Monday, November 22, 2010

WuChi by Maks- Wins Future 100 Award 2010


 The Future 100 Awards, profiles young entrepreneurs who are demonstrating entrepreneurial flair and innovation in progressing a responsible business venture; one which demonstrates a balance between economic, environmental and social goals to achieve ultimate business success.


We had the honour of attending the awards during global entrepreneurship week, hosted by striding out and Natwest at the British Library on the 18th November 2010. "I am honoured and delighted to be named a Future 100 entrepreneur, as it recognises the hard work we do in making our luxurious ethical skincare products.


The Future 100 awards, encourages and rewards extraordinary vision, ethical business practice and social responsibility. They aim to showcase businesses that offer innovative and sustainable solutions to social problems. The Future 100 Awards is organized by Striding Out  a social enterprise which is committed to supporting the development and growth of young and ethical entrepreneurs.
You see the list of this years  Future 100 winners here


Monday, November 01, 2010

WuChi by Maks- on BBC News 24

We were recently contacted by producers of a new BBC news 24 programme called 'Show me the Money'. I was asked to show and demonstrate my expertise in making natural skincare products. And then interviewed about how WuChi by Maks was started, the benefits of  running a business, being an entrepreneur and the challenges of running and growing a company from scratch.

It is one thing when you are working by your self and very different when you have journalist and the camera watching.

Part two was then filmed at the BIPC with other female entrepreneurs to discuss the benefit we derive from a women's networking group. It focused on how we help and empower each other at different stages of  our businesses and the benefits networking with other entrepreneurs brings. The whole experience was fantastic.

Having now watched the BBC feature which was shown yesterday the 31st October, it went really well. It was a wonderful experience it projected what we do and how hard we work at WuChi HQ making our lovely luxurious skincare products.  I  had fun filming the segment  and a lot of work went into the preparation. I feel privileged and blessed to be part of the experience. Thank you to the team.

Friday, October 08, 2010

Making Soaps for Christmas

The thought of making natural soap really does excite me. I love to look at them when they are unmoulded and laid out to cure. What a beautıful sight.  They look very beautiful and glorıous to behold.
There is joy at WuChi HQ when our newly made batch of soaps fınally come into there own, this is the usual 4-6 weeks when the soap are fully saponifıed and you can smell the gorgeous aroma of the scent.
Here at WuChi by Maks, all our soaps are handmade using the traditional cold process method where the naturally produced glycerine is retained to moisturise the skin, resulting in a long lasting creamy bar that lathers.I really do enjoy this process and wıll be sharıng the latest pictures of our newly made soaps.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Let's talk about Hair ..


I was thinking about a beauty topic to write about today , and I happened to glance myself walking past a mirror and thought wow!  how great my hair looks...  and thought why not talk about hair. Which is a womans great past time.

But it wasn't always like this.. I had my days of short, long, weave, natural, braids, dropping , pulling complaining and now very pleased, calm and happiest.
And I thought! yeah, lets talk about hair.

Hair, loss or hair problem can sometime be as a result of hormonal, environmental or changes going on in your body. And sometime hair loss can even be as a result of stress.

Although, when you consult scientific gizmo's it tells you that your hair grows slowly and at least a strand of hair dropping off your hair sometimes is good. So don't panic when you see a few strands fall off in the morning this is absolutely normal. Here are few tips to help keep your hair healthy.

Tips to keep your hair happy and healthy...
Shampoo and condition your hair at least twice a week. Choose conditioners with ingredients that will nourish the hair and scalp. It is advisable to give the hair a break sometimes from braids and cornrows to allow for some fresh air.

Using ingredients like Rosemary as a hair rinse and Olive oil for scalp massage will help keep your hair healthy and strong.

Olive oil is  not only for sprinkles in salads. It is one of natures gift to man for the hair.  Although some seem to think that olive oil belongs only in the kitchen and churh , little did they know that Olive oil existed before Christ, and for all its benefits is still present till today.
Just in-case you don't already know by now, Olive oil is the ultimate hair food. In-fact most hair products contain oliver oil because of the powerful benefits it provides over all for the skin and hair.

  • Boil some Rosemary and use the water as a hair rinse this will help if the hair is breaking or with scalp dandruff..
  • Use Olive oil to massage weekly on to your scalp to help nourish the hair and help it stay healthy and strong.
  
