Paula Farve - The Real Shea Queen LLC

Paula Farve

The Real Shea Queen, LLC

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Paula Farve

Paula “Shea Queen” Farve is a native of Bay St. Louis, MS. She is the lucky number 13 of 14 kids. She comes from a diverse background and culture. Her mom is of African descent and Creole, and her dad is of Choctaw and French descent. Paula is a mother of two adult kids and grandmother of five beautiful grandchildren. She is also the owner of The Real Shea Queen, LLC dba Shea Queen Organics, a skincare company that produces handmade, all-natural hair, skin, and body care products.

Paula is a natural beauty enthusiast. Blended with her cultural upbringing and expertise in becoming a Master Herbalist, she incorporated growing her own herbs and formulating organic, chemical-free products that hydrate, repair, and protect the whole body from head to toe. As a child, Paula says that she and her siblings were never sick and never missed school. “My Mom and Dad were always like, here, drink this. We did, and we got up and went to school the following day,” she says. Paula’s products embody a commitment to sustainability and holistic wellness, providing cruelty-free alternatives for personal care. She says, “My products are formulated for health-conscious individuals seeking nontoxic ingredients, as well as eco-conscious consumers who prioritize sustainability, cruelty, and environmentally friendly practices. I also cater to those with sensitive skin and certain allergies and skin conditions.”

My products are formulated for health-conscious individuals seeking nontoxic ingredients, as well as eco-conscious consumers who prioritize sustainability, cruelty, and environmentally friendly practices.

Paula has an Associates Degree of Occupational Science. She is also a Certified Phlebotomist, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Business Administration Degree, and Master Herbalist. She is also studying to become a Master Gardener through the Mississippi State Extension Program.

So, how did Paula begin her business? She refers to her son, who is 25 now. He suffered from Eczema as a child. The chemicals from the topical ointment contained steroids and, therefore, caused hyperpigmentation of his skin. Paula visited an internal medicine doctor, and it changed their lives, as this was her introduction to shea butter. Fast forward to 2015, when she faced divorce and had to find a way to supplement her income, Paula was serving as a coordinator for an assisted living facility. She began using shea butter on her patients. The staff saw a huge difference in the patient’s skin and encouraged Paula to market it, and things took off from there. She also joined a community garden and made it her mission to educate her community on the power of plants.

Paula says her ability to overcome, as well as her self-healing journey of her past, inspires her. “My transgressions have enabled me to pivot and change when deemed necessary. I have faced repossessions, homelessness, divorce, and PTSD, which I have overcome to become a better version of myself. Knowing oneself is knowing what you represent and stand for. Accountability is everything. I just roll with the punches and take every day as another opportunity to be not only great but yet greater,” she shares. “I get to wake up every day and create at my own will. I get lost in the passion to create products.”

While things haven’t been perfect, Paula says that she would not change how things have transpired. From the mistakes came powerful lessons that, in turn, are blessings. She only adds that she would have started earlier but admits that everything happens in its timing.

Moving forward, Paula says her vision is to replace harmful products one household at a time. “I am committed to teaching my community the power of plants. I also look forward to becoming a household name and being marketed on a franchise level,” she says.

www.sheaqueenorganics.com