Organic skincare retailer finds a new home in Mt. Airy

A new addition to Mt. Airy’s growing holistic health care services has made its home in the heart of the neighborhood’s commercial hub. Jahaya’s Organics has moved from its Chestnut Hill location and taken up residence at 7201 Germantown Avenue, site of the former Divinity Salon & Day Spa. The organic skin care retailer opened for business last month.

“My mission is to engage people in holistic, organic skin care,” stated Janet Curtis, owner of Jahaya’s Organics.

Curtis began this path when self treating her own skin condition. “I had eczema all over my face,” she shared. Curtis said she while she has not formally studied aromatherapy, she has self taught herself by voraciously reading about essential oils and diffusions. Curtis’ success in treating her own eczema by creating an organic skin care product led to a growing business, built up entirely by word of mouth referrals. Jahaya’s Organics had been in Chestnut Hill for nine years.

Curtis said she chose to move her shop to Mt. Airy in part because her retail lease in Chestnut Hill was becoming too expensive. Another reason which prompted the move is a desire to get in on the revitalization Curtis sees occurring in Mt. Airy. “Mt. Airy is growing. I want to bring something new to something that’s growing.” Curtis remarked.

Curtis crafts by hand all of Jayaha Organic’s skin care products, both onsite in the shop as well as in her home. The base for most of the skin care products is pure, unrefined shea butter. Curtis also sells emu oil alone and in products such as facial washes. None of her wares contain alcohol, petroleum, or parabens.

Curtis said she believes there is disconnect between high quality skin care products and affordability. Chemicals are added to nearly all products one can purchase at a pharmacy or department store. Those chemicals are added primarily to extend shelf life.

Curtis says she creates specialized essential oil blends for many area massage therapists. Most of Jahaya’s Organics customers are from the tri-state area, though Curtis stated that she has shipped products as far as way as Italy through her online shopping cart website. In addition to selling Jahaya Organic’s skin care line, Curtis gives facial treatments in the rear of store as demonstration of how little product one actually has to use.