Sometimes creations that aren't usually thought of as art can be very artfully produced in ways that transcend the everyday wellness experiences. Ikooma and CocoLove offer sustainably sourced local seaweed based haircare and skincare that goes above and beyond the usual holistic approach to wellness. Ikooma organized this brand party to promote the sustainable use of the seaweed she grew up on, savoring her grandfather's beloved seaweed shakes, for improved health overall. The two entrepreneurs, Jolie Pollard and Indira Andrewin, traveled with families in tow to San Ignacio from Placencia and all the way from Punta Gorda, to create a seaweed themed event with Wild Roots cuisine at Balance Point Wellness and Ananda Guest House in Bullet Tree.
Wild Roots came through with a family connection to the owners of Balance Point Wellness. Owner's Jamie and Aliyah's ingenuity made the event possible despite the downpouring rain (however needed). This event with engaging demos by Jolie and Indira, turned out to be a thoughtful and well attended gathering of their following and others drawn to locally made products sourcing natural ingredients within Belize for hair and skin wellness. Ikooma and CocoLove's collaborative event had the sweet warmth of a family reunion with the nourishing comfort food you'd expect provided by Wild Roots. Jolie promises and visibly delivers the 'magic of sustainably farmed seaweed to make results-driven hair care products' for all hair types. Indira is driven to make accessible 'toxic-free but effective, nutrient-dense options' daily skincare for all skin types sourcing the best of Belizean natural ingredients, including seaweed and cacao.
Jolie Pollard comes from a background growing up in Belize City to then studying journalism on a full-tuition scholarship to Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, aspiring to work for an investigative news outlet like the New Yorker. After graduating magna cum laude she successfully applied to do research analysis and fundraising at the College for 4 years. Pollard then returned to live in her families' favorite vacation destination of Placencia, where she accepted the position of Executive Director of the Belize Tourism Association's Placencia chapter where she also served as the editor for the "Placencia Breeze' local newspaper. Those experiences lead her to an eventual professional pivot towards entrepreneurship and establishing the building blocks of what Ikooma would become in 2019.
In Pollard's own reflection 'I managed our tourism office where I was also the editor of a feel-good community newspaper covering all things positive from annual lobster festivals to which primary school student got an award for good grades in school. When it was time for a break, I took up waitressing intending to serve up my mom's delicious home cooking for a just short time until I figured out what I was going to do with my life. That lasted much longer than expected, and little did I know that a fun hobby I had picked up when I wasn't going over the evening dinner specials would take me on the wild journey of entrepreneurship.'
As Jolie spent much of her time open sea swimming off the Peninsula for wellness, she began to formulate her own customized haircare products including the seaweed she grew up on being sourced locally. Her goal was to create a super hydrating and nourishing formula that started as an experiment in her 'humble kitchenette.' She lauds and expresses gratitude to Belize's [growing] seaweed industry that she attests is farmed and managed by 'some of the most brilliant and earth-loving people in my community'.
Since her past reflection, Jolie gives this thoughtful update: 'from one small farm at Little Water Caye, started by seaweed [farming] pioneer Lowell "Japs" Godfrey [rest in power], to now including private enterprises like Riversdale Seaweed Farmers, Blue Nutrients and the Belize Women's Seaweed Farmers Association,' the industry seaweed has grown exponentially from the time of the founding of Ikooma in 2019.
CocoLove made its debut as a local skincare company at the annual Cacao Fest in May 2014 in Punta Gorda, when Indira Andrewin was just a high school student, 'deeply passionate about health and dealing with my own skin issues.' Then she was selling a variety of body scrubs at a time when body scrubs weren't generally known as commercial skincare. Indira understood at that point that she would have to equip people with knowledge about effective skincare to fully garner appreciation for her products.
Indira reflects on her journey: 'My journey led me to pursue an advanced diploma in cosmetic science, empowering me to relaunch CocoLove with everyday products. Things that people use every day because health is very important to me, and I wanted to make available not only a toxic-free but effective, nutrient-dense option for people.
At that moment, I never imagined this would become my calling. I was simply driven by a desire to create, earn some money, and assist people along the way. It wasn’t until a year later, after refining my product labels and perfecting my formulas, that I fell head over heels in love with the art and science involved in formulating natural products.'
Now 12 years into building CocoLove 'after exploring many other ventures,' this mother of 2 small children has built her collection of seaweed and cacao based skincare into 18 high performing gentle products that nourish all skin types. Crafted in small batches by Indira in Toledo on her family's off-grid solar powered farm lab, she prides herself on creating robust plant-powered skincare products that source biodynamic regenerative ingredients using waterless formulations for assured potency. Indira emphasizes the use of essential oils that don't irritate sensitive skin as common cosmetic fragrances do. She's gone further to create a deodorant and tooth powder for enhanced holistic wellness that is completely naturally derived and effective. Even while pursuing other endeavors over time she says with pride that she still remained with her 'baby' CocoLove with an unwavering belief in 'this journey as her ultimate dream.
Both women note that the families are integral to the success of their businesses and their deep love and connection to the lands and nature of Belize are foundational to building their businesses. Jolie's cousin was by her side actively promoting Ikooma and part of the haircare demo. Indira notes her desire 'to thank my mother for actively supporting the vision for CocoLove. Their use of ingredients like their foundational nutrient-rich seaweed, cacao, aloe, lemongrass, pineapple, turmeric and coconut oil all are a testament to deep connection and bond to the lands and sea of Belize. Ikooma and CocoLove's commitment to hair and skin wellness is artfully approached and abundantly beneficial with visible evidence.
Stay tuned for Ikooma's next brand party with demos and treats in San Pedro...
More articles on Ikooma:
Seaweed Offers Solutions for Hunans, Habitats and Hair in Belize, Smithsonian Magazine
Sustaining a Green Business, Smithsonian Magazine
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