Meet Danellia Aitcheson | Conservation Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danellia Aitcheson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danellia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was born in rural Jamaica, where natural remedies and use of medicinal plants were prevalent. I would always resort to natural remedies first, as I grew up with my grandparents who utilised natural remedies for any ailment. Prior to the pandemic, I would use sea moss daily to combat symptoms of an autoimmune I was diagnosed with. It really solved all the joint aches and I reaped many secondary benefits friends and family could see. This resulted in many persons asking me to prepare sea moss. The requests got significant during the pandemic as word spread of how I could prepare the sea moss without the fishy scent and there was no taste associated with it. A friend then suggested that I turn it into a business since the demand was so high and she also had many co-workers requesting it. I was easily getting over a 100 orders in a month without any social media presence, just through referrals. Let’s just say the business found me.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sea Moss Boss Ja started in June 2020. It has been a journey to ensure the business stays profitable. This requires constant analysis of our customers requests, ensuring we secure existing customers through customer satisfaction and ensuring the quality of our products stay superior. We had significant sales during the pandemic, especially when there were new variants of Covid-19 and we also see a boost in sales during the winter and spring seasons. As you are aware, sea moss enhances the immune system to prevent common cold. flu, helps in clearing sinus and allergies so it is quite popular during these seasons. I would say the QUALITY of our sea moss is what sets us a part from others. The sea moss used to make our gels and soaps is the most sought after wildcrafted sea moss in Jamaica. To maintain the quality, we have opted not to sell our dried sea moss only the products we make from it. This ensures that we are supporting sustainable sourcing of the sea moss and providing sufficient time for this type of wildcrafted sea moss to regrow. We have also made unique infusions with the sea moss that is unique to our brand. These include the sorrel infused sea moss gel, the Immuni booster sea moss gel, honey cinnamon and blue spirulina infused sea moss gel. Each providing added benefit. We have also added some skin care products which includes a loofah sea moss soap, Sea moss and Aloe Vera shampoo bar , Apple cider vinegar sea moss soap and a best seller the Tumeric sea moss soap. I would also say our customer service has been applauded and 90% of our customers are return customers. It has not been easy is the last year as there is a lot of competition, especially in the USA market. There are so many sea moss vendors which has made it competitive and this has really impacted our sales. This has caused us to retool. No longer depending on word of mouth but taking social media more seriously to help in marketing our products. We also launched a website to automate sales and expanded to carrying our products in stores through suitable partners. We also have our products at the Sangster International Airport in Montego bay Jamaica.

I would want the world to know that our sea moss is sustainably sourced and the quality of the wild crafted sea moss has been the key factor to excellent products that provide the expected benefits. If you are hesitant about trying sea moss due to the scent or taste that most people will talk about then the only sea moss gel to try is from us. We can guarantee no odd/fishy scent and the sea moss gel is so pure that it can be added to anything without notice. These are products used for years with a proven track record of benefits and founder with a passion for helping others with the products that have been used to addressed her own medical challenges.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I enjoy dining at good restaurants. Barton G and El Tucan are definitely two of my favorite dinner spots. I would also do a brunch at Little Hen, the ambiance is great there. Zoo Miami would also be on the list, as I am a nature lover, I cannot help but include it in the itinerary. I would also take my best friend to South Beach

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out my friend Janelle Ferguson and my cousin Nadine Angus who convinced me that I could turn my passion and share my vast knowledge of the plant with others. I also want to shout out my partners Rochella and Pauline who have helped me to scale the business in Florida.

Website: www.seamossbossja.org

Instagram: Seamossboss_ja