Joyce Gillens, Founder

My journey into holistic skincare began in 2017, after developing a mild case of eczema on my lower extremities. For years, I experimented with countless over-the-counter skincare products—none of which truly moisturized my skin. At the same time, I relied on a topical steroid cream prescribed by my dermatologist. While it eased the flare-ups, it offered no real prevention or healing. I was seeking something deeper than temporary relief.

That search led me to explore all-natural skincare alternatives—products rich in nutrients to help repair, restore, and protect the skin. It quickly became clear that my healing wouldn't be found on the shelves of a retail store—it had to start in my own kitchen, with ingredients I could trust... and even consume.

That’s when I made a life-changing discovery: the skin loves nature. And everything we need for daily skin nourishment can be found there. Inspired by my love for raw shea butter—a true skin superfood rich in vitamins A, E, and F—I created a simple blend of shea and organic coconut oil. I saw results almost immediately. My eczema began to calm, and my skin felt truly nourished for the first time.

But that was just the beginning.

Years earlier, in 2009, I had moved to Jamaica with dreams of opening “Joy’s Specialtea Café,” an island café dedicated to organic loose-leaf teas. A lifelong tea lover, I was fascinated by its rich culture, medicinal properties, and benefits for both the body and the skin. I began to research the powerful antioxidants, enzymes, and phytochemicals found in teas—and started infusing those very gifts into my shea blends.

Though my plans for the café were unexpectedly derailed, the inspiration I found in Jamaica never left me. When I returned to the U.S., I carried that passion forward.

In 2017, Shea Specialteas Skincare was born—first shared among a small circle of friends, family, and coworkers. Their support and glowing feedback fueled my drive to turn this passion into a growing line of handcrafted, herbal-infused skincare.

Today, Shea Specialteas is more than a brand—it's a labor of love. I’m committed to creating transparent, intentional products that are free of harmful synthetic ingredients and full of nature’s power, resilience, and nourishment.

To my small but mighty community who supported me from the beginning—thank you over and over again, and then again.
To my new community—welcome. I can’t wait to share this journey through nature with you.

Peace, love, and healthy skin,
Joyce

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