Was the dumpster diving story on the homepage what got you here? It's not just a good story, (but it is a really great story too- like how I once got lifted into a dumpster to grab some cellophane wrapped bell peppers by a man who then tried to recruit me to join his woodland community- one day if we meet in person I can give you all the details) it’s an important part of my background that shaped what I do and how I do it.  My eczema streak is currently unbroken, holding strong at 28 years and running. My childhood was filled with dermatologists, steroid creams, wearing mittens to bed, and crying when salt water touched my open skin. I had a routine for flare ups, a never-ending cycle of temporary relief...until I turned 19 and things got spicy (kind of literally...my skin felt like it was on fire for 6+ months). Test after test, treatments for scabies, staph infections (YIKES), biopsies followed by max benadryl and steroids. A cycle I never thought would end until it was finally suggested I get a contact dermatitis test. The match up? Me vs. 84 common chemicals. I lost.  I’m allergic to 17 common chemicals- starting with, but not limited to most fragrance oils, foaming agents, thickeners and preservatives. All of which are mostly found in, you guessed it..body and skincare products. I promise things take a turn for the better.. starting NOW. I asked the dermatologist to bill me for the very expensive patch test and left to go pick up the recommended OTC body wash. I got to the store, pulled out my packet of newly diagnosed allergies (which all have 5 -7 different names), and found I was allergic to ….everything? Remember, 2013 was a different time for skincare and my options were either 1) products under $10 that I was allergic to or 2) $35-50 creams/body washes... *flashes back to dumpster diving part of the story*. I got in my car, cried because I had no money, but knew that these skin issues weren’t going away and I could do better. Mentally and physically I was worn out. I drove to AC Moore (yes, the craft store) and bought an $11.99 melt and pour glycerin soap kit, which made a terrible soap that only had one thing going for it...I wasn’t allergic.  You see...I never set out to be a business owner. I just wanted a decent, hygienic, multi- purpose option that didn’t flare my eczema or light my skin on fire. Oh, and I wanted it at an affordable price. Here’s the takeaway: As we’ve grown my guide post has always been my past lived experiences. Constantly asking myself, “How can I help provide better skincare basics, education or community?” -- all the things I personally needed all those years ago. JuJu's Basics (previously Good JuJu Herbal) has now grown to a five woman operation in Raleigh NC. To read about our philosophy click here. To read about our team click here.