1. You have such a lovely variety of skincare products to choose from. What inspires you to get creative and try something new?

I started on the soapmaking journey while I was still living in Africa more than 20 years ago. At the time I was starting to question what was in the products that I was using on my body.  I discovered the art of soapmaking on a friend’s website and decided to start making soaps as a way to research. I wanted to use ingredients that are easily accessible and in most cases can be found in a pantry.

2. With the cold weather coming up, what products would you recommend to keep people feeling their best?  

I would recommend my Shea butter soaps and my Sheacoco balms.  Both of these products are made with a significant amount of shea butter. Shea butter penetrates deeply into the skin and helps to relieve redness and dryness.

3. Much like us here at Top Shelf Distillers, your products are made in small batches with all-natural ingredients. What do you find to be the biggest challenge in maintaining your high-quality standards? 

My biggest challenge is ensuring that my ingredients are up to the standards that I expect.  At the moment, because of the size of the business, I don't have any choice but to take my suppliers at their world. I have no way of confirming if what they told me is indeed true.

4. Your website mentions the use of the ‘cold process method’. What is the cold process method, and why have you chosen this method for your handmade soaps? 

There are 2 methods used by handmade soapmakers: cold process or hot process.  Cold process soapmaking has enabled me to customize soap down to the last ingredient.  Working with the cold process method is also due to the fact that I started soaping in Africa.  The equipment needed for hot process was simply not available.   

5. As a woman in business, what is the most important lesson you have learned? What advice would you give to other women thinking of starting their own enterprise? 

As woman we need to let go of the idea of being able to do it all: mother, wife, professional or business woman. I am lucky that my partner is very supportive, so he does a lot of the work that has traditionally fallen on women while I work at making the business grow after my day job.

6. Last but not least, what is your favourite cocktail? 

I don't drink alcohol but my favorite mocktail is the watermelon mojito (watermelon + lemon juice + mint and plenty ice).  

Thank you so much to Rissa for taking the time to connect with us!. Your demand for excellence and dedication to craftsmanship is paving the way for other local businesses. You have certainly inspired us to be mindful of what we chose to put on our bodies. We know where we will be going to cross a few names off our gift list!