Welcome again to the world of Kambiio! Kambiio launched in August 2021 and since our launch, we have built a small but amazing community of customers that keep coming back. This entire journey to where we are now has truly been a labor of love. I have loved connecting and hearing all your positive remarks and this excites me to do more. The support and feedback have been very instrumental with this rebrand. This change is more of a refresh than a rebrand as Kambiio's core values, ethos, mission, and vision remain the same. The main goal was to have clarity within our brand message and enhance our overall presentation as we continue to build brand recognition. There are different layers of Kambiio, and we want you to feel and experience it all. What Is Changing: Logo wordmark- We have simplified the KAMBIIO wordmark, this is our immediate presentation and visual identity. Our simplified logo aims to convey a clear message to our target audience. Introduce Icon - We introduce an icon to leverage brand visibility and allow for cohesiveness should we introduce new product lines. Tagline - Our tagline has always been “unearth your radiance” and somehow it gets lost that customers do not know that it exists. We now have this tagline on every packaging box. It was important to have this tagline visible for our customers to coincide with our brand message of inspiring radiance and confidence, empowering and elevating our customers. Arch - The arch is very symbolic and embodies the different layers of Kambiio. It is an entrance into the new or a beginning, which resonates with the meaning of Kambiio, “come alive” and then, opening the packaging box to see the beautiful African murals (Igbo Uli drawings). Uli mural is an art or graphic communication to celebrate and beautify oneself - consisting of distinctive repeated abstract designs or motifs. This is a piece of my African heritage. The arch also represents protection, strength, and support. This aligns with our brand message of bringing a conscious and exceptional skincare that feels good, does good for your skin, and elevates you. Your skin is worthy of extraordinary care, which is why we use premium ingredients, and high-performance formulas that are safe and effective to help you achieve the skin of your dreams. This is skincare for the long haul! New Label & Packaging Design - It was important to redesign our label and packaging to highlight our new branding features, conveying the story we are trying to tell and most importantly bringing the core benefits of our product to life and preparing Kambiio products for the retail shelves. Certificate Of Purchase - Kambiio is impact-led beauty. From the onset, Kambiio has been a vehicle that supports Autistic children to live a wholesome life and reach their full potential. Kambiio gives back and this mission is personal. Having a child with Autism, and giving back to the community that supports me and other families with children on the spectrum is very important. Bringing this forward, I want our customers to see themselves as changemakers and influencers in supporting the mission. For every purchase, you get a Kambiio certificate of purchase, meaning a portion of your purchase supports Autism Services of Saskatoon and we appreciate your support. I believe that these changes capture the essence of who we are and what matters to us and I hope this resonates with you. I want you to get excited about using Kambiio skincare products like never before. Thank you so much for being on this journey with me. I will love to hear your thoughts on our new look. Send us a message at info@kambiio.com Maryann x
I took the leap from being an employee to a founder with the determination to succeed. Throughout this journey, I have been inspired and empowered by trail-blazing women in various fields. I am continually impressed by the resourcefulness and grit displayed by these women. It has been very fulfilling to bring KAMBIIO skincare to you and I’m fully committed to realizing our vision and mission. I hope that I continue to earn your support. International Women’s Day (IWD) is marked globally on the 8th of March to raise awareness and promote women’s rights and celebrate women’s achievements. It is also a special day for me to reflect on my own ideas, my journey as a woman, a mother, and now as an entrepreneur. The theme for IWD 2022 is #BreakTheBias; calling out gender bias that oppresses women in our communities, families, workplaces, schools, and organizations. Sometimes, gender bias may become so invisible because we have been living it for such a long time. A day like this reminds us to continue to advocate on employment discrimination, access to education, unequal pay, legal injustice, sexual and reproductive rights, gender-based violence, and gender stereotypes. Bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. It also prevents socio-economic growth and sustainable development. In honor of IWD 2022, I wish to highlight