Jeana Crabb is the Founder and Formulator of Kefii skincare. She moved to the United Kingdom 20 years ago after completing her training as a beauty and massage therapist in South Africa.
She adds that, “Since that time I have travelled to some amazing places and worked in some of the top spas in London. It was through my spa experience that I felt inspired to create a range of luxury, natural & ethically sourced skincare and body care products that not only had amazing skin benefits but imparted a sense of calm.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I grew up in South Africa. I lost a brother to Cancer at the age of 10 which affected my childhood as well as my school work. My teachers labelled me as an ‘under achiever’. Nevertheless, I knew from the age of 16 that I wanted to work in the beauty industry and make a difference to people’s lives by making them look and feel their best and so once I finished my final year of school I started my training and qualified as an ITEC beauty and massage therapist 2 years later. I then moved to the United Kingdom when I was 20. My work has taken me to some amazing places including Bermuda where I worked for the top spa there. I have since then continued on my work and done various courses to enhance my skills focussing on natural beauty treatments that contain an aspect of healing.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
I felt very strongly after Covid that I wanted to create something beautiful that could truly benefit people and make them feel better. I chose the name Kefii which means ‘the spirit of joy’ and this was very much behind the thought process and design of my brand. I started my training in product formulation and cosmetic science. I found this fascinating and my passion and understanding of the healing power of plants grew. I felt confident that I could provide something that was unique and beneficial to people. Having grown up in South Africa I chose to work with as many ingredients as possible which not only have incredible properties but also provide income to poorer communities that would benefit from the income.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
My products are luxury, natural plant based skincare and our goal is to reach as many people as possible to enhance the lives of many who are in need of pampering and tlc!
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
I have worked extremely hard, maintained extreme focus and dedication to achieve my goal. I started this project with no financial backing and I worked tirelessly with my therapy work and saved every cent I made to put towards the development of my product line.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I would love to see young women fulfilling their true potential, with no fear and rising above the challenges that are faced along the way. Knowing that anything is possible with absolute dedication, commitment & faith.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
I think that everyone should be given equal opportunity.
What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Please have faith in yourself and your own personal journey in life. Know that you are able to achieve anything that you put your mind to. Keep focussed and ignore the voices of those who belittle or try to squash your dreams.
