I am originally from the Caribbean and grew up in a large, close-knit family where many of us lived under the same roof. From an early age, I watched my grandmother and the women in my family make facial, hair, and body treatments using herbs, vegetables, and natural ingredients that were either grown at home or commonly available in our community.
Before family events and weddings, my grandmother and aunties would go into the yard to gather what they needed—vegetables, herbs, avocados, coconuts, lemons, and other ingredients. Oils were prepared or sourced separately, then combined with what had been gathered. They would make fresh pastes and treatments and apply them to their skin and hair, often leaving them on overnight. It was a ritual.
When they washed everything off, their skin looked noticeably refreshed. I remember being surprised by the results, especially knowing everything was made by hand. These same preparations were sometimes used for rashes or other skin concerns as well.
As a teenager, we moved to the United States. Over time, I noticed that many of my family members began experiencing skin sensitivities and allergic reactions. I started making soaps and experimenting with different natural products at home, while also doing extensive research on botanicals and their properties. I began taking online classes focused on natural product formulation and realized that I genuinely enjoyed creating solutions for the skin concerns they were experiencing. After starting my own family, I continued formulating for my children and my husband, just as my grandmother had done for us.
One day, a cousin asked me for help with her skin. After using what I made for her, she shared it with her friends and encouraged me to sell my products. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about starting a business. I simply liked helping people. But word spread quickly, and more requests followed.
That experience led me to formally create Simply Natu-Real, a brand built on the same principles I grew up with—using natural ingredients, preparing products with care, and focusing on real results. Every product reflects generations of practical knowledge and a belief that simple, well-made formulations can make a meaningful difference.
