Black Beauty Brand Karite

Here we are almost four years later + so much has happened! We never could have imagined the depth or scope of the pandemic, the political chaos or the social upheaval that we witnessed in 2020.

We certainly could never have imagined that the political chaos would continue until this day + that dealing with Covid would become an ongoing issue in our lives.

One good thing that emerged from that deeply unsettled time was an increased awareness of inequities, both socially as well as in business. The clarion call to support Black owned businesses led to the 15% pledge, which we continue to heartily support.

Co-founded by three sisters originally from Ghana, West Africa , Akua Okunseinde, Abena Slowe + Naana Boakye, they launched Karité.

After receiving their education in the U.S. they decided to make it their home, but they could not find moisturizing products like those they had grown up with in Ghana . So they decided to create their own!

For years we searched for a natural skin moisturizer that compared to the raw, unrefined shea butter that we grew up using - to no avail. With diverse backgrounds that include dermatology, marketing, sales, law + economics, we set out to recreate the traditional formulation that eluded us for so many years.

Shea butter has been used for thousands of years. In addition to being an exceptional moisturizer it has antioxidant, pro-aging + anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe + heal the skin. It also has a naturally high concentration of essential fatty acids, vitamins A + E which are essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity + softness.

All shea butters are not created equal however. There are dozens, if not hundreds of products that claim to use high quality shea butter. But Karité knew that the shea butter products in stores were over-processed and void of all of shea’s amazing benefits. Many shea butter moisturizers are often formulated with low concentrations of highly process, refined shea butter - along with a slew of other skin damaging ingredients.

Here’s where the Karité difference comes in. Karité uses raw, unrefined, sustainably sourced shea butter sourced directly from Ghana. Dermatologist sister Naana, carefully curates the ingredients + formulas are created to deliver maximum skin hydration, as well as nourishment.

Partnering with women-run farming co-ops in northern Ghana allows them to know exactly where and how their shea nuts are processes, meaning they can track their butter from tree to tub.

Karité uses a unique technology that helps oil + water-based ingredients blend together seamlessly without the need for chemical based emulsifier. This innovation allows the to formulate their products with a limited number of ingredients, in turn protecting the skin’s barrier + making Karité exceptionally beneficial for sensitive or compromised skin.

Formulated without harsh chemicals + solvents that can irritate the skin + free of synthetic dyes, silicones, parabens or artificial fragrance, these are truly natural products.

Our own skin can testify! The nature our business is “hands-on” so our estheticians always have loved Karité hand cream. It is quickly absorbed + never leaves a greasy feeling.

Now after living with Covid for the better part of a year, being indoors more than ever, washing our hands than we could ever have imagined, it is really saving our skin. We’re very excited, because they are launching a new lip balm, so we’ll be using Karité from head to toe!

Akua, Abena + Naana are proud members of the Global Shea Alliance, a non-profit based in Ghana that works to promote sustainabilty, quality practices + industry standards. They have established their own campaign, Shea For Soles. They are donating a portion of their sales to reach a goal; to buy 100 pairs of sneakers for the incredible women who work in the shea butter co-operative in northern Ghana. They are helping the women who make the shea they source - we love that!

Supple is a small, family owned business operated by myself + my daughter, Fiona. We love carrying brands like Karité It gives us the opportunity to support another family owned business, like Karité. It also gives us the opportunity to support a top notch beauty brand owned and operated by Black Women, who happen to be beautiful sisters.