our roots

Ms. Ophine was my Great Grandmother. That side of my family might have humble roots in Newport News, but they have always been known for presenting themselves well - taking good care of their skin and hair - and so when this practice became a product, it seemed natural to name it after the matriarch.

How Ms. Ophine’s became a product starts at the other end of the family tree, with our son. My husband and I began thinking about natural skin moisturizing years ago when our first child’s skin problems were diagnosed as eczema. At the time, we had difficulty finding reasonably priced lotions and creams with natural ingredients that didn’t contain alcohol or preservatives. Kristen had long used natural African shea butter for skin care. We began wondering if there was anything else that might compliment and enhance its healing and moisturizing properties. She used jojoba and avocado oil for her hair, so those seemed to fit in somewhere. We talked to other parents and makers. We mixed. Gradually, through experimentation, we lighted on a formula that includes yellow shea butter, coconut, jojoba, and avocado oils, and beeswax as a thickening agent.

As we bartered for beeswax and gave jars of our cream as gifts, friends asked for more. When someone asked ‘What do you call it?’ we decided to name it after Kristen’s great grandmother, Ms. Ophine.

We continue to make every batch with love at our home in Cedar Park, Philadelphia using organic and natural ingredients. Because of the oils, Ms. Ophine’s Shea Butter Cream seeps into the skin quickly, leaving it nourished and happy.

We hope you enjoy.