BACK IN FULL SWING

Actually, I never went away. I took time off work although ironically, I was working behind the scenes. So much has been happening at Sheabutter Cottage and I would like to take this opportunity in thanking you for your support.

GUMU - GHANA: I am pleased to say that we have managed to raise 281.7% of our target [as of 11.Apr]. We hope that we can hit a 300% target before I visit the lovely ladies in June.
Our latest donation to Gumu was a much needed one to provide a roof before the raining season. I was glad to receive a phonecall yesterday to confirm this had been carried out. Some of the money also went towards providing a pipeline. Learn a bit more of this co-op.

NGO/CHARITY: Back in December 2009, I mentioned "I finally signed documents for the formation of our Ghanaian based company [NGO/Charity]. This will be to help meet the psychosocial needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable children". We are now planning on the inauguration in June.

KOMBO BUTTER: I sometimes receive requests for items that we do not necessarily stock due to our sourcing policy. I was excited though to be challenged with this butter. I actually did not have to look far as I managed to track this butter down whilst chatting to one of the ladies at Gumu. The butter was delivered yesterday - freshly pressed and is now available : on our site

NEW PRODUCTS @ CIOCCOLATINA: We have been known for our range of fair trade exotic supplies. However, we still make our range of natural toiletries under the Cioccolatina brand. Yes, all the products are handmade by yours truly and here is the latest offering:
Scalp butter
Frankincense & Lavender gift pack
Frankincense & Lavender shea soap
Frankincense & Lavender whipped shea

Until next time, keep pampering your skin.
Akua
Sheabutter Cottage

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER

November is a great month. Not only is Cioccolatina 7 years old this month, it also good to see a little bit of sun shining through the silver clouds with russet leaves falling down. Well, we are on the lookout for Cioccolatina's biggest fan :) Let your voice be heard and you could win yourself a £10 gift certificate.

Don't be harsh on your skin this winter! What will be in your survival kit? Well, 2 products jump out to the rescue:

1. Karité soap : packed with more than 70% of pure unrefined non-deodorised fair trade shea butter.

2. Whipped shea : just pure 100% unrefined non-deodorised fair trade shea butter.

As an independent ethical business and direct importer, we are very proud to support a lovely co-op in Ghana who have continued to supply is for the last 6 years with quality unrefined sheabutter: * with less than 1% moisture content
* with characteristic natural scent
* with excellent low free fatty acid
* with no presence of lead nor mercury
* with a very good peroxide level
* with a very high amount of vitamin A
* with a high amount of nonsaponifiable fraction compared to refined shea
We believe in empowerment, we believe in quality, we believe in ethical trading, we believe in communities.

If you fancy sending these lovely products as a gift, then have a look at what we can offer.

NO REST FOR THE WICKED!!

I have been busy making soap in between helping to build a brighter future and trips to the post office. I find soapmaking somehow therapeutic although my concentration level has to be spot on. As I make natural soap using the cold process method, I have to allow anything between 8-16 weeks or more to cure.

This is the latest one with heavenly coffee butter. Although I am not a great coffee lover, I get all excited when I decant coffee butter to blend in products or to decant for the discerning customer. This particular soap (l'arabica) has more than 50% of pure

unrefined fair trade cocoa butter,

enough coffee butter to make you swoon whipped with creamy coconut milk and dusted with organic vanilla powder.

Here is a collage of other soaps on the curing rack.

SHEA SOAP With more than 70% of pure unrefined sheabutter - fragrance free.

ROOIBOS SOAP Infused with South African rooibos and scented with guaiacwood essential oil

PAPAYA SOAP Full of natural AHA (Alpha hydroxy acids) for a clearer skin

FRESH With organic extra virgin olive oil & juices of freshly squeezed organic fruits