THE IDEA AND MAKING IT HAPPEN

My daughter has struggled with severe eczema since, and for years I tested every prescribed topical cream on her skin, but nothing could ease her discomfort beyond a few hours. I needed something I can apply throughout the day to keep the skin moist. A friend suggested I apply raw shea butter to her skin, offering me a sample he’d brought back from Nigeria. It instantly relieved her dry skin! After using the shea butter on herself and daughter for a few months, it sparked an idea for a new business. My tertiary education is business management and entrepreneurship so I am always thrilled to turn challenges into ideas. I thought to myself, If I imported and sold the shea butter in SA, I could also help other eczema sufferers. Eczema has no cure and sometimes flare-ups happen due to seasonal changes and other factors. Shea butter helps to lock in moisture in the skin and may reduce the severity of skin cracking.

Researching online, I learnt the best shea butter comes from the karite trees in West Africa, so I contacted organically certified farms there that produce shea butter to strike a deal with a supplier. Towards the end of 2017, I ordered a sample and, over the next few months, saw how it reduced the dryness on my daughter’s skin. Convinced I’d found the best solution for dry skin, I placed an order for 25kg of organic raw shea butter. It was expensive, but I knew it would be worth it. My first clients were family members and fellow parents at my daughter’s school, who saw her skin improve. By word of mouth and advertising on social media, I received more orders and in 2018 I decided to officially launch the Ostibel brand. By the way, Ostibel is my name spelt backwards. I started with just one product which is the raw organic shea butter and today we have 5 more products and a new natural soy wax candle range. All products are available on our website. I have since enrolled in cosmetics formulation training and we work with qualified labs and chemists to formulate our products. We are also proud to be members of The Global Shea Alliance.

Our target market is people with allergies, sensitive and dry skin conditions. We mostly use natural and organic ingredients in all our products and we use essential oils. Our primary goal is to cater to people who are sensitive to perfume and harsh chemicals. I personally struggle with sinusitis so I am very picky with my personal care and household products. We are mostly selling through various online channels as e-commerce is the future and we have one stockist in Equestria, Pretoria. We courier nationwide. In Hartbeespoort, we deliver for free within 15km radius.

www.ostibel.africa

Organic Raw Shea Butter

If you have been struggling with dry, itchy and flaky skin, this golden butter is the key ingredient in most reputable body kinds of butter. In its raw form, it is packed with 100% moisture that your skin retains for long hours. It helps protect the skin and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, provides the skin with antioxidant properties, and helps to moisturize the skin.

Shea butter is a potent moisturizer that works to soften and may soothe the skin. Since shea butter melts at body temperature, it is able to coat the skin and form a protective film. It works as an effective emollient for very dry skin.

Candles

Simple yet high-quality glass jar with a minimalistic look and 100% reusable. The amazing blends will fill your home with a lingering scent even when it’s not burning. Hand crafted using 100% premium and natural soy wax and essential oils.

The key ingredient: frankincense oil, has aromatic properties aimed to promote feelings of relaxation, peace, and overall wellness. The blend is masterfully selected to evoke and fill your home with a spirit of peace and calm. As you light the candle, be intentional and in the moment.

Facial Mist Toner

Rejuvenate and tone your skin with the powerful and wild helichrysum facial mist that doubles as a refreshing toner.

Application: Mist your face and décolletage after cleansing and allow to air dry or use as a toner. It can also be used throughout the day to refresh when spending time outdoors. The immortelle mist is safe for all skin types including acne-prone.

Helichrysum Oil

 is an anti-aging powerhouse in the family of essential oils. The benefits of incorporating it into your daily skincare routine are endless. It has been found efficient in reducing skin inflammation, fine lines, and wrinkles. The oil is safe to use as-is (do a patch test first) or combine with a carrier oil like Jojoba or sweet almond as a facial oil.