and celebrate both past and present women who have shown resilience and triumph in their various fields. WOMEN WHO INSPIRE: “One person can make the difference” – Wangari Maathai (1940 - 2011) Born in Kenya, Wangari Maathai is recognized for her contributions and the persistent struggle for environmental conservation via her Green Belt Movement which is focused on planting trees for sustainable development. She made significant contributions advocating for women's rights, breaking the bias against gender roles even when her activities were regarded as subversive. She was actively involved in village affairs, creating jobs for local women around Kenya and promoting a healthy environment, democracy and peace. She was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Admirable trait: Outspokenness “Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood”- Marie Curie (1867 - 1934) Polish-born French physicist; Marie Curie is one of the remarkable women in science that you get to read about and remember her name in any exams at elementary school. She overcame adversity in her home country before heading to France to study. She is recognized for her groundbreaking work on radioactivity and the identification of two radioactive elements, radium, and polonium. Her work paved the way for the use of radiation in medicine. Unfortunately, she suffered from “radiation” sickness as a result of exposure to radioactive elements. Literature research indicates that regardless of gender-based bias and discrimination (being a woman in a male-dominated career, an immigrant, or campaigning funds for her research) she remained fully committed to her passion. She was the first person to win the Nobel Prize twice in Physics and Chemistry respectively. Her achievements shatter gender-based stereotypes and promote gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related fields. Admirable trait: Brave “Your feminist premise should be: I matter. I matter equally” – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (1977- present) Chimamanda Adichie is a renowned Nigerian author of award-winning and best-selling novels including ‘’Purple Hibiscus’’ and ‘’Half of a Yellow Sun’’. Feminism is one of the areas that Chimamanda Adichie feels strongly about. She believes women should not “shrink” themselves because they are women and should be allowed to be many things! “We should all be Feminists” and “Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminists Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions”, her non-fiction books delve into gender inequality, gender-based discrimination, gender stereotypes, and different perspective on gender roles in the twenty-first century. She is a driving force and inimitable inspiration for women to become feminists. In her words, a feminist is a person who believes in the social-political and economic equality of the sexes. A man or woman who says ‘Yes there’s a problem with gender as it is today and we must fix it. We must do better.” She is a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship. Admirable trait: Bold ‘’We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced’’- Malala Yousafzai (1997- present) Pakistani activist for female education, Malala Yousafzai was the young girl in 2012 who the Taliban attempted to assassinate on her way back from school following an order in Mingora that no girl was allowed to go to school when the Taliban took control of her hometown. Malala defies traditions that suppress women and spoke out publicly about education rights for girls. She established the Malala Fund, a charity to help economically disadvantaged girls to receive a quality education. She continues to speak on women's rights such as gender discrimination and child marriage. She is the youngest Nobel laureate ever, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17. Malala is the shero for the right of all children to education. Admirable Trait: Self-Confidence “If nothing else, I want women to understand that they are powerful” - Liya Kebede (1978 - present) Liya Kebede, is an Ethiopian-born model, businesswoman, actress, and maternal health advocate. From humble beginnings, she faced discrimination earlier on in her career, due to the color of her skin but she persevered. She has modeled for notable fashion brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and covered various magazines such as Paris Vogue, Vogue Italia, and Harper’s Bazaar US. However, Liya is just not a pretty face. She founded a sustainable fashion brand, LemLem alongside LemLem Foundation which funds women artisans' design and production training for job opportunities in Africa. As a goodwill ambassador for the World Health Organization on maternal, newborn, and child health, Liya devotes her time to campaigning for women's issues in developing countries, ensuring that women and children’s deaths no longer go “unnoticed and unchallenged”. She also founded the Liya Kedebe Foundation, a charity