How TJNL Started

I have a long history of farmers in my family From Ghana and Liberia. Growing up back in Liberia west Africa, I watched my mom and aunts use herbs and spices when my siblings and I got sick. Sometimes I watched my aunt cut the bark of certain trees to make tinctures for us to drink to prevent colds and malaria. I was curious to learn but was very afraid of bugs! My uncle tried to make gardening fun and encouraged us to grow vegetables with him. it was very exciting to pick fresh vegetables and herbs from our garden!

Fast forward to America! I’m now married with two kids. Few weeks after my daughter was born; (my first child), I noticed patches on hr skin! I took her to see her pediatrician who diagnosed her with eczema. My first known allergies experience was when I massage my daughter with Shea butter when she was few months old. She started to scream; and I noticed rashes on her skin. I was shocked because it was a high grade shea butter my family send from back home. We took her to the ER, she was given medication and was tested for allergens. She was diagnosed with severe nuts and tree nuts allergies! I ask her pediatrician what that meant because I had no clue. He then explained what it was and I started to cry out of fear. When we got home that evening; as a rock my princess to sleep, I prayed and asked God to show me the right path. I promised my baby I would make sure that I did everything possible to keep her safe and healthy.

I used what her doctors give me, it made her skin extra dry. I contacted several vendors who made natural products to help me! Some tried but it made her skin worse which I later realized it was because of cross contamination! I kept researching to make my own! When she turned two I had done some research, wrote out some recipes and made my first cold process soap. I was really excited and afraid on this new journey. I did my first tea bath that helped sooth her skin! I realized after I use the products I made, she did not cry from her skin being irritated. As I used the products, I also noticed the patches she had on her skin started to fade.

My husband had rashes on his head, neck and back since he was a young adult. He said it would come and go; but as he got older it stayed! He went to the dermatologist, he was given cream to use but didn’t seem to do much. The rash got worse especially during the summer months. So because of that he wore long sleeve shirts. One day I said to him, I think you should try the soap I made. He said I love so-and-so brand better. I said no more. One day he ran out of his so-and-so brand and decided to use my soap. Well it’s been nine years since he have not purchased his so-and-so brand. And it’s also been nine years since he went to the dermatologist for the rash he had on his skin. The rash is no more on his skin! That’s when I knew I was on the right path and I needed to continue. I was constantly researching and experimenting with different ingredients from different farmers/vendors. We became frequent at craft shows. When my daughter was four we went to a craft show together and decided to make candles. After the craft show, we made our first candle together.

When my daughter started pre-K and I was very terrified because she have been diagnosed with so many allergies. As the list of allergens increased so did my research. I was called from work several times because she had some type of allergic reaction. The last time I was called from work she had a severe allergic reaction and was rushed to the ER, where she was also diagnosed with RSV virus as well. She also have asthma and could barely breathe, so my husband and I decided that one of us had to stayed home with her. I had just completed my Bachelors and was starting my masters program! While in school; I was constantly researching, creating recipes, for foods and skincare products!

Fast forward, my son was born with similar list of allergens and eczema. By this time I was more knowledgeable because of everything that I had to deal with for seven years. I started to use the same recipes that I use for my daughter to help with his eczema. I noticed my son eczema he had on his arm disappear slowly and the itching stopped.

Over the years, I knew what I was creating was very unique so I started sharing some of my pictures on social media. We decided to turn it into a business! Our goal is to provide products that are free from harsh chemicals, vegan friendly, 8 allergens free, coconuts free, Shea butter free, sesame free and corn oil free. We will continue to ensure we provide the best quality ingredients from our garden and small family farms around the globe!