Goodness of God Ltd. (GOG), owned by Good Luck Mutoni and located in Gasabo/Nyarutarama, that specializes in producing hair products made from natural ingredients such as onions, ginger, garlic, okra, rosemary, aloe vera, and rice. These ingredients are used to create a variety of organic products, including shampoo, hair vitamins, leave-in conditioners, hair oil, butter, and spray.
The Inspiration Behind Goodness of God Ltd.
Good Luck Mutoni was inspired to start Goodness of God Ltd. after struggling with unhealthy hair for an extended period. "The idea came after having unhealthy hair for a long time. I began researching solutions for my hair and discovered that the vegetables and foods we use at home can help hair grow healthily in a natural way," she explained.
Realizing the effectiveness of these natural ingredients, she decided to produce a larger batch for sale, recognizing that many people face similar hair care challenges. During production, she observed that small farmers were struggling to find reliable markets for their products, as larger farmers dominated the market. This led her to collaborate with these small farmers, aiming to support them while growing her business. The company had a testing and learning phase from 2019 to 2020, with official operations beginning in March 2021.
Mutoni shared that her commitment to the business is driven by two key factors. First, she recognizes the demand for natural hair care products, especially from people who have experienced damage from inorganic products, which also harm the environment. Second, she sees a need to bridge the gap in the market by working together to empower communities. Additionally, she is passionate about raising awareness in Rwanda and beyond about the potential of cultivating organic products that contribute to a better life and environment.
"I have a vision to become a trusted, innovative young entrepreneur in the natural hair care market by harnessing the powerful, nutrient-rich properties of onions, okra, ginger, rosemary, and rice. My goal is to create effective, eco-friendly products that promote healthy, beautiful hair for everyone. In five years, I aim to establish a globally recognized brand and industry," she said.
Mutoni faced several challenges on her entrepreneurial journey but learned to overcome them with determination. One of the initial challenges was ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality organic ingredients like onions, okra, rosemary, ginger, and garlic, which was difficult due to seasonal variations, weather conditions, and the availability of certified organic farms. To address this, she formed partnerships with small local farmers, establishing long-term relationships and providing support and incentives to meet quality standards.
Another challenge was formulating products that harness the benefits of these natural ingredients while managing their strong odors and ensuring product stability without synthetic preservatives. Although complex, especially as an online learner, her background in science helped her discover natural preservatives and antioxidants such as rosemary extract, vitamin E, and grapefruit seed extract. These extend the shelf life of her products while maintaining their organic integrity.
Finally, adhering to organic certification requirements for both raw materials and finished products involved strict compliance with regulations, which was time-consuming and costly for a small business. However, she expressed gratitude for the Rwandan government's "Zamukana Ubuziranenge" program, which assists small industries in obtaining necessary certifications.
Goodness of God Ltd. was honored as the best youth exhibitor at the 17th National Agricultural Show, held in Mulindi, Kigali, from July 31 to August 9, 2024.
RYAF Communication Team!