Iyata’s Organics hoping to bring Bath beyond borders
Published:Friday | April 12, 2024 | 12:06 AMShanel Lemmie/Staff Reporter
Bath, St Thomas has a rich history of healing. In recent year’s the Jamaican settlement has become a famous spot for tourists, both the ‘dry-land’ variety and otherwise, to come and reconnect with their best selves. Noting that phenomen0n, Angiel Myers decided to take the healing lessons her grandmother instilled in her and distil them into a line of premium skincare products called Iyata’s Organics.
Thinking back to their genesis, Myers explained just how instrumental her grandmother’s lesson were.
“Her inspiration was simple, yet profound, to share the healing properties of Bath Fountain in St Thomas with the world,” she began. “Bath Fountain’s clay, rich in detoxifying and nourishing elements, holds remarkable benefits for the skin. Before her passing five years ago, my grandmother, alongside Body Artisan and Soap Formulator, Mrs Michelle McKay-Yap, finalised the initial formulation.”
This formulation culminated in Iyata’s Organics’ first product, a lemongrass infused soap called Verdure.
“Personally using this soap daily since its inception, I witnessed first-hand its remarkable benefits, as did our patrons who continually returned for more. Following my grandmother’s passing, I felt a deep responsibility to honour her legacy by continuing this remarkable line of products under the name Iyata’s Organics.”
Launched officially this past summer, Myers said her product line, which is primarily soaps, is crafted with all natural ingredients and is set to be expanding soon.
“We plan to launch clay masks by the end of summer and expand into bath bombs, CBD-infused pain balms, exfoliating scrubs, and more, offering a comprehensive range of skincare solutions.”
Though Myers spent her early years as either a soaper or an artisan, she told Living her history with sensitive skin drove her to create something that is consumer-friendly.
“While my professional background lies in marketing, film, and event production, my personal journey with sensitive skin and eczema has driven my passion for natural skincare. Delving into the intricacies of soap manufacturing, I’ve gained a deep understanding of formulation development and ingredient selection. My first-hand experience as a consumer navigating the world of skincare, coupled with the expertise of our certified manufacturing partners, uniquely qualifies me to lead Iyata’s Organics in delivering effective and natural skincare solutions to our customers.”
With no shortage of competition in the artisan soap market and employing her experience as a marketer, Myers said she is confident their message will stand out.
“In a market flooded with beauty and skincare products, what sets Iyata’s Organics apart is our strong connection to Afro-Caribbean culture. From the natural ingredients we carefully select to our vibrant colours, and even our choice of the lioness as our company logo, every aspect of our brand reflects the essence and spirit of Caribbean and African roots, but with universal appeal.
“Iyata’s Organics stands out by offering meticulously crafted soaps, infused with organic, pure, and natural ingredients, each with its own unique healing properties.”
With not even a year under their belt, Myers said, “By next year, I envision Iyata expanding beyond our island borders, with distribution on Amazon and in select outlets across the Caribbean and Latin America. This expansion will allow us to reach a broader audience seeking natural skincare solutions.”