Oyin Handmade has established itself as one of the highest quality, most desirable, just all around cool independent hair and body care brands in the business. I’ve been hearing amazing things about Oyin since at least 2006 — did you know that the brand began 13 years ago? Yep, it’s been over a decade since the world discovered Frank Juice and Greg Juice, Funk Butter and Whipped Pudding, and that incredible Honey Hemp conditioner.
Over the years, social media has brought me closer to the Bennus as a family. Through a network of amazing mutual friends, I’ve come to know Jamyla well, to love what the brand stands for, and to recognize why Ebony Magazine would name them one of The Coolest Black Families in America. Oyin is an incredible brand because it is the brainchild of rebels, artists and entrepreneurs who live their lives by daring to ask the question, “why not?” Oyin is a brand that’s proven to have staying power in a fickle market of natural hair and body care by always creating products that are high quality and worth the money. And now Oyin – Baltimore’s own funky indie brand that could – is selling like hotcakes at select Target stores across the country. I couldn’t be happier or prouder.
I was recently interviewed by the Baltimore Sun about Jamyla, Pierre, and Oyin as a brand. The reporter came to the story with the strong impression that my relationship with Target as a member of the Target Inner Circle meant that I had something to do with Oyin landing on Target shelves. I repeatedly reiterated that this wasn’t necessarily the case. Yes, I have mentioned Oyin as a brand that could and should be at Target. But the execs there are smart and are doing a ton of research before deciding which multicultural brand has got next. I’m sure my two cents on the brand may have just confirmed a decision that was already in the works, if anything at all. Talking to the reporter about Oyin made me think about the brand in a holistic way. Just what IS it that I love about Oyin? Let me break it all the way down. Here are 10 reasons I’m obsessed with Oyin!
1 – Because they’ve got that honey love. “Oyin” is the Yoruba word for honey, and honey is an ingredient in SO many of Oyin’s top products. Honey is a humectant. It imparts incredible, penetrating moisture to skin and to hair – especially natural hair drinks it on up. Just about every Oyin product has worked well for my hair and skin because they use ingredients that my hair and skin crave.
2 – Because the whole aesthetic of the brand is bright, cheerful, cute and accessible. Long before I even tried Oyin, I loved their website and their packaging. The brand wasn’t created by a bunch of suits in a research lab, it was created by two thinkers and creators who could see for themselves what the game was missing. The concepts all come from the same, genuine place and you can see that when you look at their products.
3 – Because their factory is filled with reminders like this.
It’s so true. Oyin itself is a realized dream, and proof that your dreams can be realized if you work hard and create the right team around you.
4 – Because their Honey Hemp Conditioner is the BUSINESS for dry, natural, coily, curly hair. THE BUSINESS.
5 – Because my hair is so in love with Hair Dew.
Especially now, spring into summer when the temperatures get hotter? YES. Hair Dew applied to my wet, freshly detangled hair makes my curls pop and my hair feel super soft.
6 – Because the Oyin Target launch party in Baltimore was one of the most FUN hair or beauty events that I’ve ever been to. The music was jammin’. The food was incredible.
Serving up lobster mac and cheese goodness!
SO GOOD
The whole scene was swanky, elegant, chic and funky – everything you’d imagine it to be! Check out Luvvie’s recap on it. We had the BEST time!
7 – Because Pierre and Jamyla can do this.
Name another couple that’s created a beauty brand that’s AS COOL as them. I’ll wait. If I had those moves, I’d be dancing down the street right now.
8 – Because besides being a co-creator of Oyin, Pierre is an artist, an author, a video director. Basically anything dope and creative and on that black nerd genius tip, he’s got the corner on it. His artwork is in museums.
Artwork by Pierre Bennu
Art by Pierre Bennu
He directed the video for Gregory Porter’s Be Good and the oversize instrument props are located throughout Oyin HQ.
paper bass made by dirk joseph http://aziarts.com
Pierre is lowkey about it but he’s a genius on a few levels and him and Jamyla make an amazing couple. They’re so in sync, and such genuinely awesome parents.
9 – Because Boing.
Such a great hair product, such a great NAME for a curly hair product. My hair really loves Boing when I keep it short and sassy.
10 – Because the sky’s the limit for the Bennus and for Oyin. Now some of their most popular products are at select Target stores – click here to find one near you! I love that more and more people will discover Oyin through this partnership, and this will help a little independent brand that’s proven their worth GROW as they deserve to. What’s next for Oyin and the Bennus? Whatever they want to do. And that’s a beautiful dream to aspire to.
Click here to find Oyin at a Target near you, and click here to buy direct from the Oyin Handmade website – many of their body and hair products are available here but not at Target stores, so check them all out!
Click here to check out Oyin Handmade on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – and if you’re in Baltimore on a Saturday, check out the Oyin Handmade store! Much love to the Bennus, always!
What are YOUR favorite Oyin Handmade products?
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