Our Sourcing Story
Tea from the Highlands of Nandi Hills, Kenya
Joseph’s early explorations were driven by a desire to identify exceptional natural products from Africa that could be thoughtfully introduced to new markets. His search led him to Kenya, a country with a rich and thriving tea culture, particularly in the highlands of Nandi Hills, where some of the world’s most distinctive teas are grown.
Kenya is also home to the Tea Research Foundation of Kenya (TRFK), an organization dedicated to advancing tea cultivation and developing new varieties that offer both unique flavour profiles and enhanced health benefits.
Joseph was not interested in bringing just any tea to market. His vision was to introduce teas that were innovative, nourishing, and meaningful. This is what led him to discover purple tea and sweet potato tea—two remarkable ingredients known for their rich nutritional profiles, antioxidants, and minerals.
For Joseph, the mission has always been about more than simply selling tea. It is about sharing products that contribute positively to people’s well-being while introducing consumers to unique ingredients they may have never experienced before. That purpose continues to guide the heart of the HEYRU brand.
Rooted in Northern Nigeria
Our hibiscus and shea butter are sourced from northern Nigeria, a region deeply connected to Joseph’s roots. Maintaining strong relationships with these communities is central to how we operate. We believe the people who grow and produce these ingredients should be paid fairly for the value they create, and supporting the well-being of these communities is an important part of our sourcing philosophy.
Our shea butter is processed using traditional methods carried out by women in the community. The process is entirely manual and requires great care, skill, and patience. For generations, women have been at the heart of shea production, and their work is an important cultural and economic practice within these regions.
In many Nigerian households, shea butter has long been used as a natural remedy for soothing sore muscles and relieving body tension. It is often blended with warming ingredients like ginger and used in massage to support the body’s natural healing process.
Beyond its traditional uses, shea butter is widely known as one of nature’s richest moisturizers for both hair and skin. At HEYRU, we offer shea butter in its pure, natural form, without added fragrances or unnecessary ingredients. Many people are sensitive to synthetic scents and harsh additives commonly found in cosmetic products, so we wanted to provide a simple, natural option that allows more people to benefit from the nourishing and protective properties of shea.
Sustainability at Our Core
Sustainability is a core part of HEYRU’s foundation. From the beginning, our goal has been to build a business that creates meaningful products while remaining mindful of our environmental impact.
We prioritize the use of sustainable materials wherever possible. Our packaging is made from kraft paper, which helps reduce waste while maintaining a simple, natural aesthetic that reflects our values. We believe in minimalism and thoughtful consumption, and we look for ways to repurpose materials and minimize unnecessary waste throughout our operations.
Sustainability also guides how we source our ingredients. We work with partners who share our commitment to responsible growing and harvesting practices, ensuring that the communities we source from can continue to thrive for generations to come.
Traceability is another important part of this process. From the point of sourcing to the final product, we prioritize transparency and careful documentation to ensure quality and safety. This allows us to maintain the highest standards for our customers while supporting a supply chain built on responsibility and trust.