We have entered a time where, as black women, we love and appreciate our hair more than we ever have. One entrepreneur that is currently taking over the natural products kingdom is Mrs. Ekari Maele Loga, Founder of Golden Rootz. We reached out to her for an interview to provide everyone with information about what her brand means and to show that every month, is Women’s month.
Q: Hello Ekari, how would you describe yourself in 3 words
A: Tenacious, Bald & Passionate
Q: Could you give us a brief overview of what Golden Rootz?
A: Golden Rootz is a natural hair and skin products manufacturer. We use different natural ingredients including essential oils to formulate our line of products. Golden Rootz was founded in 2016 with just a Whipped Shea Butter at the time. We now currently make 26 different products and ship worldwide. At the moment, we maintain an online presence through our website and social media platforms. We use different natural ingredients including essential oils to formulate our line of products. Our goal is to show how essential oils, with other natural oils, butters work together on different hair types and skin providing many benefits.
Q: What made you choose such a majestic name?
A: It all comes down to embracing yourself, be proud of who you are no matter what type of hair you have because your natural self and roots are just golden. What you have needs to be taken care of because it is as precious as gold because not everybody has it and stay true to your roots.
Q: Where do you see your business in 5 years; What are your plans?
A: In 5 years, we would like to be a well-established brand across Europe, Malawi and other African countries. We plan to launch more products and we have big aspirations of getting our products on the shelf. We would also like to have a physical store(s) where people can come and experience Golden RootzProducts.
Q: What do you think is a defining factor of Golden Rootz?
A: Our relentless commitment to promoting natural remedies with a feel-good factor.
Q: if there is one thing that you could change about your business, what would it be?
A: Wider customer outreach strategy
Q: How do you intend on expanding Golden Rootz?
A: I plan on offering more variety in our skincare range and tap into new niches. We might also offer some particular products for men. We will be launching Golden Rootz in Malawi this coming July. It’s one of the biggest projects we have undertaken, so that is exciting.
Q: I was pleasantly surprised to see that the soaps are handmade. It shows how much time and effort you’ve invested. Is this the same with all your products? Do you personally do it or you have some help?
A: Yes, all the soaps are handmade. It is an interesting process; it requires a lot of patience and love. All the ingredients used are natural and that makes it very safe to formulate with. I like to have total control over the entire process from sourcing raw materials to labelling my products. I have to see everything that is going into my products because at the end of the day I am fully responsible and accountable for the quality and overall look. All of our products, apart from the raw products like castor oil, are made in house from scratch we do not outsource. So, it is just me and my husband at the core of the entire operation.
Q: In an era where everyone is coming up with their own natural remedies, what do you do to stand out and keep afloat?
A: Quality and benefits are key to standing out. Everyone can come up with natural products but what determines the success of your product is the quality and your product doing what it supposed to do. It’sabout knowing the right combination of ingredients to achieve a particular solution. Our packaging also plays a big part in the overall look of our products. A lot of natural products tend to be dull and boring. It doesn’t have to be like that, we make our products’appearance easy on the eye, clean, simple and fun. We are always working to improve our products in every aspect by listening to our customer’s feedback. So far, we have had great feedback from those that have used our products and we want everyone to try Golden Rootz Hair and Skincare Range.
Q: We have all experienced the drastic aftermath of COVID in our own ways. How has COVID and the Lockdown impacted Golden Rootz? Has it had impact on sales, supplies, deliveries?
A: At the beginning of the lockdown, we saw a huge increase in sales. Everyone was home, everything was closed and that meant one thing and one thing only, ONLINE SHOPPING!!! There was an incredible increase in online shopping so we get our all to capitalize on this. We tried to get the best outcome possible out of a very bad situation. But the longer the lockdown remained the sales we started getting. I suppose the uncertainty of things had people spending less. We have had to delay some of our orders because of suppliers running out of raw materials or delays in acquiring them. However, we have remained optimistic and still pushing the products out there. We know that even in lockdown people still have to take care of their hair, skin, and we are there to lend a hand.
Q: How has COVID and Lockdown impacted you and your personal life?
A: COVID has just had been terrible overall. I can’tstand the lockdowns and restrictions. I like to travel, eat out and experience new things. I haven’t been able to do that. Both me and my husband have lost very close relatives to COVID so it has been a curse in that aspect. On the positive side it has been a blessing in disguise in regard to self-reflection and personal development. I have had more time to just think and plan for the future as the world slowed down. I have a new perspective on a lot of things, things that I couldn’t have observed if the world had not closed down.
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