We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Makeba Lloyd. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Makeba below.
Hi Makeba, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Our mission is to promote connectivity and inclusivity through the deliberate and intuitive application of artisanal formulations, driven by purpose.
I embarked on my olfactory journey for two reasons: a need and desire for daily well-being, as well as a need to incorporate that wellness into my work environment. It was during a trip to Ancient Egypt that my curiosity was ignited, as I discovered how aromatics were employed as therapeutic and spiritual tools by the upper echelons of society over 4000 years ago. I sought to incorporate some of those ingredients and practices into my present-day approach to fragrance for the modern, fast-paced individual. My aim was to revive the culture and techniques of Ancient Egyptian perfumery and infuse them into my own life and the lives of others. I created a body butter infused with fragrance, meticulously blended in the manner of a perfumer crafting a perfume. Moreover, I integrated essential oils with specific benefits. The process was truly invigorating, marking my first milestone.
As my experimentation evolved, I delved deeper into the art of formulating fragrance and designing products that not only uplifted my mood but also enhanced my work experience. These creations were enjoyed by those I shared them with, and I knew I had something extraordinary. What I had developed was a tool that enabled people to connect through scent in a subtle and intimate way, owing to the exclusive use of oil-based formulations that synergized seamlessly with our sebaceous glands, effectively diffusing the aromatic blends I had curated from my exploration of Ancient Khemet (Egypt). It was imperative for me to acquaint myself with the practice of aromatherapy alongside the craft of perfumery, as in my view, these two disciplines complement each other harmoniously. Plant essences, in their entirety, are profoundly beautiful. Understanding how each essence can positively impact our well-being only enhances their inherent beauty.
There is an inherent sense of purpose in creating something that facilitates human connection. What I find most fulfilling about our brand and work are the stories and testimonials we receive from our customers, affirming how our products evoke a sense of well-being and garner positive reception when worn.
Consequently, we have taken the initiative to teach young individuals in our Harlem community how to work with essential oils and fragrances, enabling them to craft products for their own well-being and enjoyment. This endeavor is made possible through our partnership with a local Harlem-based non-profit organization called “Hands That Make A Difference,” which actively champions anti-violence and financial literacy programs. Our role involves conducting a weekly workshop on aromatherapy and perfumery as part of their wellness component. Creating something from scratch and subsequently utilizing it as a tool to enhance one’s day nurtures their confidence. Witnessing the transformation in my students when they successfully produce something is truly inspiring.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
In my previous professional role, I served as a lead new development sales broker, representing real estate developers across various boroughs of New York City, with a collective portfolio valued at $1 billion. However, following a trip to Ancient Egypt, I discovered the numerous benefits of engaging in the therapeutic practices of aromatherapy and perfumery. Not only did I adopt these practices as part of my self-care routine, but I also recognized their potential as tools to create captivating scent-scapes for pre-constructed condominium developments, enhancing sales presentations.
Butter By Keba provides a multi-purpose sensory experience that effectively addresses dry skin concerns while offering a subtle and long-lasting fragrance. Infused with certified aromatherapy and perfumery, our products are carefully formulated to appeal to even the most sensitive noses.
The background story and inspiration behind our creative journey are woven into each fragrant blend we offer, allowing our customers to connect with us as creators and formulators who are dedicated to crafting aromatic experiences with them in mind.
Over a decade ago, I started Butter By Keba with just one product in my kitchen. At that time, I sought solace in the creative process, as it helped soothe my chronic dry skin and alleviate anxiety stemming from my work as a real estate broker in New York City. After my enlightening trip to Ancient Egypt, where I discovered the profound significance of fragrance and aromatherapy as spiritual mediums for the elite Egyptians thousands of years ago, I felt compelled to delve deeper into these modalities. Encouraged by my mother, I pursued certification in aromatherapy to ensure I could sell my creations. Over the past ten years, I have diligently continued my certification coursework in Natural Perfumery, Classic Perfumery, Aromatherapy, and Ancient Egyptian Scents. Through my exploration of aromatic plant essences and the world of olfaction, I have expanded our product offering to include five brands, encompassing a total of 33 unique SKUs. What sets Butter By Keba and By Keba brands apart is the application of the perfumery process from an aromatherapeutic perspective, resulting in products that are distinctively layered with quality, creativity, and purpose. I remain committed to infusing earth-centered, plant-based ingredients, particularly those naturally rich in fatty acids, into our aromatic formulations, reminiscent of the Unguent Cones adorned by Ancient Egyptians in Khemet.
By Keba LLC is a wellness fragrance conglomerate with a primary focus on personal and self-care products curated through tech-enabled tools. Our company houses five brands that incorporate aromatic infusions: Butter By Keba, Scentonomy, My Palm Spa, Unity Code, and The Chakra Collection. Our overarching goal is to promote the world of olfaction from a therapeutic and holistic perspective, with a mission centered around fostering connection and inclusivity.
The flagship product of Butter By Keba brands is a luxurious body butter formulation that combines Shea Butter with grain, fruit seed oils, and flower extracts. Utilizing a heating method that renders a lightweight, emollient, and fast-absorbing finish, we infuse the butter with our proprietary phthalate-free aromatic blends. Our modus operandi involves integrating the art of perfumery with the practice of aromatherapy in plant-based formulations to create daily-use products. Additionally, we have developed a digital aromatherapy platform called Scentonomy, which employs a simplified digital tool featuring data-driven algorithms. This platform assists users in identifying curated aromatherapy essential oil blends tailored to their needs and also connects them with complementary wellness practitioners based on their input.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Our luxurious body butters and exceptional customer service are two pivotal assets upon which we rely to uphold and expand our esteemed reputation. In today’s digital era, where information proliferates across the internet and platforms have the power to either amplify or tarnish brands, it becomes imperative for a brand to invest in its core hero product(s) and cultivate a close and intimate relationship with its customers. We understand the significance of nurturing this bond, which is why we strive to provide value-added email newsletters, promotions, and even weekly inspirational messages directly to our customers’ mobile phones. This commitment to knowing our customers, maintaining a healthy relationship with them, and consistently offering exceptional products serves as a steadfast anchor, capable of withstanding any storm.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2020, when our city of New York was shut down, my real estate business was shut down as well. At the time I was only filling orders as they came in from our regular customers. I had no strategy for bringing in new customers. So, I made a decision to invest in Facebook ads to generate more business for Butter By Keba. I also hired a P.R. agency for 3 months to build brand awareness. It was the best investment I ever made. We have had some bumps along the way since then but we are still here, growing, joining new platforms and marketplaces such as Amazon Prime and Macys.com: garnering new business and customers; and, creating new products and services. We recently launched a new Digital Aromatherapy Wellness platform and mobile app, Scentonomy.com,- an organic aromatherapy tool and holistic wellness concierge that uses a data-driven algorithm to assist our customers with curating therapeutic-grade essential oil blends as well as providing wellness suggestions from our community of holistic practitioners.
We are very excited about this new venture and the doors it will open for all of By Keba’s brands. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://butterbykeba.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butterbykeba/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/butterbykeba
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makeba-guilan-lloyd/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/butterbykeba
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh5kdzxTAHWvoATYcPkmZQA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@butterbykeba
Image Credits
Will Vaultz Amelia Jones