Royal Thanaka celebrates America’s real Independence Day, Juneteenth! July 4th symbolizes the day when white Americans became free. Enslaved black Americans did not. When news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Galveston TX on June 19th 1865, two years after it was declared, the joyous and spontaneous celebration of freedom gave birth to Juneteenth.

Royal Thanaka is an excellent line of skincare products as wells as a story of freedom. Created by an intentional community dedicated to quality education, Royal Thanaka is actively committed to a life lived in freedom for all people, especially those fleeing the violence of war and poverty. With our excellent ingredients that are good for our skin and our earth, we invite all who want to be a bridge to freedom for those seeking solace.

This Juneteenth, let’s stand together and continue the long march toward justice. It has taken far too long to get there, but change at last feels like it may be at hand.

New skin product line to use ancient Asian ingredient - The Champion

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Royal Thanaka has its roots in Burma and came to be in Atlanta. The ancient and modern tradition of using Thanaka for skincare in Burma is now flourishing in a new way in the US.

We are excited to share the news that Royal Thanaka Ultra Rich Moisturizing Face Cream can now be purchased at The Atlanta Botanical Garden (https://atlantabg.org/) as well as Thread Beauty Spa (https://www.threadbeautyspa.com/) and Massage Associates (https://www.massageassociates.net/)! Our website, https://www.royalthanaka.com/ and Amazon are our online options.

 We have had inquiries from Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Ireland about purchasing our product. We are looking forward to expanding globally and are currently available on Amazon Mexico and Canada!

 Our first film is being edited and will soon be available on our website and YouTube page. It will educate people on the benefits of Thanaka as well as the mission and purpose of Royal Thanaka.

 Royal Thanaka began as an idea to share the benefits of an ancient skincare tradition and ingredient, Thanaka. This idea came to life among a community of international people, experiences, and traditions with the common purpose of sharing a meaningful life in partnership with the wider earth community (nature). Royal Thanaka is growing locally in the celebration of diversity that is the Atlanta community. And now is quickly reaching back out to the larger community that we call home.

On February 1, 2021 the military in Myanmar detained the democratically elected leaders of the country and imposed military rule over the people. Myanmar is the new name for the country of Burma. In 1989 the military renamed the country from Burma to Myanmar.

 Royal Thanaka’s main ingredient, Thanaka, comes from an ancient skincare tradition that continues to this day in Burma. Traditionally it is used as a paste from the ground bark of the Thanaka tree, mixed with water. When applied to the skin, it protects the skin from harsh elements. It has been scientifically analyzed to be high in vitamin E, antioxidants, and has astringent properties. We decided that the rest of the world would appreciate this time-tested ingredient.

 Royal Thanaka offers this highly prized ingredient and so much more. In keeping with the resistance to dictatorship by the people of Burma and in solidarity with their witness to freedom, Royal Thanaka also promotes a lifestyle that embraces the value of living in concert with nature. The bark (skin) of the Thanaka tree protects us (our skin) while we protect the Thanaka trees.

 Until very recently the Thanaka tree farmers in Burma began to clear-cut the Thanaka trees. Their reason was economic survival. They could grow other trees for more profit for outside corporations. There was also the understanding among the tree farmers that the traditional use of Thanaka was on the decline. A few weeks after the military takeover, while the people of Burma came together to resist, Thanaka became the symbol of the revolution.

 Thanaka is a symbol of freedom. In Burma it is the freedom of the people to live in democracy. At Royal Thanaka it is the freedom to live in concert with nature, away from petrochemicals, and toward the wisdom of nature and ancient traditions.

Royal Thanaka came to be in Community. The founders met at ICS (the International Community School). This school is an intentional and diverse community of people who are committed to justice and excellence in education. It is no surprise that the founders of Royal Thanaka continue with the commitment to justice in the world and excellence in the making and promotion of our products.

 And the community continues to grow! The support and encouragement for Royal Thanaka spans the globe. We remain rooted in our commitment to collaborate with local organizations that serve vulnerable populations. Our community is our life force. The intention of Royal Thanaka is to empower all with whom we come in contact.

 It is through our commitment to our Earth community that we use sustainable materials. Our face cream comes in a recycled glass jar with a recycled plastic lid and a biodegradable insert. We do not use ingredients made from petrochemicals and our palm oil is certified sustainable. We are committed to our Earth community as a whole. This is evident in our values: People, Planet, Product.

 We invite community and collaboration! Feel free to participate in the Royal Thanaka community and spread the word! https://www.royalthanaka.com/

At the heart of the Royal Thanaka story is a bridge. Royal Thanaka is a product and it is also a movement. It is an idea born of people seeking a life free to thrive. The founders met at a place of refuge, education, and community, the International Community School (ICS). ICS was created to be a place of excellent education in an environment of care amidst a beloved community, https://icsgeorgia.org/. It attracted those who sought these qualities. Now, from this place, Royal Thanaka grows out into the wider world community to further the values of excellence in community - another bridge.

The product itself is a natural, and ancient remedy. It reconnects people with the healing wisdom of nature and away from harsh petrochemicals that are toxic. The key ingredient, Thanaka, is the ground bark of the Thanaka tree. It has provided skin care for the people of Burma for 2,000 years. The Thanaka tree is a bridge to all who seek clean skin care. Royal Thanaka puts hope into motion. Through the process of creating a real product from an ancient process, people and planet benefit. This is the bridge from ancient wisdom to modern practice. The healthy and beneficial ingredient, Thanaka, is reef-safe as well as non-trans dermal. Royal Thanaka is a bridge to connect people and planet.

While setting aside a portion of each sale for ICS, Royal Thanaka plans to generate more connections to the community. This bridge will allow other social enterprises such as, https://www.sunavworld.com/ to benefit through working with Royal Thanaka for the benefit of all. Ultimately, through a manufacturing facility and handcrafted artisanship there will be the beginning of work that pays a living wage. This bridge to ownership and economic freedom honors the sanctity and dignity of work.

Join with us by creating bridges to the wider community! https://www.royalthanaka.com/