From selling on a sidewalk in Harlem, Richelieu Dennis and Nyema Tubman transformed drops of scented oil into Sundial Creations, a business conglomerate that today includes 4 retail stores and a state of the art 50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility.
A mixture of tenacity, determination and perseverance helped the two friends turn adversity into a profitable business. In 1991, a civil war in their homeland Liberia had destroyed most of the family's personal possessions. Dennis and Tubman immigrated to the United States but the situation was not much brighter as they found themselves suddenly unemployed.
Dennis decided to use years of helping his grandmother create soaps, four generations of family recipes, and a vision to offer premium products to underserved and overlooked communities in creating his own ray of sunshine. In 1992, the two began to sell their wares along the sidewalks of 125th Street in New York City.
By their second year, Dennis and Tubman were manufacturing their products in a 3,000 square foot plant, and selling their products through a network of street vendors, convenience stores, health food shops and beauty supply retailers. In 2000, they opened their first store, Nubian Heritage, not far from the sidewalks of 125th Street where they first started.
Sundial holds a unique position in the marketplace. They provide customers and retail partners, both domestic and international, with natural and organic health, beauty and personal care solutions. The company does not participate in animal testing. All products are tested by company family members and friends. And Sundial is 100% minority-owned.
Dennis and Tubman also strive to make a positive impact beyond our skin. The company purchases ingredients directly from women cooperatives and indigenous farmers in Africa, paying above market prices to help improve the standard of living for those suppliers. They are working closely with local and international organizations, including ECOSERVE and AFRICARE, to protect the integrity of ingredients and improve production processes to ensure sustainable harvests. Partnering with organizations such as The Liberian Education Fund and Todee Mission, the company is working to build schools and provide access to education for impoverished girls in Africa, many of who are suppliers of Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and other natural ingredients.
Locally, the company provides community entrepreneurs, artists and authors a platform to sell their crafts, books, jewelry, clothing and other handmade products through the Sundial Stores. A percentage of sales are donated to local congregations to support youth and other community development programs.
