OUR HISTORY
THE STORY OF ALAFFIA GREW OUT OF WEST AFRICAN SOIL
When, in 1996, a young man from Togo, West Africa, met a young woman from rural Washington State. Inspired by a shared calling to do right by the world, Alaffia, a social enterprise, was born. Founded in 2003, Alaffia continues to redefine the natural products industry through its values of Beauty, Equality and Empowerment, fair trade, and safe, efficacious hair, face and body care.
ALAFFIA'S MILESTONES
1996
Olowo-n’djo Tchala met and fell in-love with Peace Corps Volunteer Prairie Rose Hyde while serving in Kaboli, Togo
1998
Olowo-n’djo moved to the United States
2003
First Shea Butter Cooperative is established
2004
Officially established in Olympia, WA. Maternal Care Project is established. Education Project established
2006
Alaffia’s Environmental Sustainability, Bicycles for Education and Eyeglasses Project are established
2008
First date of For Life certification
2011
First school built and opened in Kouloumi, Togo
2012
Coconut Cooperative is established, bringing 130 more women into the cooperative family
2015
Alaffia launches the Queen Alaffia line to empower women that had previously fallen victim to the sex trade
2017
Djapak Cooperative established Schools in Nadagou and Tamangue are built
2018
Alaffia increases access to Alaffia’s products by 2,500+ retail stores nationwide. Founder Olowo-n’djo Tchala: is appointed to the U.S. Trade Advisory Committee on Africa. Olowo-n’djo receives the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Pacific Northwest by Ernst and Young. Alaffia receives the Award for Corporate Excellence from the U.S. State Dept for Women’s Economic Empowerment
a•laf•fi•a \ ah-la-fee-uh \ noun.
A common greeting or valediction originating from central Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. Alaffia means a state of peace, health, and well-being.
THE EBAN SYMBOL
Eban is a traditional West African symbol representing protection, security, and love.
