On Wednesday, March 06, 2024 Shalom Lloyd MBE (Founder of Naturally Tiwa Skincare) was presented with her Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) medal at Windsor Castle, by HRH Princess Anne.
The MBE recognises an achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others.
In 2014, in a bid to cure her new born son’s miserable eczema, Shalom had looked to her African heritage for inspiration, recalling recipes containing all natural ingredients, which have been used in Africa for generations. She started to experiment in her kitchen, using high quality Shea butter as a main base, stumbled across the right formulation, and within three days of application, Joshua’s skin had cleared.
Since then, Naturally Tiwa skincare has changed the narrative in the skincare industry – from sustainability and ethical sourcing, to efficacy and diversity.
In reaction, Shalom said: “The experience and feeling will forever remain in my memory. From the moment I received the letter in November 2023, the journey from that day to this evolved from me questioning and asking why, to acceptance and ownership”.
Standing by her side throughout the entire ceremony were those she referred to as her ‘tribe: David Lloyd (her husband), Edward N. (her inspiration), Isaac Newman (her heart), Hannah White (one of her anchors), and Dr. Tina Barton, who though not physically present, was described as ‘my rock’.
Shalom continues: “As I walked to receive this great honour, I felt the magnitude of hands holding, guiding, lifting, championing, supporting and loving me which to me represented my journey to that point!
“Even the pinch from my shoes reminded me of the fact that this journey has had obstacles and challenges, has had people come and go but I have loved and still loving every moment. At that moment, I totally embraced the pain that one goes through as an entrepreneur!”
