Black Like Me enters the health and wellness market

Hair and skin care company Black Like Me has diversified its operations with the launch of sister company Well Like Me, focused on the health, wellness and natural healing market. Its first product to hit the shelves, Well Like Me Immune Recovery, is a natural herbal supplement formulated to assist in increasing immune strength, detoxifing the body and fighting fatigue.

Many people are adopting healthier lifestyles and utilising the life-promoting qualities of natural remedies, and pharmacies, supermarkets and various other retailers are broadening their stock of these products to meet market needs.

"Well Like Me aims to fill this niche market with top quality natural products," says Connie Mashaba, the MD of Black Like Me and Well Like Me.

International trends point to a significant growth in the emphasis on natural healing. "The natural healing profession has a proud history in South Africa, and the market for natural health products has been broadening and growing year on year," she adds. Well Like Me Immune Recovery is a South African product, made from plants grown locally.

The product is available in liquid and capsule form, and comprises medicinal herbs that have been used for centuries. “Many South Africans are already using natural products and it is important to ensure that they receive quality goods, backed by a company with a long track record,” he adds.

Existing Black Like Me business partner, Amka Products (Pty) Ltd, is set to manage the sale and distribution of the new products nationally. The company joined forces with Amka Products in 2005, in what was regarded as one of the biggest Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) ventures in the health and beauty industries at that time. Amka, considered a pioneer in the health and beauty industry, acquired a 49,9% share in Black Like Me.

The new product is a patented formula and is available from Dischem, Alpha Pharm and other leading pharmacies.