September 9, 2020 8:00 AM
by Amanda Grossman

We recently interviewed a variety of Black-owned Business Owners in Santa Monica to hear their unique story and perspectives.  Read on to hear about these non-profit leaders and small business owners throughout our City.  This is Part 10 in a series. If you are a Santa Monica business, and you’d like to add your story, email info@santamonica.gov.

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Tangana Wellness (Part 10 in a Series) 

Isabelle Barros followed her dreams and passion for health and nutrition to launch Tangana Wellness. In the face of a recent lay-off, she took this opportunity to share with the community her handmade organic superfoods and tea blends and non-toxic essential oil perfume. Read on to hear her story>>

Business Name:  Tangana Wellness  

Business Owner: Isabelle Barros

Description: Tangana Wellness offers a variety of natural products to help improve health, nutrition and wellbeing.Tangana Wellness has a line of organic tea blends called Simply AW (add water). Tangana Wellness is gearing up for the launch of a line of 100% essential oil perfume.

Brief History: Isabelle Barros is a first-generation immigrant who moved to the United States from Senegal in 2007. She was the first in her family to go to college and receive a Master’s degree. She has had a career in product and brand management. Because of COVID-19, Isabelle lost her job. Isabelle used this opportunity to follow her passion for wellness and launch her wellness brand. Harnessing her talents in brand and product management, she launched Tangana Wellness in July. Tangana meaning “hot” in Wolof (one of the languages spoken in Senegal).  

Why did you decide to open a business here in Santa Monica?

Isabelle has lived in Santa Monica since 2017. She loves Santa Monica because it’s a place where she feels at peace and the people are always friendly. She wants to continue to live here, grow her business here, and hopes to one day raise her children here. 

What types of products/services do you offer?  

Tangana Wellness offers a line of unique tea blends (Simply AW) that you would not be able to find just anywhere. These organic teas use sustainable ingredients sourced from local suppliers and are made in the US. Each tea is personally made from the heart with love and not mass produced. Isabelle believes in the importance of proper nutrition and good gut health that her teas can offer. She believes that a good perfume should have a beautiful scent and feel good to the body without chemicals. She also believes that her unique teas and perfume creations make the perfect gifts for any season and any occasion. She encourages people to buy her products for the upcoming holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and especially for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s day, etc. Tangana Wellness will also launch a line of 100% essential oil perfume soon.

How can the Santa Monica community support you and other Black owned businesses?

Isabelle appreciates that Santa Monica has been involved with promoting businesses even before 2020. She has noticed the improved newsletter with features about Black-owned businesses. However, Santa Monica can continue to get more features on social media and continue to use their platform to get to know more businesses. It would also be great to partner with local radio stations like KCRW to promote and feature Black-owned businesses.

What information do you want the Santa Monica community to know?  

Isabelle came to the US in 2007 with only $300 that her father gave her. Although she was lucky to find a home with family members. As an international student, she worked 7-8 jobs from college to graduate school. Her goal was to finish school debt-free. She was able to graduate with a Master’s in Health Communication. She worked really hard and never gave up on her dreams. It is important for the community to understand that people are really struggling right now, and some people can’t pay their rent or mortgage. She wants to remind people to never give up and also believe in their dreams. Isabelle has learned to keeping believe in herself even in the toughest moments of her life. She thinks that if you do not believe in yourself, no one is going to believe in you.

Is there anything else you wanted to share? 

Isabelle is trilingual. She speaks French, Spanish, and English. Given her background in brand and product management, she would like to offer her expertise to other businesses or other people that are looking to start businesses.

Contact Information: isabelle@tanganawellness.com | tanganawellness.com

Hours of operation:  Online only

 

 

Authored By

Amanda Grossman
Sustainability Analyst