A baby is born – Part 1 (How it all started)

Twelve years ago, heavily expectant with my firstborn, I found myself frantically searching for safe skincare products. I wanted only the best for my baby— a first-time mom dreams 🙂 – I was looking for the purest and most gentle baby products. But what I found in stores left me anxious.

With a background in biochemistry, I couldn’t help but scrutinize every ingredient label. Many of the so-called “baby-safe” products were filled with harsh chemicals I couldn’t trust. Around that time, a major baby care brand made headlines for recalling its products due to harmful effects on mothers and infants. It was deeply upsetting—and it became a turning point for me.

That experience sparked a personal mission: to find truly safe and nourishing skincare for my newborn and myself. As I dug into scientific research, I discovered a recurring recommendation—natural, organic ingredients as the safest and most beneficial option for delicate skin.

That phrase stuck with me: “feed the skin.”
I had never thought of skincare that way before. But now, it made perfect sense. Just like we nourish our bodies with good food, our skin, too, deserves to be fed with pure, nutrient-rich care.

I didn’t have time to waste—my baby was almost here. I had to find something safe and natural fast. Then, in what felt like divine timing, I heard about someone in my neighborhood selling raw East African shea butter. She happened to be a relative, and our conversation was the beginning of something bigger than either of us knew.

Shea butter became my first trusted skincare product. Pure, unrefined, and deeply nourishing. I used it on my newborn’s skin from the very start—and on mine too. It brought peace of mind knowing I had something truly safe to nourish and protect us both.

That simple beginning—one mother’s urgent search for safety—laid the foundation for Crystal Shea. Today, we continue that mission: offering clean, natural skincare made with love, backed by science, and safe for the whole family.

To be continued….

With love,
Karen Mungai
Founder & CEO, Crystal Shea