close friend who suggested I outsource the manufacturing of my whipped shea butter to another lab. In her defense, she wasn’t aware that my corporate background had given me a solid foundation in sterile manufacturing. With that expertise under my belt, I reached out to several manufacturers, only to be met with a chorus of criticism: they claimed my formulas were flawed because shea butter was simply not a good ingredient.

Overcoming Early Doubts

At that time, it felt like the industry was quick to dismiss the potential of shea butter. However, I believed in my vision and trusted my scientific background. I knew that with the right techniques and continuous research, shea butter could be transformed into a premium product. Fast forward to today, and my company has proudly operated as a private label and contract manufacturer for nearly nine years—all while championing the use of shea butter. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that same business bestie, who once doubted the ingredient, now relies on us for manufacturing her own product line launched in 2021.

Staying True to My Laboratory Roots

True to my laboratory roots, I never stopped learning. Continuous education is at the heart of my approach—whether it's refining formulation techniques, understanding new equipment, or keeping up with evolving industry standards. Recently, I joined a webinar hosted by one of our suppliers, focusing on the topic of shea butter. It was almost comical to see the same industry experts, who once dismissed shea butter as a subpar ingredient, now showcasing how their modified version outperforms even the traditional shea butter sourced directly from our African aunties.

The Importance of Natural Properties

For me, the essence of quality in skincare is rooted in the natural properties of the ingredients. Just as I wouldn’t want to eat food that’s been preserved for too long—losing its flavor and freshness—I refuse to use shea butter that has been over-processed to the point where it loses its nourishing qualities. The overly refined shea butter may boast a longer shelf life, but what’s the point if it’s stripped of the benefits that make it so valuable in the first place?

Thank You for Joining My Journey

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk. This journey—from skepticism and criticism to a thriving business built on quality and innovation—has been full of learning and growth. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and remain committed to using authentic, natural ingredients to create products that truly care for your skin.

For more on my products, services, and our ongoing commitment to quality, visit fancyfreehairandskin.com. Join me as we continue to redefine what it means to be bold, innovative, and true to our roots in the world of skincare.