It’s the first week of the last month of the year, and it seems now is as good a time as any for us to reflect on the past five years of being in cosmetic formulation and creation. As we celebrate five incredible years of Earthly Q Personal Care, we are filled with gratitude for the journey that has brought us here. What began as a simple dream to create natural, effective personal care products has blossomed into a brand that empowers individuals with information and celebrates the characteristics of African hair and skin.
A Journey Rooted in Nature and Heritage
Every Earthly Q product is thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of African and hair and melanated skin, providing hydration, nourishment, and protection.
Our mission has been clear from day one: to craft high-quality products using carefully selected natural ingredients. Ingredients like aloe vera, lavender, castor oil, and juniper berries are botanical treasures that are known for their powerful benefits for skin and hair. Organic and naturally derived ingredients have been and continue to be the foundation of our skin and hair care formulations.
Our South African heritage has been a guiding force in everything we do. From sourcing locally to supporting small-scale farmers, we’ve worked tirelessly to celebrate and uplift the beauty of our community. This commitment to our roots has allowed us to create a brand that resonates deeply with our customers and honours the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa.
Sustainability at the Heart of Growth
Over the past five years, we’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to sustainability. As a small business, we understand the importance of making choices that are kind to the planet now. We are not waiting until we manufacture a million products only to have millions more in outstanding climate debt. We don’t believe that being a small-scale producer reduces the importance of sustainability. From eco-friendly packaging to ethical ingredient sourcing, every decision we make reflects our dedication to affordable organic skin and hair care products with a minimal environmental footprint.
Our goal has always been to create products that not only care for our customers’ skin and hair, but we are also committed to contributing to a healthier, more sustainable world. Seeing our customers embrace these values has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our journey.
Milestones That Inspire Us
Looking back, we’re proud of how far we’ve come and the milestones that have defined our journey:
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- Acquisition of Land and Pilot Manufacturing Facility: One of our proudest achievements has been securing land and establishing our pilot manufacturing facility in rural KwaZulu-Natal. This space has been instrumental in scaling our production and turning our vision into reality, allowing us to craft products that meet the highest standards of quality and care.
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- Product Range Expansion: What began as a single product idea has grown into a full line of skincare and haircare solutions tailored specifically to Afro-textured hair and melanated skin. This evolution reflects our commitment to meeting the unique needs of our customers.
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- Community Impact: Through partnerships with local farmers and by supporting job creation in rural KwaZulu-Natal, we’ve ensured that our growth directly benefits the communities that inspire us. Empowering others remains at the heart of everything we do.
- Customer Feedback: WE LOVE HEARING FROM OUR CUSTOMERS! Hearing from customers who share how our products have transformed their self-care routine is a constant reminder of why we do what we do. Your feedback fuels our drive to innovate and improve.
- Sustainability Wins: Implementing eco-friendly practices, including the use of sustainable packaging and ethical ingredient sourcing, has been a vital part of our journey. These efforts reflect our dedication to caring for the planet as much as we care for our customers.
Challenges That Shaped Us
Like any growing business, Earthly Q has faced its share of challenges. From navigating supply chain disruptions, adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic, to addressing gaps caused by lack of documentation and broken or non-existent systems, each obstacle has been a lesson in resilience. These experiences have strengthened our resolve to improve our operations, refine our processes, and keep pushing forward.
The Road Ahead
As we reflect on our journey, we’re also excited about what the future holds. Our vision is to continue innovating, expanding our product line, and reaching more people who value natural, effective personal care solutions. We’re committed to staying true to our roots, celebrating the beauty of South Africa, and growing sustainably.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Story
Earthly Q wouldn’t be where it is today without you—our loyal customers, supporters, and advocates. Your love for our products and belief in our mission fuel our passion every day. Here’s to the next five years of growth, sustainability, and celebrating natural beauty together.
From us at Earthly Q, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Let’s keep growing, glowing, and thriving—naturally. 🌿