SunKiss Organics Founder creates a self-love squad with a skincare line
A rewarding part of my job is seeing fellow Afro-Latina entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality. Jessica Jade Batista’s SunKiss Organics skincare brand goes beyond products, which serves as an inspiration to our community and me. Her entrepreneurial journey illustrates how combining cultural connections, family ties, and self-love can lead to a successful business. Struggling with depression from developing eczema, the 31-year-old skincare coach took matters into her own hand by creating her brand after everything on the market failed. As a product developer and health advisor, Jessica informs her consumers about the benefits of fruitful skincare ingredients and lifestyle choices. There is a lot of buzz on social media about the brand’s facial cleansers, toners, oils, and body balms. The beauty buys are made with yummy ingredients like lemon, papaya, and rose. Below, the Afro-Latina shares her experience with her great-grandmother serving on her skincare board, the benefits of investing in BIPOC beauty brands, and more.
MORE: This woman-owned face mask brand helped cure my acne
Generational GiftsShe possesses a deep understanding of plants, oils, and herbs, which accounts for the continued success of our hero product. We spent many hours together formulating SunKiss Organics’ products from the beginning, and our relationship has only grown stronger as the line has grown. The last time I visited her in Puerto Rico, I brought her products, and we happily cried over how one conversation changed my life. My great-grandmother and I experience a special bond that not many people can experience, and I’m grateful for that bond.
Jessica Jade Batista: Mama Teresa is the matriarch of our family and a massive part of my success with SunKiss Organics. Because of her, I was the result of having eczema; the 31-year-old skincare coach developed depression, so she created her own brand after all other brands failed.m able to offer products I am proud of today, like the Floral Body Balm, $32. She possesses a deep understanding of plants, oils, and herbs, which accounts for the continued success of our hero product. We spent many hours together formulating SunKiss Organics’ products from the beginning, and our relationship has only grown stronger as the line has grown. The last time I visited her in Puerto Rico, I brought her products, and we happily cried over how one conversation changed my life. My great-grandmother and I experience a special bond that not many people can experience, and I’m grateful for that bond.
SunKiss Oragnics Favorites
JJB: The best-seller at SunKiss Organics is the Bright Face Kit, $152. It consists of the Rose Oil Cleansing Balm, Aloe Rose Water Cleanser, Aloe Rose Toner, and Facial Oil. The four-piece package is everything you’ll need for hydrated, soft skin. It is easy to love what I do when the SunKissSquad is so vocal about their love for my line of products. One of my favorite testimonials is one I received from a woman undergoing chemotherapy. In her words, “After six very, very dry chemo treatments, I have been using your products for two weeks, and everyone in my house is complimenting me on my glowing skin. SunKiss Organics was founded on the idea that if I could help just one woman realize her value as a woman, define her standard of beauty, and heal her skin, then I had done my job.
Collabortion Keys
JJB: I developed the Kojic & Papaya Dark Spot Cream, $44, in collaboration with a Black female chemist in the states. I felt it was essential to include Black women, Latinas, and Afro-Latinas to formulate and test this product. Since melanated skin is more prone to dark spots due to more melanin, I wanted to make sure that the product worked on all skin tones. Additionally, I found that many dark spot products were harsh and not gentle, were strongly scented, and were not meant for sensitive skin. This was a key factor in the formulation of kojic and papaya cream since many SunKissSquad members have rosacea or eczema, like me.
Brand Resources
JJB: SunKiss Organics is a solutions-oriented and education-based organization at heart. To achieve healthy skin, I recognize that skin products alone aren’t enough and that a holistic skincare approach is essential. In addition to four products from my line, I provide meditation, mindfulness, nutrition, and tools like facial massage and face yoga for glowing skin. The SunKissSquad eBooks include information on skincare best practices, and my YouTube channel discusses my findings in skincare. I’ve also hosted several IG LIVEs on a variety of topics that include skincare and lifestyle suggestions. It’s been my pleasure to connect with my audience by hosting virtual and in-person skincare workshops that are hands-on and let people experience how skincare works.
MORE: How to treat and prevent Mask Acne according to an Afro-Latina expert
“I am hopeful that Black and Brown businesses will continue to gain the recognition, opportunities, and sales they deserve as they are highlighted on platforms like LatinaWatch.” -Jessica Jade, SunKiss Organics CEO
BIPOC Beauty Brands Investment
JJB: In 2021 and beyond, investing in Black & Brown beauty businesses is essential. Small businesses like mine receive less than 1% of venture capital and loans. Hard work and flawless execution are at the heart of my company and others by WOC. I know Black and Brown business owners have spent years learning their craft and are dedicated to providing the best products to their community. The professionalism and attention to detail are unmatched and not to be overlooked. I am hopeful that Black and Brown businesses will continue to gain the recognition, opportunities, and sales they deserve as they are highlighted on platforms like LatinaWatch.
Mental Health & Skin Mindfulness
JJB: As a result of developing eczema covering more than 50% of my body for the first time, I experienced a deep depression, which was one of the lowest points in my life. Seeing yourself completely different from the day before can leave you feeling uneasy. In many of my skin consultations, women have underlying mental health issues related to their skin. During 2020, many women contacted me with mask acne. Many of them had never dealt with skin conditions before, so I held 100 free consultations for women of color. My best advice for all of these women was to take a holistic approach to skincare. One product can’t save a person’s skin. In my experience, stress can be reduced with meditation, consuming nutrient-dense foods with personal skincare routines, and probiotics are vital for a healthy gut. I would advise women to set their own standard of beauty. They should never allow society to change their self-esteem, and a healthy complexion takes time to heal. Be patient, and do not compare yourself to others.
Who We Will Be Latina-Watching Next
JJB: I believe Nurture From Nature is another Afro-Latina skincare line that deserves all its flowers. Her sugaring products, which are a type of gentle waxing, are outstanding.