 
A few things you should know ..
1. Dont panic if your hair starts dropping do something! simply trimming the tips will help  stop breakage, keep it bouncy and healthy.
2. Give your hair a weekly hair rub, on to the scalp. and your scalp and hair will love you.
click here to preview our range of hair care products at WuChi by Maks with ingredients specifically chosen to address you hair care needs. Don't forget to share compliments you get with how healthy your hair looks.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Beauty Smoothie...

If you want to know how healthy glowing skin and smoothies relate, hope it helps to know that,  looking after your skin should be a lifestyle thing.  Doing this will not only help you feel and look great but will help the skin absorb the vital nutrients your body needs to staying beautiful. So, here is something to help you along the way. I tried a lovely home made smoothie and would like to share this with you.


 Beauty Smoothie Recipe:
1/3 spinach
1/3 Watercress
1 banana
5-6 strawberries
2 apples- peeled and cut into small chunks.
2 carrots- cut into small chunks
1/3 lime - squeezed
1/2 cup Semi skimmed milk
If you are allergic to dairy use an alternative  like soya , goats or rice  milk.
Blend everything together until smooth, then pour and enjoy!
Do you know that, beauty, healthy glowing skin and a healthy lifestyle should be practised inside out, because, if you put the right nutrients in to the body, your skin will glow and look healthy on the outside.

I believe what you put into your body is also as important as what you eat. Which means, garbage in, garbage out, good stuff in, lovely healthy skin on the outside.

Try this, add a smoothie to your lifestyle lets say, three days a week and you will definitely see the difference.
Another way of making sure you always have a beauty smoothie top up is to, make the smoothie the night before and keep in the fridge over night. This way you don't run out and don't get too tried or in a rush to make one in the morning.

The smoothie will keep for a maximum of up to 3 days in the fridge. However, aim to drink the beauty smoothie 3 times a week or more.  As well as improving your general well being, smoothies made from fruits and vegetables can have health benefits for the body and skin. Happy blending!

Ebay Discovery -November 2009

We noticed WuChi by Maks looking type products on ebay. Please note these are fake products and if you want WuChi products please visit our website www.wuchi.co.uk to ensure you are geting our genuine and authentic products because we pride our self on quality and the ethos of our brand.

Please visit WuChi by Maks authorised suppliers because we take pride in selling ultimate genuine quality products that work and guaranteed by us.


This incident has been reported and brought to Ebay management's attention.

For our customes, be rest assured that we have in place genuine batch record of products made and dispatched to inividual adresses and suppliers around the world for traceability.

WuChi by Maks is a registered protected trademark. And any company or individual proclaiming to be WuChi by Maks will be punishable for impersonating the WuChi by Maks brand and will be persecuted by law.

This picture aquired from ebay is not authorised and is not genuine WuChi by Maks brand range.
Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

WuChi by Maks @ You're Beautiful Woman Event

Last weekend  we were at the you're beautiful woman show in Highgate London.
We met a lot of our customers who dropped by to see us. It was nice to meet you and put faces to names and voices over the telephone. We also meet a lot of creative businesses and twitter followers.

Thank you to everyone who dropped by,  it was a pleasure to see you all. We look forward to meeting you again at our other events. Enjoy  your lovely goodies from WuChi by Maks. Visit our facebook page for full album.








Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Interview with Founder of WuChi by Maks - You Are Your Brand

I was interviewed  after my guest speaking engagement  at the British library and IP centre in May. This was in collaboration with the British Library's green and ethical month.
The feedbacks I received from the talk was absolutely fantastic and very positive. Days after,  I received an email from the lovely Sally Marsh of bonbonbalm.com  who was one of the attendes and this is what she had to say about my  talk- 
" Thanks for a brilliant talk! Just to let you know I have recommended you as a speaker to some other business organizations so you may possibly be contacted about this"  Sally Marsh
Thank you very much Sally. 


Sadly,  the video recording of the talk was lost at the last minute due to battery power. But, Cally Robson of She's Ingenious still performed a miracle over lunch by producing this unplanned video interview.





A little bit of the story of how we started...


Most people feel completely in the dark when it comes to branding a new product. In this interview, Amaka Olateju tells how she now realizes that SHE is key to fronting her luxury, ethically sourced organic skincare products, because her beliefs ARE her brand.
When Amaka Olateju found that none of the prescribed creams worked for her daughter's eczema, she turned to the knowledge handed down by her Nigerian grandmother who used herbs and natural products to produce healing remedies.

