Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariam Diallo-Bah.
Mariam, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started making natural skincare products in 2014 out of a need for something that would be gentler, and healthier for my sensitive skin. When I first began, I was only making soaps. When I saw the difference in my skin, I wanted to learn and make other products. From then on I knew I was not going back to using the products that caused my skin so many issues.
I was working as a Medical Assistant for Naturopathic Doctors where I learned about essential oils, and other holistic products. Though I spent a good part of my early life eating and using mainly organic foods, and herbs, this experience working in a Naturopathic setting was a big part of what brought me back to my roots.
My journey began back in 2013 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Being on the Island surrounded by nature’s beauty, I felt like I was home for the first since I left my home in West Africa. I loved hiking, going to the beach, and the inspiration I felt to be creative again.
When my family and I left Hawaii in 2015, it was hard for us all because we all fell in love with the place. When I decided that natural skincare was going to be a business I’d get into, I wanted every person I interacted with in my business to feel the same love I felt for Hawaii. I knew immediately that “Aloha” had to be part of my business name because I truly felt its true meaning: love, acceptance, inclusion, friendship and much more.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not all been smooth sailing as much as I have loved every step of the journey. When I first started Pure Aloha Beauty I had no money dedicated to starting a business, but I had a vision so, I knew nothing would stop me from making it happen. Once the business got more established I wanted a brick and mortar store but, once again found out that it would take way more money than I could afford at the time. I quickly realized that I had to get very creative because I wasn’t going to give up my dream of having a store.
At the end of 2020 amid the pandemic, I started refocusing and researching ways I could make my store a reality. By the beginning of 2021 I purchased a new trailer that I planned to build into my dream boutique. The trailer is customized with lighting, and other electrical equipment to allow me to the comforts of a regular store.
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In March of 2021, I finally got my trailer and immediately got to work customizing the inside, doing much of it myself, and with the help of friends since I couldn’t afford to pay someone to do it for me.
I am now the proud owner of the first mobile skincare boutique in San Antonio Texas. I am grateful that I didn’t give up, but instead decided to think outside the box.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Pure Aloha specializes in making natural bath and beauty products as close to nature as possible, we use natural, mainly plant based oils, essential oils, and botanicals to craft our products. Our products range from lip care, facial care, hair care, body care, and bath accessories. What sets us apart from others is our love for creativity, and uniqueness. I am always looking for ways to be different from others, that’s how Luna, our Mobile boutique came about.
I have always had the urge to create all the time, I love working with my hands and creating something that no one has seen before. There’s so much beauty in being unique, one of a kind. My whole life I’ve had a hard time fitting in because I am socially awkward, but now more than ever I see the beauty in that, and tend to get pulled towards everything that is different, unique, or unusual.
I am definitely proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone, and following my intuition even when it seemed scary. If I hadn’t, Luna wouldn’t exist. Every event we attend with Luna, we hear at least two people say how inspired they feel, what a cool idea it is, and how they’d love to do something like that.
Part of the goal for Pure Aloha is to inspire others like us to follow their dreams, to not let fear or outside noises stop them from finding out what they are capable of. A lot of times people who may even be well meaning will tell us all the reasons why it is not possible or easy, but we know ourselves better than anyone. Impossible for one person does not mean impossible
for you.
Pricing:
- Our best selling facial serum $16
- Our second beat selling Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo Bar $8.50
- Our Customer favorite lip balms $4.50
- Our customer favorite Rose Face Cream $14
- Our customer favorite Rose Face Toner $14.00
Contact Info:
- Email: mariam@purealohabathandbeauty.com
- Website: www.Purealohabathandbeauty.Com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.Com/purealohabathandbeauty
- Facebook: www.Facebook.Com/purealohabeauty
Image Credits:
Daniel Lockwood
