Visiting with Nuke Anue, owner of Africa Naturals, was inspiring. This store is a family-run business that offers local price matching, and they have been in business for four years. A portion of the proceeds “helps to provide healthcare and empower families in Africa.” The shelves are lined with hundreds of natural, organic specialty health products from Africa and the United States. They proudly sell “Organic botanicals pure essential oils, African shea butter, RAW black soap, natural skincare, hair beauty products online (https://www.ishopnaturals.com) and local stores.”
Danielle: I see that you have a large selection of products to choose from. Online, one of your reviewers had mentioned that you had specific products available in your store before the local large chain stores. What got you going on?
Nuka: This is just the love of the community and provides health products.
Since you have opened up the two stores for your community, what effects/impacts have your African Naturals stores had on society?
We are very community-driven. And it’s like a one-stop shop for our community who are looking for healthy products and bettering their lives.
Do you have any mushroom extracts?
Unfortunately, because our store is so popular, I’m currently out of our mushroom extracts. They help with the immune system and stuff like that.
What do you usually carry?
We carry the lion’s mane and reishi.
Why are Lion’s Mane and Reishi mushrooms so popular?
These mushrooms are good for many things, one of them for immunity. This product is based out of San Diego, California, and most are a blend of mushrooms such as reishi and turkey tail.
Do you take any of these supplements?
Yes, I think almost take everything that I sell.
How are you able to do that?
Because I live on herbs, I can use most of the things I sell, except those for females.
Do you ever cook with them, or do you just put them directly into your mouth?
Well, most of them are not for cooking except for the spices. These are mainly used to be added to a bit of juice as a shot. Or some people blend in a smoothie.
I heard you have some dried mushrooms. Can we check them out?
Okay, we may be out of luck because COVID has impacted the supplies delivery times. We also get our herbal supplies from Starwest Botanicals in California.
Are there any projects you are currently working on?
Well, like we say, it’s community-driven here in St. Louis. And we also do other charity work outside of St. Louis. For example, we do different types of humanitarian work in Africa.
How do you have time for all of this?
My passion for people inspires me to go to work every day.