Anastasia Kayiba is the founder of Maison Kayiba. Her love for running has emerged through her entrepreneurial mindset. Learn about her beautiful soaps and how she stays motivated and focused with her running training and running her own business.

Can you introduce yourself to our readers...

Hello dear readers, my name is Anastasia Kayiba and I welcome you to Maison Kayiba.

What inspired you to start Maison Kayiba, and how does your business reflect your personal values and passions?

In 2021, I made the decision to create my own home, to return to Congo, to unpack my bags, and to bring to life a project that embodies my values and passions. I am deeply convinced that there is nothing more enriching than going back to the source to create. Returning home is about finding a haven of peace where one feels fully oneself and in harmony with one's environment. It is in this intimate and warm space that the most authentic ideas, the most inspired projects are born. Home is the sanctuary where one can unleash their creativity, recharge, and reconnect with their roots. It is where the true feeling of well-being resides, this sense of fullfillment and security that allows us to explore our potential and fullfill our deepest aspirations. This is how Maison Kayiba was born.

Why Kayiba?

Because Kayiba embodies the radiant and sunny spirit of strong and inspiring women. Kayiba, my African surname, is also the name of my grandmother, a symbol of wisdom, generosity, and light. The women of Maison Kayiba carry within them the same solar energy, capable of illuminating and managing a house with talent and kindness. Like my grandmother, these women know how to instill creativity, harmony, and a sense of beauty in every space, creating a place where conviviality and well-being reign. These are also talents that I inherited from my mother Julia. Maison Kayiba is much more than just a living space, it is a sanctuary of gentleness and authenticity, where family values and hospitality combine to offer a true haven of peace. Maison Kayiba is also a place where every element is meticulously thought out. Art, nature, travel, and family stories come together to form a harmonious whole. In this unique environment, creativity merges with authenticity, discovery intertwines with nature, and family narratives are transformed into sources of inspiration

From this fusion emerge unique products like soaps, vegetable oils and more, designed to bring well-being, confidence, comfort, and help people feel good in their daily lives. My goal is to create a universe where well-being is at the heart of every creation. It is in a space where art, discovery, nature, and stories come together to bring comfort and peace to those who immerse themselves in it.

You are participating in our training program and are running your first 10K this year on June 6. Can you share how you discovered your love for running and how it has impacted your life?

My love for running has emerged through my entrepreneurial mindset. Every stride I take, every Kilometer I cover is imbued with the determination and perseverance inherent to entrepreneurship. Just like in the life of an entrepreneur, running demands courage, resilience, and long-term vision. Every training session becomes an opportunity for personal growth, self-improvement, and mental fortitude. Thus, running becomes much more than just a physical activity, it becomes a reflection of my commitment to my entrepreneurial goals and my determination to succeed. Like a champion who rises early to cross the finish line, I do the same as a budding woman entrepreneur. Every step I take, whether on the race track or on the path of entrepreneurship, brings me closer to my goals.

Every early morning wake-up call, every Kilometer covered, every challenge overcome are steps towards the finish line of my entrepreneurial aspirations. I am fully committed to this race, determined to reach my goals and become the woman I aspire to be.

What strategies do you use to stay motivated and focused with your running training and running your own business?

To stay focused on both the 10 km marathon and Maison Kayiba's activities:

1. I set specific and achievable goals for the marathon and for Maison Kayiba. By having clearly defined goals that allow me to stay focused and motivated.

2. I develop a schedule that integrates my marathon preparation and my tasks related to Maison Kayiba.

3. I manage your energy by getting enough rest, adopting a balanced diet, and practicing relaxation activities. Proper energy management will help you be efficient and productive.

4. I visualize success by crossing the finish line of the marathon and seeing Maison Kayiba thriving. This positive visualization strengthens my motivation and helps me stay focused on my goals.

5. Maison Kayiba is known for its exceptional Blue Soap. Could you tell us more about the inspiration behind this product and why it's particularly beneficial for runners?

When I created the Blue Bay soap, my goal was to design a product that reflects the values embodied by my father. An athlete in search of self-transcendence, possessing a conquering spirit and a thirst for freedom, my father never backs down in the face of adversity. Every morning, he wakes up at 6 a.m. to run along Blue Bay, the blue lagoon. Each soap also contains a part of me and my life experiences.

As a creative entrepreneur, I have taken the time to get to know myself and understand that I have many personality traits that surpass me and that I want to embrace. I am the champion woman who aspires to unleash her full potential and is eager to accept all her facets to explode her full potential.

For me, this morning run along the blue ocean represents a real challenge, an act of bravery, and a metaphor for his resilience and perseverance. The Blue Bay soap embodies this energy, inner strength, and determination, to offer those who use it a moment of freshness and vitality inspired by my father's indomitable spirit.

The Blue Bay soap is made with mint, green tea, and sea buckthorn. It is a precious ally for athletes seeking performance and well-being. Thanks to the regenerating properties of green tea and the nourishing virtues of sea buckthorn, this soap offers a revitalizing experience after exertion. The antioxidant-rich tea infusion helps soothe tired muscles and stimulate recovery, while mint brings freshness and cleanliness.

As a runner yourself, what role does the Blue Soap play in your pre and post-run routines?

To maximize the benefits of Blue Bay soap as a runner and achieve better results, you can combine its use with a creative routine that will make you even more efficient. Here are some suggestions to integrate Blue Bay soap into a pre and post-physical activity routine ;

Pre-run routine:

1. Start by using Blue Bay soap to cleanse your skin thoroughly, focusing on sensitive areas prone to friction.

2. In addition, practice dynamic stretching to prepare your muscles for the effort and improve your flexibility.

3. Mentally visualize your race, focusing on your goals and visualizing an optimal performance.

Post-race routine:

1. 2. 3.

Use Blue Bay soap again to cleanse sweat and accumulated impurities after the effort. Perform static stretches to promote muscle recovery and prevent stiffness.
Practice deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation and soothe the body and mind.

Your products are proudly made in the DR Congo. Can you share with us the significance of producing your products locally and how this contributes to both the quality of the soap and the community where it's made?

Working with local artisans, whether they are based in the Democratic Republic of Congo or in Mauritius, offers many advantages. Collaborating with local artisans helps support the local economy by creating jobs and stimulating skills development within the community. Additionally, it promotes fair trade and preserves traditional craftsmanship. I produce packaging and gift sets with local designers and artisans in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which helps promote local craftsmanship and showcase the talent and creativity of artists in the region. This also ensures the quality of the products by closely monitoring each step of the production process and maintaining strict oversight.

My dream is to expand a production unit in collaboration with a great cooperative. I want to create a space where craftsmanship and creativity come together to produce quality products while promoting mutual aid and collaboration within the community. I am excited about realizing this project that is close to my heart and contributing to the development of an ethical and sustainable business.

Lastly, what are you most looking forward to about participating in the Congo River Marathon this year?

I am so excited to run these 10 km, it's really important to me and I am committed to go all the way. I truly appreciate the mindset I am developing. I hope to make every stride count during the marathon and leave a significant mark.

For more infos about Maison Kayiba, check the website: https://maisonkayiba.com and follow on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisonkayiba.

*Warm-up session before the 10K is starting*

“Every training session becomes an opportunity for personal growth, self-improvement, and mental fortitude.”

“My primary goal is to engage meaningfully with members of the host community along the marathon routes.”

“A proper nutrition is essential for maximizing performance and supporting recovery.”

Congo River Marathon