In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to the co-founder of Alaffia, Olowo n'djo Tchala.

Their conversation delves into OT's journey from Togo to the United States, his experiences growing up in a large family, and the cultural values that have shaped him. The story of how he met his partner, Prairie Rose Hyde, in Togo and followed her to the U.S., where he pursued his education and eventually co-founded Alaffia, is shared.

The mission, product, and ethos of Alaffia are explored, focusing on the creation of natural body care products that not only benefit the consumer but also the communities in West Africa where the ingredients are sourced. OT emphasizes the importance of fair trade, community empowerment, and preserving cultural knowledge in their business model.

Listeners will also hear about OT's experiences of learning English, attending community college, and eventually transferring to UC Davis. He speaks about the challenges of balancing family life, education, and starting a business, and how these experiences have shaped his perspective and approach to business.

Finally, the growth and evolution of Alaffia are discussed, from its humble beginnings in a mobile home in Olympia, Washington, to its current global presence. OT speaks about the challenges they faced during the 2008 recession and how they overcame them, emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Check out Alaffia, and enjoy!