26: More Than a Hustle: Why Faith Is the Ultimate Business Strategy ft. Abena Boamah-Acheampong

Summary

Episode Summary: "More Than a Hustle: Why Faith Is the Ultimate Business Strategy" ft. Abena Boamah-Acheampong

In Episode 26 of UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE, host Shelah Marie engages in a profound conversation with Abena Boamah-Acheampong, the founder and CEO of Hana Hana Beauty. This episode delves deep into the intersection of faith and business, exploring how unwavering belief and intentional practices can transform entrepreneurial journeys.

---

1. Introduction & Guest Overview

[00:32] Shelah Marie introduces the episode's theme centered around intentional business practices that align with personal values and foster longevity. She welcomes Abena Boamah-Acheampong, highlighting her role as the founder of Hana Hana Beauty—a consciously clean, community-led skincare brand committed to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and women's empowerment.

Shelah Marie [00:32]: "Shelah Marie is an author, a fierce advocate for black women, and the founder of the curvy curly conscious movement... we're talking about life, business, and building a legacy with intention."

---

2. Debunking Skincare Myths: The Shea Butter Misconception

Early in the conversation, Shelah and Abena address common misconceptions in the skincare industry, specifically the belief that shea butter clogs pores.

Abena [04:11]: "Everyone always talks about how shea butter clogs your skin pores. And it doesn't. It actually doesn't."

Shelah shares a personal anecdote about her daughter experiencing breakouts from using Vaseline, leading her to question the myths surrounding shea butter. Abena clarifies that shea butter is rich in fast fatty acids, anti-inflammatory properties, and vitamins D, A, and E, making it beneficial for the skin when used correctly.

Abena [05:03]: "Shea butter is non-comedogenic... it really doesn't clog your pores."

---

3. Navigating Business Challenges and Personal Growth

Transitioning from skincare, the discussion shifts to the unforeseen challenges of running a business. Abena candidly discusses how entrepreneurship tests one's faith and mental resilience.

Abena [07:41]: "I think that it really does test your faith... you have to be very strong mentally."

She reflects on the emotional toll of managing a growing business, dealing with economic fluctuations, and the pressures of leadership. Abena emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal growth in overcoming these hurdles.

---

4. Faith as the Ultimate Business Strategy

A significant portion of the episode centers on how faith serves as a guiding strategy in business. Abena shares her personal journey of relying on faith beyond self-belief to navigate her entrepreneurial path.

Abena [14:07]: "I feel like faith as a compass... as a business strategy, and faith as a way to move through life and creativity without losing myself."

She recounts moments of doubt, particularly during economic downturns and fundraising challenges, where her faith provided the necessary strength to persevere.

Abena [18:51]: "It sounds like surrender. Is that what I'm hearing?"
Abena [18:55]: "Yeah, I think it was a huge surrendering."

---

5. Achieving Success Through Faith and Co-Creation

Abena narrates a pivotal moment when, despite doubts and external pressures to give up, her faith led her to apply for a $200,000 achievement award, which Hana Hana Beauty ultimately won.

Abena [25:23]: "I applied for it in December. In February, we won $200,000."

This achievement underscored the co-creative relationship between her and a higher power, reinforcing the episode's central theme of faith-driven success.

Shelah Marie [25:29]: "It feels like you're not really just building a business, it sounds almost like an act of co-creation between you and God."

---

6. Sustainable Business Practices and Social Impact

Abena elaborates on Hana Hana Beauty's commitment to responsible sustainability, emphasizing ethical sourcing and community empowerment in Ghana.

Abena [34:25]: "Sustainability is about making responsible decisions... creating access for healthcare."

The brand not only focuses on eco-friendly packaging but also invests in the well-being of the communities that produce their ingredients. Initiatives like biannual healthcare days provide free medical services and health education to over 500 individuals, fostering long-term sustainability and autonomy.

---

7. Influence of Teaching and Therapy on Business Approach

Abena reflects on her background as a middle school math teacher and therapist, discussing how these roles have shaped her approach to business.

Abena [38:36]: "Patience and team building... creating sensory experiences."

Her teaching experience instilled a sense of patience and empathy, while her therapeutic background influenced Hana Hana's focus on creating holistic and immersive experiences for customers. This blend ensures that the brand remains community-centric and deeply connected to its mission.

---

8. Practical Toolkit: Embracing Faith in Business

In the episode's Toolkit section, Abena offers listeners a practical exercise to integrate faith into their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Abena [44:50]: "List out the things that you have unbelief in and then list the things you do have faith in."

She suggests a journal prompt where individuals identify areas of unbelief and faith, encouraging honest self-reflection. Additionally, she underscores the importance of prayer and community support in maintaining faith during challenging times.

Abena [46:29]: "Pray. It's crazy out here, girl."

---

9. Conclusion

Shelah Marie concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to trust their paths and integrate faith into their business strategies. She emphasizes the importance of building something that not only reflects personal values but also contributes positively to the world.

Shelah Marie [48:53]: "Take this as a sign to trust your path, trust yourself, trust something larger than yourself and trust that you can build something that reflects you, that reflects your faith..."

Abena provides her contact information and encourages listeners to connect with Hana Hana Beauty through various platforms, fostering an ongoing community of intentional and faith-driven entrepreneurs.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Abena [04:11]: "Everyone always talks about how shea butter clogs your skin pores. And it doesn't. It actually doesn't."

• Abena [18:55]: "Yeah, I think it was a huge surrendering."

• Abena [25:23]: "I applied for it in December. In February, we won $200,000."

• Abena [34:25]: "Sustainability is about making responsible decisions... creating access for healthcare."

• Abena [44:50]: "List out the things that you have unbelief in and then list the things you do have faith in."