on a mission to reduce maternal, newborn, and child mortality in Ethiopia and around the world. She is the first woman of color to represent the Estee Lauder brand. Admirable trait: Perseverance “The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence”- Beyonce Knowles-Carter(1981- present) “Modern-day feminist”, Beyonce, also known as Queen Bey is a Grammy award-winning singer and businesswoman with record-breaking success. She is one of the most influential pop-artist with chart-popping albums. She uses her music and platform to promote and empower women. This can be clearly seen in her music video “Lemonade” “Freedom” and “Flawless”. She is a strong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. Via her BeyGood foundation, she supports the Black Lives Matter movement and black-owned small businesses. She is a role model for women to be fierce and run their world. Admirable trait: Unapologetic “I’m not here to sell. I also want to teach” - Oyeta Kokoroko (1990 - present) Oyeta Kokoroko is a cosmetic formulator, businesswoman, and the founder and CEO of Okoko Cosmetiques, an award-winning, luxury and high-performance natural skincare brand in Canada. Born in Togo and moved to Canada at the age of five, Oyeta has carved a niche for herself in the green/clean beauty industry. With sheer determination and resilience, has created a successful business with Okoko. Following the continuous success of Okoko Cosmetiques, she launched the Okoko House of Brands as an avenue to mentor and coach aspiring indie founders. Oyeta is a prime example of a woman who supports other women by using her knowledge to help others. She promotes diversity and invests in women for her business. She is an absolute inspiration for young, hard-working entrepreneurs. Admirable trait: Tenacious “I think that we will come out on top as women, as people of color, as Muslims, as transgender people, as people who are part of the disabled community - I think that we’ll come out on top” - Ibtihaj Muhammad (1985 -present) Ibtihaj Muhammad is an American sabre fencer, 2016 Olympic medalist, and trailblazer for Muslim women in sports. She became the first US athlete to wear a hijab while competing at the Olympic games. It wasn’t always rosy for Muhammad, as she faced several challenges including racism as a black and Muslim woman in the sport. She defies the odds, breaking barriers and stereotypes to excel in her field. Asides from fencing, she owns a modest clothing line, Louella. She also had a barbie-doll modeled in her likeness by a leading global toy company, Mattel. An activist, author, and entrepreneur, Muhammad is an ambassador with the U.S Department of State on empowering women and girls through sports initiatives as well as promoting diversity, equality that inspires a positive change on social causes. Admirable trait: Unswerving Simple ways to join the IWD movement Fundraise/ donate to a female-focused charity organization Elevate visibility for female-led businesses. For example; shine a spotlight on your social media channels Partner and collaborate with women-owned businesses that align with you or your business Host/Coordinate events and activities that highlight women's issues Spread the achievement/s of any female you know Launch an initiative or passion project that empowers women Buy from a female-led business Champion women in STEM and innovation Now and beyond, allow inclusive work cultures that ensure women thrive Support SHEROS who remain unsilenced, forging positive changes for women's rights and women's health Talk to a child about inclusion, diversity, and gender equality Join the movement, by sharing the IWD 2022 campaign theme #BreakTheBias Happy International Women’s Day! Maryann
Read our latest interview with Noa Nichol from Vancouver-based lifestyle magazine, Vitadaily. See extract : Hello Maryann! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start. I’m the founder of Kambiio Skincare. I moved from Ireland to Saskatchewan in 2018. I knew it is cold over here but didn’t imagine how brutal the winters would be. I was pregnant at the time and my skin became sensitive and suffered from excessive dryness due to environmental and hormonal changes. My background is in pharmaceutical science with drug quality assurance and regulations. Once, I had my baby, I started looking out for pharmaceutical jobs but it was difficult to find one in my locality. I finally got into the cannabis industry. It was a new and exciting industry with loads to offer. I was in a new country, a new job and I just thought I will learn something new! I enrolled in skin-care formulation courses. I always had an interest in skin care but the problem was I approached it with overconsumption. Previously, I would use a dozen of products at once and suffer from burning sensations and irritations here and there. I was so attracted to gigantic marketing product names rather than the product ingredient lists. It was a turning point for me to have