A Letter from Orijin: Honest Reflections and Big Dreams

As the year comes to a close, we find ourselves in a place of deep reflection. The last twelve months have been a rollercoaster ride for us as entrepreneurs trying to make our mark in the crowded beauty space. It's been a journey of personal growth, challenges, and a relentless pursuit of our mission—to celebrate our roots and empower self-expression in all its forms.

2024 was a year of change and adaptation. Our once centralized team, anchored in the DMV and cultivating a strong presence in DC, found itself scattered across the globe. My mother's move to Florida, my own adventure and relocation to Barcelona for 8 months, and Tamika's wanderlust taking her through all parts of Europe and Canada—we found ourselves juggling Orijin while navigating our own personal journeys. It was a test of our resilience and commitment to the brand we've poured our hearts into.

Amidst the chaos, we had to take a step back and ask ourselves some tough questions. Did we want to continue on this path? What does Orijin mean to us today? What are we truly trying to accomplish? Who are we doing this for? Are we staying true to our roots while embracing growth? These existential queries forced us to dig deep and rediscover our 'why.'

What began as a simple mission to pay homage to our culture has blossomed into something much bigger. Creating a space and platform for self-expression in all its forms. It started with three beautifully formulated products in vibrant, eye-catching packaging. Over time, it evolved sharing our stories through our blog posts and newsletters, curating playlists, and real-life conversations with you.

We celebrate the multi-hyphenates. The individuals who are more than just one thing—the artists, the dreamers, the go-getters, the ones who march to the beat of their own drum, yet always remember their roots. Today, Orijin stands as a beacon of authenticity and empowerment. We are a brand that encourages you to embrace your unique journey, to find joy in the details, and to never forget the rich heritage that has shaped you.

Stepping into 2025, we're coming to you with renewed energy and a steadfast commitment to pushing our brand and mission forward. Exciting things are on the horizon:

• We're deep in development for a sensitive skin line and a body care line. The sensitive line is dedicated to those with essential oil sensitivities, prone to allergic reactions, and reactive skin. Inspired by the enchanting Jasmine flower, a Caribbean favorite known for its soothing properties, we're crafting products that will gently nurture even the most delicate complexions.

• Our body care line is taking shape, and we're considering starting strong with a natural deodorant, an everywhere oil (for body, hair, and everywhere in between), and potentially a body lotion or oil perfume. We're still ironing out the details, and we'd love your input! Hit reply to share your thoughts on which line we should launch first and what products you'd like to see. Want to be part of our testing group? Let us know!

• We've opened our shop on Faire, a wholesale marketplace connecting small businesses with retailers. One of our key goals this year is to have Orijin grace the shelves of our favorite independent stores. Share your top shop picks that you'd love to find Orijin in, and we'll reach out to them!

• We're putting the final touches on our community engagement plan for the year. Connecting with you, both online and in person, has been a highlight of our first two years. We miss you, and we're determined to change that in the new year. Expect Orijin-hosted events like the unforgettable Self-Care Oasis (IYKYK), appearances at local and national markets, a more active social media presence, and so much more.