AYÉYA: A Life in Balance: This is How We Began

AYÉYA, meaning “life in balance,” was founded in 2022 by Olowo-n’djo “Olo,” starting with artisan baskets and 2024 launching body care with Shea Butter. Olo's vision was born in his homeland of Togo, West Africa. From the beginning, his goal extended beyond creating skincare and haircare products—he sought to drive lasting, positive change in his community. That mission led to the founding of Alaffia, in 2003, a socially conscious brand that has connected hundreds of thousands of families around the world.

The journey began in Bolgatanga, Ghana, where we partnered with cooperatives across 12 villages, working with more than 5,000 female artisans. By sourcing ancestral ingredients and materials, we help sustain local economies and preserve traditional craftsmanship.Building on that success, AYÉYA was born to further empower communities and celebrate cultural heritage.

Today, our impact stretches from West Africa to Latin America and the United States, bringing ethically produced products to the world—each one carrying the wisdom and legacy of the communities we partner with.

At AYÉYA, we are redefining what a beauty and lifestyle brand can be. We believe that life in balance comes from nurturing the sacred relationships between people, planet, and culture—through mindful daily rituals. By honoring our roots and embracing sustainable practices, we promote peaceful coexistence and collective well-being. Guided by our core values—honor, gratitude, evolution, and shared vision—we celebrate the purity, integrity, and beauty within every product we create.

We are committed to the transformation of our ingredients and the well-being of the communities behind them. AYÉYA is here to elevate your daily rituals, enrich lives, and promotes joy and harmony—our vision of life in balance.

Through the eyes of the community. Through the eyes of the consumer.
Closing gaps, creating legacy.

About Ayeya’s founder

Olowo-n'djo's Tchala

The path connector

Olowo-n’djo founded Alaffia in 2003 and launched AYÉYA in 2022, guided by an unwavering commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and creating lasting impact in West Africa. At the center of his work is a deep commitment to improving living standards for women in the region, recognizing that true progress begins with gender equity. His mission focuses on poverty alleviation and gender equality through Fair Trade—a model rooted in equitable, transparent, and respectful relationships that uphold the dignity of producers and strengthen communities.

Raised in poverty in Togo, Olo was profoundly shaped by his mother’s example—her strength, resilience, and dedication to community. After being out of school for ten years, he earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational theory from the University of California, Davis—an experience that ignited his vision to create meaningful, systemic change.

That vision lives on through his work today. With AYÉYA,
Olo tackles the very injustices he once faced—gender inequality, poverty, and
lack of access to basic needs—by creating equitable incomes, dignified
employment, and community-led solutions. These include building water wells for
safe, accessible water; planting trees that restore ecosystems and strengthen
climate resilience; and investing in initiatives to end domestic violence.

At AYÉYA, this isn’t charity—it’s solidarity. A movement rooted in tradition, built on shared values, and committed to a future where all communities can thrive in balance.