President-elect Barack Obama is not yet in the White House but, he has already made a hit with many Jamaicans including Jencare Skin Farm customers who are now using a soap created by the versatile and innovative day spa owner Jennifer Samuda.

Samuda told The Gleaner that she is an unapologetic fan of Obama and supporter of the American democratic party. "Obama is intelligent, calm and progressive; this is a milestone for us and all black people should emulate him. His win has opened many doors for others and we should stop being our own worst enemies and move forward in peace," she said.

The Obama soap costs $1000 each, has a great scent and is available in a beautiful gift box. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

As soon as Samuda learnt of the availability of the moulds for manufacturing merchandise bearing Obama's face, she went to California to get it. She chose to manufacture the soap after looking at the range of products already selected for manufacturing and saw that no one had taken the soap.

"This is an important milestone for us and I want to show that out of many we are one. But I got the idea late last year and now my clients are so happy that they say it's the closest they will get to him," she said. One woman after purchasing the soap even remarked, "Come Barack wash my face."

Samuda's choice of colour (bronze), for the soap was easy given the race of the President-elect. She worked on it at nights at the factory and the clothing was painted on by staff during the day. The finishing touches took about 30 minutes for each bar. The soaps have become popular very quickly and many people have been ordering them as gifts. They are available in attractive boxes in sets of one or three.

On inauguration day, the entire staff of Jencare will sport T-shirts with Obama's face and the inscription:

"Jencare for Obama".

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com