Tribal Secrets: Bringing Kenyan Heritage and Natural Wellness to Canadian Communities

This story is part of the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Retail Incubator Program, presented by RBC and supported by Meridian.

The program provides hands-on retail experience and business training to help immigrant entrepreneurs launch and grow their ventures in the heart of Ottawa.

At the ByWard Market Vendor Village, you will discover more than natural skincare products. Behind Tribal Secrets is a story of heritage, family traditions, and a mission to share the healing power of nature with communities across Canada.

Founded by Amanda Mwaniki, Tribal Secrets was inspired by her Kenyan heritage and the women in her family who taught her the importance of using nature’s gifts for wellness, beauty, and nourishment.

Growing up, Amanda was surrounded by women who valued natural remedies and believed in the power of plants, food, and traditional knowledge.

"My family believes heavily in using what God has already put on earth for us to use as human beings, whether it is medicine, food, or beauty."

Those lessons stayed with her as she moved to Canada.

While building a new life as an immigrant, Amanda noticed a difference between the natural wellness practices she grew up with and what she experienced in Canada. Whenever she returned home to Kenya, she noticed how much better she felt physically, emotionally, and mentally.

She found herself missing the foods, traditions, and natural practices that made her feel connected to home.

"I thought, instead of feeling so bad every time I come back to Canada, I’m going to bring a piece of home here and share it with people."

Before becoming a business, Tribal Secrets started as something personal. Amanda had been making plant-based and vegan body butters, scrubs, and bath teas for her family and friends for years.

Eventually, she realized that she wanted to share those creations with a wider community.

For Amanda, skincare is not only about products. It is about connection, culture, and expressing care for others.

"In my culture, when you share food, skincare, or advice, that is an expression of love."

Building a business, however, came with challenges.

One of the biggest obstacles was finding community within the entrepreneurial space.

When she first started, Amanda felt like she was navigating everything alone.

"I thought it was only me. I didn’t know where to go for advice or who else to ask."

Finding support through the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Retail Incubator Program changed that experience.

Through the program, she connected with other entrepreneurs who were also building businesses, adapting to Canada, and facing similar challenges.

"When you feel like you have a community, it helps strengthen you and makes you feel like you can do this."

One of Amanda’s proudest moments has been seeing customers connect with Tribal Secrets in a meaningful way.

When customers recognize her, share their experiences, and explain how her products have become part of their routines, she is reminded of the purpose behind the business.

"Someone says, ‘I love your body butter. It is the only thing that works for my skin,’ and we have those conversations."

For Amanda, those moments prove that Tribal Secrets is about more than skincare. It is about creating products that make people feel cared for while building connections through culture and community.

The IEC Retail Incubator Program also provided Amanda with important business knowledge and confidence.

While she already had experience connecting with people and sharing her products, she needed support with the technical side of entrepreneurship.

"The tools and resources helped me understand the small details of business, like finances, taxes, and registering a business."

The program helped her build a stronger foundation while giving her the confidence to continue growing Tribal Secrets.

For other immigrant entrepreneurs, Amanda’s advice is to trust their vision and take the first step.

"If you have a passion or desire to do something, I believe it is there for a reason."

She encourages entrepreneurs to stay authentic, embrace their stories, and not change themselves to fit expectations.

"Do not water it down to make it more acceptable. Do it authentically and with all your heart."

At Tribal Secrets, every product represents more than natural skincare. It represents heritage, love, and the belief that traditional knowledge can create meaningful connections in a new community.

Visit Tribal Secrets at the ByWard Market Vendor Village to discover plant-based skincare inspired by Kenyan traditions and created with care.

Explore Tribal Secrets or stay updated on their latest projects. Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @tribalsecrets_ to follow their journey as they continue preserving cultural heritage, sharing meaningful handmade creations, and bringing unique stories and traditions to life through their work.

This story is part of the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Retail Incubator Program, presented by RBC and supported by Meridian.