Great things often come in humble packages. Take, for example, a small business that becomes a favorite because of its great service and unique products. Here’s another example: sea moss.
Kyndal Brown, founder and owner of Mended Souls Sea Moss in Little Rock, said the supplement is a “nutritional powerhouse” that contains 92 of the 102 essential minerals the body requires for optimal functioning.
“Just two tablespoons of sea moss can provide a wealth of health benefits, making it an excellent choice for promoting wellbeing from head to toe, both internally and externally,” she said. “One of the notable advantages of sea moss is its natural composition with no added sugars, making it a healthy option for individuals of all ages, from men and women to children. Its broad spectrum of minerals and nutrients can be a valuable addition to a balanced and nutritious diet.”
Mended Souls offers flavored and plain sea moss gels, as well as sea moss creamsicles, sea moss face masks and sea moss salves. All the products contain four ingredients or fewer, Brown said.
Although the business officially launched in February, Brown has taken sea moss for four years, and she began selling the supplement soon after learning about it.
“My aunt originally introduced me to it back in 2019, when I kept getting sick at my hospital job,” Brown said. “She would make it for me and leave a jar in the fridge. Then she showed me how to make it myself. I started off selling to close family and friends, and that was it.”
When Brown earned her commercial driver’s license and began over-the-road truck driving, she took a jar of sea moss with her when she was on the road. She said the birth of her daughter pulled the brakes on her trucking career but helped her sea moss business take root.
“It was during the pandemic, so sea moss was getting a lot of buzz and notoriety,” she said. “I took advantage of that, and I started selling it full time.”
She described her daily responsibilities as “dynamic.” A typical day begins with reviewing new orders and addressing customer inquiries — timely responses are crucial to customer satisfaction, Brown said.
Throughout the day, she creates and shares social media content that extolls the benefits of sea moss, offers health tips, and provides updates about the business’ products and events. To build rapport with customers, Brown spends time responding to their messages. She also books local events to engage with customers face-to-face.
“In my world, it’s not about customers; it’s about building a close-knit community and family,” she said. “Together, we choose the path of wellness each day, supporting one another in this journey toward a healthier, happier life.”
Other responsibilities include checking inventory to ensure the business has sufficient stock and personally overseeing the preparation of orders so that every sea moss shipment is packaged carefully.
“All of these tasks are accomplished while caring for my daughter, which adds an extra layer of juggling and multitasking to my daily routine,” she said. “It’s a fulfilling but demanding schedule that keeps me committed to the success of Mended Souls Sea Moss.”
In the past few months, Mended Souls has undergone significant changes, and Brown said she is proud of the business’ evolution. In addition to rebranding, the business expanded its product lines to include flavored gels and sea moss creamsicles — a popular treat for children, Brown said.
In addition, the business has ventured into podcasting and merchandising, and Brown and her sister, co-owner Kyaira Brown, have participated in events across Arkansas and beyond.
“The transformation of Mended Souls Sea Moss showcases our adaptability, innovation and commitment to expanding our brand and mission,” Kyndal Brown said. “It’s been an exciting journey of growth, and we’re excited to see where it takes us next.”
Selling out at an event is always a big accomplishment, Brown said, but one of her proudest moments to date is appearing on KARK’s Arkansas Style segment, which she called a “significant milestone.”
“It’s particularly special because our journey as small-business owners is filled with daily challenges,” she said. “Seeing our story on TV, discussing our business statewide and connecting with the community on this platform made all those challenges worthwhile.”
She and her sister continue to receive heartwarming support from the community because of the segment, she said, adding that the exposure reinforced the business owners’ sense of unity and shared pride in their accomplishments.
“Working for a small business offers a unique sense of fulfillment that comes from witnessing its growth,” she said. “During moments of discouragement, reflecting on the humble beginnings where I was making orders in my aunt’s kitchen for just two people is a powerful reminder of the journey. Today, we’re operating from an office and preparing to transition into an even larger space. This progress is a testament to the dedication and hard work we’ve put into our small business.”
That sense of accomplishment is often absent when working for an established business, she said, adding that her sense of personal achievement and the knowledge that she has played a significant role in the growth of her company is truly special.
Owning a small business has taught her to keep pushing and be persistent, professional and positive, she added.
“No matter what comes your way, find a way around it,” she said. “If it’s for you, then nothing can stop it.”
In addition to running Mended Souls Sea Moss, she and her sister have a photography company, Brown said, adding that she still has a hand in the trucking industry and is also a notary public.
She and her sister give back to the community in a variety of ways, such as volunteering, collaborating with local food trucks and organizing giveaways to help community gardens.
“The value of giving back was instilled in us from a young age, and we make it a priority to contribute wherever and whenever we can,” Brown said. “It’s a fundamental part of who we are and a way for us to make a positive impact in our community.”
A native of Detroit, Brown said Arkansas has been her home for most of her life. She is an avid gardener who has cultivated everything from okra to pineapple. Her greatest joy is her daughter, she said, adding that family is incredibly important to her.
She said she is proud of her two brothers — including a younger brother who plays the saxophone — who are in the U.S. Air Force. Her sister’s degree in criminal justice adds to the duo’s joint ventures, Brown added.
In the future, she said she plans to delve deeper into skincare products that use sea moss and herbal remedies. She also plans to host workshops and classes related to healthy living and nutrition. A major goal is to expand the brand’s product presence in both larger stores and mom-and-pop businesses.
“My goal is to ensure that our products are accessible to a wider audience, making healthy options available to everyone,” she said. “These plans are a natural extension of our mission, and I’m enthusiastic about the potential they hold for our business and the community we’re dedicated to serving.”
Although Mended Souls sells sea moss, Brown said the brand is about healthy living and taking each day to renew a focus on wellness.
“I wholeheartedly believe that my business represents more than just a product; it’s a lifestyle,” she said. “Embracing a healthier way of living and making better choices isn’t a one-time event — it’s a daily commitment, just like taking your daily sea moss.”
