Nuong Faalong’s journey from a graduate of the University of Ghana with degrees in geography and economics to becoming the CEO of EarthHyria, a thriving skin care company, is nothing short of inspirational. With a background in journalism and a passion for entrepreneurship, Nuong has carved out a niche for herself in the beauty industry in Ghana.
In a recent interview with Just4WomenAfrica, Nuong shared her remarkable story of how she ventured into the skin care business. She revealed that her interest in beauty products dates back to her childhood, where she would experiment with natural oils to keep her dry skin moisturized without resorting to harsh chemicals. This early experimentation laid the foundation for what would later become EarthHyria.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique opportunity for Nuong to delve deeper into her passion. While locked down in America for five months, she took online courses in soap making and various skin care products. Upon her return to Ghana, she wasted no time in putting her newfound skills to use. Starting with making soaps, she quickly gained a loyal customer base among her friends, who loved the quality of her products.
In the first 8 months of her business, Nuong sold over one thousand eight hundred soaps. She emphasized that the core of her business is soap making, and each product contains nothing less than 50% shea butter.
EarthHyria’s product line includes candles, shea butter soaps, black soaps, and more, with a focus on using locally sourced raw materials. Nuong proudly mentions that 90% of her raw materials are sourced locally, contributing to the livelihood of local farmers, especially those in the northern part of Ghana – where shea butter is sourced.
However, Nuong also faced challenges typical of starting a business, such as finding reliable suppliers, dealing with fluctuating raw material prices, and navigating government regulations – particularly in obtaining paperwork from agencies like the FDA.
Looking ahead, Nuong envisions EarthHyria owning a shea butter farm, further solidifying her commitment to supporting local communities and sustainable sourcing practices.
In her advice to women, Nuong emphasizes the importance of excellence, focus, and discipline. She believes that with determination and perseverance, no obstacle is insurmountable, and success is within reach for those who are dedicated to their craft.
