Origin Story of Baraka Impact

Bringing Pure, Handmade Ghanaian Shea Butter to the World

Baraka's journey began in the early 2000s, born from a simple act of love and care. While Wayne and his wife Gifty were visiting his wife's hometown in northern Ghana, she exposed him to Shea Butter and the women who made it. The women were eager to share shea butter, urging them to create a business that could empower them with income rather than dependency on charity. Inspired by their spirit, Wayne and Gifty brought a small quantity back to North America, aspiring to share its unique qualities with the world.

The Role of Gifty, Co-Founder

Gifty, the founder's wife, played a pivotal role in Baraka's inception. As a native Ghanaian, she was intimately connected to the cultural significance of shea butter. Her passion and knowledge about the product inspired the venture. Gifty taught herself to create skincare products from shea butter, while also utilizing her connections with local women to establish a fair supply chain.

A Challenging Start

Despite the heartfelt response from friends and family, selling shea butter products Gifty made posed considerable challenges. With Wayne being a global consultant specializing in corporate social responsibility, he continued to support the women by buying more shea butter, even though sales were minimal. The logistics of importing and distributing the product were daunting, and uncertainties about market demand made the journey arduous. Slowly the business found customers, who loved the purity of the shea butter, the connection with the women who made it and the impact it made on them and their families.

The Power of Storytelling

The turning point came in 2013 when Wayne built a small website and a friend created a Facebook page for the incipient business. By sharing thousands of pictures and videos that told the personal stories of the women making shea butter, they tapped into the power of storytelling. This authentic portrayal resonated with customers seeking natural and ethical skincare solutions, creating a deeper connection with the brand.

Building a Sustainable Business

As demand grew, Baraka focused on sustainability, ensuring that both Ghanaian communities and North American customers benefit. They paid a premium price to the women producing the shea butter, guaranteeing fair compensation for their labor and fostering economic empowerment.

Commitment to Quality & Community

Baraka's unwavering commitment to quality and community has been critical to its success. Every product is handcrafted with traditional techniques, ensuring purity and effectiveness. The continuous support for women and families in the production process empowers the community through economic opportunities.

A Bright Future for Baraka

Baraka’s future is illuminated by its steadfast mission: to bring the goodness of pure, handmade Ghanaian shea butter to the world, positively impacting the lives involved in its production. With a dedication to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and excellent customer service, Baraka has reached tens of thousands of customers in North America and around the world, and impacted thousands of women and families in Ghana