We were lucky to catch up with Mildred Namusisi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mildred , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose has been less about searching and more about reconnecting with the place I call home-Africa.Growing up in Uganda, I was surrounded by the beauty of nature and raised by a family who believed deeply in the healing power of the natural world. My parents taught me to respect the environment, to value herbs and healing remedies, and to embrace a holistic way of living. I was that friend people came to when they needed a natural solution, and it always felt like second nature to share what I knew.
But it wasn’t until I moved to the USA and faced a challenging health crisis that I realized the depth of this calling. My body changed drastically—I lost my hair, developed acne lesions and blister , and saw dark patches appear allover my body among other things. It was a physically and emotionally painful experience. Yet, that was also when I began to dig even deeper into what I’d learned about natural healing, creating remedies using African herbs and plant oils. These simple, natural solutions healed my body and restored my skin, and I realized that this knowledge was a gift I had to share.
In a way, AZWILE (pronounced as-we-le) chose me. AZWILE is a way to honor the earth, to celebrate the gifts it provides, and to offer people safe, natural solutions that genuinely work. My hope is that through us, others will find their own path to healing and feel the beauty of nature’s touch every day.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I bring the healing power of Africa’s natural bounty to the world through AZWILE!
My name is Mildred Namusisi and I was born and raised in the heart of Uganda, East Africa.At AZWILE (pronounced as-we-le) , I create skincare, haircare, and grooming products that are deeply rooted in the rich traditions of African natural healing. Every product I craft—from nourishing body butters and creams to rejuvenating oils and serums —features potent ingredients like Kalahari melon seed oil ,shea butter, marula oil, and baobab oil , sourced straight from the heart of the continent. We are focused on creating high-quality, natural products that celebrate the rich botanical heritage of Africa. My father is an environmentalist, and my mother is a naturalist, so our home was and is always a haven of herbs, oils, and plants. It is second nature to me to blend these ingredients for skin, hair, and overall wellness. This passion has always been with me, almost like a seed waiting to bloom.
My turning point came when I faced a serious health crisis. I lost my hair, my skin broke out with painful acne lesions, and dark patches covered my body. It was heartbreaking.I turned to the traditional African herbs and oils I had grown up with, blending remedies in my kitchen, trusting in nature to heal me. And it did. My hair began to grow back, my skin cleared, and I felt renewed. That’s when AZWILE was born.
What’s most exciting for me is that AZWILE is a bridge between Africa’s rich heritage and the modern world. I’m so proud to introduce people to the incredible power of these African ingredients, many of which they might never have heard of but have been used for centuries in traditional healing. For example, our African Moringa-infused oils aren’t just deeply moisturizing; they’re packed with antioxidants that help repair and protect the skin and hair. I’m essentially bringing ancient wisdom into the hands of today’s customers, showing them that the best solutions have always been right here in nature.We’re not just offering products; we’re sharing stories, traditions, and the soul of African wisdom in healing and self-care. When someone tells me they have seen their skin transform or feel truly nourished after using our products, it’s incredibly rewarding and motivates me to keep growing this mission.
What I find truly special is the connection AZWILE creates with people. It’s not just about what the products do—it’s about what they represent. I want every person who uses AZWILE to feel like they’re part of something bigger, something meaningful. They’re not just nourishing their skin and hair ; they are supporting sustainable sourcing, ethical practices, and a celebration of African heritage. Every jar, bottle, or balm carries that story, and I think that’s what makes AZWILE stand out.Our current product lineup includes over 15 skincare essentials, a hair care collection, and a men’s grooming line that all offer natural solutions for people dealing with sensitive skin, hyperpigmentation ,dry skin, aging skin, acne prone skin ,hair loss, hair thinning and hair breakage.
It started from my personal journey of healing and grew into something much larger than I ever imagined. AZWILE is more than just products—it’s a movement. A movement to honor African nature, to embrace natural beauty, and to remind people that the most powerful remedies often come from the most humble roots. All our products can be found at www.azwile.com where we are currently serving people from all over the world. I invite you to experience AZWILE—where every product tells a story and every ingredient has a purpose.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, there are three key qualities and skills that have been absolutely crucial in my journey: resilience, authenticity, and a deep understanding of my craft.
1. Resilience:
Entrepreneurship is a wild ride full of highs and lows, and resilience is what keeps you going when the going gets tough. There were moments when I questioned if I was doing the right thing, whether it was when I was formulating products late into the night or when things weren’t moving as fast as I wanted. But I learned that success doesn’t come overnight—it’s built through perseverance, one step at a time. My advice? Develop a strong mindset. Surround yourself with positive people who uplift you, and always keep your “why” front and center. Your passion will fuel you when you feel like giving up.
2. Authenticity:
From day one, I’ve been true to myself and AZWILE’s mission. Authenticity is what has attracted people to the brand—because people can see when you’re genuine, and they connect with your story. I never tried to mimic other brands or follow trends that didn’t align with AZWILE’s core values. I stayed committed to offering high-quality, natural African ingredients. For anyone starting out, I recommend getting clear on your vision and values. Know what makes you unique and never compromise on that. Authenticity is magnetic, and it will draw people to you.
3. Deep Understanding of My Craft:
It’s one thing to have passion, but it’s another to have the knowledge to back it up. Growing up in Uganda, I was immersed in the world of natural healing, and I’ve spent years refining my understanding of African ingredients and their benefits. That deep knowledge of my craft has been the backbone of AZWILE’s success because I know what works, and I’m confident in the power of my products. For those just starting out, my advice is to immerse yourself in learning. Whether it’s through courses, mentors, or hands-on experience, the more you know about your industry or craft, the better equipped you’ll be to deliver value and innovation to your customers.
Advice for early-stage entrepreneurs? Stay resilient, stay authentic, and never stop learning. Your journey won’t be a straight line, but each step, each setback, and each win will shape you into a stronger, wiser version of yourself. Trust the process, trust yourself, and embrace the adventure.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
At AZWILE, collaboration is a core part of our growth. We’re all about community, and I believe that when people with shared values come together, we can create something even more powerful. Right now, I’m especially interested in collaborating with people who are passionate about natural beauty, sustainability and African Heritage.Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast with a loyal following, a wellness expert with a love for natural self care ,boutique owner or even a fellow entrepreneur with a complementary product or service, I’d love to connect!
What we’re looking for partners who genuinely believe in AZWILE’s mission—those who are passionate about ethical sourcing, clean beauty, and the power of natural ingredients. If that sounds like you, let’s chat!
You can connect with us via email at info@penzigroup.com or azwileshop@gmail.com , social media, or directly through our website (www.azwile.com) . We’re always looking for innovative ways to collaborate and I’m excited to see what we can build together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.azwile.com
- Instagram: azwile_naturals
- Facebook: azwile_skincare
- Other: TikTok
azwile_naturals
Image Credits
The Images of me on TV should be credited to NBC Boston
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