---

This episode of UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE offers invaluable insights into building a business grounded in faith and intentionality. Abena Boamah-Acheampong's journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of belief, sustainable practices, and the unwavering pursuit of one's true self in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Transcript

[Unknown Male Voice (possibly a voice actor or character from a commercial)]

Step into the world of power, loyalty and luck. I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse. With family. Cannolis and spins mean everything. Now you want to get mixed up in the family business? Introducing the [e-mail] test your luck in the shadowy world of the Godfather slots. Someday I will call upon you to do a service for me. Play the Godfather now at champacasino. Com welcome to the family. No purchase necessary VGW Group void where prohibited by law 21/ terms and conditions apply.

[Sheila Marie]

Welcome to Unruly. I'm your host, Sheila Marie. I'm an author, a fierce advocate for black women, and the founder of the curvy curly conscious movement. In this space, I'm sharing what I've learned on my own journey while sitting down with some amazing women who are all navigating their own paths to healing. Because there's no better time than now to get a little unruly. All right, y'all, Today's conversation is one that I have been waiting to have. Okay? You know, I love to talk about hustle. Hustle hard. You see what I did there? You already know. But seriously, on a serious note, we are talking about business, okay? And not just the how to or the hustle harder sense, but doing business intentionally, which is easier said than done. Building something that actually feels good, that that aligns with your values, and that lasts. And today we have the perfect guest to get into all of that. We have the amazing. Yeah. Send the fire alarms to come get my dog. Yeah, Abena. We got the founder and CEO of Hannah Henna Beauty, a consciously clean, community led skincare brand rooted in ethical sourcing, sustainability, and a deep commitment to women's empowerment, period. She built her business from the ground up, and not just to sell products, but to dis the beauty industry and make sure that the women behind the ingredients, the women producing the shea butter in Ghana, are actually valued. And we love to see it here at Unruly. What I love most, though, about Abena is how much faith is woven into her journey. And not just faith in herself, but faith in something bigger. Faith as a compass, faith as a business strategy, and faith as a way to move through life and creativity without losing herself. Can I get an amen? I know we all need to hear this right now. Yes. We're not just talking about skincare today, although we will. We're talking about life, business, and building a legacy with intention. So let's get into it, because I am ready. Welcome to Unruly Avina.

[Abena]

Thank you so much for having me. Oh, my goodness. I'm so excited to be here. Thank you. Thank you.

[Sheila Marie]

I'm so excited, too. You're very much. I don't. You guys probably. There's only going to be video on my socials, but for those of you listening, she's definitely giving tems energy right now. Like, just.

[Abena]

I love that.

[Sheila Marie]

Gorgeous, gorgeous, glowing, like, yes, can I help you? And I just love it. It must be the skincare. Okay.

[Abena]

It must be. I think it's the skincare. It's also. The sun is actually out today, so, like, I feel like my energy is like, where are you in the.

[Sheila Marie]

Where are you in the world right now?

[Abena]

So I'm currently in Chicago, so our HQ is in Chicago. Yeah. So it's been. It's been real cold, but today it's like, actually 60 degrees out. So, like, I'm. I'm ready for. To take a walk. Like, I'm ready to go outside.

[Sheila Marie]

Let's take a long walk. You know, when you get sun in Chicago, girl, right before, you know, when the winter's on his tail end, that is a gift.

[Abena]

Luck look. You already know I love it.

[Sheila Marie]

Well, thank you for joining us from Chicago. You know, I'm in Alamo, and it's a. It's a little gloomy out here today, so I'm glad you got some sun. So, speaking of skincare, I just want to do a little icebreaker with you. What is like a skincare myth that drives you crazy? Hmm.

[Abena]

Oh, my goodness. You know what? I feel like that shea butter clogs people's skin. I feel like every. Yeah, like, everyone always talks about how shea butter is, like, it clogs your skin pores. And it doesn't. It actually doesn't. So that's like a big thing.

[Sheila Marie]

Wait a second. Literally, we had this conversation last night. Cause my bonus starter, she's 13, and she likes the glossy skin look. And so she puts Vaseline on her face. But she's been breaking out. So me and her dad were like, maybe you should stop. Don't put that on your face anymore. I feel like your skin's changing. And she was like, what about shea butter? And I was like, no, don't put that on your face. It'll clog your pores.

[Abena]

No, no, no. So the whole thing that shea butter is that one. You should use it, like, after or you should use it on damp skin. Oh, I don't use it all on my face. But it's like my. You know, have you Heard of like the term slugging? It's literally just layering on top of things.

[Sheila Marie]

Oh.

[Abena]

So shea butter is filled with like fast fatty acids. It's just high and anti inflammatory. So it's like really helping with actually balancing like your oils and things like that too. And it contains a lot of really good vitamin D, like A and E and all those good things like that.

[Sheila Marie]

So I allow her to put it on her face. Will it be helpful?

[Abena]

Yeah.

[Sheila Marie]

Okay.

[Abena]

Yeah. And I would say use a whipped one because you know why a lot of people think it clogs your poor is because the, the raw form that a lot of times people get like in the US is extremely hard. So you're like having to like warm it up and all of that type of stuff. And though like what is it like they call it like the comedogenic rating. It's kind of like it's marketing terms but also like a little true, but also not in that sense. Shea butter is non comedogenic when it comes to that point. So it's not actually going to clog your pores. So yeah, I would say always do a testing patch. You know, don't just rub anything all over and maybe try it with like things that are more unscented just for sensitivity in that sense. But it doesn't clog. It really doesn't clog your pores. But everyone's skin reacts differently.

[Sheila Marie]

Learn something new. Thank you. Speaking of skincare myths, I want to share one too. I feel like the biggest skin because I'm a. I'm a girly with naturally sunken under eyes. You can't tell right now because I have my eye.

[Abena]

No, it looks good.

[Sheila Marie]

Yeah.

[Abena]

Thank you, girl. Tell me about the eye cream because what, like I need to know.

