About Me
Hi, I'm Mariam Ismail Rumatila.
I didn't begin this journey with a business plan or a shelf full of finished products. I'm still learning, still experimenting, and still asking a lot of questions. But what keeps me going is a quiet belief that everything we need is already here in our soil, our communities, and the traditional knowledge that often gets overlooked.
This isn't a polished brand introduction. It's more like my digital sketchbook a space where I share my personal adventures in Tanzanian skincare, documenting both the successes that make me smile and the messy failures that teach me just as much. I'll be sharing stories about working with local ingredients, reflections on what beauty means in our context, and the joy I find in creating formulations uniquely suited to my skin and environment.
If you're looking for perfect results or expert advice, you might want to keep scrolling. But if you appreciate honest conversations, genuine curiosity, and the beauty of a journey in progress, you're in exactly the right place.
Why I Started This
It really started with frustration. I was tired of seeing local ingredients being ignored while imported products got all the attention. Plus, I was dealing with my own skin problems - acne, sunburn, dark spots - and nobody was talking about solutions that made sense for our skin, our weather, our reality.
So I started reading whatever I could find - over 177 articles by now. I signed up for skincare workshops where I was usually the only one asking about local ingredients. I bugged my mom and aunties with endless questions about what they used growing up. I spent weekends at local markets looking at things I'd walked past a thousand times before.
Little by little, I started seeing a bigger picture. This isn't just about face creams and moisturizers. It's about remembering what we've always known and making it work for us today.
What This Space Is Really About
This blog is messy, and that's on purpose. It's where I learn out loud, document stuff I don't want to forget, and invite others to see the process - not just some finished, perfect result.
You'll find research notes, random thoughts, and plenty of questions I don't have answers to yet. Some posts might even contradict others as I learn more. That's fine by me.
If you're here reading this, thank you. It means a lot.
We're definitely still at the beginning of whatever this is - but it feels like something worth pursuing.
Some of the Future Projects at Maris Sustainable Skincare
Sustainable Skincare Development
Explore the journey of developing eco-friendly skincare products with a focus on sustainable ingredients and natural beauty. Through insightful articles, we dive into the importance of using ethical sourcing and clean beauty standards. Follow along as we uncover the steps to creating skincare that’s not only good for your skin but also the planet.
Women’s Empowerment Stories: Voices of Tanzanian Women
This blog series will highlight the voices of Tanzanian women who have embraced traditional beauty rituals passed down through generations. Through interviews and stories, we aim to empower women by sharing their experiences and showcasing the strength and resilience that connects them to their cultural heritage and natural beauty practices.
Sustainability in Skincare: A Guide for Conscious Consumers
This blog series educates consumers about the importance of sustainable skincare and how to make informed choices about products. We’ll cover everything from ingredient sourcing to the environmental impact of skincare packaging, empowering readers to adopt a more eco-conscious approach to beauty.
Ancient Beauty Rituals Awareness Campaign
Delve into the rich history of beauty rituals from different Tanzanian regions. In this section, we uncover ancient skincare practices that are rooted in natural ingredients like Mafuta ya nazi, Manjano, and Maziwa. These practices offer sustainable, time-tested alternatives to modern skincare routines, promoting healthy, glowing skin without harmful chemicals.
You Are Welcome Here
Whether you’re a fellow Tanzanian wanting to reconnect with the traditional skincare wisdom that’s been passed down through generations, someone curious about the power of natural ingredients, or you’ve just happened to stumble upon this little corner of the internet you are welcome here.
This space isn’t about having all the answers or pretending to be an expert. It’s about sharing what I’m learning, diving into uncharted territories, and inviting you to join me on this journey of discovery.
No fancy knowledge required just an open heart and a bit of curiosity. I’m figuring it out as I go, and I’d love to have you along for the ride.
Let’s learn, grow, and build something meaningful together.