Sisters Supporting Sisters: Sakile

Sister’s Supporting Sisters is dedicated to women of color living out their entrepreneurial dreams. Sister’s Supporting Sisters was started due to a lack of outlets to feature the immense talent and creativity of women of color. It is important for women of color to be more supportive of one another in business and life in general. A strong network of relationships amongst minority women would definitely help make the climb to the top a little bit easier – especially if they just happen to be going after the same dreams. Honestly there is enough money for everyone to do their thing and still be supportive at the same time. This month’s installment of Sister’s Supporting Sisters highlights Karen Peters the founder of Sakile.

The Sister to Support: Karen Peters
Name of Business, Website, or Service: www.sakile.com

Clutch: Tell us about Sakile? Sakile is an all natural body care company that features ingredients that are indigenous to the Continent of Africa such as watermelon seed oil, baobab fruit seed oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe vera, etc. What sets us apart from the thousands of other natural body care companies is that we make our products fresh, we don’t stock pile, or order ready made body care items and simply stick our label on them. We make everything ourselves, so we take pride in our products. Our hearts and souls are in them. We use recyclable containers and we use nothing synthetic – no synthetic fragrances, no fillers, no dyes or colorants, parabens, harsh preservatives, or anything else that is known to cause irritations, allergic reactions, or even cancer. Also, our product labels have African proverbs on them, and our baby care line has something that no other NATURAL baby care line has and that is an image of a baby of color.

Clutch: What’s the story behind the name? SAKILE is an African word that means “peace and beauty.” I wanted a name that described our concept, our philosophy, our mode of operation, everything we are and how we do things, and all in one word. As I flipped through the pages of an African name book, I landed on a page with the word “sakilé.’ Because the inspiration for the company was given to me during my internship to Africa, I was compelled to choose a name that is African.

Clutch: Who’s behind Sakile? Three graduate students were selected to participate in this particular research project: myself, Seseni Nu, and Tiffany Jackson-Tucker. During our time there, we didn’t have access to television, radio, or any other distraction. We simply had the quietness to allow the Creator’s will to move through, and each of us added something to the vision. It was truly a life changing experience and opportunity.

Clutch: What made you decide to start Sakile? God

Clutch: What type of products do you offer? We have products for men, women and our baby care line is Honey B.U.N.S. (Babies Use No Synthetics)

Clutch: What has been your biggest challenge in starting Sakile? The biggest challenge has been in getting us to buy into the natural genre. What I mean is, many of us still would rather buy from the big bath and body companies known for their intense fragrances. We prize aroma, but the truth is, those products are made with water and synthetic oils, fragrances, preservatives, and fillers. Our products are natural which means better for our bodies and better for the environment. They do not have the extremely intense fragrances that the bigger companies can offer, but one of our philosophical thrusts is that we prize health more than we do smelling good : ).

Clutch: We have noticed a sprout in African American women with beauty and skincare lines. Beside Sakile, who are some of your favorites? I like Ebene Naturals out of Miami, KenyaJordana out of Atlanta, JaimieEarl out of New York, and Carol’s Daughter out of New York.

Clutch: What’s your favorite product in your line? This is a hard one. I offer a scrub at the store that I haven’t made available online, but it makes my skin like silk and it’s the Ginger Peppermint Sea Salt Polish. I also love all of our Fulani candles.

Clutch: What advice would you give someone who wants to start a business? Be persistent. If it’s something that’s in your heart to do, you must pursue it and follow through. Most importantly, pass on what you learn to someone else. Keep the blessings flowing.

Clutch: What do you think the biggest mistake or misconception women make when starting a business? I think the biggest misconception is thinking too small, thinking that it can’t be done, thinking that our businesses should remain “side hustles.”

Clutch: Do you have any advice to women contemplating or who has just started a business? An older gentleman told me a few weeks ago to “prime the pump.” I didn’t’ know what he meant, but I learned that it means to give out what you have. Share of it. Don’t be afraid to give away your “secrets.” Your blessings will return in abundance.

Clutch: Do you plan on expanding your line? It’s expanding as we speak!!! I am creating the men’s line and the teen’s line. I am also working on our pure fumes. We plan to launch all three before the holiday season.