The Origins of Natural Lamu: From Sandy Soil to Skincare Success

A story of resilience, passion, sustainability and a commitment to learning

Six years ago, Natural Lamu began with just that—a sandy plot, a few handmade shelves at artisan markets, and an unwavering passion for nature-based skincare. Today, we've blossomed into a thriving business with an organic farm, multiple stores across Kenya, and a dedicated community of customers who believe in the healing power of nature. But our journey was anything but straightforward.

The humble beginnings. Sandy soil and a vision

It all began on a small piece of land on Lamu Island—a plot with sandy soil traditionally dismissed as unfit for agriculture. But where others saw limitations, we envisioned possibility. Driven by a commitment to sustainability, we experimented with soil regeneration techniques, composting methods, and innovative cross-growing of trees and herbs.

Our first breakthrough arrived with the moringa plant—thriving in the sandy soil with minimal water, it not only provided vital nutrition to the local community but also yielded one of the most nourishing oils for skincare. The concept evolved organically as we incorporated wild neem trees growing around our farm—renowned for treating acne and eczema—and expanded into other locally available treasures like baobab, coconut, cashew, sesame, and castor.

The discovery of natural sun-drying methods enhanced the potency of our ingredients, allowing us to preserve herbs like basil and lemongrass and begin infusing oils with locally grown plants. Our farm transformed into a sanctuary of learning, curiosity, and dedication, fueled by our mission to create truly natural products from locally available resources.

From market shelves to storefronts

In those early days, our products—simple balms, oils, and handcrafted soaps—graced makeshift wooden shelves at local artisan markets. Every sale felt like a small victory as customers connected with our authentic story and pure ingredients. Gradually, word spread, and Natural Lamu began gaining recognition beyond the island.

When COVID-19 struck, tourism halted, curfews were imposed, and countless businesses downsized or shuttered completely. For us, surrender was never an option. Our staff—meticulously trained in the art of natural product making—represented the heart and soul of our enterprise. Rather than scaling back, we doubled down, keeping our team intact and seizing opportunities amid the crisis.

During the pandemic, prime retail spaces became available, and we made the bold decision to expand to strategic locations—the airports of Malindi and Mombasa, and the prestigious Village Market in Nairobi. These moves, though risky at the time, proved transformative, establishing Natural Lamu as a relevant presence in Kenya's skincare landscape.

Growth and evolution

As our brand flourished, so did our aspirations. We introduced luxurious shea butter balms, natural deodorants, innovative hair care solutions, and even artisanal chocolate delights. Our journey into natural perfumery led us to Kannauj, India—the historic birthplace of perfume—where we immersed ourselves in centuries-old perfume-making traditions. This pilgrimage opened new horizons, enabling us to craft solid perfumes and signature scents that honor global fragrance heritage while remaining distinctly our own.

Today, our organic farm thrives as a vibrant ecosystem, embodying our unwavering commitment to sustainability and community empowerment. With multiple stores across Kenya, from the sun-drenched coast to the bustling capital, our products are celebrated for their exceptional quality, remarkable efficacy, and ethical production methods. Each store captures the essence of Swahili architecture while reflecting our core values, creating an immersive shopping experience that customers instantly recognize as uniquely Natural Lamu.

Looking back: then and now

When we reflect on our beginnings—a sandy plot and a handful of products on makeshift shelves—it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come. Our journey has been marked by resilience, passion, sustainability and a commitment to learning and improving every single day. Today, our shelves are stocked in beautifully curated stores, and our farm serves as a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and respect for nature.

Despite our growth, our core values remain unchanged. We are committed to creating products that are as natural and simple as possible, driven by sustainability and a deep connection to our community.

At Natural Lamu, we invite you to join us on this adventure as we continue to grow, innovate, and stay true to the values that have guided us from the very beginning.