Through her life-long battle with eczema, Nichole Maines tried just about every product on the market to tame her condition. When none of them worked, she started making her own.
She knew she was on to something when her handmade shea butters and body creams made from all natural butters and carrier oils began not only soothing her symptoms, but people started asking what she used to make her skin and hair so flawless.
Maines officially launched Coco Sugar Naturals in May 2015, and has been getting the word out by visiting schools, vendor shows and hosting home parties. “I teach self-love through the distribution of my products,” she says. “Showing young girls and boys that it’s not about taming, but embracing, the crown and skin you were given.”
With the mantra “glow from within,” Maines wants people to feel good about themselves and to not be held back. “If you look good, you feel good, so you do good,” she says. “The first things that people see on one another, are their skin and hair so you must take care of those as well.”
Maines says her products are free from toxins and preservatives. Also, the texture is light and isn’t greasy. “You must first find that ‘it’ product,” she explains. “This can take years, or spend a lifetime searching and misusing unnatural products. What you put on the outside of your body is just as important as the inside. So preservatives and chemicals should be avoided. Coco Sugar Naturals makes for a natural and smooth experience.”
According to Maines, Coco Sugar Naturals products can be used interchangeably as a hair and body moisturizer, specifically targeting those suffering with dryness or irritation. Personally using it to style her own natural hair in twist-outs, braid-outs, and more, Maines says its versatility allows the entire family to use it.
“Interesting to find how many people suffer from extreme dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis and how much they benefit from the products,” says Maines, but she does advise to visit a doctor if an extreme flare up occurs.
- Popular scents include:
Carnival (similar to cotton candy) - Nag Champa (like the incense…unisex)
- Ohhh-Natural (unscented)
- Oshyn (Breezy, Crisp and Clean)
- Papaya Mango
- RazziBaby (a raspberry scent)
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Tuscan Sunset (mandarin with a hint of patchouli…unisex)
Items can be made to order as well, Maines says. Each item is $15, or two for $25. To learn more, contact Maines at cocosugarnaturals@gmail.com, 513-521-2732 or “like” them on Facebook.