Rooted in Nature.
Made with Purpose.
The Roots
I grew up in Guyana, where nature was part of everyday life.
We picked fruit straight from the trees, climbed them as children, and relied on natural remedies passed down through generations. Even our hair care came from nature. I remember using coconut oil made from coconuts growing in our own backyard.
I didn't realize it then, but those early experiences would eventually become the roots of Sunshine Roots.
Years later, when I became pregnant with my son, Omari, I began questioning what I was putting in my hair. I decided to stop relaxing it and embrace my natural texture. But that journey wasn't as easy as I imagined.
I struggled with frizz, shrinkage, and learning how to style my curls. Some days, I didn't feel beautiful or even like the grown woman I was. I had spent so many years changing my natural texture that I had to learn how to care for it, and how to appreciate it, all over again.
The Transformation
Then, when Omari was two years old, I did the big chop.
I cut away the remaining heat-damaged strands and started wearing my hair in a curly mohawk. For the first time, I truly loved my curls. My hair felt soft, my natural texture could shine, and I began discovering hairstyles that complemented my face instead of fighting against my hair.
That was a turning point. I wasn't just learning to care for my natural hair. I was learning to feel beautiful wearing it.
As I searched for products to support my new routine, I started paying closer attention to ingredient labels. I wanted to know exactly what I was using, why it was there, and whether it was right for my hair. Too often, I walked away disappointed.
So I decided to create what I couldn't find.
I studied ingredients through books, classes, YouTube, and plenty of trial and error. And believe me, there were some memorable mistakes.
I'll never forget the infamous peppermint disaster. I used so much peppermint that the scent traveled from our basement through the entire house. My family's eyes were watering, and the smell lingered for days! Needless to say, peppermint didn't make it into our products.
But every experiment taught me something. I kept refining my formulas, testing them on myself and with family and friends, determined to create products that felt nourishing, smelled beautiful, and made caring for natural hair a pleasure.
Funny enough, the first product that truly took off wasn't a hair oil. It was my beard butter, Zaddy. For nearly two years, people knew me as the "Beard Butter Lady."
I wasn't just learning to care for my natural hair. I was learning to feel beautiful wearing it.
The Legacy
As my products evolved, so did my purpose.
People began complimenting my curls and asking what I used. I would smile and proudly tell them, "I make my own products."
But I wanted to offer more than beautiful hair products. I wanted to help people understand their natural hair, embrace their texture, and build healthier hair care habits with confidence.
That's how Sunshine Roots grew into the brand it is today.
And the most meaningful part? The little boy who inspired this journey now stands beside me at markets, explaining our products to customers and helping run the register. Omari is my little manager, and watching him take pride in Sunshine Roots reminds me that I'm building something bigger than myself.
My hope is simple: that every Sunshine Roots ritual leaves you with a scalp that feels clean and cared for, curls that feel soft and look radiant, and a little more confidence in the beauty of your natural hair.
If you see us at an upcoming market, please come say hello. Omari and I would love to meet you, hear about your hair journey, and help you discover a ritual that feels right for you.
With love,
Tasandra Benn
Founder, Sunshine Roots LLC
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