About Us
About The Collective - Our Story: Nourishing Skin, Soul, and Soil
The Homegrown Collective was born from a desire to find gentle, effective solutions for sensitive skin. Our journey began with a mission to soothe eczema-prone skin using the healing power of indigenous South African plants. Today, we continue to craft sustainable skin food and wellness products that nourish the body and honour the earth.
THE HOMEGROWN COLLECTIVE
CREATE. INSPIRE. GROW.
We are The Homegrown Collective—a women-led, garden-rooted business based in Cape Town, South Africa. Our mission is simple: nourish landscapes and lives through circular, plant-powered products that start in the soil and end in self-care.
We believe that healing begins in the soil, continues through what we consume, and flows into all areas of our lives. From skincare to seeds, we’re cultivating a regenerative movement: one that honours our bodies, our biodiversity, and our shared future.
The Homegrown Collective is a movement towards regeneration—of land, of livelihoods, and of legacy. From indigenous food to natural skincare, we believe in creating with care and giving back more than we take.
Manna and Me is our natural skincare line born from this mission. It’s our offering of sustainable skin food—crafted for sensitive, eczema-prone skin using indigenous South African botanicals, upcycled ingredients, and nature’s wisdom. Manna and Me is rooted in indigenous botanicals, food-safe ingredients, and the belief that what we put on our skin should be as nourishing as what we eat.
What started as a mission to support our founder’s family through uncomfortable eczema flare-ups, naturally blossomed into a community-led offering of healing products and stories.
Through our herbal pantry (Soul Food) and garden-grown botanicals (Earth Food), we’re creating rituals of care that restore our connection to land, wellness, and each other.
Each product is a reminder that what we put on our skin matters just as much as what we put in our bodies, and that healing begins with nourishment.
We are creating accessible pathways to wellness— healing landscapes and lives.
Why Manna?
A Relationship of Daily, Sustainable Nourishment
Manna is a biblical reference to the daily sustenance gifted to the Israelites in the wilderness—just enough for each day, no more, no less. It taught trust and gratitude, an answer to need, rhythm, and provision.
Manna and Me is a reflection of that same belief: not only as nourishment, but as a reminder of what it means to receive exactly what we need—for our skin, our bodies, and our lives. It's not just about skincare—it's about all the things that feed us. The food we eat. The plants we grow. The stories we pass on. The daily rituals that restore us.
Manna and Me is a relationship:
A relationship with the Earth, which gives generously. It is a relationship with our bodies, which respond with healing. And with each other and our values— shaping how we care, consume, and contribute.
Our products are designed to be enough—simple, clean, and effective. Made with care for your body, and reverence for the earth. We believe in “enoughness”—not just in skincare, but in how we live, consume, and give back. Because when nourishment is real and rooted, it is always enough.
A Story of Skin Food with Impact
The journey started with our founder's response to her family’s eczema flare-ups—an all-too-common struggle for families with sensitive skin. Frustrated by harsh commercial solutions, she turned to nature's own resilience.
Inspired by the connection between wellness, food, and the environment, Manna and Me was created to be more than skincare—it’s a relationship and a return to nourishing roots. Inflammation of the skin isn’t just about what we apply topically—many skin issues like eczema, sensitivity, dryness, start with inflammation. This can be triggered by environmental stressors (like pollution or allergens), internal imbalances (like diet, hormones, or stress), and even emotional well-being.
Manna and Me responds to that complexity: skincare that’s gentle, effective, and rooted in holistic nourishment. Inspired by food, powered by plants, and designed for families with skin that needs a little extra love.
From Soil to Skin: Circular, Slow, and Rooted in Care
We don’t just source responsibly—we are growing.
At The Homegrown Collective, we’re building a regenerative ecosystem—from what we grow to what we create. Through our Skin Food & Wellness Garden, we’re planting back the indigenous botanicals that heal, protect, and connect us to the land.
We also rescue food and plant waste—adding value to agricultural byproducts like fruit peels, herb trimmings, and farm surplus into valuable ingredients that reduce environmental impact while nourishing your skin.
Our Skin Food & Wellness Garden is a living, growing classroom— an ingredient source and a learning space, inspiring sustainable practices and planting back indigenous plants that nourish and heal. A place to preserve biodiversity, to learn, and inspire the next generations to care for the Earth. Every time you use Manna and Me, you’re part of this circle.
Our Commitment to the Planet and Its People
Our process is guided by a few simple but powerful values:
- Use what we have. We upcycle, compost, and collaborate.
- Work with nature, not against it. Indigenous botanicals aren’t just beautiful—they’re powerful, and part of our healing heritage.
- Support communities. We source ethically, partner locally, and aim to grow decent work and dignity in every step of our supply chain.
- Leave the world better. Care for the Earth in every decision.
In Alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – We reduce waste by upcycling and using sustainable packaging.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – We provide nourishing, skin-safe solutions for eczema-prone and sensitive skin.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Our Skin Food Garden promotes biodiversity and indigenous plant revival.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – We empower small businesses, producers and local growers through ethical sourcing.
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SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
We partner with organisations, farmers, and community initiatives to build a more regenerative and inclusive wellness ecosystem.
Our Vision: Sustainable Skin Food for a Regenerative Future
We believe skincare should be a force for good—restoring skin, healing ecosystems, and feeding community resilience. Manna and Me is a gentle celebration of food, plants, and everyday rituals that sustain us.
By choosing Manna and Me, you’re choosing to Create, Inspire, and Grow alongside us. You're joining a collective that values holistic wellness, sustainability, and skin stories that begin in the soil.
What You'll Find Here
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Skin Food | Natural Skincare
Natural balms, oils, and creams for sensitive and eczema-prone skin -
Soul Food | Herbal Pantry
Soothing herbal teas and pantry items to support inner wellness -
Earth Food | Seeds & Starts
Seeds and seedlings to grow your own healing garden
Thank You for Supporting Sustainable Skin Food!
By choosing The Homegrown Collective and Manna and Me, you’re part of a growing circle of people committed to sustainable, soul-centered wellness. Whether you're sipping a cup of tea, soothing your skin, or planting seeds—we're so glad you're here. Together, we’re planting seeds of change—one product, one garden, one story at a time.
With Gratitude,
Nicole x
