Meet Robbin Turner, M.Ed. | Founder & Botanical Formulator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robbin Turner, M.Ed. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robbin, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
By purchasing the bulk my raw ingredients from a supplier in Gaborone, Botswana, Violet Botanical Skincare helps women wild harvesters in rural southern Africa earn consistent and fair wages to provide meaningful income opportunities to help improve the lives of their families.

I also source my premium Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil from a supplier in the Philippines that works with small family farms on Mt. Banahaw and other rural places in Quezon Province, the coconut capital of the Philippines. Because of the extremely selective procedure for choosing the coconuts, a higher price is paid to the farmer, which improves their lives.

What should our readers know about your business?
Violet Botanical Skincare encourages plant-based skincare by embracing connections to ancestral African healing herbs.

My journey to founding Violet Botanical Skincare began in 2014 while researching natural remedies to relieve my husband’s and son’s eczema. Slathering themselves in steroid creams filled with toxic petrochemicals and synthetics was not an option.

I reflected on my grandmother’s homemade remedies, African remedies passed down from generation to generation. With peace of mind knowing what ingredients are used, I set out to make my own products. Guided by time-honored African formulations and ancestral plant-based ingredients, I handcrafted my first body butter, and Violet Botanical Skincare was born.

I am most proud that from the hands of women’s cooperatives in rural southern Africa to our supplier in Gaborone, Botswana to the end user, we ensure that our ingredients are the purest, most distinctive and effective high-quality natural cosmetic butters and oils. They are ethically and sustainably wild-harvested to support the long term viability of the harvesters’ communities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend were visiting the area, I would take her to hike in Kenneth Hahn park. It has beautiful views of Los Angeles, plenty of flora and fauna. I’d take her to the African Marketplace & Drum Circle in Leimert Park. While we were there we’d stop at Hot and Cool Cafe on Degnan to grab a bowl of double bean chili (it’s the best). I’d plan a tour at the California African American Museum. We’d stop off at the rose garden behind the CA Science Center. For dining, I’d order food from Souley Vegan, Simply Wholesome, and Fiesta Martin Mexican Grill.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Regarding shoutouts, first I’d like to recognize my husband, Dwayne. He has the patience of a saint, when I need an ear to listen, seeking advice about the business, need a photographer or technical help, or more hands on deck. No matter how busy his schedule, he always has time for me.

Secondly, I’d like to recognize my son, mother, aunt, and uncle who always show love and encouragement.

Thirdly, I’d like to recognize my mentor, Erik Johnson, from the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator Founder’s Business Accelerator program. His business knowledge and insight are invaluable. To have an entrepreneurial mentor is critical because he can relate. He’s always available to help me dissect learning lessons (he never calls them loses) and offer objective, enthusiastic guidance.

Website: https://www.violetbody.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violetbodyme

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violet-botanical-skincare

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/violetbodyme

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violetbodyme

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VioletBotanicalSkincareLLC

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/violet0337

Image Credits
Dwayne Turner