Our Story

Skincare that honors the earth and uplifts its people.

For over two decades, we have crafted products that do more than heal the skin. We believe in building a business that acts as a force for good, holding people up and making a better world for us all.

Map of Ghana

Rooted in Ancient Wisdom

Sourced from the edge of the Sahara Desert, pure Shea Butter has been utilized for over 2,000 years to soften, moisturize, and heal skin damaged by harsh heat.

Today, modern science validates this ancient wisdom. Rich in renewing fatty acids and natural antioxidants, our Certified Organic Shea Butter from the Kperisi village builds a foundation of healing where everyone benefits.

Handcrafted on Vancouver Island

Crafted on Vancouver Island.
Driven by a Global Mission.

Growing up in Northern Ghana, our founder Gifty Serbeh-Dunn was surrounded by the profound healing properties of shea. After moving to Canada in 1981, she realized North America was largely unaware of this incredible ingredient. In 1999, working from her kitchen, Gifty began blending raw Shea Butter with essential oils for friends and family.

The stories began pouring in—soothing dry skin, saving savaged lips, and deeply restoring natural barriers. Today, our products are proudly handcrafted on Vancouver Island, keeping us intimately tied to our local community while remaining deeply tethered to our West African roots.

The Tapko Widows Group

"I recognized the quality of their product and the absolute rightness of their cause."

In 2003, Gifty travelled to Ghana and met the Tapko Widow's Group—women who banded together to gather shea nuts to feed and educate their families. On the spot, she bought 1,000 pounds of Shea Butter. An image above shows that singular moment, which became the catalyst for Shea Butter Market today.

Our Philosophy

A Philosophy of Purpose

We believe a true business produces meaningful value for its communities while respecting Mother Earth. We call this our triple bottom line.

Giving Back

We pay a premium price to our producers and donate 2% of our net profits to the Tapko Widow's Group. This economic sustenance empowers the women of northern Ghana to protect the Shea Trees, fighting directly against deforestation and global warming.

Respecting Mother Earth

We package with the highest grade of recyclable materials. Locally, the lands around our office are completely pesticide-free, and we are actively restoring the natural vegetation of our property's stream.

Family & Community

Whether we are supporting international villages across the globe or working alongside our local Vancouver Island communities, we believe deeply in building up and respecting the people around us.

Thank you for reading our story. We hope that in your own life, you find ways to embrace a similar approach to purpose, sustainability, and community.

"I would love to hear from users of my products and anyone else interested in Shea Butter, women's development, and fair business practices."

Gifty Serbeh-Dunn Founder, Shea Butter Market