Our Story

KeaBella Skin

KeaBella derived from Kea my ethnic name, meaning to be given or blessed with and Bella my varsity nickname and it didn’t hurt that is meant beauty or beautiful, meaning naturally given beauty. I made this product when I was pregnant with my son, on maternity leave.

A woman’s beauty is drastically affected by pregnancy and I wanted to make something that would speak to women through all their different phases, through our hormonal and skin changes and provide it with all the nutrients it needs while also enhancing your natural beauty. I wanted something that is deeply rooted in who I am, a woman, a mother to be, a Sotho woman , a career women and an entrepreneur.

I’ve always been passionate about skincare, beauty, fashion and everything lifestyle, that’s when BeingKeaLove was born in 2020. I needed a platform where I could be my most bare self, and learn and rediscover myself. More on this coming soon.

As I was creating the Le Balm and ideating and trying to bring this vision, this dream to life. I wanted to add the Sotho element to KeaBella Skin—I remember being at the hospital recovering and I was watching Penuel the black pen and he was sharing his research on Basotho and our history, he brought up a very interesting subject or question and said, he always wondered why Lesotho is “Le” and no Bosotho or Basotho land (why is was changed). And he mentioned that our language was written by the French missionaries who were here during the colonial wars in Southern Africa.

I initially wanted to call it The BALM because it’s THE balm you know, but the balm already exists from brand I love from NEW YORK. So I designed to use the French “Le” instead of “The”; this is just one of the ways I pay homage to my culture and identity. I also decided that I will give the shades Sesotho names.

I thought about what are the core colors for all women, or our queer loved ones. Not fashion statement colors but an everyday balm with all the benefits just in your favourite color, that’s when I came up with Khubelu - Deep Cherry 🍒 you cannot have a lip product without Red, it screams sophisticated, and wealth, it screams luxe, designer. And that’s what our brand represents, we have Bofubelu - Rosey Red, for our Bella’s who prefer a lighter red, Khanya (named after my son) - Nude Glow, which is out nude understated shade not clear but not overpowering. Sootho - Melanin Mocha, our chocolate brown shade, very chic, luxe and subtle, checks all the boxes.

Lastly as I wanted to create an inclusive brand, for our masculine, for our girlies who just want a natural clear lip treatment, that’s where Monghali came in, the name is of course a Sesotho term that means Gentlemen, wanted an everyday balm & treatment in one, your lip combo shine touch up, and we wanted to continue to encourage our masculines to be ok with prioritising self care. It’s not about what the guys will say but what will the girl or partner of your dreams say or think of you. 

Wanted a balm that has all the important benefits in one and nit have to look for different products to serve different purposes. With ingredients like Sweet Almond Oil, Zinc oxide and [mango butter]. We have all the good stuff so you don’t have to worry.

Love Kea