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“The healing properties in the soaps are stronger, concentrated, and ingredients are natural as opposed to inorganic, commercialized soap,” 

Andaiye Alimayu is the artist and owner of her self-described retail cultural company King & Queen Emporium International (KQEI). She started selling her handmade products as a means to provide for her son by setting up shop across the city and throughout her native 7th Ward community. It was in this community on Bayou Road that she began renting a room inside a building owned by the Irving family of the Church of I Am That I Am. Eventually, she was offered the opportunity to occupy the building. Alimayu sells her products under this roof, and connects her spirituality through her organization, ‘The Shrine of the Holy Spirit,’ as a “cultural and spiritual conservatory of pure African culture in New Orleans.” She has also incorporated her reggae band “Zion Trinity” and catering business “The Queen’s Kitchen” into the retail space.

“If I wanna sing, tell a story, give workshops or presentations, ‘The Shrine of the Holy Spirit’ is a conservatory of culture,” Alimayu said.  Being in the space, she said she has “unlocked her alchemical spiritual and physical powers.”

The products sold at King & Queen Emporium are mostly handmade, all natural or organic. In addition to oil, shea butter, African Black soap and incense, products also include body wash, shampoo, waist beads and herbal, spiritual supplies including sage and products connecting to African deities such as The Orishas. Alimayu’s soap scents vary from lavender and peppermint to unique names including “Bob Marley” and “Big Mama’s Grits.”

“The healing properties in the soaps are stronger, concentrated, and ingredients are natural as opposed to inorganic, commercialized soap,” Alimayu said. She explained the healing properties from KQEI soaps treat everything from dry skin and eczema to acne.

Written by CIERRA CHENIER

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