By In a recent Leari Lifestyles interview, we explored the inspiring journey behind JILLIE’S NATURAL a brand born from personal experience and a passion for wellness. From the quiet town of Acornhoek in Mpumalanga to the world of skincare innovation, the founder’s story is one of resilience, curiosity and a deep commitment to celebrating natural beauty. Raised by her grandmother and later pursuing an MSc in Human Settlements from KU Leuven in Belgium, her professional path once revolved around managing facilities across hundreds of fuel retail sites in South Africa. Yet, it was a personal struggle with adult acne that sparked a new chapter—one rooted in nature, healing, and self-discovery.
What began as simple experiments with pantry staples like lemons, apple cider vinegar, and avocado masks soon evolved into a passion for plant-based remedies. The discovery of shea butter became the turning point inspiring the creation of nourishing body butters infused with oils such as almond, coconut, and jojoba. This hands-on journey of blending, testing and witnessing real results laid the foundation for JILLIE’S NATURAL—a brand dedicated to celebrating and caring for black skin and hair with formulations that are hydrating, antioxidant-rich, and dermatologically tested.
At its core, JILLIE’S NATURAL is more than skincare; it is a philosophy of empowerment. By embracing ingredients that honour the unique needs of black skin and hair, the brand encourages confidence, comfort, and pride in natural beauty. With products like the CBD Face Wash, Rosewater Toner, and bestselling CBD Hair Oil, JILLIE’S NATURAL offers routines that are simple yet transformative—proving that wellness is not about quick fixes, but about consistency, research, and choosing products that truly serve your skin’s evolving needs.
Leari Lifestyles: Can you tell us a bit about your background?
JN: I was born in a small town called Acornhoek, Mpumalanga. My grandmother raised me and later I moved in with my parents when I was 11 years old. My professional background is in the Built Environment, I have an MSc in Human Settlements from KU Leuven in Belgium. My last corporate job was as a Facilities Management Manager, where I was responsible for the maintenance of over 600 fuel retail sites in South Africa.
Leari Lifestyles: How did Jillie’s Natural start?
JN: I had adult acne and was convinced to use nature-inspired solutions. I started with pantry-based natural ingredients such as lemons, apple cider vinegar, avocado face masks, etc. Then I experimented with essential oils, which are pure oils extracted from plants and herbs as well as spices. Then I discovered shea butter when I was searching online for natural at-home remedies. That was the start of JILLIE’S NATURAL because I began making body butters with shea butter and other plant-based oils such as almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc. I loved the process of creation as well as seeing my skin and hair benefit from the body butter. Then I had an idea to sell them and I did just that.
Leari Lifestyles: What are the unique features of Jillie’s Natural Moisturiser and how does it address specific skin concerns such as dryness, sensitivity, or aging?
JN: JILLIE’S NATURAL addresses the problem of dry skin and hair. We use hydrating, moisturising ingredients in our formulation. We use hydrating ingredients such as D-panthenol, aloe vera and glycerine, which are humectants; and draw moisture into skin and hair. We also use plant-based oils such as Vitamin E, Rosehip Oil, CBD oil,etc. which are rich in antioxidants and are anti-aging. Our products are dermatologically tested and safe to use on human skin. We also have many testimonials from clients who have gained real value from our products.
Leari Lifestyles: What sets Jillie’s Natural products apart from other natural skincare brands and what is the philosophy behind the brand?
JN: The philosophy behind the brand is to recognise, appreciate and celebrate black skin and hair. For the longest time, black skin and hair were underserved, the products in the market were not made with them in mind. We formulate our products with plant-based ingredients that are compatible and complementary to black skin and hair. Our products enhance the functionality and performance of our skin and hair. We want people to be comfortable and confident in their glorious black skin and hair.
Leari Lifestyles: Can you share a favourite product combination or routine for achieving healthy, glowing skin and hair?
JN: It is not easy for a founder who has formulated and used all their products to pick a favourite. Since it is summer and it gets hot – I ensure that my skincare is hydrating.
- I start with the ALL SKIN TYPE CBD Face Wash, it is such a gentle cleanser that contains D-panthenol which hydrates the skin. The skin feels moisturised after washing the face; it does not strip away natural oils produced by the skin.
- Then I use our 100ml Rosewater Face Toner, it smells divine, it is light and I also use it as a hair mist.
- I follow the rosewater toner with our CBD Face Cream – it is lightweight and keeps my face moisturised and not greasy since I have an oily skin type. In summer, the face can be so shiny that it helps to control any excess oil.
Leari Lifestyles: What advice would you give to our readers who are looking to improve their skin health or address specific skin concerns
JN: I would say research and do more research. They must find out as much as they can about their skin types and very importantly skin needs. Our skin needs to evolve with seasons, age, travel, stress, etc. Therefore, understanding where you stand with your skin needs to be that you can make an informed and beneficial decision. Secondly, be wary of trends and quick fixes – make time to understand products and brands. Opt for skincare brands that are transparent and consistent in their communication.
If you don’t already have a skincare routine, start one. It is important to have a routine; it doesn’t have to be complex and expensive. Just ensure that you use a gentle cleanser and exfoliate at least once a week. Moisturise with a moisturiser that takes care of your skin’s needs. Follow up with sunscreen to protect your skin.
At JILLIE’S NATURAL, we have gentle skincare and haircare products that I think your readers can try out. Our products are dermatologically tested; they nourish, moisturise and hydrate skin and hair. Our bestselling product is the CBD Hair Oil. When we have store activation pop-ups, they are the first to sell out. It is really a crowd pleaser because of its soothing, nourishing and gentle moisturising of the scalp and hair.
As shared in her conversation with Leari Lifestyles, the founder of JILLIE’S NATURAL reminds us that true beauty is about more than appearance—it’s about confidence, care, and embracing who we are. By blending nature’s wisdom with science, and by creating products that honor the unique needs of black skin and hair, JILLIE’S NATURAL stands as a testament to the power of turning personal challenges into purposeful innovation. For readers seeking healthier, glowing skin and hair, the message is clear: research, consistency, and choosing brands that truly understand your needs will always be the foundation of lasting wellness.