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

Mildred , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Since I was a little girl growing up in Uganda, I’ve always been captivated by nature and the magic of natural healing. My parents were my greatest teachers, showing me the healing wonders of African herbs, oils, and plants. I would spend hours in our garden, learning how each plant had its own story and purpose. From a young age, I was that friend who everyone turned to for a natural remedy or advice on wellness. It wasn’t a matter of if I would ever do something with this passion—it was a matter of when.

A few years ago, I faced a really tough chapter in my life. I had a medical condition that led to losing my hair, left my skin scarred with acne lesions/blisters .My skin was covered and in dark patches and I remember my self esteem being so low that I hated looking at my self in the mirror or even taking pictures.It was one of those moments where you’re forced to confront yourself and ask, “What next?” But I knew deep down that nature had the answers.

I got busy in my kitchen, mixing and crafting remedies with African oils like baobab and Kalahari Melon seed oil together with herb extracts and powders.Slowly but surely, my skin began to heal, and my hair started to grow back. That’s when it hit me—if these natural ingredients could work miracles for me, how many others out there were struggling with their skin, searching for a solution that’s pure, gentle, and truly effective?

At that moment, I knew it was time to bring AZWILE (pronounced as-we-le) to life. To me AZWILE is a reflection of my journey and my deep-rooted connection to the healing power of Africa’s natural ingredients.It’s not just about skincare or hair care; it’s about honoring the traditions I grew up with, helping others reconnect with nature, and giving people products that truly heal and nourish.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I realized that the healing power of African-sourced ingredients like shea butter, marula oil, baobab, and Moringa wasn’t just for me—it was something I needed to share with the world. AZWILE (pronounced as-we-le) is about bringing the rich heritage of Africa’s natural bounty to skincare and haircare products that are not only effective but deeply nourishing and sustainable. We have over 10 skincare products, a hair care collection, and a men’s grooming line.Every product is crafted to solve common skin issues like dryness, acne, sensitive skin hyperpigmentation, scars, hair loss/breakage and signs of aging, while offering nourishment that comes straight from the earth.

What sets us apart is simple: authenticity. Every ingredient in our products is sourced directly from African soil, and each formulation is rooted in centuries of traditional healing wisdom. AZWILE is a fusion of the past and the present—a blend of my personal journey with the natural world and the collective wisdom of African culture. Our mission isn’t just to make people look good but to feel good from the inside out, knowing that they’re using products that are natural, ethical, and deeply effective.

What I am most proud of is the feedback from our customers. Hearing that our products have transformed someone’s skin or restored their confidence is the most rewarding part of this journey. It reminds me why I started this in the first place—to help people heal, both physically and emotionally. I’m proud that we’re bringing African ingredients to the global stage, showing the world that nature holds the best answers.

I want people to know that AZWILE isn’t just a brand—it’s a celebration of African beauty, culture, and sustainability. Our products are for everyone who values natural, effective skincare and haircare that’s crafted with love and respect for the earth. When you use AZWILE, you’re not just treating your skin—you’re connecting with the roots of Africa, with the powerful healing tradition that has been passed down for generations. And most importantly, you’re using products that work.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I didn’t have a massive investor or a pile of cash waiting in the wings to launch AZWILE. In fact, like many small business owners, I started with very limited resources. What I did have, though, was an unshakable belief in the power of African ingredients and a burning desire to share the healing wisdom I had grown up with. So, I did what many entrepreneurs do—I got scrappy and resourceful.

In the beginning, I used my savings, whatever I could spare after taking care of my personal responsibilities. There was a time I was working two jobs (19 hours a day ) just to get by. I started small, focusing on developing a few core products in my kitchen, sourcing high-quality ingredients directly from Africa. I tapped into my network of friends and family who believed in my vision—they were my first customers, and they helped spread the word. Every penny earned went back into the business. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real, and it taught me the value of bootstrapping.

There’s something empowering about having to fight for your vision—it pushes you to think creatively, to prove your passion to others. Through sheer determination, community support, and an unwavering commitment to my craft, I am building the foundation of AZWILE brick by brick. I have learned to appreciate the slow, steady growth because it has allowed me to stay true to my roots and focus on what really matters—creating high-quality, authentic products that genuinely work.

So, if you’re just starting out and wondering how to fund your dream, my advice is this: don’t be discouraged by a lack of resources. Use what you have, lean on your community, and let your passion lead the way. There’s always a way forward, even if it means starting small. What matters is that you start. And for me, that’s how AZWILE continues to grow—from the ground up, with love and perseverance.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Without a doubt—it’s been word of mouth and authentic storytelling.

When you create something that truly resonates with people, they can’t help but share it. That’s been the magic behind AZWILE’s growth. From day one, my customers have been my biggest advocates. When someone experiences our products—feels the texture, smells the natural botanicals, sees real results—they naturally want to tell their friends, family, and community about it. That personal recommendation, fueled by passion and trust, is unbeatable.

But it’s not just the products themselves; it’s also the story behind AZWILE that has captured people’s hearts. I’ve always been open about my personal journey, the struggles I faced with my skin and hair, and how I turned to African-sourced ingredients to heal. People connect with that authenticity. They see that AZWILE is not just another brand but one with deep roots, a story they can believe in, and products they can trust.

Social media has also been a powerful tool for us—especially Instagram and TikTok. These platforms allow me to visually share the journey, the ingredients, and the real results our clients experience. When people see the before-and-after transformations, read the testimonials, and learn about the natural African ingredients we use, it sparks curiosity. That curiosity often turns into a purchase, and from there, we gain loyal, repeat customers who share their excitement with others.

At the end of the day, the best source of new clients has been our community—the people who believe in what AZWILE stands for and can’t wait to share it with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.azwile.com
• Instagram: azwile_naturals
• Facebook: azwile_skincare
• Other: TikTok : azwile_naturals

Image Credits

The pictures while I am on TV should be credited to NBC Boston