[Sheila Marie]

Listen, where this eye cream was born. I had just finished doing a retreat. I was feeling so proud of myself. I was feeling so happy. I was like, yes, I did the things. Full off, eight hours of sleep. And this guy just comes up to me in the airport. He's like, dang, girl, you partied last night. I'm like, excuse me. He's like, you look like you didn't get no sleep, like you was out here having a good time. I'm glad you had a good time before you got up out of here as we were in Jamaica. And I was like, oh my God. First of all, rude. First of all, nobody asked you. But I realized how often I got that comment, like, you look so tired. You look so tired all the time. And it's Just a genetic thing for me. It doesn't matter how much sleep I get. So that made me, like, all right, I'm going to find a company that I can work with that will create a clean, sustainable product that I can put under my eyes. And I'm testing one out right now. So that's why my eyes look like that, so.

[Abena]

Yeah, your eyes look good. I need to. You got to pass it on. Like, we need to be on the se.

[Sheila Marie]

Yes, I will. If you're listening and you love me, like, please make the lab happy. Okay, I got these scientists, like Dexter's lab back here whipping up potion after potion because I'm not happy until it's perfect. But it is on pre order now, so you can pre order. I will put the link in the description. And I'll love you forever. You know, like Rumpelstiltskin, I don't know. Should I give him my firstborn? No. So just pre order. Just support the girl. You know what I'm saying? Now let's start back to you. What is something about running a business that nobody warns you about but that they definitely should have?

[Abena]

I think that it really does test your faith. I think that's like one of the biggest things, right? Because, like, we. I went into it differently. I did. I was a teacher, and I was also in grad school, so I was like, teaching math in grad school. Making products for fun and entrepreneurships is a lot of ups and downs, ups and downs. And you want to know that it's going to work out. And the whole thing about having faith is like having faith in something that you don't know. You know what I mean? And so I feel like with entrepreneurship, like, yes, I could say, like, they didn't tell me how much money was going to be. It wasn't this. But I don't think no one ever, like, mentioned the fact of, like, you have to be very strong mentally. And also you have to have faith outside of yourself. And for me, I believe in God, I believe in Jesus. So, like, that just goes there. But I don't think no one really prepared me for how much of a test it truly would be. Because you're not only dealing with something that you want to happen, you want to grow. And then on top of that, you're dealing with people, you're dealing with the economy, you're dealing with vendors, this, that, and also you have to grow at a certain rate. Like, you grow from I have this creative idea to then, okay, I'm a founder of something now. I'm managing people now. I'm a CEO now. I have like money that I have to be paying and myself, you know, So I think that was something. No one ever really like, even brought that idea to me when I started at all.

[Sheila Marie]

How do you feel about managing people?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hello, it is Ryan. And I was on a flight the other day playing one of my favorite social spin slot games on jumbaccasino.com. i looked over the person sitting next to me and you know what they were doing? They were also playing Jumbo Casino. Casino. Coincidence? I think not. Everybody's loving having fun with it. Chumba Casino is home to hundreds of casino style games that you can play for free, anytime, anywhere, even at 30,000ft. So sign up [e-mail] to claim your free welcome bonus. That's chumbacasino.com and live the Chumba life.

[Unknown Male Voice (possibly a voice actor or character from a commercial)]

No purchase necessary. BGW terms and conditions 18 plus.

[Sheila Marie]

Oh my goodness. Listen.

[Abena]

Oh my gosh. Let me tell you something.

[Sheila Marie]

I don't want to manage anyone.

[Abena]

No, I don't even want to manage myself, period. I, you know, I've learned a lot. I've learned a lot, a lot. Because, you know, when I approached building a team, I approached it from a teacher mindset. So I approached it from like, let me help you grow. You'll make mistakes. It is okay. Let me keep helping you grow. Let me keep helping you grow. And also I feel like personality like my own personality wise. I'm like one of those people that like never broke up with people. Like, I broke up with someone for the first time like two years ago. Literally in my, like, I would bring up a situation. So imagine firing people or letting people, you know. So like, it was just like, it was hard. It was like, I've learned really tough lessons about like, what it means to like kind of. I'm like, I was a people pleaser. I'm not gonna lie. Like, I definitely realized have done a lot of reflection through like the eight years of business of like, you know what? There was a point where I really allowed my team to like, run some of the ways I would do or I would go to the wrong people around like my ideas or like trying to get validation around it. So I'm learning. I personally though, do not like to manage people. I think my, my strengths are with building community and building team, but I think my strengths lie heavily more with strategy in that sense. And it's something I want to get better at for sure.

[Sheila Marie]

Yeah. And I don't think it's understood from the beginning how much running a business is really you. It's about your personal growth, your interpersonal skills, your ability to be self aware, your ability to know your capacity for what you can and can't do, and all of these things that you. You learn clumsily along the way. So I definitely understand that. I want to ship. Let's talk about. Since we're already talking about faith in business, let's get into it. I first want to say this, that you've been recognized by Be good, and that is Beyonce's, like, philanthropic arm. Her. You know, her charity. And that means, basically, you and Beyonce are best friends. So I just want to ask you, are we ever getting visuals?

[Abena]

I don't think I'm the person to speak on this.

[Sheila Marie]

Oh, okay. Okay. I thought you would have been.

[Abena]

I just want to. I just, you know.

[Sheila Marie]

Okay.

[Abena]

I plead whatever the fifth. Whatever it is, I don't want.

[Sheila Marie]

I don't want them coming for me. Parkwood Park. But please, you know, baby, they quick. They'll come through. Bruna. Look, listen, I want on my dead side, but things to say the same. Listen, okay. We love you, Beyonce. You took all of our money before. We don't have any left. I don't know if she wants the $5. And I'm gonna spend it because I want to go to cowboy counter. It's.

