Community Spotlight: Mondiah Essentials
1.Tell us about your product and give us a background on your growing business?
At Mondiah Essentials, we believe that healthy skin is for everyone. As human beings we believe that mother nature has all of the necessary elements for our bodies to thrive. So many skincare products on the market today are chock full of fillers, and preservatives that are in fact toxic and in some cases carcinogenic to the body. We knew there had to be a better way. This fuels our belief that just like you want to give the body nutrients, our skin is no different. With 100% plant- based ingredients, we like to think of our product as food for the skin and not just a band aid for dry dull skin. Our skin is our largest and most important organ considering it houses all that we are. It’s important to understand that the bloodstream absorbs what is put on and in our bodies. This is what drives us to seek completely clean resources to care for the skin that we live, move, and have our being in. We think it's possible to have products that feel good, smell good, and ARE GOOD for you. Aside from the health and wellness aspect, who doesn’t want youthful, fresh, and clear looking skin?
2. How did you come up with the name ‘Mondiah Essentials’?
The name Mondiah, pronounced (MUN-Dye-Uh), is a variation of a beloved late family members name. The word essentials captures our approach to skincare because we believe a healthy practices for the outside of our bodies is just as essential to overall well-being as maintaining health on the inside. The icing on top is that the initials come together to form the word ME making the branding personal to our consumers.
3. What interested you in turning your passion into a business?
It started out as just our family looking for a clean and sustainable solution to problematic skin conditions. Our kids struggle with eczema and as a mother of five, I needed a belly butter that I felt comfortable using during my pregnancies. So, we started researching plants and herbs and experimenting with ingredients. Once we came up with a product then we shared it with friends, family, and coworkers. They started coming back for more and offering to pay! We knew then we may have been on to something.
4. People often think success comes overnight. What advice would you give someone who is looking to be an entrepreneur?
Just start. Sometimes, we are afraid to put ourselves out there for fear of failure or judgement, feeling like there’s no room for you in the industry because it’s already saturated, or reluctance just because you already have a lot on your plate. Just start and make small, comfortable, and consistent steps toward pursuing your calling. As long as you are moving forward, it doesn’t matter how fast you’re going. Before you know it, things will start manifesting and you’ll be surprised at the progress you’ve made. There’s always room in the game for the people that carve out a space for themselves.
5. How would best describe the use of your product? Should/can it be used in combination with other products? Should it be used after a shower? Etc….
For best results, we suggest taking advantage of the moisture and absorbency of skin that is fresh out of the shower or bath. A little goes a long way so a dab will do you and feel free to use the product head to toe as it is a great moisturizer for the scalp and entire body.
6. Does your product cater to all skin types? Any anti-aging agents or SPF?
Yes, indeed! With ingredients that are sensitive enough for baby, yet effective enough for daily adult use, our Total Body Butter is moisturizing and rejuvenating for all skin types. The antioxidants and sealing properties naturally present in the ingredients offer anti- aging benefits. However, there are no SPF factors within the product.
7. There are women like me out there who suffer from stretch marks after giving birth. Do you think your product can help with the appearance of those and/or scars?
Let me tell you, something. One thing about me is my pregnancy stretch marks come in hyperpigmented. After six months’ daily use, I went from what looks like claw marks on the hips, belly, and upper thighs after baby number TWO, to barely there blemishes while still preggers with baby number FIVE! So yes, whether it’s a pandemic pregnancy, if you’ve still got war wounds two years after giving birth, or just scars in general, we’ve got you.
8. We see from your website that you currently offer 3 scented body butters and 1 unscented, are you looking to expand your scents and/or products?
Our dream is providing a basic product line with wholesome products that offer head to toe results, satisfaction included. Next up, we have a plant- based deodorant and cleansing body bar in the works. We are still developing and testing what works. You know you can’t cut corners on the hygiene tip, so we are taking our time with development.
9. In your opinion, how important is supporting black owned and/or black woman owned businesses?
I think society is evolving and awareness of the next generation of greatness is budding which has always included black and women owned businesses. It is very important to support and promote these entrepreneurs. It’s inspiring and our future depends on it.
10. Can you also tell us where we can find you and how we can get our hands on some of your body butters?
Of course! Our website to purchase our body butters is www.mondiahessentials.com and you can find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mondiahessentials18 and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mondiah_essentials18/
A special thanks to Mondiah Essentials for joining us on this collaboration. Make sure you get your hands on some of this amazing body butter. I have tried it myself (TWICE) and it is AMAAAAAAZING!!!!!