Happy New Year from WuChi by Maks

Wishing everyone a wonderful and prosperous New Year. I have met and spoke to so many amazing people who have supported my business and what we stand for. Even if I have not spoke or talked to you on the phone, surely I have packed your order or friends or family gift order. Thank you all for being supportive in our business. I wish you all a progressive year from everyone at WuChi HQ. Thank you for being there as we look forward to looking after your skincare needs. 

Day Creams - Why you should use them.

You are not alone if you wonder why you need a day cream for day time and a night cream for night time . In case you don't know, day creams are meant to protect your skin from harmful factors and rays during the day, that can be caused by UV rays, pollution or generally neglecting your skin. While night time Is when your skin sleeps and is in a relaxed mood to absorb and repair itself.

Most day creams are generally lighter,contain sunscreen and nourish the skin at the same time.It is vital to note that the skin functions differently during night and day. And it is advisable to use suitable products. And adhere to a good skincare regime.

At WuChi by Maks our Rose Rejuvenating Day Cream contains Rose hip Oil, Rose Water and Rose extract. If you are serious about your skincare regime, these are some of the vital ingredients that your skin needs to help nourish, heal repair and rejuvenate itself naturally.

Our day cream  address and balance the issues that affects the skin  like, dry skin, break outs, lifestyle, pollution, and the problems that arise from not looking after your skin properly. Our Rose rejuvenating day cream work in harmony with your skin by addressing this issues. We are committed to helping our customers achieve radiant, healthy glowing skin natural and very happy with the good customer feed backs.

Read the reviews and what our customers are saying.

A bit more about Rose Oil

Rose oil is obtained through extraction from the delicate petals of the Rose flower.
Rose oil is known as the Queen of essential oils. Very expensive due to the high quantity of Rose petals needed to extract a tiny amount of Rose oil. Rose oil can be used for all skin types especially for dry, sensitive, or ageing skin. Has tonic & astrigent effect on the capillaries and helps diminish redness & thread veins, soothes, rejuvenates and repairs. Good for wrinkles and ageing skin.

Rose Hip Seed Oil
These are ingredients that work in harmony and penetrates deep down in to your skin to give it a natural healthy skin.
Rosehip oil is pressed from Rose hip seeds. Contains natural retinoic acid(Vitamin A). 
Studies have shown Rosehip oil to be a powerful skin cell regenerator which helps prevent premature aging and wrinkles, it contains a powerful amount of GLA. 
Rosehip oil is excellent for problem skin, stretch marks, scar tissue, eczema, psoriasis.


Pic credit: Shin@WuChi HQ

Catching Up from WuChi HQ

How time flies, can you believe it is almost Christmas. My apologies if you have not heard much for a while on the blog. I assure you that  we have been very busy behind the scence and on social media making sure our customers are always happy. Here's a quick behind the scence catch up;

I had a lovely summer and spent time with the family. We visited Oxford, Chambridge, Brighton and finally mixed a bit of business and pleasure in Garde lest (Paris) which was really nice and extremely hot . 

Lately, we have done quite a few in house WuChi videos in the last couple of months with our very own professional team and looking forward to sharing the details of the new project with you all. We are currently preparing and will be at the New Islington Specialist Crafts Market coming up four saturdays before Christmas. So, enough time and dates to stock up on our beautiful products for your loved ones.

In the mean time, I would like to say thank you to everyone around the world who's dropped by our blog to catch up on old post on beauty advice, articles and behind the scene information at WuChi HQ.

Maks xxx

Picture Credit: Me.On my Phone after show.

African Herbs for Beauty and Well-being

In Africa, herbs have been used for thousands of years to heal, as food, commerce and for health  and well-being. Generally, people all over use herbs to cook and to look after themselves. I will heighlight some herbs that grow in Africa  and can be found in other countries. Africa is blessed with thousands of plants, botanicals and herbs; but for this issue of Ingredient Feature, I will focus on these four ingredients, Neem tree, Shea butter, Palm oil and Black Soap.  On the benefits they have brought and how they have been used for thousands of years for different purposes.


1. Neem tree- (Dogonyaro)

Neem tree is indigenous to India, Burma, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. And is referred by various  names as; Dogon Yaro (Nigeria), Neeb, Margosa (Arabic), Azad Dirakht (Persian). This evergreen shady tree grows luxuriously in the tropical and semi-tropical

In Africa, the Neem tree can be found in the norther part of Nigeria  and know as the Dogonyaro tree. It is very medicinal and highl y regarded for it's antibacterial properties. Traditionally, It is boiled and drank as a cure for malaria. Neem oil is also used to treat all sorts of skin and hair problems from, hair lice and dandruff to infections. However, Neem oil, very smelly and unpleasant, with a very strong strength that over powers any other oil that it is used with and so should be used in moderation.  The Gunky smell can be ovelooked due to the benefits it provides.