She spent more than 4 years creating and testing her own creams and lotions. Those that worked soon became popular among friends and family.
Amaka soon saw the potential for her remedies as a luxury range of natural skincare products, both organic and ethically sourced. She signed up to a business law and marketing degree and booked herself onto skincare manufacturing courses in her holidays. WuChi by Maks was born.
What Amaka didn't realize as she put together her website, was the importance of herself in promoting her business because everything she stands for IS her brand. But it's taken a journey of getting to know herself, and the world of business, to have the confidence to see it.

Precious Awards 2009 logo"You can achieve anything you set your mind to...but be prepared to work hard and know there will be good days and bad days. Establishing a business is like growing a seed...it will take care and constant attention but if you put in the hard work, the Universe makes sure that every step you take draws you closer to where you want to be."Amaka Olateju, Founder, WuChi by Maks

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Champagne & Mingle Pamper Party @ WuChi - the after photos

I didn't quite have enough time to put up the lovely pictures from our last champagne and Mingle pamper party on the 12th June before dashing off to Nigeria for two weeks due to a family bereavement.



Thank you to everyone who came and made it a brilliant event. Thank you all for the suppport.

We all had a lovely time. The beauty team made a fantastic impact on making sure we all received a soothing massage in a tranquil, relaxed, atmosphere using the WuChi by Maks range of luxurious body oils. It was bliss and the feed backs very postive.



Here is some of the positive feed backs we received on the day from some of our precious, satisfied, customers...

 Relaxing body oil (lavender)
 " The lavender massage oil smells fabulous the blend of oil is wonderful- The best"
  Helena Konneh
  
Rose rejuvenating Day cream
" The Rose rejuvenating day cream is the best moisturiser i have ever used-it cant be rivalled"
Helena Konneh

 Nourishing night cream
"WuChi by Maks night cream!Wow! this is the most deliciously smooth, creamiest, softest night cream ever. My skin feels bautifully soft and moisturised just a small dab goes a long way"
Jenni McMillan


Almond Face scrub
" This product has a wonderful smooth texture to it... not heavy grains.my young tennage daughter has started to use it it's that mild. Thanks"
Kirstene Dixon

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Champagne & Mingle Pamper Party @ WuChi by Maks 12th June 2010- Two more Days to go

Wow!  how time flies. Only  two more days to our Champagne & Mingle Pamper Party. We are putting finishing touches to last minute preparations.  Okay here we go;
Champagne- Check
Glasses -Check
Chocolate fountain- Working


Nail polishes- check- hmm lots of summery colours
Ladies- Check,  lots of confirmations-
Clay Mask- Check
Candles- Check

WuChi Team- working hard

The Boys- Watching football- World cup starts

Look forward to having a good time...

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Behind the Scences @ WuChi by Maks - June 2010

Hello from sunny WuChi HQ. We are very excited, getting ready and preparing for two upcoming events in June. We will be at The Camden Green Fair on Sunday the 6th June in Regents Park London. This is a very popular event with life music,band stands and music performances, exhibitions, workshops, fun, and food  with plenty to do and see. This event attracts more than 20,000 visitors .If you do attend do pop by our stand to stock up on luxury goodies. Check out the Camden Green fair website for more information on www.camdengreenfair.org.uk

A week after that I am  very excited to be hosting another one of our popular pamper parties!!!

Champagne & Mingle Pamper Party @ WuChi by Maks 12th June 2010

I am always very excited about our Champagne and Mingle parties. Because of all the luxurious pampering treats available.
This time around our pamper corner specials includes!!

Nail painting corner-
Massage corner-
Facials corner-
DIY corner- to make face mask and sugar polish
10% off orders on the day
Win lucky goody bag worth

Plus luxury nibbles- a glass of champagne,chocolate fountain and exotic fruits to dip. yum yum..




image courtesy web.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Spring Clean your Tootsies (feet)

If like me, once it is spring and the first thing you see or think about is the marks and dust on the windows and the excitement of spring cleaning, then it is time to spurts up and pay attention to your feet too.

Although we know the first thing people see when they look at  you is your face. However, in spring and summer the first thing they will see when you are showing off your flip flops is your feet. We work the feet very hard all day, but unlike our hands and the rest of the body they are often neglected.
Why not give your feet a well deserved treat by getting a pedicure and you don't have to go to a salon to get it done professionally. So here's how to make sure you don't get caught out with roughages and shiny flip flops.


