Empowering wellness through indigenous hemp innovation

In South Africa’s ever-evolving wellness industry, Shanti Natural Care is making waves by combining the healing power of hemp with indigenous botanicals to create unique, premium cannabidiol (CBD) products and natural fibre clothing. Founded by Kylie Adam, Shanti Natural Care and Shanti Wellness Store represent not only a commitment to quality and sustainability but also a deep respect for South Africa’s indigenous plant heritage.

Kylie’s journey into wellness innovation has been fuelled by a desire to offer natural and holistic health solutions. Shanti Natural Care specialises in products crafted from hemp and enhanced with local botanicals like Buchu and Rooibos, known for their medicinal properties. These ingredients are selected to create a range that includes CBD oils, balms, skincare products, and sustainable clothing made from hemp fibres. Each item is infused with indigenous botanicals, aligning with Shanti’s mission to promote sustainable and traditional wellness practices.

Shanti Natural Care's approach and commitment to innovation have not gone unnoticed. Recently, Kylie participated in the SME Intellectual Property Commercialisation workshop hosted by the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), where she presented a pitch that landed her a Consultation with the advanced manufacturing desk at the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) award.

In July 2024, Shanti Natural Care was honoured as the Runner-Up in the Agro-Processing category at the Entrepreneur Women of the Year Awards hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. This accolade highlights the company’s dedication to creating value through innovation and acknowledges the impact Shanti has made in South Africa’s agro-processing and wellness sectors.

Initially a small wellness company, Shanti has since evolved into a leader in the hemp and wellness industry. In 2022, the company was absorbed into a cannabis and hemp incubation programme funded by the CSIR. This opportunity allowed Kylie and her team to develop two pioneering products (a shower gel for wellness and self-care, as well as a pain relief cream). Their success in this programme opened doors for further support, as they later joined TIA’s seed funding incubation programme within the Indigenous Knowledge Systems sector, where they expanded their product line and completed testing on five innovative products.

For individuals who are looking to venture into entrepreneurship, Kylie advises that “planning and goal setting are crucial for success. Take the time to learn about your industry and build a network around you; those relationships can be incredibly valuable as you grow.” Kylie believes that with determination, careful planning, and a willingness to learn, aspiring entrepreneurs can achieve their dreams.