• Building a Business from Handcrafted, Eco-friendly Materials in Kuru Kururu

By Andrea Hendricks

FORTY-SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Hollis David of Kuru Kururu, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, has turned a love for handmade creations into a growing business. Through Excellent Touch Beauty Line and Excellent Touch Creation, she makes handmade soaps, body-care products, crafts and everyday essentials such as bamboo toothbrush travel kits, ninwah body scrubs, bath sponges, wooden utensils, leather sandals, bags, earrings and other handmade accessories. Her work is shaped by a simple idea: beauty products should be useful, gentle and better for both people and the environment.

Hollis said her story began with a lifelong passion for creating things by hand and helping other people. As she watched more families look for cleaner, safer choices, she saw a growing need for natural products that could fit into everyday life. That need gave her a clear direction and helped her see that her hobby could become something bigger.

“I realised there was a growing need for natural, eco-friendly products, and I wanted to turn that passion into a business that could make a positive impact, ” Hollis  told the Pepperpot Magazine..

For Hollis, natural soap and body-care products matter because they are made to care for the skin in a kinder way. She believes they are gentler on the skin, especially for people who want to avoid products full of harsh chemicals. Natural products can also be better for sensitive skin and safer for families who want simple ingredients they can trust. Many of her products use environmentally friendly ingredients that break down more easily and help reduce harm to the planet. She also sees value in biodegradable products and choices that cut down on plastic waste. In her view, this kind of business supports healthier lifestyle choices while giving customers options that feel safe, natural and responsible.

She has found that more Guyanese are becoming interested in natural and eco-friendly products as they learn about the benefits of using them. She noted that while some people are enthusiastic about handmade, natural body-care products, others are still becoming familiar with them and often have questions about how they compare with commercial brands.

“I see this as an opportunity to educate customers about the value of natural ingredients and sustainable living,” Hollis said.

Like many small-business owners, Hollis had to build her business from scratch with limited resources. She also had to earn customers’ trust, which took time, patience and consistent quality. At the start, she wore many hats at once, moving between sourcing and importing raw materials, making products, marketing and managing finances. Those pressures were not easy, but they taught her discipline and helped her grow stronger and more knowledgeable. Each challenge, she said, became part of the lesson that shaped the business she is building today.

What keeps Hollis moving forward is her love for her work.

She said, “My passion for what I do and the goal I want to achieve for my business is what keeps me going.”

Positive customer reviews also give her strength, especially when people return for more or recommend her products to others.

“When clients give a positive review, return or even recommend others, the opportunity reminds me why I started this journey,” she added. For Hollis, every kind word from a customer is proof that her work matters.

One of Hollis’s proudest accomplishments is seeing people genuinely appreciate and trust the products she creates. That trust gives her a deep sense of satisfaction because it shows that customers value local, handmade work. She also sees her business as part of a wider community effort, offering eco-friendly products that reduce waste and encourage healthier living.

“I also support the local economy by providing handmade products while inspiring others to value creativity, craftsmanship and environmentally responsible choices,” she said.

For her, the business is not only about sales; it is also about making a positive mark in the community.

Hollis encourages other women to start where they are and use what they have. Her advice is to believe in themselves, stay committed and not be afraid to make mistakes because learning is part of the process. She believes growth comes from trying, adjusting and refusing to give up when things become difficult. Faith in God, along with the support of family members, friends and loyal customers, has helped her stay focused and keep moving forward. That support network, she said, has been vital during difficult times.

Hollis is not stopping here. Her business goals include expanding her product line, reaching more customers locally and internationally, and developing more innovative, eco-friendly products. She also hopes to collaborate with other local businesses and continue building Excellent Touch Beauty Line as a trusted name in natural body care and sustainable living. For her, the future is about steady growth without losing the values that shaped the brand from the start.

“Your ideas have value, and your passion can become something meaningful,” she said in her final message to other women who dream of becoming entrepreneurs. “Believe in yourself, work hard, be patient with the process and don’t be afraid to start small.”

In Hollis David’s story, determination, consistency and faith stand out as the forces that can turn a small beginning into something lasting and inspiring.

Whether it is a simple handcrafted soap or a thoughtfully designed accessory, Hollis David’s journey is a testament to the power of passion combined with purpose. Her commitment to creating products that are both beautiful and environmentally conscious has not only set her apart in the natural beauty industry but has also inspired others to consider the impact of their choices. As she continues to expand her business, she remains dedicated to the principles that have guided her from the beginning: authenticity, quality and a deep respect for nature.

Hollis’ story reminds us that entrepreneurship is more than just a business venture; it is an opportunity to make a difference. Her dedication to sustainable living and community support serves as a beacon for those who wish to create meaningful change through their work. As Hollis looks to the future, her vision remains clear: to continue innovating while staying true to her roots, proving that small steps can lead to a significant impact.

Her journey is an inspiration for anyone looking to turn their own passions into a fulfilling career. By embracing challenges and celebrating victories, Hollis David has crafted not just products, but a legacy that encourages others to pursue their dreams with confidence and courage.

For more information, follow Excellent Touch Beauty Line and Excellent Touch Creation on Facebook or contact them on (592) 660-9398.