SheaButtaShawty...Hand-crafted Care that Heals
Teaching the soul to heal, through quality self-care that transforms the vibe.
Project Description
WE MADE IT, SHAWTY!
SheaButtaShawty is an all natural skin care brand that teaches unapologetic self-care through the use of non-toxic, earthy aromas, and comforting textures that trigger the senses and promote healing.
Our mission is to "share the glow" by providing handcrafted, consciously sourced products that are high-quality, affordable, and accessible to those with the highest need.
- We give our customers voice and choice with personalized Packaged Experiences that cater to their individual needs.
- We teach our “Shawties” the power of speaking life and love into SELF so that we are fully equipped to give and receive authentically.
- We build ongoing relationships by engaging with our customers directly (Clarity Calls) and on social media.
THIS WE BELIEVE.
Our skin is a gateway to our spirit. When we are intentional about the ways in which we care for our bodies we have the power to ignite holistic healing.
Self-care is a skill that should be learned and internalized. When "Loving on your body" becomes a part of your routine, you train your mind and spirit to operate in authentic love, light and positivity.
THIS WE KNOW.
- Skin care companies have historically focused on the superficial aspects of skin care.
- Quality self-care in this context is considered an unnecessary expensive luxury.
- Consumers desire voice, choice, and clarity on how purchases bring value to their life.
- A bridge between skin care, self-care, and overall well-being is underrepresented in this current market.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN.
As a child I struggled with allergies, which impacted my skin's moisture. I spent a great deal of time searching for products with ingredients that wouldn't irritate my skin, and provided lasting moisture.
I invested so much time and energy searching for the right products, that it simply made more sense to create my own combinations.
The years passed, and I slowly began to notice a shift in my skin care routine as I grew stronger along my spiritual journey. The more in-tune I became with my energy, the more these moments felt beautiful, sacred....and absolutely necessary!
I would chant affirmations to myself as I applied the products, speaking aloud:
"YOU ARE LOVED, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, YOU ARE WORTHY."
This simple routine grew into a powerful ritual that I incorporated into my product presentation and overall purpose of the SheaButtaShawty brand. I began test marketing in December of 2019 and did a soft launch in March of 2020.
By December of 2020 I could no longer ignore the voice in my head telling me to “GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT!” So when we returned from holiday break I took a leap of faith, and resigned from my decade-long career as an educator...and began pouring every bit of soul, sweat, and energy into SheaButtaShawty Self-Care Brand...
CAN I TELL YOU MY STORY?
We were three months into the pandemic and I hadn't found the strength to leave my bed for several days. My partner had been trying his best to keep my spirits lifted but was also dealing with his own emotional trauma. We had recently been informed that the baby we were expecting had stopped developing at nine weeks, and that a miscarriage was inevitable...
We were absolutely devastated, and having a difficult time finding solace. Not only were we on complete lockdown, we were unable to see our children and relatives due to the quarantine. On this particular day I was heavily questioning my existence and my ability to overcome this experience....
That's when it happened! The courier knocked on my door and handed me a package that shifted my perspective. The box was beautifully wrapped and filled with trinkets that immediately gave me purpose and inspiration.
My big sister had unknowingly gifted me everything I needed to begin my journey to healing. I was so moved by what this package did for me; From the mini succulent plant, to the aromatherapy candle, every single item was packed with meaning, and I knew in that moment there was power in this concept!
It didn't take long for me to merge the packaging experience with the Self-Care movement we were already creating at SheaButtaShawty. I decided at that moment that teaching the power of self-care as a bridge to healing would be my purpose in this life!
WHERE WE ARE NOW.
On January 1, 2021, we re-launched our e-commerce shop which is gaining momentum and increasing in sales on a daily basis. We are licensed vendors in the state of Georgia and host weekly Pop-Up Shops in Atlanta, GA and surrounding areas.
We are enrolled in The Jefferson Effect: Entrepreneurs Development Course and were the first place winners of the Pitch Deck Competition in November of 2020. This program provides an ecosystem of thriving business owners with similar goals and has been paramount to our growth as a brand.
We are partnering with the first and only Black-owned Beauty Supply in Roswell, GA in order to make our goal of accessibility a reality! We are preparing to launch a professional display with 5 products from “The Complete Collection” by SheaButtaShawty.
We have applied (and been passed up) for multiple grants, but have not allowed our spirit of tenacity to waver! We are confident that in due season all things will align so that we can strengthen our brand presence and make our products more accessible to any and everyone with a need.
WHERE WE WANT TO GO!
In order to live out this mission we are humbling ourselves and asking for your help in bringing our vision to fruition. We will use the funds backed by this campaign to:
- Purchase supplies for our placement launch.
- Upgrade our equipment to accommodate the increased demand.
- Rent a shared space for product preparation and inventory storage.
- Hire additional staff (sales, social media, general labor) in order to expand our audience which will ultimately strengthen our impact.
