The Story Behind Myrtle & Myrrh: A Fragrant Journey Rooted in Purpose

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a beauty enthusiast. Growing up, I was the child who couldn’t walk past a shelf of body creams, oils, or shower gels without opening each one to take in its scent. At the time, I didn’t know it, but that simple habit was a sign of something deeper: a love for fragrance and beauty that would later become the foundation for Myrtle & Myrrh.

As I matured, my curiosity evolved into research. I immersed myself in beauty traditions from around the world, studying ingredients, rituals, and DIY formulations that could be done at home. This experimentation led me to create my very first product: a multipurpose whipped shea butter for hair and skin, infused with rose, orange, and grapefruit essential oils. I used it myself and gifted jars to friends and family: my first taste of product formulation and sharing beauty with others.

But it wasn’t until 2019 that the vision for Myrtle & Myrrh truly crystallised. That year, during a Bible study, I encountered the story of Esther—an orphan girl who rose to become queen in a hostile and patriarchal empire. Her preparation for leadership included a year-long ritual of self-care, as described in Esther 2:12:

“Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics.”
— Esther 2:12, NIV

I was especially struck by the symbolism of myrrh, an ancient resin used in perfumery and medicine for centuries. Along with the myrtle tree (which is where Esther’s Hebrew name, Hadassah, originates) the name Myrtle & Myrrh was born.

Though I lacked the capital to launch my full vision in 2019, I didn’t let that stop me. I trademarked the brand name and nurtured the idea quietly, preparing myself for the right time. Two years later, I launched Myrtle & Myrrh in 2021, starting with our signature Whipped Shea Butter. I sourced unrefined shea butter directly from the Upper East Region of Ghana, combined it with cold-pressed oils and essential oils from local producers, and handcrafted each jar myself.

Myrtle & Myrrh began as a dream of fragrant empowerment—one inspired by history, heritage, and faith—and today, we continue that journey with a refined focus on fine fragrance. Our perfumes are an ode to timeless rituals, natural ingredients, and the transformative power of scent.

Thank you for being here at the start of something truly special. This is just the beginning.

—

Explore Our Fragrances: Moments of Life Discovery Set
Follow us on Instagram
Learn about Shea Butter’s benefits on Britannica