Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mariatu Savage-Whyte. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mariatu, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
The idea for SunkissedMari Skin first came to me back in 2011. It was more of a feeling than a fully formed concept — a spark of something I knew I wanted to create, but I wasn’t quite sure how to bring it to life. I’d seen firsthand the impact of beauty standards and bleaching products, especially during a visit to a market in Sierra Leone. That stuck with me — the idea that skin care could be healing, affirming, and rooted in love rather than shame.
But life kept moving. The idea stayed in my heart, quietly waiting.
Fast forward to 2018, and something shifted. I started experimenting with whipping butters — just small batches at home, nothing fancy. I’d mix shea, mango, and other nourishing oils, then hand them out to my family to try. It felt good. Natural. Intentional. I loved seeing how their skin reacted — how they reacted. That’s when I knew this could be more than a hobby.
Still, the leap felt big. I had to figure out:
• What kind of jars would I use?
• How do I create labels that reflect the warmth and story behind the product?
• Could I really put this online for strangers to buy?
By 2020, in the middle of a pandemic when the world was uncertain, I decided to bet on myself. I created my own labels, ordered jars, and set up a shop on Etsy. I had no clue what would happen, but I knew I couldn’t sit on the idea any longer.
I also leaned into what I had: my phone, my story, and my passion. I started recording videos and posting on Instagram and TikTok. I didn’t have a huge budget or a full team — I had me. I was blending body butters in my kitchen, packaging each jar with care, writing captions late at night, and figuring things out one post, one customer, one lesson at a time.
That was the beginning. SKM didn’t launch with a big billboard or investor money. It launched with intention, love, and a desire to reclaim beauty through care. And every jar since then has been a continuation of that story.
Mariatu, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi, I’m Mariatu Savage-Whyte, and I’m the founder of SunkissedMari Skin (SKM) — a handmade body care brand rooted in nourishment, self-care, and intention.
I never set out to be a skincare entrepreneur. What I did know was how much our skin — especially Black and Brown skin — deserved better. That realization started forming back in 2011, after a trip to Sierra Leone where I saw markets full of bleaching creams. The messaging around beauty was painful — and familiar. It left me thinking deeply about what it means to truly care for your skin with love, not harm.
Still, it wasn’t until 2018 that I started playing with ingredients in my kitchen — whipping up body butters for my family to try. I didn’t have a business plan yet; I had shea butter, mango butter, and a desire to create something that felt real and healing. My family loved them. That gave me the confidence to think: “Maybe this could be more.”
By 2020, I decided to go for it. I ordered jars, created my first labels, opened an Etsy shop, and posted my very first product video. That was my start. There were no investors or flashy campaigns — just me and a vision.
SKM now offers rich, all-natural body butters in scents like Warm Vanilla, Lavender Lemongrass, and Unscented, with seasonal favorites like our upcoming White Peach Jasmine for summer. We also create mini jars that are perfect for event favors or gifting, and we recently expanded to Sierra Leone, where our products are sold in-store.
What sets SKM apart isn’t just the product — it’s the story and care behind every jar. I create each formula myself and stay involved in every detail, from sourcing to shipping. I want my customers to feel seen and cared for, not overwhelmed by complicated routines or chemical-heavy products. Our mission is simple: deeply moisturizing body care that fits naturally into your everyday life.
I’m proud of what I’ve built, but more than anything, I’m proud that SKM has helped people fall back in love with their skin. It’s not about perfection — it’s about softness, glow, and care that honors who you already are.
If you’re just finding us, welcome. You don’t need a 12-step skincare routine. Just something that works — and feels good while doing it. That’s what SKM is here for
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
One of the most effective strategies for growing SKM’s clientele has been a combination of authentic content creation and face-to-face connection.
From the beginning, I leaned into social media — not just to sell, but to share. I’d record behind-the-scenes clips of me whipping body butters, packaging orders, vending at events, and talking about the why behind the brand. That transparency really resonated with people. It helped potential customers feel like they were a part of the journey, not just watching a business grow, but growing with it.
Another key piece has been vending at pop-ups and local events. There’s something powerful about letting people try the product in person — feeling the texture, smelling the scent, hearing the story directly from me. These interactions often lead to real connections and repeat customers. Many people who discovered SKM at a pop-up still shop with us online today.
Word of mouth has also played a huge role. Whether it’s someone gifting a mini body butter at a baby shower or tagging us in their “soft skin” routine on Instagram, those personal referrals carry a lot of weight. I always say: when your product is good, your customers become your biggest marketing team — and that’s exactly what’s happened with SKM.
Lastly, staying consistent — even when growth felt slow — has been its own strategy. Showing up on social, engaging with my audience, staying visible, and creating content that feels human, not overly curated, has made a big difference in attracting and retaining loyal customers.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story that really stands out happened right before I officially launched SunkissedMari Skin in 2020.
I had finally decided to take the leap — I ordered jars, printed labels, set up my Etsy shop — and just as I was preparing to launch, I started second-guessing everything. Imposter syndrome hit me hard. I kept thinking, “What if no one buys anything? What if people don’t like it? What if I fail publicly?” It was a tough mental space to be in, especially because I was doing everything on my own — from mixing to packaging to marketing.
But I reminded myself why I started: SKM was born out of love, out of wanting to give people a better option for their skin. I thought about my family’s reactions when they first used my butters, and I told myself, even if just one person buys and loves this, it’s worth it.
So I pushed through the doubt, hit “publish” on my shop, and posted my first product video. I still remember my first online order — it came from someone I didn’t even know. That moment was proof that all the late nights, all the hesitations, and all the behind-the-scenes work were paying off.
Since then, I’ve had to stay resilient in so many ways — navigating shipping delays, burnout, and the growing pains of running a brand while working full-time. But each challenge has taught me something and made SKM stronger. I’ve learned to trust myself, trust the process, and keep showing up — even when things feel uncertain.
Resilience, to me, isn’t about never falling. It’s about getting back up with intention — and that’s exactly what SKM is built on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SunkissedMari.com
- Instagram: SunkissedMari_skin
- Facebook: SunkissedMari
Image Credits
Kutor.jpg on IG