Julina Kaakunga
As concerns about toxic cosmetics continue to grow, many Namibians, including the founder of Oyetu Naturals, Paulina Iita, suffer from pigmentation, allergies, acne and sensitivities to synthetic components and perfumes.
Worldwide, customers are advocating for safer, more natural and healthier products.
Oyetu Naturals is not far from this advocacy.
In 2020, it came about to offer eco-friendly, safe solutions for hair and skin care, which are result-orientated and definitely a healthier option, the founder stated.
Using indigenous plants and ingredients used since antiquity by wise Namibians and other Africans, the Oyetu line largely uses components that are sourced sustainably from various regions of Africa as well as Namibia, which has abundant resources.
“Our key ingredients, sustainably sourced in Namibia, are extracts of Marula, Ximena (Oombeke), Kalahari melon, Moringa extracts, Mahangu, Mutete, Neem, Rosemary and Eucaluptus,” said Iita.
The brand has had several accomplishments.
“Oyetu was the top winner for the national innovation challenge for women pitch competition, facilitated by the National Commission on Research Science and Technology (NCRST) and sponsored by Namib Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA). There, I secured a grant to upscale, and do product testing and certification. The programme had applications for over 300 participants, and I made it to the top 20. I then secured a spot on the top 10, where we had to pitch our business in front of a panel of judges, and we won,” she beamed.
In June 2023, the ministry of trade, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and Namibia Trade Forum (NTF)selected Oyetu to represent Namibia at the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) – African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) workshop in Johannesburg, where Iita was part of a panel discussion on ‘Eliminating barriers of trade in Africa’. Recently, she received an award on Intellectual Property.
“It is an absolute honour to be awarded the Namibian Women Entrepreneurs: From Generation to Commercialisation of Intellectual Property (IP) assets by the World Intellectual Property Organisation and the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA). Apart from the award, the IP in Action Mentorship Programme has provided me with valuable insights and strategies to effectively protect, manage and commercialise my intellectual property, as well as to drive my business to growth. This programme was very helpful in making me understand how to protect, monetise and leverage my intellectual property to its full potential,” she continued.
Oyetu in Oshiwambo means ‘it is ours’.
This is to indicate that the resources used in the products are solely Namibian.
“We should not only be exporting our resources as raw materials, but also as finished products so that we can benefit a lot more from what’s ours. The brand name, Oyetu, is also a combination of my two brilliants daughters and co-owners, Oye and Etu,” she noted.
“Oyetu is officially an award-winning, trademarked and proudly Namibian brand. We look forward to making it to selected retails, and definitely exporting to other countries as well,” Iita enthused about the brand’s future goals.
Oyetu has distributors in various towns across the country.
Their Instagram page is @oyetunaturals, and they are also on Facebook.
-julinak990@gmail.com