About

Keturah began as a response to an urgent plea for help from women in West Mamprusi, Ghana. 

The women were part of the Suguru Buni Women Association–a cooperative comprised of women who rely on the production and sale of shea butter for their livelihood.

Already experiencing a decline in purchases, COVID-19 was a major hit to these women. The pandemic brought a halt to their purchases and their livelihood stood in jeopardy. 

Meanwhile in Canada, we were celebrating the birth of our first son and had began experimenting with different lotions and creams for his skin, hair, and body. 

When I came across the article, I knew something had to be done. I grew up in Ghana knowing all about shea butter and its benefits for skin and body, but I was knew nothing about the resilient women behind the shea butter economy. 

I had studied International Development in university and was turned off by approaches that weaponized aid, ignored local expertise, and extracted wealth from African countries.

These approaches–most of which continue today, left the most vulnerable–women and children, in dire economic conditions. 

So we made inquiries and began ethical purchases of shea butter from women cooperatives.

After some more research and planning, we partnered with Titiaka Boressa, to find meaningful ways to make transformational and life-saving investments in these communities. 

And we continue to create opportunities to listen to their stories, hear their needs, and pursue viable and ethical ventures that empower these women and transform the communities they live in.

All of this is made possible by a growing community of people who are not only interested in a natural approach to skincare, but share our passion of empowering the resilient women behind the global shea butter industry.

Nii
Founder