We were beyond excited to add Nyakio’s small-batch beauty products to our selection earlier this month, but now that we’ve chatted with founder Nyakio Kamoche Grieco, it’s a full-blown obsession. Her skincare line, based on family secrets passed down by her Kenyan family, has utilized powerful ingredients from around the world for over a decade. Keep reading to learn more about this true beauty.
How has the time you’ve spent in Kenya influenced Nyakio skincare?
My Grandmother taught me my first beauty secret when I was eight. She farmed Kenyan coffee and sugarcane and showed me how to use them to exfoliate. My grandfather was a medicine man who went out in nature and extracted oils to treat skin. Their teachings set me on my path.
How did your clean beauty journey begin?
20 years ago, I was working in Hollywood. I quickly realized that Africa was underrepresented in the premium beauty being gifted to actresses. I wanted to celebrate the sophistication of Africa, its powerful ingredients, and the thousand-year-old clean beauty rituals.
What is the one product you absolutely can’t live without?
I absolutely cannot live without my nyakio Maracuja & Yangu Rescue Oil. Especially now as the seasons are changing, which takes a toll on my skin.
What is the best skincare advice you’ve ever gotten?
Wash your face. Don’t ever go to sleep with makeup on as it congests your pores and causes breakouts and irritation.
How do you balance running a business and raising a family?
Currently, balance is finding the best way to pivot and accept. Home is now our office, school, and a restaurant that operates all day long. I try to dedicate a set time for work, focused time with my family, and carve out time for myself.
With everything going on in the world, what is keeping you centered?
Faith! The world is in such flux right now with a global pandemic and the ongoing pandemic of systemic racism. Change often occurs after some darkness. Right now we are being exposed to a lot of hatred, darkness, and fear. I believe in the power of humanity and community. When we come together healing happens and I believe we are being forced to unify. I truly believe we are witnessing a dying paradigm, so we have to stay strong, diligent, loving, and faithful that change is coming, for the better for ourselves and future generations. A more tolerant world is what we all deserve.
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Maracuja + Yangu Rescue Oil $42.00 |
Idan Oil $47.00 |
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Wet Lip Oil Gloss $27.00 |
11 11 Candle $48.00 |
Ionic Body Brush $44.50 |