Overview:
Since 1999, Ébène has pioneered plant-based magnificence and natural self-care merchandise, rising from 10 to over 85 chemical-free gadgets. The Miami-based firm, based by Haitian American entrepreneur and former style mannequin Fayola Nicaisse, promotes pure magnificence and eco-conscious residing, incomes recognition in high publications together with Essence and The Miami Herald.
MIAMI—When Haitian American entrepreneur Fayola Nicaisse launched her magnificence product line, Ébène, in Dallas, Texas, in 1999, she aimed to create private care merchandise that had been free from dangerous chemical substances and specifically designed for Black complexions. Her mission positioned her as a pioneer in plant-based magnificence, nicely earlier than it turned a mainstream pattern.
“Once I was modeling within the Nineteen Nineties, no 100% pure, natural merchandise had been accessible,” Nicaisse, a former Haitian style mannequin, instructed The Haitian Occasions.
“[Still,] the sweetness merchandise made for white folks’s pores and skin tones and hair had been of top quality. Nonetheless, these merchandise didn’t work for black folks’s complexions and hair varieties.”
“I used to be allergic to every little thing I used on my physique and hair,” Nicaisse recounted.
At first, Nicaisse stated, Ébène was based to assist defend her “pure magnificence and good well being,” however as Nicaisse’s two younger youngsters began to develop eczema and allergy symptoms her analysis expanded resulting in a line of all-natural child balms, cremes, and soaps.
“The life behind the model is my self-care and that of my children,” Nicaisse stated.
In the present day, Ébène is a globally acknowledged model headquartered in Miami since 2001, well-known for its plant-based skincare, haircare and homecare merchandise. Through the years, Ébène has expanded from 10 unique merchandise to greater than 85 chemical-free gadgets designed to nourish the physique whereas preserving the surroundings.
Ébène has seen regular progress since 2021, promoting about one million items that 12 months, with annual gross sales growing by over 12%.
“The key behind Ébène is our dedication to educating folks in regards to the results of components from merchandise they use on their physique,” the previous Haitian style mannequin stated. “Folks could not purchase from us, however a minimum of we proceed to teach them,” she reiterated.
Ébène’s dedication to plant-based magnificence has earned it recognition in publications like Essence, The Miami Herald, and Naturally Curly. Through the years, even celebrities like Diana Ross, Erykah Badu, and Snoop Dogg have change into followers of the model.
South Florida prospects swear by Ébène
Amélia Jean-Pierre, 45, a resident of Miramar, Florida, credit Ébène with reworking her hair.
“Perms and different merchandise with chemical substances had severely broken my hair,” Jean-Pierre stated.
“Because of Ébène, my hair was capable of develop again and get naturally wholesome once more.”
The Port-de-Paix native is a part of Ébène’s robust Haitian buyer base in South Florida. Jean-Pierre repeatedly visits Ébène’s retailer at 1036 NW third St. in Miami.
“Anytime I come down right here [Miami], Ébène is my first cease,” she instructed The Haitian Occasions as she shopped at Ébène’s minimalist storefront with teal partitions and a gravel-like flooring resembling sand on a seaside.
“I used to be dropping hair terribly, and my pores and skin was so dry—it was cracking,” Antonia Malbranche, a North Miami resident, stated, holding a recycled paper bag full of shampoo, pomade, physique lotion, and important oils from Ébène. “They work like magic”
For 63-year-old Benjamin Despagne, Ébène helps prospects recuperate their vanity and satisfaction.
“Ten years in the past, folks mocked my dry pores and skin and frizzy hair, have a look at me now,” Despagne stated.
“I’m thrilled with my pores and skin and hair. Because of Ébène, many individuals suppose I’m in my late 40s,” Despagne continued, balancing a bag with a three-pack of cleaning soap, a bottle of shampoo, a jar of hair ointment, and a bottle of lotion from the Miami retailer.
What’s Ébène’s dedication to wash magnificence?
Ébène prioritizes pure, chemical-free components throughout its skincare, haircare, and homecare merchandise. The model avoids artificial components like sulfates, parabens, and silicones, focusing as an alternative on plant-based formulation that nourish and defend.
“As an example,” Nicaisse stated, “Our facial merchandise embrace vitamin-rich nourishing oils, sulfate-free cleansers, and hydrating toners that are perfect for all pores and skin varieties.”
From quirky home-kitchen undertaking to trade premier chief
Nicaisse typically recollects the skepticism she confronted when she first began formulating merchandise at residence. Even her family discouraged her, saying these merchandise designed for ‘minorities’ wouldn’t promote.
“At first, folks weren’t satisfied,” she stated. “However after they began utilizing the merchandise and noticed actual outcomes, that modified every little thing.”
What began as small-batch manufacturing in her kitchen grew right into a full-fledged enterprise, with demand growing as phrase unfold. Ébène’s growth led to the opening of a manufacturing manufacturing unit and warehouse in Coral Gables, the place the model discovered a robust buyer base throughout the Haitian and Caribbean communities.
“Once I was modeling within the Nineteen Nineties, I turned allergic to every little thing I used on my pores and skin and hair. Subsequently, I felt it was my accountability to create merchandise to assist preserve my pure magnificence and defend my good well being.”
Fayola Nicaisse, Former Haitian style mannequin
After transferring from a Complete Meals distribution channel, the corporate has strived additional and consolidated its clientele globally by means of its ébènenaturals.com web site, social media platforms and Amazon.
Ébène has additionally constructed a presence past magnificence, actively supporting Haitian entrepreneurs and cultural occasions. The corporate actively helps Haitian small companies and particular person entrepreneurs by offering them with visibility at numerous exhibitions. Ébène has additionally been seen sponsoring occasions just like the Haitian Konpa Competition, heritage celebrations, and artwork exhibitions, reinforcing its dedication to each pure magnificence and Haitian excellence.
Nonetheless increasing: A brand new tea line and international ambitions
As Ébène celebrates its twenty sixth anniversary, Nicaisse is trying towards the longer term with growth plans.
New product traces: The corporate is growing a tea line impressed by Haiti’s medicinal crops. It’s exploring extra plant-based skincare and wellness merchandise tailor-made to numerous magnificence wants.
Sustainability efforts: Ébène is working to introduce refillable packaging and broaden its use of biodegradable supplies.
Worldwide attain: With a rising on-line presence, Ébène goals to proceed to extend distributions worldwide.
Regardless of the challenges of operating a enterprise within the aggressive magnificence trade, Nicaisse says her mission has held regular.
“Ébène is greater than a magnificence model,” she stated. “It’s about celebrating pure magnificence whereas defending good well being and the planet.”
“The key behind Ébène is our dedication to educating folks in regards to the results of components in merchandise they use on their physique. Some folks could not purchase from us, however a minimum of we at all times educate them.”
Fayola Nicaisse, Founding father of Ébène
Because the demand for clear magnificence continues to rise, Ébène is poised to stay on the forefront, providing prospects a option to care for his or her pores and skin and hair—with out compromising on well being or sustainability.
What began as one girl’s seek for safer magnificence merchandise has advanced into an internationally acknowledged model—one which embodies the resilience and innovation of the Haitian American entrepreneurial spirit. Greater than twenty years later, Ébène stays dedicated to its mission of providing plant-based, eco-friendly options whereas honoring its roots.