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

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

We’re sure you’ve heard stories like this—or perhaps lived through one yourself: a dream, a patch of land, and a lot of hard work. Six years ago, Natural Lamu started with just that—a sandy plot, a few handmade shelves at artisan markets, and a passion for nature-based skincare. Today, we’ve grown into a thriving business with an organic farm, multiple stores across Kenya, and a community of loyal 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 considered unfit for agriculture. But we saw potential where others saw limitations. Inspired by a vision of sustainability, we experimented with soil regeneration, composting, and cross-growing trees and herbs. The first breakthrough came with the moringa plant—thriving in the sandy soil with minimal water, moringa not only provided nutrition to the local community but also yielded one of the best oils for skincare.

The concept evolved as we incorporated neem trees that grow wild around our farm—renowned for treating acne and eczema—and expanded into other locally available materials like baobab, coconut, cashew, sesame, or castor. The discovery of natural sun-drying methods further 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 became a hub of learning, curiosity, and dedication, driven by the desire to create all-natural products from locally available resources.

From Market Shelves to Storefronts

In those early days, our products—simple balms, oils, and soaps—were displayed on makeshift wooden shelves at local artisan markets. Every sale felt like a small victory, as customers were drawn to our honest story and pure ingredients. Slowly but surely, word spread, and Natural Lamu began gaining recognition.

When COVID-19 hit, tourism stopped, curfews were imposed, and many businesses downsized or closed entirely. For us, giving up was not an option. Our staff—trained in the art of natural product making—were the heart of our business. Rather than downsizing, we doubled down, keeping the team intact and seizing opportunities as they arose.

During the pandemic, prime retail spaces became available, and we expanded to strategic locations like the airports of Malindi and Mombasa, and Village Market in Nairobi. These decisions were risky, but they proved crucial, establishing Natural Lamu as a serious player in Kenya’s skincare market.

Growth and Evolution

As our brand gained traction, so did our ambitions. We introduced shea butter balms, natural deodorants, hair care solutions, and even chocolate delights. Our foray into the world of natural perfumes took us to Kannauj, India—the birthplace of perfumery—where we trained and immersed ourselves in traditional perfume-making techniques. This journey opened new horizons, enabling us to create solid perfumes and signature scents rooted in global traditions.

Today, our organic farm is a thriving ecosystem, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and community empowerment. With multiple stores across Kenya, from the coast to the capital, our products are celebrated for their quality, efficacy, and ethical production. Each store embodies the essence of Swahili architecture and reflects the values of our brand, creating a unique shopping experience that is immediately recognizable.

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.