MAKER SPOTLIGHT: GYA ORGANICS
Do you have any favorite items or objects?
GA: I would say the shampoo bars. You feel like you are at a spa when you lather [it] and get all the aromas in a steamy shower.
When did you start selling your hair care products? Do you do it full time?
GA: I started selling my products March 2021. It is my full-time job, besides other projects.
What inspires you?
GA: Gya is constantly deconstructing systems of oppression. Whether by sourcing our ingredients from small communities and not supporting large unethical corporations, or by practicing social sustainability. One of the reasons why we started this company is because the majority of beauty standards are about oppression and power. In an effort to love and nourish our ancestral hair, we wanted to create a space where we can journey together through healing + recovery from these oppressive standards using the power of our plantcestors and community.
So it is important that we address ALL forms of the environmental injustices, oppression, racism, environmental racism, genocide, apartheid, settler colonialism, patriarchal systems, etc. And what’s going on in the world as we speak is devastating. It weighs heavily on our hearts, our spirits, our souls.
So let’s spread the knowledge and take action to change these tyrannical, harsh, oppressive laws. And the only way to do so is by not partaking in it any longer.
Do you have a favorite hair care product or routine?
GA: My routine consists of using products that maximize hydration and defines my curls. I start off by using the Nopal Cactus Shampoo Bar followed by the liquid Nopal Cactus Conditioner. I rinse off and add Olas del mar Hair cream on wet hair preceding to Olas del Mar Hair gel. I let it air dry or use a hair diffuser.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had running your business?
GA: Marketing. I have a hard time using social media platforms to get people engaged.
What are some of the greatest joys you’ve experienced running your business?
GA: Hearing positive feedback from all my clients while healing together!
What advice would you offer to someone just starting out in haircare?
GA: Keep going! Trial and error is part of the journey. And always, always get your products tested for preservative stability at a lab. And most importantly, walk with intention and love.
What do you love about doing pop-up events and markets? GA: Meeting and connecting with people that are accepting of my offerings. I love interacting in a deeper level. We are all in a healing hair journey and what better way to engage in this self-love act while protecting our Mother Earth!
To see more of Gernene and Gya’s work or get in touch with her via her website GyaOrganics.com or follow her on Instagram, here.
This month we had a chance to connect with one of our favorite vendors (one of our first friendors in pop-up land!), the delightful Gernene Alonso of Gya Organics. Join us in learning more about her journey, and getting to know her better.
THE BASICS
Gernene Alanso | She/Her
Gya Organics | Founded in 2021
How did you get started making hair care?
GA: I started making hair medicine when I decided to transition relaxed hair to natural hair. A relaxer is a chemical treatment that straightens your natural curl pattern and texture to give it a straightening look. As I began my research on finding the perfect products for my journey. I noticed that most of these so called “natural” hair products had toxic ingredients. Further into my search, I realized that I had no clue where the good ingredients were being sourced and if they were really organic/natural. I decided to start making my own with ingredients from reputable sources that were also ethical while supporting small communities.
What are some of the products you make?
GA: I make shampoo/conditioner bars. As well as liquid rinse off shampoo/conditioners. Also, treatment and styling products such as leave-in conditioner, hair creams, gels, and oils.
What’s your favorite part about the process?
GA: Working with ancestral plant relatives that I grew up using. Having that deep connection with Mother Earth while honoring and being in gratitude with all the wonders she provides.
