Butter by Keba is a Harlem-born premium line of moisturizers and synergistic fragrances designed to promote soft skin & elasticity while uplifting and smoothing your mind using the practice and process of aromatherapy and perfumery. In addition to creating beautifully crafted perfumes with earth-centred plant-based ingredients. The companies mission is to foster connection and inclusivity within underserved and underrepresented communities through a thoughtful, intuitive application of artisanal formulation, powered by purpose.
Ms. Lloyd is an active community member and supporter of causes near to her heart. These include her community garden where she volunteers and contributes, as well as her commitment to paying it forward through her aromatherapy and perfumery workshop series in partnership with Harlem-based non-profit organization, Hands That Make a Difference, an anti-violence and financial literacy initiative for at-risk youth.
Meet Makeba Guilan Lloyd, Founder of Butter by Keba
Makeba Guilan Lloyd, a Harlem-born native New Yorker of Southern and Guyanese descent, began her 20 year professional career as a real estate associate specializing in newly constructed condominium sales. However, after an educational tour through Egypt, she became inspired to learn about the process of perfumery and practice of aromatherapy.
Makeba pursued her curiosity in the classrooms of the New York Open Center, New York Institute of Aromatic Studies, Illuminated Perfume's School of the Lost Arts and Pratt Institute with a focus in Natural Perfumery, Aromatherapy, Classic Perfumery and Ancient Egyptian Perfumery. She also holds continued education certification in aromatherapy for healthcare. Makeba is a member of the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists, Herbalists Without Boarders and the Natural and Organic Health and Beauty Alliance (NOHBA).
"I hope you take the opportunity to try every blend. Each was designed to appeal to every nose by incorporating classic essential oils and fragrance that are familiar but are paired to create something unique while stimulating curiosity. We want people who use Butter By Keba to experience engaging, meaningful moments with others because they’re scent is noticed. Our goal and mission is to bring people together through fragrance,” said Makeba.
We sat down for an exclusive interview with Maekba on her beauty venture, Butter by Keba...
What is your inspiration behind Butter by Keba, and why is perfumery and practice of aromatherapy so closely tied together?
I was inspired to begin blending after a trip through Ancient Egypt back in 2006. Upon my return I fell into a slump and had a difficult time returning to my normal routine. I had such a profound experience in Egypt and thought recreating those moments through fragrance may reconnect me. I also had a desire to create a product that deeply moisturized my dry skin; delivered subtle lasting fragrance that I could wear to work, and did something for my wellbeing. My first two certification classes were Aromatherapy for the Skin and Natural Perfumery. The information absorbed in both led me to create a hybrid line of moisturizing fragrances infused with aromatherapy and perfumery. Many perfumers work with what is referred to as “naturals”. I work with them from the perspective of aromatherapy.
What unique aromatherapy-based solutions are found in Unity Code, Eau De Parfum?
There is an uplifting top note accord of Grapefruit, Lemon and stress-reducing Bergamot, as well as a bottom accord of grounding, soothing Vetiver, Cedarwood and Palo Santo with hints of Patchouli which is known to address stress related emotional imbalance. The fragrance's entire orchestra was actually created by members of our Instagram following. I randomly jumped on and asked our IG family to chime in with scents that made them happy, that's how the fragrance was born.
How has Chakra’s influenced your latest plant-based skin nourishing oils collection?
I was inspired to create The Chakra Collection during an outdoor yoga class. The breath work, meditation and realignment activities influenced me to create a collection that incorporated essential oils and blends that are known to communicate with our Chakras on a vibrational level. I’m having a great time diving into that world and pulling bits here and there to apply to the rest of the collection.
How does clean beauty ingredients play in development of products?
Clean beauty to us means working with earth-centered ingredients at the core of our formulation that are sustainable and accessible. If an ingredient becomes extremely hard to obtain we restructure the formula and typically improve it in the process. I focus on phthalate-free fragrance ingredients, essential oils, resins, natural blends and isolates. We are mindful of dilution rates that correspond with IFRA guidelines as well as guidelines I’ve learned during my aromatherapy training. I am also intentional about working with U.S. based distribution channels and manufacturers because it fuels our economy. I was ecstatic to find a U.S. based manufacturer for our jars and have recently established a relationship with a U.S. based paper processing company who purchases timber from our family farm. Finally, we are always seeking ways to communicate the importance of using fragrance as a subtle whisper; an extension of self rather than something you put on to cover or mask one’s natural essence.
What does it mean to be plant-based?
We work with plant extracted or derived ingredients, no animal bi-products such as beeswax and others. Instead, we use a flower wax called Candelilla, which is a bit more expensive but is very effective at delivering an after-glow. We work with organic rice bran oil because it is highly effective at promoting elasticity for the skin and is also sustainable. We are Leaping Bunny Certified, which means that our distributors and manufacturers also follow cruelty-free guidelines.
What is one misconception that customers may have when it comes to aromatherapy?
I think some people may feel that Aromatherapy doesn’t work or that it’s just about smelling oils. The reality is that we can apply aromatherapy by simply peeling an orange; taking in the aroma and noticing the changes in our mood. We can incorporate aromatherapy by inhaling fresh peppermint leaf tea or going outside to inhale the needles and leaves from a perennial tree to get that 4pm boost. Aromatherapy doesn’t always have to be about smelling essential oils. It can be about taking in nature’s beautiful aroma and allowing it to communicate with our cell receptors as it enhances our overall wellbeing.
Do you have any exciting company news upcoming for Butter by Keba?
We are launching in-store with Neighborhood Goods at Chelsea Market NYC as part of their Buy Good Buy Black initiative, spearheaded by Roslyn Karamoko, V.P. of Strategic Business Development. I'm very excited about that.
We have also integrated with the Allure.com marketplace; we are now available on Amazon Prime; and expecting to have a couple more online marketplace launches, as well. I am also proud to announce we are in the third season of our aromatherapy and perfumery workshop series for underserved Harlem youth.
If you could be on any retailers shelves, which one would you choose and why?
We are body care and fragrance with 33 skus and counting. When I recall my personal interaction with customers I’m reminded that our product line deserves a bit of storytelling and the ability to sample our fragrances and textures to curate the right bundle. If we were given the opportunity to display a few of our best collections, for presence you know, I would say Sephora would be the best retail environment for that kind of purchase experience.
I’ve interacted with some very impressive sales people at Sephora. I can remember hopping over to Sephora’s 34th Street location, in NYC, just after spending time at Macy’s, one of my retail therapy routines, and meeting a very engaging and funny salesperson. They explained that while the location didn’t have a robust body care selection, it had an amazing collection of fragrances. They continued to give us their undivided attention for nearly 30 minutes. They were authentic, knowledgeable and gave us honest recommendations, which we really appreciated. We left there feeling super charged because our shopping experience was energized. I believe that is what retail therapy is all about.
