In the middle of my morning routine, my mind floated back to my childhood. The compound house I grew up in was a world unto itself. Early every morning, after their sweeping and morning chores, the women would emerge, each embarking on their ritual of transformation before stepping into the world. As a child, I was fascinated. You could smell the earthy scents of shea butter, black soap, and coconut oil, all rich in natural aromas that spoke of tradition and self-care.

I remember watching Auntie Memuna, whose skin always had a radiant glow, thanks to her daily application of shea butter. She got a generous supply from her hometown, and though she had a hard job selling in the market, you’d never guess it if you looked at her. Sister Dzifa was a nurse and never looked like the night shifts were affecting her. I suspect her mixture of neem and other herbs that she used gave extra life to her skin.

And then there was the elderly lady next door, Kafui. Though uneducated, she was a fashionista in her own right, always dressed up and full of the sort of confidence that radiates from within.

Grandma Kafui’s routine was a masterclass in simplicity and effectiveness. She always bathed with African black soap – or Alata samina – which she made herself. She always said in perfect Ewe, “This soap knows how to dig deep and bring out the dirt, leaving your skin feeling fresh and new.” Then, she’d massage shea butter into her skin, paying special attention to her face and hands. “This,” she’d whisper, “is the secret to keeping your skin soft and glowing, even as the years go by.”

Coconut oil was another essential. She used it to moisturise her hair, braiding it into different hairdos that showcased its health and shine, while showing off her style. And if we ever had a cut or a burn, she’d cut some aloe vera, which she’d planted in the compound. Of course, the cool gel from the fleshy leaf provided instant relief.

These women, these mothers and grandmothers, were my first beauty icons. None of them was rich by any stretch of the imagination. They taught me that true beauty wasn’t about expensive products or complicated procedures. By embracing nature’s gifts, they took care of their skin with care. They showed me that self-care shouldn’t be a luxury, but a necessity. Whether by design or coincidence, I learnt that this was their way of honouring themselves and connecting with our heritage. These routines were likely passed down from one generation to the next, the rituals that prepare us for special occasions and help us navigate the everyday challenges of life.

In today’s world, it’s easy to lose sight of these simple truths. We’re bombarded with advertisements for synthetic products and quick-fix solutions. But deep down, we all crave that connection to nature, that sense of authenticity and well-being. And for what it’s worth, Mother Nature is making a comeback.

Personally, I’m so excited about the new direction Geisha is taking. The brand is displaying the power of these traditional African ingredients and bringing them to a new generation. We’re relearning that the best skincare comes from the earth, from the plants and oils that have nourished our skin for centuries. The new positioning of “Gifts of nature, wrapped by Geisha,” resonates so well with me, a promise of natural beauty and well-being.

So, whereas we’d gather different ingredients for different needs in our skincare routine, Geisha now has it all in a beautifully wrapped bar of soap, coming in different variants and sizes. That means, while Auntie Memuna needed to wait for someone coming from the North for her shea butter to arrive, or Grandma Kafui had to go through the processes of preparing her Alata samina, I’m able to walk to the corner shop and pick up my Geisha with all the benefit of the natural ingredients that are great for my skin. Easy, convenient, and effective.

For me right now, I’m all about the Geisha Black Soap. It combines the deep cleansing power of traditional black soap with the added benefits of activated charcoal and cocoa butter. It’s a modern twist on a timeless classic, a way to moisturise and cleanse naturally, just like Grandma Kafui taught me. It’s a reminder that the best skincare is simple, effective, and rooted in tradition.  

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MzVee is an award-winning singer-songwriter and a brand ambassador for Geisha.