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.