a better understanding of the products I was consuming. You can imagine when a brand says they used a certain technology or complex, they trademark a name and you find out it is in fact an in-house blend of a couple of essentials oils or where a minuscule amount of a hyped ingredient has been added only for the purposes of marketing. It definitely felt good to be experimenting and creating products for myself that suited my own skin needs. Aside from skin care, I enjoy travelling, fashion and interiors. I love reading self-development books. My all-time favourite is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. I love anything that involves researching or investigating. I feel they all bring certain elements to Kambiio. When and why did you launch Kambiio? What niche in the beauty/skin-care realm were/are you aiming to fill? A couple of years ago living in Ireland, my sister and I would discuss how we can import cosmetic products to Ireland. My sister is very much into makeup, but finding the right products that suited brown skin was very difficult at that time. A lot of the new product launches would happen in the U.S. and it’s a pain to get them over to Ireland. This was the pain for a lot of people really and we would always talk about having an outlet where we can import these products and sell them. We talked about it but didn’t have the money and time to progress with the idea. That was the first time I thought about venturing into the cosmetics world. I thought about creating cosmetics a few times but I always pictured it like pharmaceutical manufacturing/production plants, with big mixers, bioreactors and multi-unit operations. I didn’t think it was practicable. In the middle of studying organic skin-care formulation, I started to think I could actually do this. My primary skin-care concern is sensitivity and dryness. I wanted to bring back lustre to my skin and maintain a healthy skin barrier. The foundation of Kambiio started in the winter of 2019. A lot of groundwork was put in right in the middle of the pandemic in 2020 and we finally launched this summer, 2021. I wanted to bring products that were without the fluff, without fillers, without the marketing gimmicks. I also wanted an empowering connection with the products that I use. I discovered the benefits of African botanicals and unrefined ingredients, and you will always find them in our formulations. What products do you currently offer, and what makes them unique? We currently have two products: our Kambiio Excel Radiance Oil Serum ($115) and Kambiio Dreamer Refining Oil Serum ($110). Everything about these two products is unique. From the blend of premium nutrient-dense botanicals, result-driven formulae, to our essence as a brand, our ethos and our distinctive packaging. We champion rich African botanicals as well as virgin, unrefined ingredients in our formulation to deliver valuable phytonutrients with compelling benefits for the skin. Our main focus is promoting optimal skin vitality and radiance with the beauty that nature has given. Our current products are without fragrance and essential oils, which a lot of people with sensitized skin appreciate. When we overload our skin by combining too many actives, too many products, or have adverse reactions from certain ingredients, products like the Excel serum will help nourish, protect and fortify the skin barrier. The mild scent of the products is all from raw organic virgin/unrefined ingredients. Quality assurance is very important for me. We ensure our products are made without compromise, in an environment that is compliant with good manufacturing practice (GMP). Our products are also third-party tested for heavy metals and other quality parameters. Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic and antimony present significant toxic properties and are more likely to find themselves as impurities in natural skin-care products because they are naturally occurring in the environment and are also likely present in pesticides and fertilizers used for cultivating. These metals have to be within the acceptable limits in cosmetic products. Even though we fall under the “clean and natural skin care” umbrella, we predominantly use the term “conscious”. For us, being conscious is knowing that each product has been created with intention, the awareness of our skin, the type of ingredients we use, our formulation, production and packaging process; the decisions we make, what we do and why it matters. Tell us about the African connection, through your company name, botanical ingredients and gorgeous packaging! I wanted to go back to my roots on this one. It is was something that was authentic for me. Africa is written all over the brand in subtle ways. The name Kambiio is culled from the word Kambiri, which means to come alive in the Igbo language. Igbo is a large ethnic group in Western Africa. There is a particular Igbo way of speaking where they add “o” at the end of a sentence. That