WOMEN WE LOVE – SHALOM LLOYD
Meet Shalom Lloyd, a wife,mother, renowned pharmacist and serial entrepreneur. Eclectic and highly resourceful, the TEDx speaker is one who easily inspires positivity. Her brand‘Naturally Tribal Skincare’, was born from personal experience with her child, and has evolved into something extraordinary. Strong will, determination and the belief that ‘nothing is impossible’ have catapulted Shalom and her new venture onto the world stage. We feel privileged to be able to share the journey of this amazing person with our readers.
Following a quick Q&A, she had this to share:
Have you always kept in touch with your roots (Nigeria)?
Always!
I was born in Nigeria! I LOVE my Nigerianheritage.It gave me the grounding from a cultural perspective, the love and appreciation for family, understanding of the strength of community.
I am also a British citizen and this combination of my heritage mixed with a European twist helped me solve my son’s skincare problem.
How did you find Essan?
Raw, unrefined Shea Butter is the main base for all Naturally Tribal Skincare products. Nigeria is the largest Shea Butter Producer, the main producers including Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Kogi, Benue and Edo states.
I frankly headed for the state where I had existing relationships (Niger State) which led to my introduction to the stunning oasis that is the ‘Essan Kingdom’.
How has the journey to establishing Naturally Tribal been?
It has been an incredibly challenging, exhausting, exciting, fun, frustrating but fulfilling journey which has taught me so much about myself. When I look back and connect the dots of my life’s journey, where I am todaymakes complete sense.
It has been a journey of passion, a journey that started with a mother desperately trying to find a solution for her new born son’s skincare problem.
With all the challenges of starting a business, I have loved every step of my journey and have never felt this much fulfilment and sense of purpose.
You mentioned your son, Joshua, as the reason you started the venture. What is currently driving you (Naturally Tribal)?
The “Joshua effect”is still what drives me today. Seeing my son with his skin back to normal every day is not something I take for granted plus, seeing others experience similar relief is mind blowing.
Our business goes beyond the Naturally Tribal range of skincare products and now gives us the chance to make real difference, improving the lives of rural women in Nigeria.
Building an ethical company with a conscience, a unique brand recognized for its great products, for its contribution to the environment, to lives, whilst being profitable – that drives me!
What has building this brand taught you?
Building this company has taught me that innovation is key. Innovation happens when we change our mind-set, when we see opportunities in everything we do on a daily basis.
Building this company has taught me that there will always be obstacles, however‘Failure’ is always an option! Failure is the first step to success; multiple failures are multiple steps towards success.
Patience is also not my not one of my strong suits and but it has found its way into my arsenal thanks to all of this.
What advice do you have for other women looking to venture into skincare products and services?
The market, although saturated, is HUGE! It is big enough for all of us! We have great natural resources across Africa and should dare to be different, experience, learn and pass on knowledge. Don’t cut corners, do your homework, your research and innovate!
My best advice is a Maya Angelou quote – “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
I try to make sure I leave everyone I meet with the feeling that ‘they matter’.
Any personal comments?
Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. (Saint Francis of Assisi)
