Nurturing with Natural Products:

How Hello Body and Silk Grass Farms Are Nourishing the Planet and People in Belize

Nestled in the interior of Belize, Central Farm is the country’s main government agricultural research and innovation center and school, comprising livestock, crops, research and development, agro-processing, and agriculture engineering. It also is home to Kendra Griffith, an entrepreneur developing and marketing natural and organic products that incorporate Belize-grown ingredients. 

Her business, Hello Body, was born in 2016 from her personal struggles with severe skin conditions. Frustrated by a lack of results from pharmaceutical and commercial skincare products, she began to research and formulate her own. Kendra’s natural and organic products found an early and receptive following among friends and family that has since grown to include customers across Belize. 

Now, Hello Body offers a line of products — for skincare, haircare, beard care, and body care — that incorporate high-quality, organic local ingredients. These include cold-pressed coconut oil made at Silk Grass Farms that serves as a key ingredient for several Hello Body creations. “Purchasing from Silk Grass Farms allows us to offer a product that not only supports healthy skin but also aligns with our values of quality and sustainability,” Kendra says. 

The people- and planet-friendly methods that Silk Grass Farms uses to create its coconut oil align with Kendra’s mission to provide natural products that soothe and protect skin and health. “Cold pressing ensures that the coconut oil retains all its natural nutrients, including essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which are crucial for nourishing and hydrating the skin,” she says. “This method also keeps the oil pure and free from chemicals or heat damage, making it perfect for our commitment to clean and effective skincare.”

Aligning on Shared Values of Sustainability, Quality, and Ethical Practices

Kendra discovered Silk Grass Farms several years ago while searching for locally made, high-quality coconut oil. The company’s bona fides for social and environmental mindfulness as a Certified B Corporation reinforced her decision. “I really wanted to ensure that every ingredient in Hello Body’s products was premium quality, and Silk Grass Farms delivered just that,” she says. “We’re incredibly proud to align ourselves with a brand that shares our values of sustainability, ethical practices, and quality.”

The feeling is mutual for Silk Grass Farms. “We see partnerships like the one with Hello Body as part of our mission to merge agriculture with land stewardship and conservation,” says Mandy Cabot, Silk Grass Farms co-founder. “Together, we are working to create a unique, durable model that benefits the environment and the people of Belize.”

In addition to a commitment to regenerative farming practices that promote sustainable coconut production, Silk Grass Farms is guided by a “people first” approach that prioritizes employee benefits including a living wage and rent-free housing. With these holistic practices that broaden the view of success beyond the bottom line, Silk Grass Farms demonstrates how businesses can nurture a more resilient and inclusive future.

After struggling with severe skin conditions like eczema and Hidradenitis suppurativa and finding no relief from pharmaceutical and commercial skincare products, Kendra Griffith embarked on her journey to organic skincare. She began by researching the products she had once used and closely examining their ingredients, only to discover they were filled with toxins and harmful chemicals.

Connecting Locally and Globally to Build Business Impact

Kendra says Silk Grass Farms’ focus on conservation and community development aligns with the mission of Hello Body and creates a ripple effect that benefits the entire Belizean economy. The hands-on approach that Silk Grass Farms takes to ensure that every batch of coconut oil meets Hello Body’s needs adds an extra layer of connection and shared purpose. “The Silk Grass team that we interact with directly makes this feel more than just a business transaction,” Kendra says. “What makes this extra special for us is the support we receive from Silk Grass Farms employees. It’s a pleasure to see how engaged and excited they are about Hello Body and the work we do.”

While Hello Body now is available to customers in Belize, Kendra has expanded awareness of the company globally through several initiatives. In 2020, she facilitated educational outreach programs to spotlight Belize and other Central American nations while earning her master’s degree in international relations from the National Cheng Chi University in Taiwan. In 2021, Kendra was selected for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative, reflecting her commitment to entrepreneurial leadership, and in 2022 she traveled to the United States where honed her skills as a skincare formulator. Hello Body has been showcased in expos in Taiwan and Istanbul, solidifying Kendra’s impact on the global stage. 

As Kendra continues to research ingredients and envision new ways to create smart and safe products for all ages and genders, she hopes to build on the collaboration with Silk Grass Farms and her commitment to community and the environment. “Supporting Silk Grass Farms isn’t just about sourcing great ingredients. It’s about supporting a company that shares the same vision as Hello Body: a more sustainable and equitable world,” she says.