Luxe & Luminous Collection

  • Subscribe
  • Gift
  • Past Boxes
  • Blog
  • Log in
  • 0
  • Menu
    • Order Now
    • Log in

    Winter 2022 Featured Maker: Naa-Sakle Akuete of Mother's Shea

    Written by Sisters From AARP — January 26, 2023

    Naa-Sakle Akuete is the CEO and founder of Mother’s Shea, which sources its products from Ghana.


    What’s something about shea butter that Black women may not know, even though it’s our go-to moisturizer?
    Rich in vitamins A, E, F and K, shea butter is multipurpose. Customers also turn to it as a hairstyling aid or deep conditioner, makeup primer and remover, or beard pomade, among other uses.


    How have mothers and mothering shaped what you do?
    My Grandma Sunshine used shea butter in her midwifery practice in colonial-era Ghana. When my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and meningitis, I decided life was too short to not spend our days together. We’re using her experience as past president of the Global Shea Alliance. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I got to put our shea to the test as my belly grew.


    What has being Ghanaian American taught you that Harvard Business School didn’t?
    HBS taught me the theories behind business, but my background instilled the purpose of entrepreneurship. This family-run social enterprise was built to connect my life with my mother’s in a more intimate way, as well as to give back.

    What does that mean for those in Ghana who harvest the nuts used?
    Mother’s values our team of over 10,000 female pickers. We pay above-market wages and offer organic and financial training. We earmark 15 percent of profits toward tuition for their children.


    How are your butters different from the rest?
    We focus on unrefined shea butter rather than refined, which strips shea of its natural color, scent and, often, vitamins.


    Where are they sold?
    Target, Walmart, Amazon, Belk, CVS and Kroger.

    image of mother's shea product
    Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mother's Shea (2)

    Our quarterly subscription box offers select products from Black creatives and business owners and custom-designed items in beauty, self-care, home goods, style and more. Plus, we provide an exclusive magazine and access to an uplifting woman-focused digital community. 

    Featured Articles

    Search

    Playlists

    Recent Posts

    • Welcoming Change This Fall
      Mon, Sep 25, 23
    • 'Solace' by Clarissa Scott Delany, 1901-27
      Thu, Sep 21, 23
    • Fall Closet Refresh
      Thu, Sep 21, 23
    • Easy Chic That Moves With You
      Tue, Jul 25, 23
    • Instant Shine! Try a New Neckline
      Tue, Jul 25, 23
    • 5 Ways to Protect Our Skin
      Mon, Jul 17, 23
    • Tune In to Your Unique Beauty
      Mon, Jul 10, 23
    • Meet Our Featured Maker: Cheryl Polote-Williamson
      Mon, Jul 10, 23
    • Hello, Beautiful
      Mon, Jul 03, 23
    • Be Seen, Queen!
      Mon, Jun 12, 23

    Categories

    • All
    • Fall 2023
    • Spring 2023
    • Summer 2022
    • Summer 2023
    • Winter 2021
    • Winter 2022
    Logo
    About FAQs Contact Blog

    Copyright © 2023 AARP. All rights reserved.
    Luxe & Luminous, Sisters From AARP, and all other titles and logos are trademarks of AARP.

    Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Prop 65 Information
    Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Your California Privacy Rights

    Cultrefly Logo