Female-owned, Black-owned, and locally based in Olympia, Alaffia prides itself on making effective, all-natural products while staying true to its dedication to fair trade practices. Founders Olowo-n’djo Tchala and Prairie Rose Hyde were inspired by a shared calling to do right by the world and founded Alaffia in 2003 as a social enterprise on a mission to invest in a more equitable future.

Aside from offering nourishing, deeply moisturizing hair and body care products from fair trade ingredients, Alaffia offers a variety of empowerment programs to the women and children at their Co-ops in West Africa. Through the Alaffia Foundation, a variety of necessary services are provided to the African communities in which Alaffia operates, including maternal care, education, environmental sustainability, and eyeglasses.

Over the years, Alaffia has funded 5,597 births, built 16 schools, donated 10,817 bicycles, planted 99,964 trees, and donated 30,852 eyeglasses through the Alaffia Foundation. All of these projects are funded by the sale of Alaffia products and direct donations on their website. (Psst… we also made a donation to their Maternal Health Project last December with the sale of their handwoven baskets!)

So, if you’re all about skin and hair care made from whole, raw ingredients, supporting fair trade practices, AND supporting local businesses, we encourage you to give Alaffia a try!

Must-Try Alaffia Products

Here at the Co-op, we are pleased to offer a wide variety of wellness products from Alaffia. From shampoo and conditioner to all-in-one soap and baby care, all of their products are made out of fair trade, raw ingredients that are handcrafted at their co-ops in West Africa.

Authentic African Black Soap

Your first question might be ‘what is African black soap anyways?” Made out of ingredients found in West Africa, black soap is a traditional all-natural soap that’s free of dyes, artificial fragrances, and other additives. African black soap has antibacterial properties and is a gentle, but effective cleanser that clarifies and softens skin.

It’s been touted as an effective soap for those with acne and eczema and can be used as body wash, a facial cleanser, shampoo, hand soap, and for shaving. Plus, there’s a scent for everyone:

Wild Lavender
Citrus Ginger
Rosewater Peony
Salt Stone Water

Everyday Shea & Everyday Coconut Product Lines

Made out of unrefined shea butter, coconut oil, and neem oil, Alaffia’s line of Everyday Shea and Everyday Coconut body wash, shampoo, and conditioner is scented with only essential oils and will leave your skin and hair feeling soft, moisturized, and squeaky clean.

Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, and all the other nasties, choose from a variety of lovely scents including coconut lime, lavender, coconut, and unscented.

Handwoven Baskets

Let us not forget about one Alaffia product that’s useful in an entirely different way, their handwoven baskets! In Bolgatanga, Ghana, over 5,000 women basket weavers in 12 villages work to create one-of-a-kind handwoven baskets while receiving a fair wage and health care for themselves and their families through Alaffia’s Co-op.

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind gift that's memorable, functional, and supports fair trade, these baskets are the way to go. And if you just want to buy one for yourself, we won’t blame you… these baskets are great for shopping at the Co-op or the farmer’s market!

Alaffia: Empowering Women One Fair-Trade Product at a Time

Must-Try Alaffia Products