2. Palm Kernel oil-Elaeis guineensis

Palm oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit kernels (seeds) of the oil palm. Palm oil is naturally reddish in color because it contains a high amount of beta-carotene.

Palm oil is edible and used for cooking, the body , frying and in soaps and cosmetics. The benefits of palm oil.

The demand for palm oil is growing and can be found in almost everything you eat from magarine, to butter,cakes, preserves and more. However, you can't talk about palm oil without highlighting the problems.There has been alot of conroversies sourrounding palm oil because of the deforestation, devastation and tragedy that it is causing the Orangotangs and some communities.You can read an article here from the independent about problem palm oil is causing in the western region.

3. Black Soap-oshea Dudu

Black soap also comes from West Africa. It is made from plantain leaves, palm tree leaves, cocoa pods or other leaves. The leaves are burned and then water and oil is added. The oils can be coconut oil, shea butter, palm oil or cocoa butter. The process can take up to 2 weeks and recipes are passed down through generations. This means that different regions and tribes have their own ways of making black soap. Black soap is known as Ose Dudu in Nigeria – ( ‘soap black’).Black soap helps with acne, rashes and hyper-pigmentation. It is not as drying as most soaps and can be used all over the body.

Black soap is medicinal and can be found in Ghana, Nigeria and other aprts of West Africa.

4. Shea Butter-

.

Shea butter known as Karite butter, is a cream coloured fatty substance extracted from the fruit, they grow only in the wild and can take up to 50 years to mature. Alsos known as Mangifolia tree found in the west and central Africa. Western countries are just begining to recognise the benefits of shea butter, something that African have known for thousands of years.

For centuries, Africans have used Shea butter to: 
• Moisturize and regenerate skin and hair
• Reduce inflammation, stretch marks and wrinkles 
• Treat eczema and arthritis

Shea butter has proven healing properties, dubbed the women’s gold of Africa, it has great healing properties. Heals burns and wounds, promotes cell regeneration, used to treat Eczema, rashes, severe dry chapped skin, provides natural protection against sun damage and ultra violet rays. Good for stretch marks; long application helps delay appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We use Unrefined shea butter in our Creams and lotions.

What are your experiences with using any of the herbs and plant above? Have you come across them or used them. We use all of these ingredients I have written about and more,  in making our products because of the benefits they provide. Our ingredients are sourced from sustainable resources and suppliers who maintain fairtrade principles. Nature heals, So why change it.

Pic Credit: Google images

We've Been Growing Our Own Vegetables

Last year I joined my local community growing project to grow our own vegetables. Natural and organic as it comes. And the children loved it. We grew runner beans, some corn, tomatoes, peppers and Courgettes which all came in handy in the cooking pot. And the satisfaction that we grew it our selves was rewarding and priceless, especially for the whole family.

We enjoyed the community scheme and met very friendly , keen family growers and decided to grow more this year. So, we have collected our seeds and this year, we are growing more tomatoes, spinach, some more beans and vegetables. I will keep you informed of how we get on. Here's to a community growing spirit wherever you are . For more information about our community garden project visit  www.outofmyshed.co.uk

Marie Claire Magazine: Hot List

Oooh guess what! forgot to mention, that our Sensual Body Oil is featured in the Marie Claire Magazine Hot List. April Edition

This Summer Let Your Skin Breath...

With the weather getting sunnier and hotter, the skin will sweat  more and get clogged up quickly.

Did you know that, pilling on makeup will also get the skin clogged up. And the more you cover up the more the skin is straved of fresh air and then a vicious circle of dependency on covering up occurs- a kind of no you can't be seen without make up on kind of regime.

To keep your skin clean and refreshed, always cleanse and moisturise daily no matter how late it is. Make sure you use a deep cleansing facial scrub once a week and don't go to bed with your make-up on or you will clog up your skin. Lastly and most importantly, wear sun protection if you are out in the sun. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water when you are out and about. Enjoy the lovely sunshine!


Selected products from our WuChi  by Maks range to help keep your skin Squiky clean...

WuChi by Maks Almond face scrub is a gentle,creamy  scrub that will help refine the skin texture and suitable for all skin types. It contains a blend of essential oils of french Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Rosewood in moisturising, nourishing, yet gentle exfoliating Almond seed meal to remove dull, dead skin cells for a healthy radiant skin.
view this product on our website.

