Carts Across America, Winter 2010

These specialty leasing operations in Alberta, Canada and across the U.S. give a snapshot of what's selling in North America.

Funlayo Alabi's Shea Radiance in The Mall in Columbia, Columbia, MD

by Duffy C. Weir

When their children had severely dry skin, Funlayo and Shola Alabi started making natural skincare products using shea butter imported from their native Nigeria. These products spawned their family business—a company called Shea Radiance.

The Alabis opened their first RMU at The Mall in Columbia in Columbia, MD, as an outlet to sell Shea Radiance products. Based in Ellicott City, MD, the Alabis also sell their products in local green and farmers' markets, and from their website shearadiance.com.

Shea Radiance products are made with shea butter and other ingredients from sustainable sources in Africa. Botanical extracts are blended with the shea butter using basic principles of aromatherapy. Price points range from $6 for soap to $30 for their best-selling pomegranate whipped body butter.

The Alabis import shea butter from West African women's cooperatives that produce the oils from shea nut trees. The couple shares an ongoing commitment to the welfare of women and children in Africa. By doing business directly with these African women they add value to the local economy, and empower the women to improve the lives of their families.

Funlayo Alabi has this advice for retailers looking to pick an ideal location: "Start with a mall you like and understand the demographics [including] mall traffic, and interview other vendors about their experience in the center."

Mouse over images below to view.