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Shirley Billot of Martinique is the founder of organic beauty brand Kadalys. Shirley is a global expert in banana science who founded her company Kadalys in 2012. Kadalys specializes in upcycling and eco-extraction of the banana plant to develop 100% natural bio-active ingredients generated by bananas from Martinique and Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean using an eco-responsible approach. Kadalys, is the first natural cosmetic brand made with banana tree antioxidants. The banana plant holds a special place in the traditional medicine of the French Caribbean islands where it is used for its soothing, healing, and revitalizing cosmetics properties. The Kadalys brand won 8 beauty awards in 2 years. Shirly makes sure that she looks out for her entrepreneur community in the French overseas department to work together during the COVID crisis and produce hand sanitizers for distribution to the French overseas departments. Shirley talks about where she found funding for the research component of her business (she holds several patents for her banana research, go girl!) and support to grow the business. The banana producers in the Kadalys supply chain are also shareholders in the business. Not only is Shirley breaking ground in her banana science research and eco-conscious production, she is also exhibiting a business model that takes care of its supply chain and views them as business partners in what she calls benevolent capitalism. Shirley faced some challenges finding funding after the early stage funding for banana science research. According to her, the French Caribbean Island of Martinique is seen as a tourist destination and not an entrepreneurship hub. Therefore, there are few funds interested in funding entrepreneurs on the Island. She was however fortunate to receive investment from Josh Game with Junction Injunction dedicated to supporting African women entrepreneurs. Additional funding came from a L’Oreal entrepreneurship program Her products are coming to US stores soon so keep your eyes out for more news from Kadalys and make sure you pick up some products when they drop in US stores. You can purchase Kadalys products now online at https://www.kadalys.com/en/ and a shop on Amazon is coming soon. Social media: follow Kadalys on Instagram and Facebook. Shirley can be found on LinkedIn where there is also a Kadalys company page. Rate, review, subscribe and come back for more. We would also love to hear from you. Drop us an email at whereisthefunding@gmail.com and tell us what you like about the show and what topics you want us to explore as it relates to funding for black entrepreneurs and particularly black women entrepreneurs.