Innovation

The innovation lies in 21 Degrees' unique business model and product offerings. They curate affordable skincare and haircare products for men, women, and children, handcrafted from all-natural ingredients found exclusively in the nine Caribbean islands. These countries include Jamaica, Haiti, Guyana, Barbados, Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, The Dominican Republic, Carriacou, and Grenada.

Our Products are more than just skincare and haircare. They are a blend of nature's best, crafted with care. Take, for instance, our facial scrub from a Jamaican artisan. It's made from homegrown papaya and pineapple, with indigenous herbs like aloe vera, neem, and turmeric. These ingredients are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, offering a strong blend to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin. What's more, our products have an average shelf life of six to twelve months, a testament to their natural quality. This approach not only ensures high-quality, eco-friendly products but also provides economic opportunities for artisans and supports sustainable practices.

Fueled by a personal quest to address her daughter's eczema and her persistent struggles with acne breakouts, discoloration, and hair thinning, Dr. Fray combined her Jamaican heritage with her expertise in business and academia. Witnessing the challenges immigrant entrepreneurs face in the US, Dr. Fray sought to create a platform that would showcase the natural resources of the Caribbean while providing economic opportunities for artisans in the region. As a tenured associate professor at the Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University and Jamaican native, Dr. Fray leveraged her academic expertise, cultural background, and entrepreneurial spirit to initiate the process. It began by identifying artisans across nine Caribbean islands, establishing partnerships, and ultimately starting the distribution and marketing of the products. Additionally, the artisans are the sole creators behind their work, utilizing their traditional knowledge and skills to farm and handcraft the products.

Artisan mother, Anisa Wilson, along with her two children overcome poverty.

Inspiration

Dr. Ingrid Fray's journey with 21 Degrees is rooted in her personal experiences, particularly her Jamaican heritage and daughter's health challenges. Raised by her grandmother in Jamaica while her parents sought economic stability in the US, Dr. Fray witnessed the difficulties faced by her homeland firsthand. However, her daughter's battle with eczema and personal hair thinning sparked the idea for 21 Degrees. With limited options for effective products outside of Jamaica, Dr. Fray recognized a market gap for natural skincare and haircare solutions. Combining her academic background with a passion for entrepreneurship and social impact, she established 21 Degrees to provide affordable, natural products while empowering artisans and communities throughout the Caribbean. What began as a personal quest to address her daughter's health challenges grew into a broader vision of creating opportunities and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

A profound commitment to health, social impact, and economic empowerment drives Dr. Ingrid Fray’s motivation and vision for 21 Degrees. Driven by her family’s health challenges and entrepreneurial spirit, Dr. Fray searched for practical solutions. Throughout her journey, she concluded that natural products sourced from Jamaica are the most reliable solution. This personal revelation led her to expand her mission beyond skincare and haircare, aiming to empower artisans and communities across the Caribbean while promoting economic sustainability, particularly for single-parent households. She strives to make high-quality, affordable products accessible while fostering social and economic well-being within her community and beyond.

Overall impact

21 Degrees embodies a profound mission and purpose, which is evident in its impact on artisans, communities, and customers. By empowering Caribbean artisans who once lived in poverty, the company provides economic opportunities and preserves their cultural heritage by utilizing natural resources and traditional knowledge. Microfinancing initiatives have given Anisa Wilson a success story. A Trinidadian artisan who transitioned from homelessness with two kids to securing her apartment and saving for land ultimately highlights the transformative effects of 21 Degrees' efforts. Moreover, all her artisans now have the means to provide for their children's education and more.

The products developed by 21 Degrees have a tangible impact on customers' health and well-being. Testimonials attest to the effectiveness of these products in clearing acne and promoting hair regrowth. One of the most notable 21 Degree stories comes from a strong-willed cancer survivor who completed chemotherapy in April of 2017. Left with no hair, this woman looked to 21 Degrees and Dr. Fray to find an all-natural aid that would help with the regrowth of her hair. Results began to show after being advised to use a specific shampoo and conditioner from an artisan in Jamaica. Within 3-4 months, her hair was back, and by January 2018, it was complete.

At 21 Degrees, Dr. Fray’s leadership is instrumental in our commitment to environmental responsibility. She champions the use of fully recyclable packaging and minimal waste practices, reflecting our broader purpose of sustainability. Additionally, any products not sold within two months of their manufacturing date are donated to fertilizing companies and then replanted into the ground. We also prioritize cultural exchange. Upon receiving our products, customers are greeted with a card thanking them for their purchase and inviting them to visit the artisans' home country. The other side of the card educates the customer on all the natural resources used in the product and how they will benefit from it. In essence, 21 Degrees embodies a holistic approach to business, guided by a profound sense of mission and purpose to empower communities, promote sustainability, improve health, and enhance cultural understanding.

Business benefit

Dr. Ingrid Fray's business has brought significant benefits to customers and artisans alike. For artisans, the opportunity provided by 21 Degrees means more than just economic stability—it's a chance to thrive. Consider single parents who previously lived on or below the poverty level; now, they have a sustainable source of income, enabling them to support their families and afford their children's education. Artisans use natural leverage and traditional knowledge to create and sell products such as Jamaican shampoo, where even the packaging serves a purpose as a preservative. This preserves their cultural heritage and allows them to showcase their craftsmanship globally. Meanwhile, customers benefit from access to high-quality, natural skincare and haircare products at fair prices, significantly lower than competitors. Customers experience and attribute tangible improvements like cleared acne, maintained eczema, and hair regrowth, demonstrating the remarkable effectiveness of these products.

Social and environmental benefit

The environmental impact of 21 Degrees extends far beyond skincare and haircare. By directly sourcing raw materials from their natural habitats in nine different Caribbean islands (with a plan to expand into Latin and South America), 21 Degrees promotes biodiversity and conservation efforts in these regions. Moreover, their focus on using locally grown, organic ingredients helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and industrial agriculture. Additionally, 21 Degrees' commitment to sustainability is evident in its 100% recyclable packaging and a made-to-order production model, which minimizes waste and environmental harm. Through these practices, 21 Degrees offers natural, eco-friendly products and embodies a comprehensive business approach that prioritizes ecological stewardship.

Interview

Ingrid Fray, Founder

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