[Abena]

My goodness. Can I just say, like, I last. I missed all the concerts.

[Sheila Marie]

Oh, no.

[Abena]

Yeah. Two years. I was. Every place that I went to, I was like, oh, I'm gonna see her in London. And then she wasn't there when I was in London. And then I was just a summer in Ghana. And it was like, during her whole. Yeah, I went to the theaters and I acted like it was my concert, though. I went there.

[Sheila Marie]

As you should.

[Abena]

And I was singing. Yeah, I was enjoying it like it was my own show.

[Sheila Marie]

I loved it.

[Abena]

I don't know. I don't know.

[Sheila Marie]

Congratulations on being recognized by be Good. That's huge. And I just wanted to, you know, let, you know, ring your bell a little bit. You know what I'm saying? Brag on you.

[Abena]

Appreciate it was there.

[Sheila Marie]

Okay. So, you know, most people don't think about faith as a business strategy, Right. It seems that those two are separate. Like, faith is over here. Business is over there. How has faith shaped the way that you build your brand and business?

[Abena]

So I think, like, there's a lot that goes in, I guess, into answering that. So we're about to turn. Actually, we're filming today. The 10th, where. I don't know if I was supposed to say that, but we're gonna be turning eight in two days.

[Sheila Marie]

Congrats, right?

[Abena]

Which is crazy. So I would say the first five years of Hana Hana and how I approached it to the last three years has been really different. I grew up in the church. Like, grew up with my parents. I'm Ghanaian, so for me, I didn't experience that type of church hurt experience more. So it was just like I go, I do. And it was more so maybe some out of fear base, I would say. But I always, like, when it comes to, like, discernment faith, I feel like I've always been in that space. I've never, like, left it, really. And then when I moved to Chicago after schooling, I still attended church. I did all the things, you know, but I was trying to find my community. So I started doing more yoga. All of that, just being around black women, doing yoga, understanding that space too. And I was like, wow, this is, like, amazing. Like, this is so great. And so, you know, yoga was on a Sunday, so I was doing podcast church and going to yoga instead, you know, that type of thing. And I think, like, I share that because it was never that I didn't think about faith, but I felt like I always leaned more on myself. And so I was always like, if something went wrong, it would be like, I'm the person that's supposed to be in control, and now it's my problem and I've done this. Or like, if something was good, then it's like I couldn't even enjoy things. Like, even the whole Beyonce thing, I remember that happened during COVID I was like, not in a space to enjoy it until my parents came and they're like, Beyonce, like, girl, this is like a big thing. And so there's been a lot of moments, I would say, in Hana Hana's, like, span, where I don't feel like I've fully enjoyed things because I'm always battling kind of internally my anxiety. I've always wanted to, like, I tell people this. Like, I was one of those people that I just want to make sure it's going to work out. So I. To be honest, I didn't. I had faith, like, in myself. But that's like, can be very limiting, you know, in that sense. And I just remember, like, 2022, 2020, 2021, though we had a lot of success, I was just, like, not happy. Like, I was just down bad. I did not feel good about myself. And it just felt like I Was not going to be able to continue to move Hana Hana in the best way. I just didn't feel like I had the strength to do it. And we were about to launch into Ulta, and I remember just being like, okay, God, like, I just really need peace and serenity in this next year because. And I don't know what that looks like. And I just remember there's, like, two things I always say. Like, it's. It altered my, like, brain chemistry. One, it altered my, like, relationship with God. And just how I approach work was this whole thing around. Like, most of the time when we are between, like, a rock and a hard place, we usually put the rock as our control. So it's like a really sucky situation to be in between. Right? Because it's like the hard place and then it's you and you, like, what you gonna do about it in that sense. And like, I remember, like, our pastor at the time said this thing and it's like, feels corny, but it was like, oh, she's like, well, what would it look like if your rock was Jesus? Which, you know, everyone always says that, but it was just like, wouldn't it be better in a place to be where the person that created this whole thing is the person you lean onto instead of yourself? And it was just one of those things where I think I was just like, okay, maybe I need to approach this a little bit differently. Maybe I need to start, like, actually moving through the issues that I'm having instead of trying to, like, what is it, Pacify it or whatnot by other things. And instead of, like, trying to get to God through other stuff, maybe I just go directly to it. So if it's either, like, taking time to actually read the Bible, or if it's taking time to actually just pray, if it's taking time to, like, face the problems that I'm having instead of trying to be like, I have full control over everything and if everything goes wrong, it's me. And I think that's where the shift started to kind of happen in that way for sure.

[Sheila Marie]

So it sounds like surrender. Is that what I'm hearing?

[Abena]

Yeah, I think it was a huge surrendering. And it was also a checklist of, like, at the. I had been, like, idolizing, like, my own business, right? Like, there's that story, like, we all hear it. It's like, about, like, the rich young ruler. The guy that, like, he had everything. You know, he was rich, he was young, and he was ruling. So that means he had a level of understanding he had a level of wisdom, right? And he. Like, it's like in the New Testament, and he goes to Jesus, like, oh, yeah, good teacher. Like, how do I get to heaven? And he's like, well, then give away all your money. Which I think some people are like, oh, my gosh, then give everything away. But it's more so, like, what were the. What are the things? For me, it was more so of a reflection for, like, what are the things? Right now? If someone told me to give it up, I would have a very hard time doing. And it was my business, and it was like my partner at the time, you know, and it was just like, I could not see. Like, I would do anything to make sure my business was successful, which meant also, like, reduce myself. It, like, it was just like, I would do it. I would try to do it in the most good, right? But I just felt like it just started to kind of break down. These things of, you know, I've actually been idolizing impact. Like, I would want. The fact of people being impacted by good was bigger to me than even just the actual faith itself. And I think that's where sometimes it's a hard thing to navigate through because you have to do a deep dive. But at the same time, it just started releasing a lot of these, like, own chains or things that I put on myself and how I approach business.

