Meet Camilia Z. Majette | Founder and CEO
We had the good fortune of connecting with Camilia Z. Majette and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Camilia Z., we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
From a single mother juggling graduate school and part-time work to an inspiring entrepreneur, I embarked on a journey fueled by risk-taking and the desire to make a meaningful impact. My passion for travel, culture, and entrepreneurship was instilled in me by my father, who worked as a Peace Corps volunteer and USAID employee in Africa and Afghanistan.
Witnessing his work with women micro-entrepreneurs in post-apartheid South Africa left an indelible mark on me. I realized that to effect change in my community and the world, I needed to take risks to achieve my dreams. After a sudden job loss, I found myself on government aid, prompting me to refocus on Nailah’s Shea, a skincare business rooted in natural, ethically sourced ingredients.
An eye-opening trip to visit my family in Zanzibar, Tanzania a few years back, revealed stark disparities between foreign investors profiting from the island’s resources and the impoverished indigenous population. Determined to make a difference, I resolved to source organic, fair trade ingredients for my products and support marginalized communities. These courageous decisions have paved the way for Nailah’s Shea to become what it is today, a testament to the power of risk and determination.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Nailah’s Shea is not just another beauty and body care brand; it’s a testament to a passionate journey that began in the heart of a mother and entrepreneur, Camilia. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to crafting all-natural, vegan, and premium products that not only enhance your skin’s beauty but also nourish your soul. Our range includes Whipped Body Butters, Natural Soaps, Exfoliating Sugar Scrubs, and Natural Face Masks & Toners, all handcrafted with love and care.
At the core of Nailah’s Shea is a profound respect for Mother Nature’s bounty. We use Fair Trade certified organic Shea butter as our hero ingredient, and all our other components, including essential oils and colorants, are sourced from certified organic and natural origins. We firmly believe in the power of nature to heal and rejuvenate, and our products reflect this philosophy by being free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, and alcohol.
Camilia’s journey began as a pharmacy technician while in college. It was during this time that she discovered the alarming presence of toxins in everyday skincare products. As a single mother of two with limited resources and children facing skin issues, she embarked on a mission to find an all-natural solution. The result? Nailah’s Shea.
Her love for the natural world was nurtured in childhood, watching her mother tend to her garden and create culinary masterpieces with herbs and spices. This early influence sparked Camilia’s passion for blending natural ingredients and led her to the world of pharmaceuticals.
Camilia’s multicultural background plays a pivotal role in sourcing raw materials. Her extensive travels in Africa and Asia have exposed her to the finest crafters and artisans, inspiring the unique blends that define Nailah’s Shea. Some of our recipes have been cherished family secrets passed down through generations, reflecting Camilia’s dedication to natural health and wellness.
Over the past 8 years, Nailah’s Shea has received recognition for its excellence. Camilia was honored as Greensboro, NC’s Minority Business-person of the Year in 2018. She was also invited to speak at eBay’s HQ Global Leadership Convention in 2019, and the business reached the top 100 in the National FedEx Grant competition. Nailah’s Shea even had the privilege of participating in the Essence Festival’s Beauty Carnival in 2019, alongside being featured on various local television networks and publications.
But success isn’t just about personal achievement for Camilia; it’s about giving back to the community. Nailah’s Shea actively supports homeless women and family shelters, offering premium products and DIY beauty care classes to empower women to pamper themselves and craft their own natural beauty products.
The philanthropic spirit extends beyond borders, with Camilia’s recent work in Ivory Coast, West Africa. There, she conducted a three-day entrepreneur master training workshop, teaching vulnerable women how to create natural shea butter-based cosmetics using local resources. The ripple effect of this initiative is “Each one teach one,” as women trained by Camilia will, in turn, empower others in their communities to become self-sufficient.
