Amidst a sea of synthetic beauty products, a personal challenge with hair loss ignited a transformative journey. Confronted with Tractional Alopecia, Natukunda Enid Mugisha chose to defy conventional treatments. Driven by a desire for natural solutions, she founded Raw and Organic Investment Limited, a company dedicated to organic hair and skincare products. “My transformative journey not only restored my hair but also paved the way for a thriving business dedicated to enhancing the natural beauty of others,” Natukunda shares.
Natukunda’s journey began with a two-year search for treatment in Uganda, which unfortunately yielded no relief. Desperate for a solution, Natukunda travelled to India for two months, where her hair was restored within six months. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a change in hairstylists led to a relapse, pushing her to explore natural treatments.
Hearing about the benefits of shea butter, Natukunda began applying it to her scalp. “It darkened my scalp, but my hair still didn’t regrow,” she recalls. Determined to find a solution, she collaborated with a chemist to develop a product to restore her hair. This marked the beginning of Raw and Organic Investment Limited, which initially focused on hair care before expanding into skincare.
Raw and Organic Investment Limited caters to individuals who embrace natural beauty. Initially sourcing nuts from Northern Uganda, particularly Lira, the company later improved the quality of its shea nuts and butter through a partnership with a logistics supplier via the NSSF Hi Innovator program. This collaboration was crucial for their seasonal production process, allowing them to process and store large quantities of shea butter during peak season, ensuring a year-round supply for their value-added products.
The company’s primary product is raw shea butter, which is sold in bulk and to retailers. They also produce a range of value-added hair and body care products, including:
- Hair Care: Shampoo, steam treatment, and hair food
- Body Care: Body scrub, body oil, hand lotion, and lip balm
Production is managed with the assistance of a chemist, who provides ingredient lists for bulk manufacturing. Currently, Raw and Organic Investment Limited operates through factory sales and leverages the Community Women Enterprise Network in Ntinda, along with WhatsApp for orders and a delivery service for distribution.
Natukunda learned about the NSSF Hi Innovator program through the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Association (UWEAL). Seeking financial support to advance her business, she joined the program. “The NSSF Hi Innovator program equipped me with the skills to become investor-ready and develop a comprehensive business plan,” Natukunda explains. StartHub Africa, serving as her Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO), provided invaluable guidance and one-on-one mentorship throughout the process.
Participating in the preselection bootcamp and pitch day of the NSSF Hi Innovator program was transformative for Natukunda. She overcame anxiety and gained confidence, ultimately receiving financial assistance that enabled her to realize her business aspirations. Since then, she has employed one permanent staff member and is currently seeking to hire two additional female employees.
Natukunda encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to be resilient, clear about their goals, and persistent. “Consistency is key to success,” she advises, adding, “Money grows on trees of consistency.”
Through her journey, Natukunda Enid Mugisha has demonstrated the power of resilience and innovation in overcoming personal challenges and building a successful business that empowers others to embrace their natural beauty.
