From Skincare Struggles to Entrepreneurship: The Story Behind Sainabou Gassama’s Organic Soap Brand

Written by: Dawda Baldeh

After years of struggling with acne, dark spots and uneven skin tone, Sainabou Gassama grew tired of searching for skincare products that worked for her. Instead, she decided to make her own, a decision that eventually led to the creation of Nabu’s Organic Soap, a natural skincare business in The Gambia.

A former journalist with The Fatu Network who now serves as an immigration officer with The Gambia Immigration Department, Sainabou never imagined that her personal skincare challenges would lead her into entrepreneurship.

“For a long time, I struggled to achieve clear, acne-free skin. My face was often affected by acne and dark spots, and I also struggled with an uneven skin tone,” she said.

As someone who prefers natural beauty and rarely wears makeup, Sainabou wanted a product that would improve the appearance of her skin without having to rely heavily on cosmetics.

“I tried different skincare products but none of them seemed to work well for my skin. So, instead of continuing to search for a product that might work, I decided to create it myself,” she explained.

With no previous experience in soap production, she began researching natural skincare, watching tutorials and learning about the ingredients used to make organic black soap and their potential benefits.

She eventually produced her first batch and began using it herself. Encouraged by the results, she realised that what began as an attempt to address her own skin problems could become something bigger.

“When I finally made my own soap and started using it, I noticed that it worked really well for my skin. That experience inspired me to take things a step further,” she said.

What started as a personal experiment gradually developed into Nabu’s Organic Soap, a business she now runs alongside her full-time job.

The brand currently offers three soap variants marketed for different complexions: fair, caramel and dark skin tones. According to Sainabou, the products are made with natural ingredients and are suitable for both men and women.

“If you are either fair in complexion, dark or have a caramel skin tone, worry no more. This soap will give your skin the glow it deserves,” she said.

Although the business is still in its early stages, Sainabou sees it as an opportunity to build something meaningful from an experience that once caused her frustration.

“What started as a personal solution to my own skincare struggles has now grown into a small business that I run as a side hustle,” she said.

Balancing her responsibilities as an immigration officer with the demands of running a business has not stopped her from pursuing her ambitions. She hopes to continue improving her products, expanding her customer base and eventually establishing Nabu’s as a recognised natural skincare brand in The Gambia and beyond.

For Sainabou, the venture is not simply about selling soap. It represents the satisfaction of finding her own solution to a problem and turning that experience into a product she can share with others.

“This is more than just soap to me. It is a business that was born from my own experience, passion and desire to create something that works for me and can be shared with others,” she said.

Looking ahead, she remains optimistic about the future of her business and the possibilities that lie beyond its modest beginnings.

“This is the beginning of my skincare journey and the beginning of Nabu’s Organic Soap. I hope to grow this business with you all,” she added.