All Naturals Cosmetics (ANCI) was established in 2002 by Timothy and Lanre Tunji-Ajayi, M.S.M.
Their vision is to provide people of all skin types with a more natural alternative to skin care.
At ANCI, our production (from inception to the finishing of each product) embodies the whole being, taking the body, soul, and spirit into consideration. We employ ethical and sustainable practices from raw material procurement to production. We truly aspire to not only enhance physical appearance but to ensure the safety and well-being of our customers as well as nourish our environment by using biodegradable materials.
Tell us about yourself?
Lanre was a cosmetologist and a hearing aid specialist, while Timothy was an optician. Together, in 2000, they opened a beauty supply store. Soon after, many of their clients were asking them for a more natural alternative to their skin and hair care regimens, and in the quest to satisfy their clientele, they embarked on seeking natural oils, butters, and cleansers from across the world to offer their clients a more sustainable and whole-body enhancing line of personal care products. Noticing that their clientele were very satisfied with the more natural alternatives, including shea butter, black soap. etc., Lanre and Timothy established All Naturals Cosmetics in 2002.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
If I could go back a year or two, my advice would be to intensify the visibility of the business.
What problem does your business solve?
It provides a more natural and environmentally sustainable alternative to personal care
What is the inspiration behind your business?
When Shea “AllNaturals” started, many Canadians had no clue about what Shea Butter was. We went from trade shows to trade shows showcasing shea butter, other butters, and oils to the Canadian market. We wanted Canadian consumers to know that there was always an alternative to their highly commercialized personal care products. It is always inspiring when consumers write to let us know that our products have made a huge difference in their lives, either in reducing the symptoms of their psoriasis or eczema or that their hair has grown fuller and thicker. This has continued to drive our passion and inspire us to continue to provide the Shea “AllNaturals” brand to Canadians.
What is your magic sauce?
The magic is in the ingredients. Ethically sourcing for ancient butters and oils and using them in making natural and organic products for Canadian families.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
Within the next five years, we hope to expand to more international markets. We also hope that we continue to be an inspiration for others looking to provide more natural alternatives in personal care to Canadians.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
We are a small family business, and I will say the greatest challenge is competing with larger manufacturers that may not be naturally oriented but are promoting their products as such.
How can people get involved?
People who might want to become our distributors can connect with us by emailing us at mailings@allnaturalscosmetics.ca or by visiting www.sheaallnaturals.com.
Also, it is worth noting that we do not only run a for-profit business. We are also giving back to our community. We established the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario (SCAGO) in 2005 as our charitable arm to support people affected by this debilitating disease. The organization has provided over $55,000 in scholarships and continues to advocate on behalf of the affected with the Ontario government.