We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tajh G. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tajh, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I started Raw Nature Face & Body in 2020 before the pandemic, it was an idea that came to my mind while I was at work. I had heavy thoughts about building a legacy that could carry on for generations. So I did some extensive research on growing industries for small businesses and skincare was one of things listed that stuck out to me. Now I’m very knowledgeable about skincare being that I struggled for many years with eczema. There are particular products I can’t use due to my skin being extremely sensitive so I’ve always used Shea butter, cocoa butter, & essential oils through out my life. So the idea of having an all natural skincare brand felt right for me.

During the first year of business, my focus was refinement. I carefully developed and tested formulas to ensure a smooth, luxurious consistency without a greasy finish. I sourced high quality ingredients from trusted vendors and conducted hands on product testing across various skin types, gathering thoughtful feedback from family and friends. While the first year was not defined by profit, it was defined by growth, discipline, and invaluable lessons that laid the foundation for long-term success.

In our second year, Raw Nature entered a new era of expansion when Ina Obasi joined the company as Executive Marketing and Analytics Manager. His strategic insight and data-driven approach brought structure and momentum to the brand. Under his leadership, we strengthened our digital presence, built partnerships with influencers and UGC creators, and expanded our reach across social platforms. His contributions have played a pivotal role in scaling the business and positioning Raw Nature for sustainable growth.

Now five years in, Raw Nature Face & Body has proudly served customers in all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska and expanded internationally to markets such as Spain and Tokyo.

Like many growing businesses, our journey has not been without challenges, particularly in managing large volume orders and maintaining timely fulfillment. Yet through faith in God, resilience, and unwavering ambition, Raw Nature continues to evolve. What began as a vision has grown into a thriving brand rooted in intention, excellence, and legacy.

Tajh, 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?

I am the founder of Raw Nature Face & Body, born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. Before entering the skincare industry, my career began in fashion modeling and creative direction spaces where visual storytelling, precision, and aesthetic discipline shaped my perspective. I’ve had the honor of collaborating with publications and platforms such as Marie Claire, Afro Punk Festival, and Tara Latour Bridal.

Entrepreneurship was never part of the original plan. Creative expression was. Yet, through that creative journey, I discovered something deeper the desire to build something of my own.

Transitioning from model to founder required reinvention. The shift came with early mornings, long nights, and embracing discipline at a level I had never known before. The work behind the scenes is often unseen but the reward of impact makes every sacrifice meaningful.

What fulfills me most is the ability to make people feel confident, radiant, and empowered through Raw Nature. Skincare is intimate. To create products that become part of someone’s daily self-care is both an honor and a responsibility I carry with intention.

If there is one quality I am most proud of, it is perseverance. In the early stages of building my business, support was limited and challenges were plentiful. But I did not allow doubt to outlast determination.

It takes courage to step into visibility.
It takes endurance to remain there.
And endurance is what transforms vision into legacy.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In the early stages of building Raw Nature Face & Body, my digital presence was still developing. I had just launched my website, social media traction was minimal, and online traffic was slow. I knew I needed a different strategy to generate visibility and sales.

So, despite being naturally introverted, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and secure a pop-up space at my local Farmers Market.

Preparation became my focus. I studied countless videos from seasoned business owners to understand how to properly execute a successful pop-up setup. I invested intentionally purchasing a tent and display shelving from Amazon, borrowing a six-foot table from a family member, designing a custom banner through Etsy, ordering a complimentary card reader from Square, and creating professional business cards through Zazzle. By the time the weekend approached, I felt confident in my preparation.

The real challenge began at 6:00 a.m.

I am not a morning person and I had never assembled a tent before. Setting up was physically demanding. The heat was intense, and I made multiple trips back and forth to my car carrying inventory and display pieces. At one point, I struggled with the tent until neighboring vendors stepped in to help a reminder of the quiet community within entrepreneurship.

By the time the market opened, I was exhausted and out of breath. I paused, regrouped with fruit and water, and reminded myself why I was there.

Then I shifted into action.

I began engaging customers, inviting them to experience our luxury body butters and body oils. A few hours later, my partner, Ina, arrived at our scheduled time and momentum started to build. Groups gathered at our table. People sampled products. Conversations turned into connections. Connections turned into sales.

There were several moments leading up to that day when I nearly talked myself out of participating. Doubt can be persuasive. But discipline, faith, and staying committed to the vision carried me through.

By the end of the event, we had completely sold out.

That single decision choosing courage over comfort became a turning point. It not only elevated our confidence, but it also positioned Raw Nature Face & Body for the next phase of growth, including expanding onto TikTok Shop.

What began as a risk became momentum

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Our audience experienced significant growth following a single TikTok video that organically went viral, reaching over 40,000 views. The content was created during a spontaneous “content day” centered around our best-selling body butter, King Me. In just 30 seconds, we highlighted the product’s key benefits: 24-hour moisture, a long-lasting cologne inspired scent, and a formulation designed to be gentle on sensitive skin.

The response was immediate and overwhelming. Orders poured in from customers across the country, resulting in hundreds of purchases within a short period of time. The outpouring of support from both new and returning customers was incredibly sensational. We remain deeply grateful for the community that continues to grow Raw Nature Face & Body.

That experience was an important lesson: consistency matters. It is essential to show up for your brand regardless of immediate engagement metrics. Social media operates as a powerful echo chamber, you never know when the right audience will discover your product. Visibility comes over time, and persistence creates opportunity.

One piece of content can change the success of a business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Rawnatureskincare.com
• Instagram: @Rawnature_skincare
• Other: TikTok: @RawnatureLLC

Image Credits

Photographer: @Obxsimedia