At Nailah’s Shea, our story is a testament to the power of nature, community, and a deep-rooted desire to make the world a more beautiful place, both inside and out. Join us in this journey of ethical, organic, and holistic skincare, and together, let’s embrace the beauty of nature and nurture our souls.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have the opportunity of living near both the Triad and Triangle areas of North Carolina I took the time to look up some interesting places to visit and eat in both areas!
Day 1: Raleigh (Triangle Area)
*Morning:*
– Start your trip with breakfast at The Fiction Kitchen, a vegan restaurant.
– Visit the North Carolina Museum of Art and enjoy its extensive collection of art and beautiful outdoor trails.
*Afternoon:*
– Explore Pullen Park, one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States.
– Take a stroll through the historic Oakwood neighborhood.
*Evening:*
– Dine at Mama Crow’s, a soul food restaurant with a modern twist.
**Day 2: Durham (Triangle Area)**
*Morning:*
– Head to Durham and visit the Sarah P. Duke Gardens on the Duke University campus.
– Grab coffee and a pastry at Beyu Caffe.
*Afternoon:*
– Discover the American Tobacco Historic District and its restaurants and shops.
– Tour the Duke Lemur Center for a unique experience.
*Evening:*
– Dine at Boricua Soul, a restaurant specializing in Puerto Rican and Southern fusion cuisine.
– Catch a performance at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC).
**Day 3: Chapel Hill (Triangle Area)**
*Morning:*
– Visit the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and take a tour of its beautiful campus.
– Explore the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.
*Afternoon:*
– Wander around Franklin Street for shopping and entertainment.
*Evening:*
– Dine at M Kokko, a restaurant offering Korean-inspired cuisine.
– Enjoy live music at The Cave or Local 506.
**Day 4: Greensboro (Triad Area)**
*Morning:*
– Drive to Greensboro, part of the Triad region.
– Visit the Greensboro Science Center and its zoo, aquarium, and science museum.
*Afternoon:*
– Have lunch at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, a restaurant known for its delicious soul food.
– Explore the Greensboro History Museum and learn about the city’s past.
*Evening:*
– Dine at the Painted Plate, a family-owned business offering diverse cuisine.
– Take a walk around the Greensboro Cultural Center and enjoy the local arts scene.
**Day 5: Winston-Salem (Triad Area)**
*Morning:*
– Drive to Winston-Salem.
– Visit Old Salem Museums & Gardens for a taste of colonial history.
*Afternoon:*
– Have lunch at Sweet Potatoes, a Southern-inspired restaurant.
– Explore the Reynolda House Museum of American Art and its beautiful gardens.
*Evening:*
– Dine at Miss Ora’s Kitchen, a restaurant serving up Southern comfort food.
– Enjoy a performance at the Stevens Center or take in the local music scene.
**Day 6: Greensboro (Triad Area)**
*Morning:*
– Return to Greensboro for another day of exploration.
– Visit the International Civil Rights Center & Museum.
*Afternoon:*
– Have lunch at Crafted: Art of Street Food, a family-owned business with a diverse menu.
– Take a scenic walk or bike ride along the Downtown Greenway.
*Evening:*
– Dine at Kau, a restaurant offering Asian fusion cuisine.
– Explore nightlife options in downtown Greensboro.
**Day 7: Raleigh (Triangle Area)**
*Morning:*
– Head back to Raleigh.
– Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
*Afternoon:*
– Have lunch at Soca, a Caribbean-inspired restaurant.
– Explore the historic City Market area.
*Evening:*
– Dine at Buku, an Asian fusion restaurant.
– Wrap up your trip with a night out in downtown Raleigh and entertainment venues.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to recognize that without any doubt I would not be in business today if it were not for my Creator, God. With all praise and thanks is given to God first and foremost. I would like to dedicate this shout out to all of my family and friends here in the US and abroad who have always encouraged me even when I felt I could not continue.
Website: https://nailahsshea.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailahs_shea/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilia-majette-ceo
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMQn-kvj1obrrKyA9M1SjWA/featured?view_as=subscriber
Other: https://linktr.ee/nailahsshea
Nominate Someone: undefined is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