[Sheila Marie]

So in that moment, when you identify that, like, the two things would be very hard for me to give up on my partner and my business and the idea of doing good, what happened after that? After that realization, Girl's going through it. Yeah, it sounds like I was gonna say that's tough. So then what do you do with that?

[Abena]

Yeah, I think it's like. I mean, it was one even coming to it. It was a lot. There was then moments of when I'm like, okay, God. Like, am I. Do you want me to give up this brand? Like, is that what it is? Is this. Like, have I. Even though it's doing good and things like that, is it something that you want me to release right now? It was a lot of questioning, right? And trying to also have a better level of understanding, but just also continue to move. It wasn't like I just stopped business. I kept working. I kept doing the things. And honestly, around that time that a lot of it was happening, though, we, like, launched into Ulta. Everything looks so amazing on the outside, right? Like, in the inside of it, I was just like, look, like there was a big shift happening for myself. But then even economically, like, we were in the midst of a fundraise, like then all the investors that, everyone that was like, oh, I'm you know, putting in money into black owned brands, into CPG and to everything was being like pulled back, you know. And so it was this whole, it just felt like for me that like, oh, like you do really want me to give this up because this is going down.

[Sheila Marie]

So what happened? Because you didn't give it up, did you?

[Abena]

No, no I didn't. You know, what happened was that I remember and I haven't even shared this publicly but I remember one time I was talking to an investor and she was like, look how business looks and how the CPG landscape is and what is cpg? Sorry, I don't so like consumer, sorry, consumer goods. So if you're selling actually like a good to someone. There was a moment where a lot of investments were going into those spaces and then it started moving more back into tech and AI because people want a quicker return. Right? And brands take a while to build up. You know though there's brands that have like gotten all the money, all these things. Hana Hana again was bootstrapped. Like I started with thousand dollars, you know, and then started getting investments and things like that. But there are smaller moments. A lot of I didn't start getting investments until 2022. So though like we built the brand to be like multimillion. Like I know how much we've actually gotten in, you know, in that sense. And so it's just, it was a tough time. And I remember an investor just being like, yeah, maybe it's time to give it up. And I realized that one day when we were on the call, like I was sitting right here and it was not me that truly spoke at that time because it spoke with so much confidence and boldness of like, you know what, I don't think it's the time. And that was in 2023. And I remember 15% pledge put out a thing that was like you should apply for the achievement award. And a friend of mine sent it to me like, I think you should apply for this $200,000. And I was like, okay. And I was just being so joyful like applying for it, which was a really different space for me to be in. And I just remember being like, look God, like just in prayer of like if this is what is supposed to happen, you're allowed it. If it's not, it's not supposed to happen either. But I think it's like Proverbs 3. 5 talks about like acknowledging God and all the things that you do. And so, you know, not leaning into your own understanding, like, he will straighten the path. Basically, y'all could go to the word, but it goes like that. But. And I remember, like, putting it in. So many people applied for this, and we ended up winning $200,000.

[Sheila Marie]

That's.

[Abena]

And it was just how from how.

[Sheila Marie]

How in terms of time, how far away was that? From the moment when someone was like, maybe you should give up.

[Abena]

That happened in November.

[Unknown Male Voice (possibly a voice actor or character from a commercial)]

Step into the world of power, loyalty, and luck. I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse. With family, cannolis and spins mean everything. Now you want to get mixed up in the family business. Introducing the [e-mail] test your luck in the shadowy world of the Godfather slot. Someday I will call upon you to do a service for me. Play the Godfather [e-mail] will home to the family. No purchase necessary. VGW Group void. We're prohibited by law. 21 plus terms and conditions apply.

[Abena]

I applied for it in December.

[Sheila Marie]

Oh my God.

[Abena]

In February. We won 200,000.

[Sheila Marie]

Wow. That is so it. It feels like from hearing the story that you're not really just building a business, it sounds almost like an act of co creation between you and God. That it is it. It sounds. That's what I'm hearing. Like, it sounds like something that's very much tied to your purpose and what you're supposed to be doing on this earth and just putting a product into the market.

[Abena]

Yeah, I think that. I think you said it in the right way. I feel like, you know, in the beginning of building the brand, I don't know if I was always partnering with God with all my decisions, but I think as I'm growing and building the brand, that's something that I'm trying to do and everything. You know what I mean? Even like from this conversation, I was like, okay, am I actually supposed to be speaking in this way? I want to make sure I represent in the best way in the best format. And so I really do try to go to God because I do believe regardless of Hana Hana. Right. My purpose has always been to create experiences where people learn about something. So when I was a math teacher, it was creating an experience for people to learn about math. When it was as a therapist, it was for them to learn about themselves. Even with Hana Hana, it's learning about themselves through skin, learning about themselves through this type of way. And I feel like there came a point in the last couple of Years where God's like, look, your gifts have always been around discernment. Your gifts have been around creating spaces and community and educating. Like, you have faith. You actually do have faith. Like, you do have this level of, like, wisdom that you can take in because understanding leads to that, right? Like, there's a difference of just being knowledgeable of something and then understanding something. And once you understand, that's when you can actually make choices within wisdom, right? And so it's more. So how can you make things feel more inviting, guiding and teach people? And it was like, during the times when I'm like, thinking about closing down or all these things, like, people are still coming to our hq. We have this big space where I'm like, people can come co work here. And the conversations would always come up of, like, how do you think you're doing this? And I'm like, God, like, I don't. Like, I just have to go straight to it. And it's like these conversations kept coming up. So it's like even in this time of like, the wilderness that you're navigating through, the purpose is to also get closer to me and for you to also just share. You know, I think sometimes we try to find the lessons within everything of, like, what was I supposed to learn in this moment? And I think, like, that's me. The value is, you know, grow me too. I'm like, what was this?

