How Magda Guillaume’s Skincare Line is Empowering Lives, One Jar at a Time
In the heart of Brooklyn, a vibrant and growing brand is making waves—not just on store shelves, but in the lives of the people it touches. Yoto and Claire, founded by Haitian-American entrepreneur Magda Guillaume, is more than a skincare line; it is a movement centered on healing, sustainability, and empowerment.
Recently honored with the 2025 Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award, Yoto and Claire are gaining attention citywide for their dedication to using organic, vegan, and all-natural ingredients in their line of body butters, hair creams, and the beloved Haitian Black Castor Oil—a traditional staple rooted in Caribbean wellness practices.
Crafted with Purpose and Passion
At its core, Yoto and Claire’s philosophy is simple but powerful: nourish, heal, and protect. Magda Guillaume, drawing inspiration from her Haitian heritage and family traditions, has built a brand that respects both the body and the planet.
“We aspire to be the go-to for all skincare products,” Guillaume says. “We believe in nourishing the body with the best nature offers. And when our customers feel refreshed and revitalized, we know we’re doing something right.”
Unlike many mainstream brands, Yoto and Claire take pride in ingredient transparency. Each label is clear and easy to understand, letting customers know exactly what they’re putting on their skin. With a strong emphasis on eco-conscious values, the company uses glass jars for packaging and commits to ethically sourcing every ingredient.
A Haitian Legacy, Bottled with Love
Yoto and Claire pay homage to their roots with every product they create. The Haitian Black Castor Oil, in particular, holds cultural and medicinal significance across generations in Haiti. For many customers, especially within New York’s Caribbean communities, the product is more than just a beauty essential; it’s a bridge to their ancestry.
Magda’s commitment to honoring her heritage while building a modern brand resonates powerfully with a new wave of conscious consumers looking for authenticity, effectiveness, and sustainability in their personal care products.
From Brooklyn to Harlem to Cambridge
What started as a small batch operation in Brooklyn has become a respected name in independent retail. Today, Yoto and Claire products are proudly featured in:
- Brooklyn Made Stores – Industry City & City Point Mall
- NiLu Gift Boutique – Harlem
- Earth & Me – Park Slope, Brooklyn
- Cambridge Naturals – Cambridge, Massachusetts
This growing presence is a testament to the brand’s quality and ability to connect across communities and cultures.
Impacting the Community, Naturally
Beyond skincare, Yoto and Claire symbolize what thoughtful entrepreneurship can look like. Through local pop-ups, wellness workshops, and partnerships with other minority-owned businesses, Magda Guillaume has positioned her brand as a community pillar, especially for Haitian-American women seeking representation in the natural beauty industry.
“She’s showing us that you don’t need chemicals or billion-dollar budgets to create something beautiful,” said one customer at a recent event in Brooklyn. “Magda’s products feel like home.”
Looking Ahead: Beauty with a Purpose
As the demand for natural, ethically crafted skincare continues to rise, Yoto and Claire are poised for even greater expansion. But at its heart, the brand remains firmly committed to what made it special in the first place: integrity, transparency, and a deep love for the community it serves.
In an industry often dominated by fast trends and faceless corporations, Yoto and Claire are a refreshing reminder that the best beauty brands come from factories, culture, care, and courage.
The Haitian Tribune Editorial Board Notes:
“Yoto and Claire is a shining example of Haitian entrepreneurial spirit at its finest—combining ancestral wisdom with modern innovation. As the brand continues to rise, so does its impact on the communities it serves. Magda Guillaume reminds us that the results are timeless when you build with purpose.”
For more information, visit www.yotoandclaire.com or follow @yotoandclaire on Instagram.
The Haitian Tribune
Small Business Spotlight | Community & Culture
April 2025 Edition
