Startup Story
Segredos do Paraíso, a business celebrating the authentic characteristics and purity of coconut, processed and beautifully packaged for the world to enjoy. What makes Segredos do Paraíso, founded by Yara Galiano, products special is that they are 100% natural, because the business only processes the coconut from one state to another in order to obtain its different products, using the cold press method. The business was launched in February 2023 and has created jobs for 3 people.
LoA spoke to Yara Galiano about the inspiration for her entrepreneurial journey, her vision for her brand, and her aspirations for the future.
What does your company do?
My company sells processed coconut products
“What makes Segredos do Paraíso products special is that they are 100% natural, because we only process the coconut from one state to another, in order to obtain different products, using the cold press method.”
What inspired you to start your company?
Segredos do Paraíso was born out of a fearless spirit, guided by faith and courage, after I went through a very painful period in my life. After the healing phase, I went on a journey to restart my story in São Tomé, where an unexpected encounter with an oil factory reawakened an old passion: coconut oil! After that transformative trip, I began to idealise sharing 100% natural products with the world that preserve the purity and authentic characteristics of 100% natural coconut.
We were born out of the search for lost purity, the need to reconnect with what is natural. Each product we offer is more than just a product - it's a promise to restore what has been forgotten and to honour what the earth generously gives us. In every bottle, in every package, is our commitment: to give nature back its rightful place in the spotlight, switching on the light that reveals what is most valuable - balance, simplicity.
What makes your business, service or product special?
What makes Segredos do Paraíso products special is that they are 100% natural, because we only process the coconut from one state to another, in order to obtain different products, using the cold press method, i.e. we don't refine it using heat or anything else.
Tell us a little about your team
During the first year I decided to work alone to put my soul into it and find my identity. With the decision to hold the brand's official launch event, I had to prepare for the increase in orders. That's why I trained two more very promising young people and have been sharing with them my love of natural products and turning cardboard boxes into recycled gift boxes.
“In every bottle, in every package, is our commitment: to give nature back its rightful place in the spotlight, switching on the light that reveals what is most valuable - balance, simplicity.”
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I never thought of being an entrepreneur. I didn't dream of setting up a company. My professional experience of almost 15 years was in Angolan banking, where I had the opportunity to work in various areas, starting in the commercial area and then moving on to the administrative areas where I worked in various directorates, on various projects. I was an internal consultant, I got to know the world of processes and I also had a brief stint in the audit and strategic plan of a bank. When my life took a negative turn, I found the strength to survive and get out of the negative. At that time I realised that there was more inside me, and that part of my essence had been honed to take on a professional identity. That's why I found it necessary to rediscover myself.
When I came up with the idea for the coconut derivatives business, I was starting my life again and I really couldn't afford it. But I was really willing to give it a go! I started by selling coconut oil in pet bottles, and as the quality of the product was accepted by the public, I improved the packaging of the products until I obtained the current form. It really was a journey of internal transformation that spilled out into the world.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
In 2025, we will begin to establish reseller partnerships for the brand. We want to start developing coconut plantations in Luanda with improved seeds and finally develop local production.
“One of the greatest satisfactions has been hearing people's testimonies of improved dietary and dermatological health. It's not about selling products, it's about being part of the process of transforming habits into healthier ones.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
One of the greatest satisfactions has been hearing people's testimonies of improved dietary and dermatological health. It's not about selling products, it's about being part of the process of transforming habits into healthier ones.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Make a plan, but start with what you have! Conditions and your idea will improve in the process! Just have the courage to start
Find out more
Email: segredosdoparaiso@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089958943571
Why LoA loves it…
For so many women entrepreneurs in Africa, the inspiration to start a business comes from personal experiences and needs, and a drive to make a difference or impact in the world. Yara Galiano embarked on her own entrepreneurial life path by rediscovering a passion for coconut oil, seeing the opportunity to transform coconuts into world-class processed products. Today, that passion is realized in a business and brand that celebrates natural coconut and makes it both appealing and accessible to customers. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa