In this episode, I'm joined by Valerie Obaze, founder of R&R, a luxury beauty brand from Ghana founded on the philosophy of transforming one of nature's purest and richest gifts --shea-- into elegant and enriching beauty products. Valerie sheds light on R&R's growth over the past 10 years, the brand's established domestic and international presence, and how she maintains the brand's core value of keeping its supply chain as local and transparent as possible.  Valerie discusses the brand's commitment to ethical sourcing, nature preservation, and job creation across its entire value chain. R&R sources 100% of their raw materials from women in the rural north of Ghana, working with them to ensure quality products, fair pay, and re-investing in the community through the brand's social impact arm, the Women of the Savannah Development Project (WSDP). Valerie expounds on the brand's renewed commitment to sustainability to commemorate R&R's 10th anniversary and shares the various initiatives in motion to achieve her vision for a "Sustainable Era" for R&R Luxury. Click the below to connect with Valerie, experience the R&R products, or learn more WSDP: Valerie Obaze Shop R&R Luxury Women of the Savannah Development Project: Visit the website and follow on IG for updates  Check out the Subsaharan Beauty on IG: @thesubsaharanbeauty If you'd like to connect, email Ijeoma at [email protected] with the subject line, "TSBC Connect".