is how Kambiio came about. Part of our DNA is distinctive patterns inspired by African Uli murals. Uli designs are decorative abstract lines and curves used years ago to beautify the skin and body, drawing attention to one’s best features. It is used to restore or give an identity not just on the body but on properties such as walls, fences, pots, and textiles. It is also worn when celebrating festive occasions. Uli is comparable to modern-day tattoos. People admire the beauty and uniqueness of these designs. In ancient Egypt and some other parts of Africa and Indian cultures, we see the use of henna. Henna is still used today to beautify the skin of a bride on her wedding day. We harness luxurious botanicals from the rich soil of Africa, like Marula, Baobab, Moringa and Kalahari melon. I am also working with other rich and sumptuous African botanical extracts for future products. These indigenous plant botanicals have been tried and tested for many years because of their skin-benefitting properties. They are rich in antioxidants with restoring and anti-inflammatory properties. They are very valuable for radiance focus formulations because they are excellent for premature aging, moisture-retention, rejuvenation, and hyperpigmentation skin care. They are ideal for all skin types including dry and sensitive skin. A very popular African ingredient is Shea butter and it is loved by so many as well. The efficacy of these botanicals speak for themselves. Every precious drop of our products delivers optimal phytonutrients that revive the natural radiance of the skin. I thought at the time, working in the cannabis industry, maybe I would venture into a CBD-infused skin-care brand. Coming from a science background, you have to look at historical data on the use of these ingredients, scientific understanding of phytochemistry to connect the dots and see the value of African botanicals. With all that being said, Kambiio is simply an expression of restoration, beauty and radiance. Your product names certainly are empowering; tell us about the process of coming up with those, and how they reflect your brand/beauty philosophy! It took a while to figure out the right names for the products. I made a couple of changes before settling for Excel and Dreamer. I wanted the names to be elevating and also reflect the description of the product. A couple of months prior to this time, my little boy was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A lot was happening at the same time. My co-operate job was at stake due to the time I had to attribute to appointments and early intervention programs. At that point, I knew that Kambiio had to be more. I immersed myself completely when I had to work on Kambiio. I wanted a positive feeling to hold on to. I wanted self-appreciation and reflection that allow me to be present. I wanted to go out there knowing I will excel each morning regardless of what the day brings. I wanted to continue to dream with purpose with an attitude of gratitude. This for me is my wellness pursuit. Skin care is important but the care of self is crucial for our wellbeing. Our entire brand philosophy is created with intention. This is intentional and I hope that others feel empowered in one way or the other. In that little time when you apply your skin-care products, that self-touch when you stand in front of the mirror, you have the power to transform not just your skin but your state of mind, too. What new launches from Kambiio can we look forward to next?! There is a lot in stock for Kambiio. I’m currently in the research and development phase for a couple of products. It is too early to know what product, in particular, will be launched next. I am going to key into post-market reports, reviews, and feedback of our current products and see where these lead in terms of new product launches. There is a lot of interest in the Excel Radiance Oil Serum. I presume a Radiance Hydra Serum or Elixir may possibly be the next product launch. Definitely follow our social media pages to know when we have news on product launches! For me, every aspect of Kambiio must be created with intention. It is always a conscious approach. Please take us through your personal Kambiio skin regime! I use the Excel Radiance Serum for my a.m routine and the Dreamer Refining Serum for my p.m routine. This gives me the optimal balance for my own skin needs. The Excel is also amazing for my hair, cuticle and lip care while the Dreamer makes a good makeup remover. I do mix a few drops of the Radiance Serum with a loose highlighter to create a light shimmering veil, highlighting the top of my cheeks and the bridge of my nose, especially on no-makeup days (basically me every day ). Beyond skin care, every Kambiio product presents an opportunity to elevate your routine. A time to care for skin, care for self and embrace your inner radiance. Full Interview available: https://vitadaily.ca/2021/10/07/saskatchewan-made-skin-care-with-african-roots