5 DIY Steps to Lovely Tootsies!!!

1.Soak your feet for 10 minutes in a bowl of warm water with bubble bath or foot soak and add a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Lavender to relax, Eucalyptus to refresh, rose to feel special, or tea tree for smelly feet and antibacterial properties. all essential oils have unique beneficial properties.

2. Clip your toe nails and tidy them up. It is much easier and less stressful to do so at this stage because the toe nails are softened and easier to work with especially if you have hard nails.

3.  Give a good scrub. Use a natural exfoliating foot scrub or pumice stone to give the feet a good rub down. This is to remove any dead and rough skin. Or you can make your self a quick scrub by using sugar and olive oil from your kitchen.

4.Wash the scrub off thoroughly and pat dry. And apply a moisturiser or a foot cream.

5. If you have extremely dry feet, here's a tip . Apply a generous amount of moisturiser to the feet and wrap with cling film for a few hours Or wear cotton socks over night. Then apply your choice of nail polish and nail protector. And you are ready to go

At WuChi by Maks we make foot products that are made with natural ingredients to exfoliate, moisturise, nourish, protect and pamper your feet. With the added benefits of essential oils to uplift and invigorate tired feet. Did you know that a gentle foot scrub is also a therapeutic way to improve circulation in the feet and lower legs. So, look after your tootsies you got only one pair.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Guest Speaking engagement @ the British Library & IP Centre 25th, May 2010

I am very excited to be invited as the guest speaker for She's Ingenious meet up in May at the British Library and IP centre taking place on the 25 May 2010. Where I will share my journey and experience of developing organic and ethical skincare business. Here is a link to book a place on the event .

This event coincides with the British Library Green and Ethical month in May and there are lots of events happening to raise awareness of how consumers and business can be greener and make ethical changes. See the whole programme and book here

About She' Ingenious

The Association for Women with New Product Ideas and Inventions is founded by new product development specialist and personal coach, Cally Robson.
The community represents the growing numbers of women who are coming up with innovative products and services, and using the Web to develop and promote them.
The Association's website is the central hub of the community, run with the aim of providing practical support and guidance, networking, know-how and inspiration to women who are commercializing their innovative product and business ideas across the UK and beyond.  Visit the website to find out more.

As you all know, Rome was not built in a day and every business experience is different. I am delighted and looking forward to meeting everyone to share with you the good the bad and ugly.  

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Post Card from Antwerp

As they say all work and no play makes jack a dull boy. So what we did at WuChi HQ after a big project was to pack our case and retire for some fresh air in a calmer atmosphere. We spent a few days in Brussels and then unto our loveliest and final destination - Antwerp in Belgium.  The kids loved it and so did we.


I personally feel in love with the old traditional bikes in Antwerp and the fact that people were not in such a haste as we always are here in London. Sometimes, going to calmer environments help you appreciate and enjoy life more. We walked, we relaxed, we shopped, we laughed and we eat.

One of my favourite places there was the champagne and snail soup stall served with a glass of white wine in the old market a few walks away from the buzzing shopping street in city central. Plus the sun was just right and we really had a great time. I will definitely go back even if it is just for the snail soup. I will try and blog more about what we are up to behind the scenes at WuChi because we are not all about lotions and potions we do love our food and some fresh air and a bit of a chat too.
Glad to have made it back to London safely  due to the travel delays caused by the Volcanic Ash.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Behind the Scenes @ WuChi by Maks - April

We have been very busy behind the scenes at WuChi HQ and lots of positive things have happened in the last couple of months, and I would like to share this with you.


Just before the Easter Holidays, I was commissioned by a perfume house and spent sometime working on a range of  hand lotions, liquid soaps and bar soap for their new range of natural products.
Here is a line up of job well done.

Friday, February 26, 2010

WuChi Product Competition on Facebook


 We have just posted our latest competition on our Facebook fan-page why not drop by and enter the competition to win one of our luxury  body oil collection up for grabs. Read all about the competition below and see what is up for grabs. Here's the link to our Fanpage... see you there.  



WuChi by Maks is a luxury skincare company going places.
Here’s our Fanpage competition to win the following WuChi celebrated
Products worth £60

We have 2 boxes of our Award -Winning Body Oil Collection worth £30.00 each up for grabs. To enter all you have to do is to just answer three questions and leave your answer by clicking on comments below.

