The Big Questions – Alexis (Lexi) Charles, Shyne Body Butter

SHYNE body butter is an all-natural skincare product handcrafted with love in Guelph, ON.

Made with a signature blend of shea butter, Jamaican allspice, and soothing essential oils, SHYNE will provide you with a holistic skincare experience. Not only does the rich formula soften your skin – allspice’s anti-inflammatory properties will soothe muscle and joint aches, while providing a warm, calming scent that is proven to ease anxiety and stress.

Get your shyne on!

You can find Shyne Body Butter on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

Q: When was the moment you first knew you were meant to be an entrepreneur?

Spring 2020. We were in the early stages of COVID, and highly publicized incidents of anti-Black racism and police brutality were at the forefront of our conversations. Me – and many of my Black and racialized family and friends – needed spaces for community, healing, and togetherness during such a tumultuous time. I had been making body butter for years as a hobby, and wanted to explore creating a business around this as way to bring people together not only through skincare – but also through education and empowerment.

Q: What is the biggest “win” you have experienced as an entrepreneur?

The community! We wouldn’t be here without the love of our supporters – from those who provide words of encouragement to the likes and shares on Instagram to those who buy shyne for themselves and others. As someone who is relatively new to Guelph, it has been so beautiful building a circle of mostly women who believe in shyne’s vision and strive to help me be my best! shyne really is “more than skincare” – we seek to empower women to prioritize their own healing while building strong, equitable communities.

Q: What is the most important piece of advice you would give to others who are starting their own business?

Find your people. Those who will have your back, who brag about you/your business when you aren’t in the room, who provide that care and support when things aren’t going the best. Whether that be family, friends, or some of the incredible folks in the maker space – having supporters is key to this journey.