Long before botanical skincare filled store shelves, Kuumba Piazza set sail—literally. At 19, she embarked on a journey in a 36-foot outrigger canoe, exploring Caribbean cultures, learning about traditional plant remedies from the people she met along the way.

 

Between island gardens and coastal markets, she discovered the nourishing power of coconut oil from a friend, a serendipitous encounter that led to a new entrepreneurial journey.

 

Back in the US, she lived off the land and crafted coconut oils infused with flowers from her garden. What began more than 45 years ago as handcrafted creations shared with friends and sold at local markets has grown into Kuumba Made, a nationally recognized wellness brand sold in Whole Foods, Sprouts, independent retailers nationwide, and Amazon. While the brand has earned a loyal following across the country, many people don’t realize that this woman-owned company has proudly called Tucson home since 1993.

 

Today, Kuumba Made continues to craft plant-based skincare, aromatherapy, and herbal remedies in the Old Pueblo using thoughtfully sourced ingredients, many of which are organic or wildcrafted. Inspired by the Sonoran Desert, botanicals such as chaparral, desert lavender, sage, and Arizona-grown jojoba are thoughtfully incorporated throughout the brand’s collections.

 

It’s time for you to discover one of the longest-standing body care brands in the industry–and one of Tucson’s best-kept success stories–to see why generations of devoted customers rely on Kuumba Made for affordable luxury to everyday self-care.