We share entrepreneurial stories to inspire great ideas...
Debbie Van Grieken
Debbie van Grieken is a mother of 5 sons and after a Melanoma diagnosis and treatment that required surgery she began looking for Natural alternatives to skin care for herself and her family. With a passion for Fair Trade and a desire to help others Debbie launched her Brand Moyaa Shea Products in 2016. Debbie lives in Lowbanks with her husband and enjoys playdates with her 2 grandsons. Connect with Debbie www.moyaasheabutter.com
Join us for a live and unscripted interview with Debbie Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real and
if you’re on the move here is the podcast.
Encore discussion, join us for a live and unscripted interview with Debbie
Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real and if you’re on the move here is the podcast.
Spreading the Shea Butter Love, Debbie vanGrieken
- Contributed By: Debbie Van Grieken
Tell us a little something about your business...
As a social enterprise Moyaa is committed to producing the highest quality of Premium Organic, Grade A, Shea Butter and Shea products. These all-natural products help people dealing with skin issues, from simple dryness to painful eczema and common skin irritations. Using the framework of Fair Trade and introducing a zero-waste program Moyaa strives to transform the lives of people in Uganda by ending the cycle of dependency for the Shea farmers and their families. Thinking Globally and acting locally is very important so Moyaa gives back in many ways. Moyaa sponsors girls education through their social impact program which has helped girls to attend school in developing countries. Many children in our own community struggle to have the tools available to succeed in school so Moyaa supports Open Arms Mission and provides filled back-packs to children in need. Moyaa has supported re-seeding programs and practices environmental stewardship both locally and in Uganda. Moyaa recently completed a project in Uganda and purchased a Charcoal Machine provides 30 women immediate employment and income and prevents deforestation by using technology that converts agriculture waste into charcoal for cooking. This initiative aligns with the triple bottom line business model of People, Planet and Sustainability. Debbie personally travels to Uganda to work directly with the farmers and to ensure to integrity of her supply chain.
When was your lightbulb moment?
After recovering from melanoma surgery Debbie discovered Shea Butter through a group of missionaries. and saw an opportunity to align her values with actions and made the decision to travel to Uganda. After meeting with the women and families that make the Shea Butter Debbie knew that bringing this amazing product to the global marketplace could benefit both the consumers and the producers.
What are your three words of advice?
Build Community – Alone you can go fast but together you can go far
Choose collaboration over competition there is enough to go around and together you can create something amazing.
Ask for help- it will save you so much in the end.
Three words of advice...
Passion . Commitment. Deliver
Debbie van Grieken is a mother of 5 sons and after a Melanoma diagnosis and treatment that required surgery she began looking for Natural alternatives to skin care for herself and her family. With a passion for Fair Trade and a desire to help others Debbie launched her Brand Moyaa Shea Products in 2016. Debbie lives in Lowbanks with her husband and enjoys playdates with her 2 grandsons. Connect with Debbie www.moyaasheabutter.com
Join us for a live and unscripted interview with Debbie Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real and
if you’re on the move here is the podcast.
Encore discussion, join us for a live and unscripted interview with Debbie
Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real and if you’re on the move here is the podcast.
“May your legacy create a footprint of success for the next person who steps into your shoes”