[Sheila Marie]

Why?

[Abena]

And I feel like it's always like, the value is actually being able to trust, you know, God. And it was just like one of those things I was realizing, like, sometimes I have faith, but I don't have belief in myself. Or sometimes I have faith, but I don't actually. I don't really trust God for these moments and these things like that. And so, like, being open and honest with it instead of, like, trying to hide and isolate myself, I'm like, let me go to the person that made this world, because what else am I going to go to?

[Sheila Marie]

You did all these things. You could definitely help me. You know, two things come to mind. Hearing you say that little. That like, story number one. It reminds me of, I have a background as a creative of, like, the difference between form and content. Like, your content seems to be helping people know themselves on a deeper level. And the form could take school teacher. The form could take skincare. The form could take you talking on this podcast that the form, it's almost like water takes the shape of whatever the, you know, takes the shape of whatever it's in, but that it's still, the content remains the same. That's one thing. The other is as you were talking about faith and feeling like sometimes you just feel like, I don't know, man, I'm just here. There's something bigger than me helping me. It reminds me of the TED Talk that Elizabeth Gilbert. Elizabeth. I wanted to say Elizabeth Warren. And that's a politician, I think. I. Yeah, it's Elizabeth Gilbert. She's the author of Eat, Pray, Love, and she has a beautiful TED Talk about creatives. And she says that the way she thinks about. Because the TED Talk was all about. I think my best work is behind me. I think that is the biggest book I'll ever produce. Like, right. And every book after that will be compared. Like, what do you do if you feel like your best is behind you? And she's like, it's not my job to really worry about that. My job is. And she gives this metaphor. I can't remember where she referenced it from, but that, like, I think it's Greek gods, Greek mythology or something. And that. That they send you moments of creative inspiration. And it's almost like a tumbleweed. And wherever you are, it's like, oh, the inspiration's coming. Let me run to my computer. That you just are a vessel that you catch it. You just gotta be to position yourself in a place where you feel it and you know it's coming. And then here you are. You become the form and the content comes through you. And so like, whatever it is, this book, I, she. I channeled it. You know what I mean? Like, I did write it, but it's still bigger than me. And that sounds like you. You were just happened to run and chase that tumbleweed that became $200,000 because you were in the right place at the right time and you had built up enough faith in yourself, but also in something bigger than you, which I think is really helpful for our girlies who have imposter syndrome or anybody that struggles with self esteem, as I did for most of my life. It's like sometimes you're like, I don't know if I can do it, but I know that with the help of something greater than me, I can. Which is really beautiful. So before I transition to another section, I want to ask if there's somebody out there listening to this that is struggling with faith. They might be a woman in that meeting with somebody who's like, I think you should just, maybe this is it. Maybe this is the time to tap out. And they're struggling to believe in themselves. What one piece of advice would you give them?

[Abena]

I mean, I think one. I think endurance is really big in this space, right? Like, there's. Endurance is so important. And it's talked about a lot in a lot of different areas from athletic. Right? Or. But I think in business, there's. I remember studying this a lot last year of, like, when you have the. Like, what is it? Anointing or the. You have this plan in your head. You've been told this. You feel like God has talked to you beforehand and said, like, yes, this is gonna happen. But now it's like. Like, you're in the midst of it. This is the part when the endurance is important. But I think when it comes to. It's like, we have prayer for a reason. I think, like, it's important to call on that. It's important to have your community around you, that people that have. Sometimes you need to lean on other people's faith, right? Like, that's a big thing, even for myself is like, how can I have enough faith for then when my friends are not having it? I can speak into them. You know, like, those are. I had those moments where I had people to speak in. But you know, within. At least for me, within the faith that I've had, the Holy Spirit is within you, so you gotta call into it. You know, you have to utilize those things. I think it's important. Like, as we speak right now, like, I just be having a prayer, too, to myself. Like, okay, speak through me. Help me through this. Like, navigate this for me. And I think some people may listen, be like, okay, girls, it's not easy. I think it's a practice, you know, I think it's something that you have to continue to. To feed into that relationship. I believe more. I think religion is a thing, but I think having faith is building a relationship with God. And I think to only really, truly build a relationship with someone, just like in a friendship, right? Like, if me and you are trying to build a relationship, it's not that I can only just come to you and say, thank you, thank you, thank you. Or, I need this. I need this. I need this. I have to understand you. It has to be through conversation. It has to be through the ways that we communicate and work together and understand each other. And I think at least when it comes into, like, Christianity or within understanding God, to understand him, you do have to read his Word. And I think a lot of the times we format a relationship with him outside of actually reading, you know, and so I think it's like thinking of building entire relationship in that space. So I feel like it's that practice. I know I didn't give like a right away sentence.

[Sheila Marie]

No, but it sounds like practice. It sounds like just keep going in terms of like stick to the things that keep you grounded and that keep you connected and keep you hearing that voice and keep going and then it's a marathon. I think that was like it is that that endurance that you're saying is. I'm like over here. Amen. Amen. Yes, it is about having endurance. I want to talk about sustainable business for a second. You have an ethical sustainable business, Hana, Hana. And I want to know how do you build it and keep it sustainable in a market that is built on cutting corners, exploitation and constant growth?

