Community Empowerment

Summer months at Alaffia are always filled with thoughts of Togo.
Because it’s Bike Drive season, we’re reminded in a very tangible way, of the difference that Fair Trade and community empowerment make in Togo. Last December a team of Whole Foods employees visited  Togo during our Founder’s annual Co-op visit, it’s safe to say what resulted was a life changing experience. Watch the video of their time spent,  hear their stories, and be moved by the powerful impact that your purchasing choices have.

Share this video and spread the important message of Fair Trade!

What’s in your summer skin care arsenal?

July is in full swing which means one thing in the Pacific Northwest (and many other places around the U.S.), summer is here! What’s one of the best ways we can think of to care for your skin during the warm summer months?

Neem! 

 Dr. Oz thinks so too, he mentioned Neem in his most recent ’12 healthy herbs for home cures.’

Neem leaves.

Neem tree, on the Togo savanna.

The Neem tree is native to India, but also grows wild on the Savannas of West Africa. Every part of the tree serves a purpose, from the bark to the seeds, and there really isn’t much this miracle tree isn’t good for. Most of us know the basic skills that Neem possesses: it’s great for flaky scalps and problem skin. But there’s more benefits lurking in those leaves that are worth talking about, especially during these upcoming warm summer months!

Un-commonly known use #1:

Neem oil works as an effective insect repellant! While it’s busy repelling those pesky mosquitoes, it is also providing moisturizing antioxidants for your skin as well. It is completely non-toxic and earth friendly. How many chemical-laden aerosol insect repellents do you know that can claim that? 

Unrefined Neem Oil

Un-Commonly known use #2:

Neem oil can also be used as a natural pesticide in the garden, and it’s pollinator friendly- an important thing to be mindful of, with the current state of today’s dwindling pollinator populations.

Un-Commonly known use #3:

Neem works wonders on pets as a flea deterrent. In fact, our EveryDay Shea unscented body wash is a fantastic pet wash. It’s mild, gentle, and the first ingredient is Neem Leaf Extract!

What innovative ways have you come up with to use Neem in your everyday life? Looking for more products with Neem? Try these!

Neem and Black Soap Skin Recovery Facial Care Set.

Neem and Shea Body Lotion

   Neem and Shea Conditioner

  Neem and Shea Shampoo

Teambuild!

Last Friday the team from Whole Foods Market PDX Hollywood (minus a couple…we missed you!) made the trek up to Alaffia HQ for their team build. We kicked off the good times with a tour of the warehouse, led by Olowo-n’djo Tchala, with cameo appearances from a few others on the Alaffia team.

The Whole Foods Hollywood team from left to right: Jess, Izzy, Justeen, Olowo-n'djo, Lisa, Manda, and Jo.

The team getting hair-net fancy for their date with the warehouse.

 The group wove their way through the warehouse, making stops at the shipping area (where national distribution magic happens), receiving docks (the landing place for all things ‘raw ingredient’  the moment it arrives here direct from our co-ops in Togo. Regulars here are stacks of red palm oil stretching nearly to the ceiling, and pallets loaded with blocks of unrefined Shea.), the gym and basketball court (Three cheers for employee wellness!), the packaging area (If employee wellness was exciting, how much better is completely recyclable packaging, free of toxins, that’s locally sourced?)

Next up was the Alaffia kitchen. And just what was on the menu? A fresh batch of our newest addition to the Everyday Coconut family, the facial care line.

Jo and Manda checking our raw Black Soap.

While Olowo-n'djo explains the traditional process of making it.

Scoping out some unrefined Kpangan and Cocoa butter.

 The warehouse tour concluded with a stroll through our stock aisles, filled with products from all our lines, Beautiful Curls to Africa’s Secret, and brimming with baskets.  

The day at the office wrapped up in the conference room where Olowo-n’djo provided a presentation on Alaffia’s history, how far we’ve come and where we’re headed. Rose provided training on the new EDC face care line, and provided insight on product formulation.

The night was topped off with a trip to the Tchala farm, where a bounty of traditional Togolese fare was prepared by none other than Olowo-n’djo and Rose themselves, with the star ingredient: Red Palm Oil.

Manda and Justeen got serious about the kabob process.

Bon Apetite!

Thanks to the Hollywood team for joining with us in community last week. We enjoyed our time with you! And congratulations Lisa, on the soon to be little one!