By Obiabin Onukwugha
In Uganda, young entrepreneur Juliet tumusiime is making a significant impact by embarking on an eco-
Friendly business that not only meets the needs of women but also contributes to combating
Environmental waste pollution.
Tumusiime founded cheveux organique, a Uganda-based manufacturing firm that produces Eco-friendly
Hair extensions made from banana fibres. This venture offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic
Options.
Extensions are typically made from human hair or synthetic materials. Although synthetics are
Widespread in Uganda due to their lower cost, they are neither biodegradable nor easy to recycle, and
Some users report scalp irritation from these materials.
Cheveux organique prides itself on producing biodegradable hair extensions made from a variety of
100% locally sourced ugandan banana fibre. These products are durable, eco-friendly, hypoallergenic,
Non-irritating, do not produce bad odour, are reusable, and can be managed like natural hair.
Tumusiime in a recent interview with howwemadeitinafrica, stated that she caught the vision in 2012,
While working with usaid. “i participated in a project focused on plantations and banana farmers. It was
During this project that i observed how farmers utilised only the fruit of the banana plant, leaving the
Stems unused. This observation sparked my interest in exploring ways to repurpose these discarded
Stems..
“motivated by this discovery, i conducted extensive research into potential uses for banana stems. This
Endeavour ultimately led to the founding of cheveux organique in 2015,” she said.
She stated that cheveux organique was founded with a vision to create eco-friendly hair extensions and
Crafts from banana fibre while supporting local farmers.
According to her, the journey began with thorough research into sustainable materials and their
Applications, and subsequently forged partnerships with farmers in the mukono and bunyangabu districts
[in uganda] to source banana stems, a crucial step for both our supply chain and community support.
Tumusiime mentioned that cheveux organique collaborates with local banana farmers by purchasing
Stems. These stems are then split open, and the fibres are mechanically extracted. Once the fibres are
Obtained, they undergo a drying and treatment process. Finally, the treated fibres are carefully combed to
Achieve a hair-like texture.
She also mentioned that this is the best alternative to mass-produced plastic synthetic hair extensions,
Which have generated millions of kilos of waste, impacting our environment in unimaginable ways. The
Customer will have the opportunity to make healthy choices for their beauty and for the environment,
According to her.
She revealed that her initial challenges included setting up processing infrastructure and acquiring an
Extraction machine.
Another challenge was turning banana waste into a premium product, particularly in the production
Process. The operation is labour-intensive, involving the careful selection and transportation of banana
Stems, followed by the extraction and treatment of fibres, which requires significant energy to power the
Machinery. And each step adds to the production costs, ultimately making the final product more
Expensive.
“through rigorous testing and valuable customer feedback, we refined our products and achieved a
Successful market launch. Funding from institutions like the national social security fund enabled us to
Expand operations and invest in advanced machinery.
“our enhanced online presence and physical outlet have significantly increased visibility and customer
Reach. Despite challenges such as mechanical disruptions, our strategic planning and resilience have
Helped us navigate obstacles effectively,” tumusiime revealed.
Looking ahead, the cheveux organique ceo plans to further expand her market presence, enhance our
Online platform, and continue our commitment to supporting local farmers and communities.