[Abena]

Yeah, I mean, let's be honest, the beauty industry is not sustainable. Like the fashion industry is not sustainable. I think it's about responsible sustainability in that sense. And I feel like sometimes sustainability can be market jargon, but I think it's about making responsible decisions, you know. And so for us, when we think about sustainability, it's not just about the packaging. Yes, we use recyclable plastic to do our products, but we're thinking about something that can continue long form, you know, it's a long term experience. That's what sustainable is. Something that can actually run where it's not hurting other people in that sense. So for us, we source directly from producers or cooperatives that in any of the ingredients that we can, we do so we know where the money is going to and we also think about their sustainability in that sense too. Does it mean that they need access to clean water? Can we give that to them? Then let's do that. If it means being able to actually create that relationship with them and have a better understanding of what access they don't have, let's do that. And that's what we did. When I started, I was very wide eyed, you know, and just like, this is wrong, this is wrong. Disrupt, disrupt, disrupt, you know, in that way. But I think what was great was that I actually took the time to work with our cooperatives and have a better understanding of what they were navigating through. And one of the biggest things that they said that they need more access to to actually even do their work and just live a better life was around healthcare. So for us what we do is create access for healthcare. So we do biannual healthcare days. They've turned into more annual, but they're big healthcare days that we have an outreach team of doctors and nurses In Ghana that actually come into the neighborhoods that we source our shea from, and they provide healthcare for free. And so we do it for the healthcare, like for the actual cooperatives, but the entire neighborhood. So the last one we did was like over 500 people receive free health care and we do like health education. So then it's creating also, again, when we think about sustainability as a brand, like as a business, I can move to another cooperative. There's no issue with that. Right. But I want to make sure that if I ever left the cooperative that we work with, they still have these measures to have autonomy and also just to be able to make decisions and have that access. So we're helping them create those relationships, too. So now they go to the hospitals. You know, before they weren't going to the hospitals, they didn't feel comfortable. They didn't feel like they could get there, any of that. They have those relationships there. So I think for us, we think it deeper, starting with the cooperatives, and then we think about how we actually create products here, the ingredients that we're using. And to be honest, for me, like, I think about sustainability. For myself, I'm like, is running this business truly sustainable?

[Sheila Marie]

Also for me, is it?

[Abena]

And I think that's a question. Is it? I don't think in the same. I think it has to change, for sure. I think of how I want to live my life. There has to be a shift in the approach of how Hana Hana continues to grow, for sure.

[Sheila Marie]

Yeah, yeah. I feel like that's absolutely. I'm in the same space where I'm like, wow, the way that I build unruly retreats, it has to change. It has to grow. And I think that's an intelligent way to look at it. And I think, to me, I feel like the mistake would be being rigid and saying, no, it has to be like this forever. I mean, there may be corporations that do that, but that's a whole nother conversation. But for people who are trying to have an intuitive approach and when you're like the personality of your business and you're the core of your business, like, it has to grow with you.

[Abena]

Yeah, yeah, that is true.

[Sheila Marie]

Before you launched a business, you were a middle school math teacher and you were a therapist, which I find amazing and so interesting. How have those roles shaped how you approach business?

[Ryan Seacrest]

It is Ryan Seacrest here. There was a recent social media trend which consisted of flying on a plane with no music, no movies, no entertainment. But a better trend would be going to chumbacasino.com it's like having a mini social casino in your pocket. Chumba casino has over 100 online casino style gameplay all absolutely free. It's the most fun you can have online and on a plane. So grab your free welcome bonus [e-mail] sponsored by Chumba Casino.

[Unknown Male Voice (possibly a voice actor or character from a commercial)]

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY VGW Group VOID where prohibited by law 21/ terms and conditions apply oh wow.

[Abena]

I think the under patience. Patience for sure, right? And it did help with team building. But I also think sometimes I kind of shared in the beginning it made me a little slower to make certain decisions around who is the right person for the team and when it's not, you know. But I think the love and what I wanted to do in therapeutic work and as a teacher has still guided the way that Hana Hana approaches community and how we approach even like marketing in that, that sense how we partner with different people. We recently did actually this past weekend. Her name is Jenny Leflore. She holds this thing called Momcation and it's a staycation for moms for a whole day. And we set up a whole suite and it was like a relaxation space. People could come and write notes to themselves. They get free hand massages, facials, they have products like all of that. And I think how I, I think about activating and putting things together, it's always about like sensory experience and that's how kind of even as a teacher, right? Like if my student can't pass a test, it doesn't mean that they don't understand it. Maybe they need to do a project, you know, maybe they need to speak it to me audible. Maybe we need to talk through it, you know, in that way. And so for me I think about that even with Hana Hana, how can people experience a product or experience the brand and obviously at the end of the day convert, right? They can come to us through just learning about the story through impact. Maybe it's through the photos and the videos, maybe it's through an experience together. But like how do you reach those people at those times? And so I think it's definitely helped my approach in business and also it's humbled me a lot because I'm like at the end of the day there are way bigger things than beauty. And I think life has done that, you know, like run a business and experience grief at the same time. You'll be like, you know what? It's not that serious at the end of the day.

[Sheila Marie]

The day gotta end.

[Abena]

Okay, look, and you said it, you said it. It's so True. So I think it's like that, like sometimes I'm like, okay, girl, like, it's really not that serious. And I'll be like on these calls with people and I'm just like, okay. There are other things going on in this world, literally dealing with real things, you know, too.

[Sheila Marie]

So I find myself having that experience a lot where I'm in and out at the same time. I'm in. I love my podcast, I love my brand. I really care about the things that I do. And then I'm like, you know what? None of this really matters. None of this really matters. We're all just a blip, you know, like we're on this floating rock in the middle of like the universe and like, hey, I don't know, it's a short life. Make it a good one.

[Abena]

Yeah, yeah, if you could.

[Sheila Marie]

Yeah, you know, I mean, I don't know, I just have my thoughts. But I want to ask you one more question before we go into our toolkit, and that is if you could go back and tell yourself one thing before launching Hana Hana, what would that be? Hmm?

[Abena]

Oh my goodness. That's a good question.

[Sheila Marie]

You're right at the beginning. Bright eyed and bushy tailed.

