Edgardo Toledo
Whether you have a seasoned skincare routine or are just starting to get behind one, self-care seems like it’s a trend that’s here to stay. The market is exploding, and people now have countless product choices to add to their beauty stash, from ingestible collagen shots to charcoal face cleansers. But, with big brands cranking these products out in factories, there is no telling what ingredients are actually in your favorite product. There is a solution: shop local!
Business owner Shumeka of Mekumi Bath knows that what you put into your business from energy to ingredients is what really counts. She believes looking good on the outside should correlate with actually taking care of yourself to feel good on the inside. So her business is not only sustainable and ethical in terms of product but in terms of mission. Shumeka has always been a creative go-getter and put in hard work in everything she has done, even from a young age!
“Consistency plus desire equals success! When I’m consistent with the things I’m passionate about, I see huge results! And for me, results spark even more passion.”
“I have definitely always been a business-minded person! In middle school, I asked my mom for a sewing machine for Christmas, and immediately started making pillows to sell at school,” she shares about her early days of entrepreneurship. For her next venture, Shumeka also sold delicious homemade cookies in high school, waking up as early as 3AM to bake using a dough recipe of her own creation. These dedicated experiences prepared Shumeka to find her true calling, creating Mekumi Bath.
Unfortunately, Mekumi Bath was born out of a tragic time in Meka’s life. But, every cloud has a silver lining and Shumeka came out of her experience with so much added value. Experiencing postpartum depression after giving birth to her daughter, Meka found much-needed comfort in taking long showers that physically soothed her and miraculously helped wash stress and sadness away. This gave her an idea: what started as an unassuming bath time turned into a relaxing daily ritual that took on a life of its own. She was eager to share her newfound comfort with new mothers, and people in need of self-care in general.
“My essence. There’s only one me! My products are infused with my essence, my energy, me!”
Meka’s soaps are immaculately made, beautiful, and come in colors that resemble a kaleidoscopic cosmos. And not only that, but because she sees the human body as a temple that needs the ultimate care, she only uses natural and organic ingredients to make her products. “I would whip up my own shea butter and essential oils to rub on my own body and just felt good afterward. I wanted to share this feeling with others, so I began to make products and would gift them to my friends. Eventually, it turned into a business!” she says.
Above all, Shumeka is true to herself and the integrity of her brand. In this burgeoning industry, she is confident and knows the most important thing that separates her from the rest of the pack. “My essence. There’s only one me! My products are infused with my essence, my energy, me!” When you support local and shop on Lemi, you are truly giving opportunities to a real person with passion, like Meka. Meka shares that she can still remember the sheer excitement of her first-ever purchase and doing a happy dance. She continues the happy dance tradition with each sale to keep the positive vibes flowing.
Even though there are days when self-doubt can creep in, Shumeka tackles it head-on and embraces her blessings. She practices positive self-affirming talk and keeps a support network of other entrepreneurs that share similar dreams or ambitions. The beauty world is constantly evolving, and Meka is staying true to herself, her ingredients, and her brand every step of the way. She knows that “Consistency plus desire equals success! When I’m consistent with the things I’m passionate about, I see huge results! And for me, results spark even more passion.”
Follow Mekumi Bath, or make a purchase on Lemi to support this wonderful entrepreneur!