Nena's Organics is one of my favorite brands ever!
In 2017, Nena Addison, created her amazing brand Nena's Organics. She wanted to create a product that would resolve eczema, something that she had dealt with since she was 3 years old.
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections. Itchy skin is the most common symptom of eczema. There are seven different types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis. More than 31 million Americans have some form of eczema. Eczema can begin during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood – and it can range from mild to severe. Newborn babies can experience eczema within the first weeks and months after birth. Young children with eczema can experience patches of skin that are extremely dry; itchy skin that can lead to blisters and skin infections due to excessive scratching. Adults can also experience eczema and adult eczema is most commonly developed when someone is in their 20s or over the age of 50. [Source: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/]
Nena describes her brand as "Plant, Powered, Healing!" It is a universal brand designed for all. The first product she launched was her Ex Balm, created to specifically resolve eczema and psoriasis without taking prescription medication. She prides her brand for not having any preservatives in it. This is important, especially for black skin, because preservatives are toxic and cause more damage than the products they are actually contained in.
Before creating Nena's Organics, Nena served as a paralegal/contract administrator. Although her business was started in 2017, she decided to take on her business full-time in 2019 during a pop-up shop at the Culver City Farmer's Market. Since then her best-seller has became her Moist Locs Leave In Conditioner product. This product is definitely a fan favorite at my salon! I use it on my clients right before their blow-dry. It serves as a heat protector and keeps the hair moisturized after the blow-dry, making it braid ready. Before creating any of her products Nena makes an extensive effort to research the plants and essential oils needed to resolve an issue, instead of mixing just anything together. Her knowledge for essential oils and plants have set her apart from her competitors.
Nena's Organics carries products in the cleansing, healing, massage oils, sanitizers, tincture, facial care, body spritz, hair care, tea, moss & beverages, toiletries, and "For Men" categories.
Q: Hey Nena, is it true that your products were initially created to treat skin issues. What made you step into the hair care lane? A: True, I couldn't find any products that didn't contain harmful preservatives or water which requires a preservative.
Although one of Nena's most difficult challenges with building her brand has been building capital, she still keeps God and her faith first. So much that she is currently in talks with a major retailer to carry her brand. [Yay! Nena!]
Advice she gives to anyone looking to start their own product brand is to research and be patient.
Nena prides herself on collaborating, she has created partnerships with Sade Styles: Beauty Supply & Braid Lounge, Naza Locs, Michelle Daniels Studio and Hair by Tamari. In 5 years she sees her products being available world wide!
"My own journey to finding and maintaining healthy skin has given me insight to the many challenges one encounters which leads me to have empathy, respect, and compassion for others." - Nena Addison
Currently you can purchase her products at www.nenasorganics.com, Afro City Market Place (Crenshaw Mall), Sade Styles:Beauty Supply & Braid Lounge, and Naza Locs. She can also be found via Instagram- @nenas_organics.
Thanks for reading! Be sure to support local businesses as they work really hard and put so much time in their brands.
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