[Abena]

I think it would be. I think I would tell myself to, to be more intentional about actually my relationship with God from the beginning. If I'm being honest, I think that's what it would have been because I think that would have navigated a lot of hardships that I would have had. I think if I had had a sound mind sometimes and how I approach things, it probably still would have happened, but it would happen differently. Like, I can't change anything. I have no regrets, right. I have truly no regrets in any of the things that I've done in life. But I think I would have told myself that a little bit more. I'm like, I know, girl, this is probably not what you're thinking about right now and you think you have one, but deepen, I think, be more intentional.

[Sheila Marie]

Oh, be more intentional.

[Abena]

Yeah, yeah, like open up, open up the Bible. At least read a book.

[Sheila Marie]

Okay. Read, read a page. I'm not saying. Well, Genesis said, look something, start somewhere.

[Abena]

I think start somewhere. And I think also it's like so beautiful because at the end of the day, he's creator. It's creator before anything. Like you are meant to be creative. We are supposed to be creative people, you know, like, it's not going to take away from anything because we are met, we have, we have gifts. Like, that's we're all individually made purposely, in a way. And I think that's what's so beautiful about it. Everyone's journey is so different. So it just feel. That's what I would have told myself, for sure.

[Sheila Marie]

I love that. I love that you can still tell yourself that now. Yeah, I'm like, keep going, keep going. Yes. Okay, so this is the toolkit section of the. Of the interview. And this is really. We like to leave listeners with something tangible that they can add to their little unruly. Well, it's not little at this point, it's big. Their unruly toolkit. So whether it's an affirmation or a phrase or maybe a favorite verse or something that you wanna leave with them. So if somebody's listening and they're like, I wanna build an intentional business, I wanna have more faith in my business. But I don't know how. Is there any tool that you can give listeners?

[Abena]

Yeah, I think, you know, sometimes I'm a list person. I love writing lists. I'm a journal person, too. So maybe it's a journal prompt for you, but maybe list out the things that you have unbelief in and then list the things you do have faith in. Because I think sometimes we only want to think about what we have faith in, and we don't actually go to the things of what we don't have belief in. You know, it's like, you may want this, but you don't believe that you can do it. And it's like, why? And start navigating those. Because I think sometimes we focus that, oh, you're just lacking a little bit of faith in it, but unbelief really kills it off. Like, unbelief says, I can't. Unbelief is the imposter syndrome. When you're in the space, you know, like, when you get it, but you don't believe that you were supposed to be deserving of it or all those things. So I would say do that little journal prompt. What are some things that you're unbelievable, like, you're not believing in right now? Be honest with yourself. And then also do the other part of, like, what do you actually have faith in? If it's all just pointing to you? Maybe expand outside of that too. You know, do you have faith in your community that if something happened, they would show up? Do you have faith in something outside of yourself? Right. Do you believe that you're supposed to be at this level? Do you believe that you could actually be at a space where you have a level of abundance or do you believe that if you went through a hardship, it would end like, you know, like I think, take that I'm even going through the process of doing that of like, what are the things I'm really unbelieving right now and why am I unbelieving in it?

[Sheila Marie]

It's definitely a worthwhile investigation.

[Abena]

Yeah, I think it is. And I think Pray. I don't know what else to tell y'all. Pray. It's crazy out here, girl.

[Sheila Marie]

Pray. I got nothing else to tell you, period. No, no. That was a really beautiful tip. I actually think I'm going to use that too as well. Yeah, yeah. I. That was just so beautiful. My mind is like spinning. I'm like, yeah, I'm thinking out loud to myself. I'm like doing the journaling in my head as you're talking. You just dropped so many gems and just gave us so much insight. I feel that we don't get to have these conversations enough about faith, about intentionality and making money and doing it in a way that feels good to you, which is not an easy thing to do under late stage capitalism. And so I, I before we get out of here, I want to let people know, where can they find you? Where can they buy your products? Tell people they're going to be looking for you. Where do they look?

[Abena]

First of all, thank you so much. This was so great. You're just so sweet. I really enjoyed this.

[Sheila Marie]

The feeling is mutual.

[Abena]

So you can find [e-mail] we have our products there. We're also at Ulta Beauty so you can shop us there too in select stores but online. And then you can follow us on the handles. It's Hanahana. H a N a H N N H a N a Beauty on Instagram, on TikTok, all the things. And then if you want to follow me too, it's Beanie bwama. So B E a N I E bwama B O a M H wow. Spelling. Nevermind.

[Sheila Marie]

Don't worry. Oh, me neither girl. I'm a spell check generation. I'm a spell check baby. But we will put all of that information and her handles in the description too if you just want to click there as well. But thank you so much for this conversation. You are beautiful. And I'm actually going to go purchase some products after this because I'm like, yeah, I was looking for some new shea butter, so now I found it. And for everyone listening, if this conversation sparked something in you, if you're rethinking about how you move through your work, your creativity business. I want to hear from you. Okay DM me tag me. Share what resonated tag Abna please. And most importantly, did I say it right? I did.

[Abena]

Yeah, you said I already did.

[Sheila Marie]

Nervous again. And most importantly, take this as a sign to trust your path, trust yourself, trust something larger than yourself and trust that you can build something that reflects you, that reflects your faith and reflects the things you want to put out into this world. Thank you so much for being with us today and thank you for listening. We will see you next time on Unruly. If you have something on your mind, a question or something you want me to answer, just send in a voice [e-mail] unruly I can't wait to hear from you you. Thank you so much for listening. Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never, ever, ever ever miss an episode of Unruly.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest. Life comes at you fast, which is why it's important to find some time to relax a little. You time. Enter Chumba Casino. With no download required. You can jump on anytime, anywhere for the chance to redeem some serious prizes. So treat yourself with Chumba Casino and play over 100 online casino style games, all for free. Go to Chumbacasino.com to collect your free welcome bonus. Sponsored by Chumba Casino.

[Unknown Male Voice (possibly a voice actor or character from a commercial)]

No purchase necessary. VGW Group Void we're prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply.