Eco-Beauty Basics: Go Green, Buy YAMERRA

Love your skin, love your hair, love you. That's the tagline for 100% natural hair and skin care company, Yamerra. Its founder, Maryam Moma is a 25-year-old fashion model who blends the beauty benefits of shea butter and essential oils with luxurious scents that'll leave you wanting more.

Angel: Yamerra is 4 years old.  How did you come up with the concept to start the line and what is your company's philosophy?

Maryam: I founded Yamerra a few years after I graduated from Temple University with a degree in architecture. I enjoyed studying architecture, however- it was not my passion. I have always been immersed in the world of beauty, skincare and haircare, and fashion, being a fashion model in the industry since I was 16. I was primarily inspired to create Yamerra by my own skincare and haircare needs to create functional and useful blends for personal use with affordable and natural raw materials. I discovered that Shea butter is extremely restorative and healing for the hair and skin. I decided to mix pure Shea with essential oils and herbs to even enhance it more.

Angel: As a young entrepreneur, what steps did you take to start Yamerra and what challenges did you encounter?

Maryam: One of the first steps I took when I started Yamerra was to work vigorously to create a nutrient-rich and titillating scent palette for its products. I wanted to restore balance and radiance to  my skin and hair using raw shea, and also be left smelling delectable! Closer to Yamerra’s founding, I brought a chemist on board, Victoria O., to make sure Isure herbs and essential oils did not clash to irritate the skin and hair; rather, to rejuvenate, balance and heal.

Organic Yamerra body butters in Sultry Mango and Strawberry Lemon. These luxurious creams are available in 1/2-ounce, 2-ounce and 4-ounce sizes.

Angel: Why did you choose to build Yamerra as an organic skin and hair care line?

Maryam: One of the primary reasons for making Yamerra all natural and organic is because all natural ingredients and raw materials are not only better for the skin and hair but also for the earth and environment. Yamerra is a sustainable brand. It has been an extremely important decision to keep the line organic and all natural so that it can be used and enjoyed by all, safely. Yamerra is recommended for even babies.

Angel: Your products are sold in three U.S. states, as well as international locations, Dubai and Nigeria. How do you manage Yamerra as an international brand?

Maryam: I have managed Yamerra as an international brand by making strong connections with trusted, like-minded individuals, who have used and seen the benefits of Yamerra first-hand. All the distributors/ store locations that carry Yamerra now, locally and internationally, are owned by Yamerra clients who use the product themselves. I deal with these people personally, sending them requested samples and products for retail as needed. Connecting with a store owner that is aware of what the market/ clientele needs and wants are,  is easily reachable and communicates efficiently and timely is important in dealing with an international account.

Angel: Tell me about some of our most popular/favorite products. Besides your own line, are there other natural and organic companies or organizations that you support?

Maryam: We have three product lines, a two-in-one hair and body butter, luxurious body soap, and a whipped body soufflé. They come in six, very unique varying scents: Lemon Fire Bliss Lemongrass, Sultry Mango, Home Sweet Home Honey Vanilla, Be Bodacious Tangerine Grape, Sensual Bliss Jasmine Sage, and In Spring Lusciousness Peach Peppermint.

Yamerra also carries a line for mothers-to-be, nursing mothers, and newborn babies (6-12 months), plus unique seasonal creations.

Another organic product I support and use personally is Selara Faces Skincare. I love their face masks- they leave my skin firm, supple and revived. My favorite mask is their Honey Almond Exfoliator and Mask- After a home facial, I follow with another amazing product in their line- Selara Faces Skin Brightening Moisturizer. It’s is high in Vitamin E, smells incredible and leaves the skin feeling moisturized and loved.

Angel: What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs, especially those who want to build sustainable, eco-friendly businesses?

Maryam: I advise that young entrepreneurs starting a small business to follow their hearts and stay true to their most original concepts. Innovation, persistence, and determination to succeed in business must factor in. Especially to individuals interested in building an eco-friendly business; do not settle for or include anything that is not from the earth, not natural and chemical-free.

Angel: Do you have any last words?

Maryam: Join the Yamerra Revolution! Enjoy Yamerra’s luxurious, affordable and long-lasting Eco-essential products made with love. Otherwise, stay far away from products containing chemicals- help sustain the earth by using and supporting Eco-friendly brands and do not forget to recycle!

For more information about Maryam and her luxurious, all-natural shea butter products, log on to her webpage or visit her blog.  Follow her as she travels to and fro @Yamerra.

Kisses and cupcakes until we meet again,

♥  ✌ ☺

-Angel Lenise