A WORD FROM THE FOUNDER
My name is Mi’Kael (Kael) Reed. I'm a licensed educator, and personal care advocate with a passion for bringing multi-faceted projects to fruition. I am a mommy of two dope little business owners who are constantly making me proud! I taught 6th and 7th grade language arts in a traditional classroom setting for close to a decade, and had a background in direct sales and marketing in what seems like another lifetime. I operate this company full time and work as an educational consultant for a literacy program I recently developed.
I am keenly aware of the disadvantages that exist as a Business Owner who is also a Black Woman. With less than 2% of investors willing to back brands like SheaButtaShawty, crowdfunding was a low-risk no brainer for expanding our reach.
Thank you so much for your consideration and potential support in SheaButtaShawty, a company that embodies my purpose and passion in life. Creating products that promote healing and relaxation brings me so much joy, and is in alignment with who I am.
Your support will assist in giving our brand the leverage that is needed to continue breaking barriers in this industry. No pledge is too small! Every contribution will be received with love and gratitude!
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Why Crowdfunding?
Because debt-free funding just makes the most sense! In order to meet demand and expand our business additional support is necessary. We believe that by tapping into the crowdfunding platform we can gain exposure for our brand, which will translate to increased accessibility, which is our number one goal!
What will the funds be used for?
We are currently running low on our recyclable packaging and organic, non toxic ingredients. We will use funds backed by this campaign to purchase raw materials, packaging, and finish the rebranding of print materials for our upcoming display launch.
What happens if you don't meet your fundraising goal?
No worries. We will still move forward with any funds received as we are accustomed to making a way out of NO WAY! We will do everything we can to meet our increased demand.
When will I receive my reward?
We will begin shipping rewards August 1, 2021. Shout-Out rewards will be posted as donations are received. If you selected the Clarity Call or Membership be on the look out for an email with more details on next steps.
What if my shipment arrives damaged?
This really sucks! But no worries. Snap a picture of the damaged item (this helps with reimbursements from shipping companies) and we will get a new package sent to you right away.
Can I have my reward shipped to someone else?
Absolutely, in fact we encourage #SharingTheGlow with a loved one who might benefit from some additional self-loving. If you would like, we can even include a personalized message so it’s clear where the gift came from.
Help water our seeds and watch as we grow!
For the $5 level of support we are creating super special shout-outs that we will share on our website and social media pages.
We really do appreciate each and every contribution, and this is our way of sending that same support and loving energy right back atcha!
For the $25 level of support we have partnered with Buff City Soap to deliver an assorted collection of handcrafted artisan soap bars coupled with our signature “Botanical Bae” Complete Body Wash, perfect for a chill evening or refreshing morning.
For the $85 level of support you will receive a SheaButtaShawty Swag Bag filled with self-care trinkets. A gift card for PD&K Beauty Supply ($30 Value) will be included and can be redeemed at our display launch.
For the $150 level of support you will receive a two hour Clarity Call that can be used creatively, as you desire.
We can touch on a variety of topics such as; healing from trauma, maintaining healthy relationship boundaries, the power of intentionality, purpose in life and alignment to passion etc.
This time is yours to use in the way that speaks to what YOU need at this time.
We are transitioning into a membership model so that we remain intentional in our approach of meeting the needs of the communities that need us the most!
For the $400 level of support you will lock in the lowest rate to join this phenomenal healing community. You will receive a custom Packaged Experience that features handcrafted products from our Complete Collection that YOU select each month. You will gain access to an inclusive community of life-long lovers and learners who are teaching our souls to heal.
This reward is the equivalent of $33 per month which will increase to $44 per month after closing this campaign.
That’s 12 Packaged Experiences for you or a loved one, and a plethora of life-long relationships waiting to be cultivated!
Ready to join the vibe?
Rewards
Help water our seeds and watch as we grow!
For the $5 level of support we are creating super special shout-outs that we will share on our website and social media pages.
We really do appreciate each and every contribution, and this is our way of sending that same support and loving energy right back atcha!
For the $25 level of support we have partnered with Buff City Soap to deliver an assorted collection of handcrafted artisan soap bars coupled with our signature “Botanical Bae” Complete Body Wash, perfect for a chill evening or refreshing morning.
For the $85 level of support you will receive a SheaButtaShawty Swag Bag filled with self-care trinkets. A gift card for PD&K Beauty Supply ($30 Value) will be included and can be redeemed at our display launch.
For the $150 level of support you will receive a two hour Clarity Call that can be used creatively, as you desire.
We can touch on a variety of topics such as; healing from trauma, maintaining healthy relationship boundaries, the power of intentionality, purpose in life and alignment to passion etc.
This time is yours to use in the way that speaks to what YOU need at this time.
We are transitioning into a membership model so that we remain intentional in our approach of meeting the needs of the communities that need us the most!
For the $400 level of support you will lock in the lowest rate to join this phenomenal healing community. You will receive a custom Packaged Experience that features handcrafted products from our Complete Collection that YOU select each month. You will gain access to an inclusive community of life-long lovers and learners who are teaching our souls to heal.
This reward is the equivalent of $33 per month which will increase to $44 per month after closing this campaign.
That’s 12 Packaged Experiences for you or a loved one, and a plethora of life-long relationships waiting to be cultivated!
Ready to join the vibe?