In March 2014, Shalom Lloyd welcomed her twins, Joshua and Amara, into the world. However, shortly after their birth, it became evident that her son was suffering from severe eczema, which left his skin bleeding and resembling snakeskin.
As a trained pharmacist and a self-described “scientist through and through,” Lloyd found it difficult to justify administering steroids to her son. Driven by a desire to alleviate his suffering, she began seeking alternative, natural solutions. “I was a desperate mum who’d just been given this precious gift and was trying to find a way to take my son’s pain away—it’s really that simple,” she recalled.
Determined to find a remedy, Lloyd made the life-changing decision to leave her high-paying job, remortgaging her home in Milton Keynes to fund her venture. Six years later, her efforts culminated in the establishment of a successful skincare business that recently received a national award for sustainability.
Initially, the business was born out of Lloyd’s kitchen. Utilizing her scientific background, she experimented with raw shea butter and other ingredients until she developed a unique formulation. “Within three days, I had my ‘eureka formulation,’” she said. “Josh’s skin started to drastically change and improve and eventually became what it should have been from birth.”
This breakthrough led Lloyd to officially register her company, Naturally Tiwa Skincare, in June 2016. Trading began in March 2018, and the business is now headquartered in Stony Stratford. The company has expanded to employ approximately 70 women across two shea processing plants in Nigeria.
“It’s not philanthropy, it’s not aid, it’s trade,” the 51-year-old entrepreneur stated. “Yes, I am empowering women, but they’re working for their living.” After processing, the raw materials are shipped to the UK for manufacturing, testing, and packaging in a Milton Keynes warehouse. Orders are fulfilled by members of MK Snap, a charity that assists adults with learning difficulties.
Reflecting on her journey, Lloyd noted that starting her business was a surprise. “I’d love to say it was all part of my master plan, but I had an incredible job in the pharma industry, a six-figure salary, and my children were in private school. I gave that up because I believe in what I’m doing,” she shared.
Lloyd emphasized the significance of her company, which is founded, made, and led by women, but is accessible to all. “Sometimes people ask me if it’s difficult being a black female business owner. I studied in Ukraine in the ’80s when there were hardly any black people. I don’t care. I just want to go out there and do what I need to do—make the world a better place and make money doing it.”
She added, “We have found our niche and are committed to serving individuals with skin conditions, cancer patients undergoing treatment, and menopausal women. We’re positioning ourselves as a solutions-driven organization. We’re small but mighty.”
Mrs. Lloyd’s dedication has been recognized, as her company recently won the sustainable business category at the Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs). The judges praised her business for its “unwavering dedication to sustainability.” Coral Horn, the founder of the EVAs, commended the winners for showcasing “remarkable passion, dedication, and a clear vision for a more sustainable future.”
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