About

Welcome to the captivating world of Rose of Sharon All Natural Health & Beauty Products. Our journey begins with the fascinating Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), a stunning flowering plant that belongs to the hibiscus family. Contrary to its name, this plant is not a rose but rather a member of the hibiscus species, also known as the "(Althea: government name) shrub/plant." Interestingly, in Hebrew, Rose of Sharon symbolizes a fertile place, evoking a sense of abundance.

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Our admiration for this exquisite plant grew when we discovered its numerous health benefits. Back in Jamaica, where I was born and raised, we utilized the remaining pod left after the flower fell off to create a delightful drink known as sorrel. By steeping the pods in hot water and sweetening it with sugar and aromatic spices such as bay leaf, clove, and cinnamon, we crafted a delicious beverage perfect for the winter season. For those who prefer an extra touch of indulgence, Jamaican White Rum or their favorite wine can be added. This discovery sparked my curiosity and led me on a path of exploration.

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As I matured, I uncovered the profound meaning behind the name Althea, which translates to flower, healer, and wholesome. This realization resonated deeply and inspired the birth of our business, aptly named "Rose of Sharon All Natural Health & Beauty Products."

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Over five decades ago, I took my first breath in the picturesque Montego Bay, Jamaica West Indies. While my ancestors' journey to the island was marred by adversity, Jamaica became my cherished homeland until I discovered my current heritage. In my early days, I didn't spend much time cooking, but as time passed, I honed my culinary skills and garnered praise from those closest to me. However, my passion for cooking extended beyond food, leading me to delve into formulating health and beauty products. Health and wellness have always coursed through my veins. What the world now refers to as organic was simply the way we grew and prepared our meals in Jamaica.

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The year 1997 became a pivotal chapter in my life when I received a precious gift, the book "The Maker's Diet." This book chronicles the journey of a 19-year-old young man who triumphed over Crohn's disease. Its profound impact forever altered my perception of food as I settled in the United States, where the majority of consumables are labeled as non-food, essentially manufactured products. Motivated by a quest for improved health, I embarked on the study of Health Education in 2012, pursuing it as my program of choice for my Master's Degree. In 2015, I proudly attained my Health Coach certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

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My pursuit of optimal health in all aspects of life persists, even as I reach the milestone of over 50 years of age. I now run 2 1/2 miles, 2 times per week and engage in cardiovascular exercises 2 times a week. In 2017, driven by my dedication to health and wellness, I embarked on a mission to create my own health, beauty, and household cleaning products. Along the way, I became acutely aware of the hidden carcinogens lurking within the products we, as consumers, use on our bodies and in our homes daily. Determined to take action, I decided to establish Rose of Sharon Health & Beauty Products, fueled by my belief in voting with my dollars and my fork.

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Originating from the nuts of karité trees that thrive in the Sahel region spanning West to East Africa, from Guinea and Senegal to Uganda and South Sudan, shea butter captivated my attention over 20 years ago while I resided in New York. I was astounded by the multitude of benefits packed into this small nut.