Inside the Brand: Kiroja

The Kiroja brand was born out of a desire to make a difference, and through its mission of empowerment, entrepreneurship and education, it does just that. By working with fair traded and certified organic materials they create products that are good for both the skin and that consumers can feel good about purchasing.

Tell us the story behind your beautiful company name.
Kiroja is a Swahili term. Among its many meanings are “something that brings pleasure, a marvel, and something wonderful”. We believe that our products bring pleasure to our customers and that what our suppliers are able to accomplish in very trying circumstances to be a marvel.

What is the Kiroja mission, and how do consumers contribute to it when they purchase your products?
Kiroja is committed to creating quality natural products, supporting women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and championing education in its many forms.

Empowerment
As an organization, we source our products from women run co-ops and organizations that support women’s empowerment.

Entrepreneurship
In support of entrepreneurship, Kiroja has donated capital equipment to help small enterprises take the next step in their development and to ensure better quality control. As an organization, we also donate part of our proceeds to those in need and organizations that support our mission. In this way, we feel that we are completing a circle of sorts.

Education
As individuals, we have volunteered our time to organizations and schools as near as your local elementary school to schools and organizations in South Africa. When you purchase our products you become a partner in or efforts.

What has been your best selling product to date?
Our best selling product to date has been our Lavender Dream Shea Nilotica, which is part of the October box. Our consumers love the calming lavender scent and the silkiness of our certified organic Shea Nilotica.

Are all of the ingredients in Kiroja products organic? How are they sourced?
Our fairly traded Shea Nilotica and Moroccan Argan oil are certified organic, along with the essential oils we use to scent them. Our West African Shea Butter is wild harvested (produced from shea nuts that have been harvested from their natural habitat, not from trees that have been cultivated). We import many of our key ingredients from women’s cooperatives and partnerships in Ghana, Uganda, and Morocco. As you may know, organic certification is not inexpensive. In some cases it is too great a burden for some of our suppliers. Wild harvested is the next best thing.

Our October subscribers received a deluxe sample size of your Lavender Dream Shea Nilotica. What are some of the ways they can use it to hydrate their skin this fall?
Shea Nilotica is more rare than traditional West African Shea and has different properties. Shea Nilotica is easily applied to the skin and has a creamier, more luxurious feel than traditional West African Shea Butter. It’s not hard or waxy. Shea Nilotica is rich in vitamins A&E and can be used on the whole body, around the eyes, cuticles, and hair. People who use Shea Nilotica use it to moisturize and nourish their skin. Keeping your skin in good condition is especially important during the upcoming winter months. Use it right after you dry off from a shower or bath. Use it before you go to bed, or any other time you feel the need.

Learn more about Kiroja at their website, and if you missed out on their Lavender Dream Shea Nilotica in our October box, you can still purchase it here.