FAQ’s

Why did I choose the name Green Afro Diva?

I wanted something different that was fresh and hip yet green. I thought of many names from Verde/Vert, Noir Diva, and Green,Peace, Noir, Love. I finally settled on a name after I did a google search and was saddened that Afro Diva was already taken. So I added Green and it became Green Afro Diva. Green was to represent that the company was a green company, Afro because at the time I had an afro, and Diva because well, I just got it like that:) The Natural living with Flava part came right after that to show that we want to do natural living with some style and flair. Hence the name, Green Afro Diva - Natural Living with Flava

What do you use in your products?

Some of the main ingredients I use are the usual suspects, shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter because it works best with our skin and hair. I also use raw cane sugar in the sugar scrubs, dried herbs such as chamomile and exotic oils such as neem, macadamia and kukui nut oils. I have a small focus group where the products are tested and given a rating. After that, they get put out on the market.

Are your products vegan?

Many of them are. In fact, most of the  soaps are vegan and the hair butter and body butter are vegan. They contain no beeswax, silk protein, honey, or milk products and will be labeled as “awesomely vegan”. Products that are not awesomely vegan will say that they are not awesomely vegan, but still awesome.

What made you want to go green and start a business?

There is a need, in particular in the African American community to address issues affecting the environment, health and wellness, and what it means to be green. I wanted to tap into that and start a business that not only educates and informs the public about green living and health, but I also wanted to create a product that people can use and need without resorting to national brand names that may be harmful to them. Green Afro Diva has 2 dimensions, one is the blog side of the business where I discusss topics ranging from fitness tips and food, to green living and beauty. The other dimension is the business side where I sell natural, handmade products made with not just love, but with sound research on the ingredients used. I want people in the community to live better, work better, and be better.

Why do you talk about sex in you blog? What does that have to do with natural living?

I was asked this recently. Sex plays a major role on our society whether we want to admit it or not. I think that the problem is that some people see it is either immoral, dirty, or embarrasing and start forming their own opinions on the subject matter. Stress affects sexual activity, but also, what we put into our bodies are among others. I don’t really address the act itself so much, but I do address social norms and taboos related to it such as in posts like How Nasty Are You: Sex and Food Edition and Knowing your Self Worth: Tips for Side Chicks and Jumpoffs. And I don’t think many natural living blogs address this matter anyway. I try not to make the sex related topics raunchy and pornographic because that’s not where I want this blog and quite frankly, the company, to be headed.

Why do you spell “Stuff” wrong?

I don’t know. I just prefer it with one f.

What are your plans and goals for the future?

I plan to expand into the spa market where we will market facials, muds, and scrubs, create our own line of makeup and I will be presenting the new line of hair care to include shampoo bars in the coming months. My ultimate goals are to tap into the African and South American markets since most of our ingredients amd resources come from those areas. I would also love to own and operate a grocery store in low income communities that sells local and organic food, and feature artists from the area.

I normally use *insert product name here* and am very satisfied. I usually stick with brands that I know. Why should I trust GAD products?

This is a good question. I was asked this question recently by a customer checking out the hair products and asking about them. I always tell people that we are a young company and if given the chance, we want to prove why our products are awesome. I rely on research, passion, and customer interaction when it comes to GAD products. That’s why I am adamant on doing events, festivals and shows to allow people to experience the product themselves and to offer feedback. I am also big on innovation and is one reason why people are curious about why our products have names like Mary Jane and Zitronium and ingredients made with black beans, glitter, and ginseng. Because really, who would want to use a product with black beans in it(me, my neighbor, my daughter, my mom’s best friend etc..)? I stand by whatever I make and believe in offering high quality and reasonably priced goods.

You have one of those faces. Where have I seen you before?

Yes I get that all the time. I’m usually at the Farmer’s market in downtown Baltimore on Sundays from 7 am – 12 pm. If I’m lucky, sometimes I may be in DC at Eastern Market

Do you sell your products anywhere else besides the Farmer’s Market in Baltimore?

As of right now, Green Afro Diva products can be found online at this site and at the Farmer’s market in downtown Baltimore. I do apply for events and festivals such as the DC Love Locs Natural Hair Expo in April,  Handmade Mart in Silver Spring MD which I will be attending in May, and other craft shows to follow. I can also be seen at the Patapsco Flea Market on Saturdays, starting in June 2011. As the company grows, we will be expanding the market to include spas, salons, and online retailers.

Why is shipping at a flat rate instead of by weight?

It’s easier to keep track of shipping this way. Plus, extra goodies are included.

Why are you charging a different price than what it says on the website?

I haven’t gotten this question yet, but I feel that it needs to be addressed. Since we are a fairly new company, many(certainly not all) of our products will be offered at up to a 30% discount. The goal is to get people to try the products and get the word out about Green Afro Diva. That’s why if you are able to find me at the Farmer’s Market in Baltimore, or other events, certain products we be at a special discounted rate. We also do AFRO SWAG giveaways, coupons, and other customer friendly stuf. However, prices are subject to change upon notification, due to demand. But in the meantime, at Green Afro Diva we will keep our products as affordable as possible.

Do you wholesale?

I was not going to start wholesaling at least until I graduate, but our products are growing in popularity and we want to increase access to our products. We are currently looking for retailers, brick and mortars and online, to sell the Green Afro Diva line. If interested, please contact christine@greenafrodiva.com for a list of wholesale prices and a sample kit.

Payment and Processing

The company only accepts payment through paypal. If you don’t have a paypal account, you don’t necessarily need one. But the process is free and simple to set up. It is the most secure way to set up payments and I don’t ever get to see your credit card information; just your name and email. It takes about 3 days to process orders and orders taken after 6pm will be processed the next day. Orders taken on Mondays after 2 pm will be processed the next day. I also do phone orders and will be taking those starting April 9th. Send me an email and I will give you the number(I don’t have toll free yet)

Returns Policy

I run a small company and unfortunately will not be accepting any returns. It is important that you perform a patch test on a small area of the skin to make sure that you don’t have an allergic reaction to any of the essential oils used in the product. If an item was shipped to you damaged, please return the items and I will ship you either the same item or another item of the same value.

Shipping Policy

Orders are shipped via USPS priority and will be given a confirmation number. Depending on location, it can take anywhere between 3 – 10 days after the order was processed. The Green Afro Diva Company charges a flat rate of $4.95 on orders between $0.01 – 15.00, $5.95 on orders between $15.01 and $25.00, $6.95 on orders between $25.00 and 50.00 and free shipping on all orders $50.00 and over. International rates are processed in the same way and may take longer, depending on your location for your merchandise to be shipped to you. Prices are subject to change.

Tax policy

Maryland residents only will be assessed a 6% sales tax on all merchandise sold. It is what it is.