Words from our happy customers...
" This product (Almond Face Scrub)  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

WuChi by Maks Organic Muslin Face Cloth helps to gently exfoliate and deep cleanse your skin while boosting circulation at the same time. It can be used daily for effective and regular deep cleansing to boost circulation and slough away dead skin cells. View this product on our website

Your Skin is a Reflection of You, it tells a story.

The skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body. As you age some of your skin cells are not able to replace themselves.


Skin diseases will often be an outer reflection of internal problems and must be treated as such. This is because the skin is responsible for the elimination and excreation of a quarter of the body's waste products so any dysfunction of the skin will stress the other 3 the kidney, lungs and bowels.

The fibres that make the skin stretch become less elastic and you begin to lose some connective tissues called collagen. This makes the skin thinner and less able to repair damage. This is usually when you start to notice the lines and wrinkles and looking for miracle creams to work instant miracles.

Sorry to disappoint you, but, our genes affect how the skin ages, and external factors like ultra violet rays from the sun can result in pigment changes, wrinkles and brown spots. Which is why you should protect the skin from environmental pollution and free radicals. By moisturising daily and following a regular skincare regime that includes, cleansing, toning, moisturising, regular treatment and making sure you use sun protection.

The skin is a reflection of all our life's experiences. A healthy lifestyle is usually reflected in a healthy looking skin. If you understand the skin structure then you will by now know that the skin absorbs absolutely almost 70% of what you put on it and should be looked after properly.

New Year, New You or Old You, With Changes

Welcome to 2011.We've all been there, another new year and very exciting prospects in mind. You promise to be good and suddenly notice all the rates for gym membership and thinking which new exercise gear to buy, running shoes or gym membership with a personal trainer. Dieting, Dvding or wandering around the gym with programme cards. They are simply known as the January Joiners and  as we all know it all wears out  by the spring. Well, how about doing something different this year. So, I thought I should highlight a few simple changes that you can make that will be of benefit to you in the long term if you keep at it diligently.

Think of long term strategies for your health and well being


1. Ditch the Diets
Be true to your self. Ditch the detox diets because your body eliminates it self anyway, ditch the diet books and re- programme you mind in a positive way. Use 2011 to strengthen your will power so that you can get through any mental barriers that make you give up your new year resolution before the year ends.

Have you ever thought why people pledge to lose weight or start a new life in the new year. Surely, the weight gain is not a compilation of food they have eaten in the two weeks of the Christmas holiday. The weight gain is simply as a result of changes you did not make in the whole year and then pledge to loose it all in the new year. Although, I am aware that we all over indulge during the festive season with extra helpings of irresistible food. Even research says, women especially gain up to half a stone during the festive season.

Remember, Rome was not built in a day and the only way you can achieve your aim is by laying one brick at a time with examples like, making small changes daily, cutting out your potion size and keeping active. Think of long lasting management tips for health and well being.

2. Get Active
If you walk for 30-45 mins at least 3 time a week,  you will notice a difference long term. Keep your body hydrated by drinking more water and your skin will look plummer. I don't believe drastic decisions help achieve aims I simply  believe a good mindset and will of mind with carefully  planned achievable and doable goals can be achieved for longer.  Remember if you don't put in the hard work, you will not see any difference. Nobody lost weight by sitting in front of the telly eating pop corn. So go out there and do something. slow and steady one step at a time.

3. Have a Smoothie

Having a smoothie for breakfast or lunch will help you get your five a day. You cant comprehend the benefits of the nutritional benefits  and vitamins you get from the fruits. this is one of the best weight management tips you can incorporate into  to your new year resolution. Making smoothies is easily done all you have to do is buy an affordable smoothie maker and  some fruits  and experiment with healthy drinks.

4. Great Skincare Regime
If you are still deciding what your new years resolution is, make sure great skincare regime is one of them. The skin absorbs up to 70 % of what you put on so make sure to choose a natural organic alternative beauty product. Natural is always best as the ingredient will work as skin food to repair and look after your skin naturally without any harsh chemicals.
 
Products: WuChi by Maks Mini Face Kit


What's your New Year resolution  ?
 I stopped making new year resolutions but only continue from where I have stopped with a positive mindset in everything that we do here at WuChi HQ. Although, I would like to add that I intend to write more and connect with my customers as much as possible because behind every brand there is someone and people (team working hard ) to make sure everyone is happy. Here is to a very successful healthy and very happy New Year to you .

Happy New Year - 2011

A Happy New Year to you all from everyone at WuChi HQ. Wishing you the very best for 2011. Be positive, believe in yourself, believe in your abilities, stay focused and you will achieve in 2011.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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

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

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...