Carenina Natural: The Journey of a Young Entrepreneur With a Big Vision
Natasha Lukalaga, the founder of Carenina Natural, is a youth entrepeneur with a clear mission: To bridge the gap between indeginous plant knowledge and modern science.
As a student of Pharmacy and with a childhood surrounded by nature’s richness, she is familiar with the endangerment of species such as Prunus africana, which not only are botanical treasures but also hold life-saving medicinal compounds.
We interviewed her for International Youth Day 2025, to learn more about her journey as a young entreprenuer and the vision she has for her company.
Can you share a short story about your journey—what inspired you to start, some of the key challenges you faced, and the impact you’ve made so far?
I started Carenina Natural with a clear mission: to preserve Africa’s endangered medicinal plants and transform them into science-backed, plant-based wellness solutions.
Growing up in Kenya, I was surrounded by nature’s richness but also saw the silent disappearance of vital species like Prunus africana and Annona muricata (Soursop). These plants are more than botanical treasures, they hold life-saving medicinal compounds.
As a pharmacy student, I saw the gap between indigenous plant knowledge and modern science. I knew if we bridged this gap, we could protect biodiversity, empower communities, and deliver high-quality wellness products to a global market. That conviction became the foundation of Carenina.
What are some of the of the opportunities that have shaped your journey?
In 2025, I was selected as a Be Visioneers Fellow by Mercedes-Benz a global fellowship that empowers young changemakers tackling the planet’s most pressing challenges. This opportunity will not only expand my global network but will also give me access to mentorship, strategic resources, and a community of innovators who, like me, are driven to create solutions for a sustainable future.
Another milestone was partnering with Dhow Nature Foods, a Tanzania-based company producing high-quality, ethically sourced herbal powders, teas, and supplements. This collaboration strengthens our supply chain, ensures quality, and enables us to diversify Carenina’s offerings while supporting sustainable farming practices across East Africa.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your journey?
Bootstrapping while still in university has taught me resilience and creativity. Educating consumers on the efficacy of plant-based products required evidence backed storytelling, while maintaining sustainability standards meant choosing slower but more impactful growth.
Tell us more about your Impact and Vision
Carenina today is more than a wellness brand, we are an eco-conscious movement focused on protecting biodiversity by working towards the cultivation of endangered medicinal plants and promoting preventive health through accessible, natural, and science-backed solutions.
Looking ahead, I want to scale Carenina globally without losing our authenticity ensuring that every bottle, shot, or drop we produce carries the story of health, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment.
What is your best-selling product?
While we have several products under our Detox Plans, our star performer is the Immunity Health Shot a potent blend of ginger, turmeric, baobab, boiled soursop leaf extract, and honey. It’s designed to give the immune system a natural boost while delivering anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive benefits.
Customers love it for its quick, tangible results and clean ingredient profile, making it a favorite among wellness-conscious individuals.
What would you like to share with the Business Ireland Kenya Community?
International Youth Day 2025 is a reminder that young entrepreneurs are not just the leaders of tomorrow, we are here now, building businesses that heal, protect, and inspire.
To place an order for any of their products, contact Natasha on +254 (0) 111-824-946.
Carenina Natural is a part of the Business Ireland Kenya Community. Learn more about the founder, their story, and explore partnership opportunities by following the company page on LinkedIn.