Featured on CSC’s List of Top Non-Toxic Black Beauty Brands and Non-Toxic Black Beauty Database, we spoke to NAIWBE Founder & CEO Sylvia Walker on how her dry skin issues and career as a nurse inspired her to create organic skincare products.
Sylvia’s Story
Sylvia Walker founded NAIWBE in 2011 after seeking a solution to her own dry skin conditions including eczema, which she had since childhood, and contact dermatitis, which she developed as a young nurse. Repeated hand washing in a hospital environment with harsh cleaners and water-based lotions left Sylvia with dry, cracked skin on her hands. These health concerns inspired Sylvia to create a moisturizer, which was a success and led to the conception of “Natural As I Wanna Be,” an organic alternative to more conventional skincare products that also represents a responsible, healthy lifestyle choice.
Sylvia began test marketing her products with family, friends, and coworkers in the healthcare profession. The feedback was extremely positive and provided healing for all skin types, especially for dry skin conditions. Over 10 years later, Sylvia is continuing to develop, maintain, and sell the highest quality, organic skin care products for all skin types.
As one of the Black-owned brands featured on CSC’s searchable database of Non-Toxic Black Beauty Products, Sylvia’s products are free of the harmful ingredients on CSC’s Red List of Chemicals of Concern in Cosmetics, which includes chemicals of particular concern for Black women. This list allows Black women to shop for beauty products with confidence knowing that the products they’re purchasing are free of ingredients linked to negative health effects, including those of special concern to Black women.
“NAIWBE is a lifestyle brand, and our benefits go beyond healthy skin. We are committed to developing and maintaining sustainable products with environmental, social, and economic benefits while protecting public health and the environment. We are doing our part to contribute to a healthier planet.”
– Sylvia Walker, NAIWBE Founder & CEO
We asked Sylvia more about her work:
What brought you to create beauty products without harmful ingredients?
NAIWBE organic skin care products were created as a direct result of me seeking a solution to my own dry skin issues of contact dermatitis and eczema associated with repeated hand washing with harsh detergents and alcohol-based lotions in a hospital environment.
Why should people shop clean beauty brands like yours?
To decrease their exposure to chemicals that may cause breast cancer, birth defects, and hair loss.
Tell us more about NAIWBE’s products
NAIWBE is a line of organic skin care products for all skin types. They’re ideal for a variety of individuals, including those with skin conditions, medical professionals, massage therapists, barbers, beauticians, nail techs, and anyone interested in healthy lifestyle choices and sustainable products.
Are you actively involved in your local community? Do you have any professional affiliations?
Yes, I am part of the First Coast Black Nurses Association (FCBNA), the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), the Florida Nurses Association (FNA), and the American Nurses Association (ANA). I am also an American Red Cross (ARC) certified CPR Instructor and an American Heart Association (AHA) certified CPR Instructor.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I love to dance, especially African and Zumba!
What is your personal mantra?
To always deliver more than I promise. My motivation to be the best and do the best comes from within me.
Where can your products be found?
Our products can be found on our website, www.naiwbellc.net, as well as on Amazon and Sam’s Club.
Want more?
- Check out our Black Beauty Database for other, safer-made, non-toxic Black-owned products.
- Get our top tips for finding safer cosmetic products wherever you shop!