Q1.  What does BUAV stand for?
  1. British Union of Aviation verticality
  2. British Union of Animal Verification
  3. British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection

Q2.  Which of the following WuChi products is best for dry skin?
  1. Neroli
  2. Rose & Ylang
  3. Luxury body butter

Q3. In no more than 20 words describe what you like about WuChi.

This competition ends on 10th March 2010.
The winner will be announced on our Facebook fanpage shortly after the closing date and winners notified.


Competition Rules:
  • This competition ends on 10th March 2010.

  • The winner will be announced on our Facebook fanpage shortly after the closing date and winners notified.
·        The winner will be contacted within 48 hours of the competition closing, and will receive their prize within 14 days.
·        Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Only one entry per household.
·        We also give serious consideration if you follow our blog, join our fan-page or twit about the competition. If you already connect with us thank you.
·        Competition is not open to employees of WuChi by Maks Ltd.
·        The winners will be chosen randomly.
·        The winner will be named on this website, and in our Blog
 
Good Luck!

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Valentine Gifts for the one you love @ WuChi by Maks


Get the perfect luxurious gift for  your valentine this year at WuChi..
 Our Body Oil Collection is the perfect indulgent gift for the one you love ....

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Face Facts with Face Oils...

Fancy looking like you have just been away and back from a holiday?

I recommend choosing face oils  that contain extracts of Rose and  Rose hip seed oil. These ingredients contains high levels of Omega-3 and Omega -6 oils which are proven to nourish the skin. The combination of these oils will act as anti-inflammatory oils which will help sooth any problems on the face.

Rose is excellent for all skin types, particularly beneficial for sensitive skin and extremely useful for rejuvenating and healing the skin.

Nourishing rich face oils helps repair the skin, however  you will achieve even greater results if on your face, you exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin cells. This will not only make the skin on your face look fresher and radiant but will help the face oil and night treatments penetrate deeper into the epidermis.

The face is the first thing people see when they come in contact with you, so don't neglect that area. Not only is the facial skin soft and delicate it is very important that it is treated with tender love and care with natural ingredients that will not cause any break outs or sensitivity.

WuChi Rose Face Oil   is a favourite with Hollywood celebrities and the press. Our Rose face was voted 9/10 for facial radiance and youthful glow. And loved by our customers and featured in numerous beauty articles.


Small changes big difference...

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

New Year..New You...WuChi Style

This is that time of year again, when everyone makes resolutions, And pledges to be good, stops eating chocolates, says no to drinking wine, promises to stop smoking again, And adds the ultimate I will exercise more and be healthier this year.

However, we all know half of the time that the resolutions are broken by the 14th of February which is Valentine's day when you receive flowers and  a box of gorgeous irresistible chocolates you smile and gobble it all up.. I don't make resolutions; instead I set my self  achievable goals.

My advice is to set your self achievable goals in all aspect of your life, write them down and review them regularly. Then you need to decide on what you really want to achieve, how you intend to do so and put in the hard work. Simple.


5 things to help you along the way:

1. Give your skin a boost- Monthly facials will do wonders for your face.  Facials can be done DIY style or at a spa by an  experienced  facialist depends on what works for you. Exfoliate on a regular basis at least once a week if you start now you will see the results by spring, if not immediately.Remove make up before you go to bed and always use a night cream. Try our Award Winning Nourishing Night Cream

2. Drink plenty of water- Did you know that drinking non cafinatted drinks like tea actually counts toward your water intake.

3. Exercise- This aspect of our lives can never be over emphasised enough exercise, exercise, exercise. So how do you fit in exercise into your life without breaking the bank or abandoning the resolution come February. Did you know that by just fitting in a 30-45minues walk everyday will do wonders for you health. Try to get 5 portions of fruit and vegetable per day.

4. Scrub up- Body exfoliation and body brushing are one of the best things if added to your 2010 resolution will do wonders for your skin.  Daily body brushing and exfoliation will help slough off dead skin cells, it also helps boost circulation and encourages the regeneration of smoother looking skin.

5 . Stay focused- Don't give up, start small,  and incorporate these ideas gradually into your regime. These are all proven methods that work. Put on a happy face; remember nothing is more attractive than someone with a happy smile.


Think about this carefully... Are you up to the challenge...?

Thursday, January 07, 2010