Meet Grace Kinda | Founder & Chief Mixer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Grace Kinda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grace, what do you attribute your success to?

An authentic and intentional desire to share the message of Iber – that you are already beautiful.

I think that people can feel and respond to this intention whenever they engage with the knowledge, products and initiatives we create.

It gives me great joy to receive feedback that our products evoke the same feeling in others as I aspire for them to, and inspires me to keep improving the quality and reach of our work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I spend most of my time learning about and developing new ingredients, testing and fine-tuning formulas, and making products by hand. You will also regularly find me displaying our collections at local neighborhood spots, festivals and markets.

As the Founder and Chief Mixer at Iber!, my role is to be the biggest champion for recognition and celebration of African knowledge, with a focus on natural body and skincare remedies.

After coming to the U.S. in 2008 it was almost impossible to find information and products which worked for my skin and hair. It was disorienting to see the beauty industry mainly catering to hair and skin needs not similar to my own.

After much experimentation, research and consulting friends with similar experiences, I discovered natural oils and butters like lavender, shea butter and Jamaican black castor oil. These products changed my relationship with my body for the better – I have not looked back since! What began seven years ago as a love of DIY-personal exploration evolved into a detailed, holistic and scientific approach to natural beauty, steeped in the knowledge of ancient African roots.

It is important to share the solutions I have found with others because I know just how much our hair and skin can impact our sense of pride and self-esteem, and wanted to celebrate that our African roots have always had the answers.

My message through this work is that “you” are already beautiful – this is what Iber! means in the Nilotic Luo language. The products and information shared is designed to help enhance the natural beauty that already exists within us.

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 would hang out on Saturdays from 11 am – 5 pm at Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center for the Ujamaa Market – support local black owned business and creatives within the historic Five Points community I would get coffee at Hooked on Colfax – great community spot for themed events, great people and atmosphere
I would walk around Santa Fe for First Fridays every month – support and engage with local artists, creatives and history

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center

Website: https://ibernaturals.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibernaturals/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibernaturals