Wakuda, Wakanda, Wakunda ?
We’ve literally heard all the iterations around Wakuda you can imagine. Wakunda and Wakanda definitely come up the most so I thought I’d give a quick breakdown on the meaning and the why behind the name.
The Wakuda Origin Story
Wakuda, pronounced Wah – Koo – Dah, means black in Chichewa which is the main language in Malawi. It’s also a Japanese surname which means harmony. If that wasn’t enough it also has a meaning in Zimbabwe. Wa – You and Kuda – Want. *Fun fact: we only knew the Malawian meaning when we chose the name, the rest was luck!
If you’re not familiar with “Wakanda”, please stop reading NOW and head straight to whatever source you need to and watch Marvel’s award winning Black Panther, a masterpiece! Wakanda is a fictional country in Africa in the Marvelverse. It’s also home to the most technologically advanced nation on the planet.
Wakunda like Wakuda, also has origins in Zimbabwe – Wa – you and Kunda – Conquered / Overcame. I had an hour long conversation with a Zimbabwean friend so I confirm this to definitely be true!
The name Wakuda resonated with us as Malawi is often called the warm heart of Africa. Our vision for the Wakuda marketplace is pretty similar to the heart and blood vessels functions in the human body. We aim to be the central connector for amazing black-owned businesses and the rapidly growing, ethically aware diverse audience. As well as transforming access to black-owned businesses we’re also empowering these black business owners to grow their businesses sustainably.
Powered By the People
Our slogan “Powered By The People” is a key message that deserves a little breakdown too while we’re here. Similar to Power to the people (the phrase that became popular throughout the 1960s during the civil rights movement). We’re letting everyone know that they as an individual have the power to create impact and ultimately create lasting change. All people power the Wakuda ecosystem. Black-owned businesses are the first as without them, it would be a very dull marketplace *tumble weed blows by*. Every visitor, customer, referrer is able to create positive impact and help to power the Wakuda ecosystem.
10 Black-Owned Shea Butters / Body Butters
Shea butter is a popular ingredient in the skincare world, and for good reason. It’s incredibly moisturising and contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help with skin breakouts.
To get you excited about natural skincare, here are 10 black-owned body butters that you must try.
Shea Butter in Natural Skincare
1. Akirma Luxe Hair and Body Butter
This body butter also works on your hair! It’s packed full of moisturising ingredients, such as coconut oil, olive oil, and, of course, Shea butter. There are scented and unscented options, too.
2. SheaBliss Lemongrass Butter
You can’t get more natural skincare than unrefined Shea butter. This lemongrass butter also has almond oil and lemongrass for amazing fragrance and skin hydration.
3. MelaBeauty Body Butter
This body butter is much thicker than others, making it ideal for super dry skin. It combines Shea butter with jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and vanilla to give you skincare that smells great and really works.
4. Itofan Raw Unrefined Shea Butter
If you want to go back to basics with your natural skincare, this raw Shea butter is for you. It doesn’t contain any other ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Alternatively, you could use it to create your own body butters.
5. Kadara Whipped Body Butter
Whipped body butters have a much lighter consistency, meaning they’re easier for your skin to absorb. This one is enriched with kokum butter and vitamin E for extra moisturising.
6. Idunns Lemongrass Body Butter Soufflé
This body butter soufflé is the perfect skincare for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It’s super light and is enriched with aloe and almond oil for extra soothing properties.
7. Brown Sugar Body Butters
These body butters are great skincare, and they work on your hair, too. The whipped consistency means they’re absorbed easily, leaving your hair light but moisturised.
8. Lucky You Whipped Body Butter
With only two ingredients, this body butter is another that’s suitable skincare for dry, itchy conditions. It’s also suitable for hair and is great natural skincare for sensitive bodies.
9. Rosemary Body Butter
Rosemary isn’t something you often see in body butters, but it has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with Shea butter and coconut oil, this product nourishes and soothes dry, itchy skin. But, it’s still suitable for all skin types.
10. Black Butterfly Shea and Mango Body Butter
Even natural skincare can be hard-hitting, as this body butter proves. It combines Shea butter with mango, argan oil and jojoba oil, and oats. All these are well-known skincare ingredients, meaning this body butter soothes and protects all skin types.
Supporting black-owned businesses means putting money in the pockets of small business owners, but doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice quality in your natural skincare products.
We love the range of body butters we sell on Wakuda, all of which combine the power of Shea butter with other great, natural ingredients. Feel free to check out our full range for more options.