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.