Onya’e Naturals by Jasmine Kelley

When writer and blogger Alex Elle endorses a product, you’d do good to listen. Onya’e Naturals is a brand that I have been following for sometime. The product images are breathtaking, the packaging is alluring, and I’m always stumbling on her Whipped Body Butter reviews. As someone who prides herself on quality over quantity, I had to chat Jasmine about her toxin-free handmade goods.

Introduce yourself & why you do what you do.

Hello, I am Jasmine Onya’e Kelley, founder/creator of Onya’e Naturals. I started doing research back in college specifically on clean ingredients that are usually used in the kitchen and I knew those ingredients can be used for the face, body, and hair. Then, I created a mini skin care line for my graphic design thesis. Two years later, I finally took it to the next level and started my own business.

I do everything by myself: creating the product, designing the labels, marketing, and sales. Onya’e is my middle name and I’ve always wanted to use it to its full advantage and make it even more personal.

It bothered me that there was so many GMO problems with our food and then I realized, what do they put in our skin care items? So that was a big inspiration for me. I wanted to continue making clean and natural products that are all handmade with familiar ingredients that are easy to pronounce.

Describe what sets Onya’e Naturals apart from other skin care brands.

There are so many natural skin care companies out there and what sets mine apart from the others are my prices and the look and feel of the brand along with the personal touch. Not only do I handmake each product alone, I also make my own collateral/design pieces from my house printer. It’s nice knowing that I am capable of working by myself and with my own ideas.

Let’s talk quality standards. How do you define “natural” and “non-toxic” and what are your products free of?

I define natural by what I use in my products, which is pretty straightforward. Natural as either butters, oils, clay, and distilled, or rose waters; that is the basis of my products. Each of my products are made from scratch with no synthetic ingredients, toxins, genetically modified ingredients, chemicals, animal testing, or petroleum.

Why take the artisanal route vs. mass production?

As I go into my second year, I still like to be authentic and make each item until I grow large enough that I will need help. I like that when my customers message me, I can get back to them right away. I like that I can take extra steps in the details of my items as well like the shipping, custom items, the designs, and communication with buyers.

What are the skin care concerns that Onya’e Naturals address?

The type of skin care concerns that Onya’e Naturals addresses are those with a variety of skin types: dry skin, breakouts, and psoriasis/eczema.

Getting into the Mix

Clay Mask: Should I use the clay mask before or after I cleanse my face?

The best time to use the Clay Mask is after you have cleansed the face just so you can have a fresh start without leftover makeup and oils on your face. I use the Activated Charcoal Face Scrub similar to the same way I use the clay mask, except with this I get to exfoliate (rub and scrub) the entire time on specific problem areas on my face. Whereas the clay mask I apply with a brush and let it sit till it hardens.

Hydrating Face Mist: I don’t hear much conversation on toners anymore. Why do you think they’re still important?

I personally love toners because all I have to do is spray and wipe with a cotton ball or air-dry, especially if you do not like using your fingers. It locks in moisture and refreshes the skin. Toners are great for those in a rush and it’s an option that not a lot of people use, which is why I also wanted to add it to my line.

Face Moisturizer: Can you explain the importance of this product staying in solid form?

I created mine specifically oil-based without liquid because I feel that it’s important that the product stays in solid form for applying, and without liquid it will have a longer shelf life.

Body Salt Scrub: How often do you recommend exfoliating?

I recommend once a week and twice for those with drier skin and more for breakouts. Lessen the use once you start to see results.

Lip Balms: Do your lip balms vary in fragrance or formulation? If formulation, how do you recommend them to customers based on need?

My Lip Balms do vary in fragrance and I use the same formula for all. For my Tinted Lip Balm, there is another ingredient added due to the tint.

Roll-on Body Oil: How do you recommend using this product?

Super easy, I recommend this product after a shower or bath and applying it to certain areas in need. Instead of a lotion it’s a Body Oil and can also be used on the face for extra moisture. It can replace moisturizer as well if the customer only wants to use oil.

Will the Beard Oil, Perfume Mist, and Deodorant be available for purchase again?

For this new year I will be adding the beard oil again once I receive my bottles in the mail. I will also be adding the deodorant again after I decide which containers I want to use. I have been torn lately with going the route of your typical deodorant container or using a more unique container.

Tell us about your new foot balm.

I am excited about the Foot Balm, because just like our face it is also important to pay attention to our feet that we walk on each and every day. It is formulated with tea tree oil to help with bacteria, perspiration for wearing socks all day or without socks, anti-fungal properties, and moisturizing dry cracked heels.

Share your skin care regimen.

For Mon.-Fri., I shower and wash my face with either just water (I know crazy) or sometimes with a quarter size of Dr. Bronner’s soap. Then, I spray my face heavily with my toner (because I am obsessed) and use a cotton ball to wipe off excess dirt. Following that I apply my moisturizer and/or coconut oil. For the weekends I use my clay mask while preparing meals or cleaning the house, and after I rinse off the mask I then apply some of the body oil. I like to keep it simple and not overdo it so that my face can breathe.

Quick questions

What’s on your vanity and what’s in your purse?

On my vanity sits my Toner, coconut oil, extra Lip Balms, and SheaMoisture hair products that I use everytime I wash my hair. In my purse I use my friend Alex Elle’s the Balm Co. Journey Oils and her fun glossy lip applicator.

What are your best sellers and what are your favorites?

My best sellers are the Whipped Body Butter, Candles, Moisturizer, and Lip Balms. My personal favorites are the Lip Balms, Toner, and Whipped Body Butter.

Where can we find Onya’e Naturals?

You can find Onya’e Naturals on Etsy and Conceptfortyseven.com. Oakland, St. Helena, London, San Louis Bispo, and Long Beach.

What skin care tip do you live by?

Less is more. Just because the ingredients are good does not mean it needs to be piled on your face. The face needs to breathe and not have the pores filled to the brim.