We recently had the chance to connect with Camilia Majette and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Camilia, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Over the past year I have been teaching a couple of classes at my local masjid (mosque). It’s been very rewarding to continue to learn about my religion as well as teach others about it as well.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Camilia Z. Majette, founder and CEO of Nailah’s Shea, a handcrafted vegan beauty and body care line that uses Fair Trade certified organic shea butter and botanicals. My journey began as a mother searching for safe, natural remedies for my children’s skin conditions, and it has grown into a recognized brand with national and global reach. Along the way, I’ve been honored as Greensboro’s Minority Business Person of the Year, placed in the Top 100 of the FedEx Small Business Grant competition, and was invited to share my story at eBay’s Global Leadership Convention.
But Nailah’s Shea is more than skincare—it’s about empowerment. In North Carolina, we partner with women’s shelters to provide self-care kits and workshops, and internationally, I’ve led training in Côte d’Ivoire teaching women to create natural cosmetics as a path to economic independence. Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand these initiatives to other parts of Africa, blending heritage, wellness, and entrepreneurship into a movement that uplifts communities.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
In the early 1990s, I had the opportunity to visit my father while he was living and working in South Africa with the U.S. Department of State and USAID during the transition from apartheid. Our home was in Pretoria, and I remember accompanying him on a trip to a town near Soweto, just outside of Johannesburg. He was meeting with a local women’s cooperative that was learning essential skills such as business development, bookkeeping, and marketing. Through micro-loans, these women were able to grow their businesses and create new opportunities for their families.
It was my first time traveling outside of the United States at an age I could truly remember, and witnessing the empowering work my father was doing left an indelible mark on me. That experience shaped my perspective on life, economic development, community support, and most importantly, the power of women’s empowerment—values that continue to guide me today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
In the Islamic tradition, we believe that Allah (God) will never give you a trial greater than what you can bear. Many other faith traditions share a similar teaching, and I have found it to be profoundly true in my own life. I also hold to the saying, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
When we face trials and tribulations, it often feels overwhelming in the moment—as if we cannot endure it. But with perseverance and trust in the Creator, we come to realize that the suffering was not in vain. Each challenge has the power to shape us, strengthen us, and refine us—if we allow it to do so.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I would have to say that the character of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the model I strive to emulate. He was unlike any other human being of his time, and his example remains timeless today. His character was so exemplary that even non-Muslim historians and scholars have praised him. For instance, Michael H. Hart, in his famous book The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, ranked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as number one, describing him as “supremely successful… on both the secular and religious level.”
As Muslims, we are reminded through authentic narrations of his noble qualities. His beloved wife, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), when asked about his character, replied: “His character was the Qur’an” (Sahih Muslim, Book 30, Hadith 6000). In other words, he embodied the teachings of the Qur’an in his daily life, becoming a living, walking Qur’an.
Despite being offered wealth, power, and kingship, he chose a life of humility. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would sit with the poor, the needy, and rulers alike, treating them all with equal dignity. He mended his own clothes, ate simple meals, and lived with modesty, even though he could have lived in riches. The Qur’an itself attests to his noble character: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character” (Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4).
For me, his humility, compassion, and justice are qualities that I will always admire and seek to live by. He taught us that true greatness lies not in wealth or status, but in service, sincerity, and character.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I believe what my customers would miss most are my customer service skills. Too often today, customer service feels impersonal—people lack the communication skills and genuine appreciation that make customers feel truly valued. At Nailah’s Shea, I’ve always made it a priority to go beyond the transaction. I listen, I engage, and I ensure that every interaction reflects the same care and integrity that goes into our products.
Just as our brand is rooted in authenticity, wellness, and community, my approach to customer service is about building relationships, creating trust, and showing gratitude. For me, serving people isn’t just about skincare—it’s about uplifting others, making them feel seen, and nurturing a sense of connection. That personal touch is what I believe my customers would miss most if I were to step away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nailahsshea.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailahs_shea/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilia-majette-ceo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nailahsshea/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMQn-kvj1obrrKyA9M1SjWA
