Guyanese-born chemist S. Angela Solomon builds natural skincare brand Sunshine Creations

NEW YORK, United States. Guyanese-born chemist S. Angela Solomon showcased her natural skincare range, Sunshine Creations LLC, at a pop-up at Kings Plaza Mall in Brooklyn on Saturday, July 11.

Solomon founded the family-owned business as a home-based beauty company shortly before the pandemic, to meet growing demand for healthy, toxin-free ingredients. From her Brooklyn lab she makes body oils, soaps, linen sprays, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, moisturisers and acne treatments.

Guyanese roots

She grew up in the rural village of Golden Grove on Guyana’s East Coast of Demerara, in a family of entrepreneurs. An alumna of President’s College, she earned a chemistry degree from the University of Guyana before migrating to the United States.

For the past 22 years she has worked as a senior lab technician in the chemistry department at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. She said a major company had approached her to create her own line and formulate fragrances for other firms.

‘I know what I’m doing’

“Since our skin is the body’s largest organ, chemicals entering our pores could be harmful,” Solomon told Caribbean Life. “And since I am a chemist, I use plant-based, healthy properties to heal, not hurt the skin. I know what I’m doing.”

She urged consumers to read labels, saying many mass-market products contain fillers that are unhealthy for the skin.

The hypoallergenic range is designed for all skin types and includes Turmeric Soap, Goat Milk Soap with Jojoba Beads, Glow Up Face & Body Scrub and Whipped Body Parfait, with prices starting at $7. The company also offers mobile spa services for family gatherings.

Solomon has donated thousands of gift hampers and hosted school supply giveaways in Guyana over the years.

Gina, a longtime customer originally from Grenada, said she had seen a dramatic improvement in her skin. “It’s important to always remember where you come from,” she said.