Stòrí of Africa begins in Njala, a small town in Sierra Leone where community, tradition, and care were woven into everyday life. I come from a lineage of healers, educators, and entrepreneurs—people who nurtured and uplifted those around them. When my family left Sierra Leone for regional New South Wales, we were searching for education, safety, and freedom, as returning home was no longer possible.
Growing up, I found myself navigating two worlds. On one hand, there was my African heritage—a rich tapestry of rituals, healing traditions, and celebration. On the other, the vibrant multicultural communities of Western Sydney, where my career in social services allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life. But no matter how far I was from my first home, the quiet pull of my roots was always there.
The rituals of my childhood remain vivid in my memory: the daily practice of moisturising my skin after a bath, my mother’s gentle insistence that every inch be cared for, and the weekly hair-braiding sessions filled with laughter, storytelling, and connection. These weren’t just acts of self-care; they were moments of love, culture, and identity.
As I navigated adulthood, I longed for a deeper connection to my heritage. The pandemic was a turning point—it reminded me of the wisdom in the self-care rituals I had grown up with. The simple act of using natural ingredients to soothe my skin, the joy of singing together at celebrations, and the comfort of communal traditions all took on new meaning.
There was a time when I wasn’t always proud of my heritage. Like many, I wrestled with the desire to fit in. But over the years, I’ve come to embrace the strength in knowing who I am and where I come from. I remember struggling to find products that truly met the needs of my melanin-rich skin, and that experience deepened my resolve to create something meaningful.
Stòrí of Africa is my way of sharing this journey—of celebrating the beauty rituals and traditions passed down through generations, of blending the lessons of my past with the opportunities of the present. It is a tribute to the transformative power of self-care, culture, and connection.
Through every jar of shea-rich skincare, I invite you to experience the healing, joy, and pride that are at the heart of Stòrí of Africa. This is my stòrí, and now, it can be part of yours.
