The founder: Shirley Billot
The creator of the brand, Shirley Billot, was introduced to Creole pharmacopoeia at an early age by her mother. By founding KADALYS, she combines her desire to showcase the ancestral cosmetic virtues of the banana plant with her passion for botanical research.
In 2010, she launched a research program to study the benefits of the banana plant and developed innovative cosmetic actives called “Musactif.” These actives serve as true anti-aging shields, concentrating the precious molecules of the banana plant. They help preserve youthful skin and promote the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
In 2012, she launched KADALYS, the first eco-conscious brand featuring patented banana actives: skincare that blends technical expertise, authenticity, and refinement.
I BELIEVE IN INNOVATIVE, ECO-RESPONSIBLE & COSMOPOLITAN ORGANIC BEAUTY.
I BELIEVE IN A MORE ETHICAL AND INCLUSIVE CAPITALISM. THIS IS WHY I ASSOCIATE 100% OF MARTINIQUE’S PLANTS IN 2016 IN THIS UPCYCLING AND ECO-EXTRACTION PROJECT
Vision of a Banana Hacker
In 2012, I founded KADALYS, the first eco-conscious brand and global expert in banana science, developing ingredients from agricultural by-products of the banana industry, along with organic, committed, and ethical skincare. Passionate about research and plant science, I aimed to combine my knowledge of Caribbean pharmacopoeia with the latest scientific innovations to extract the precious molecules from the banana, a sacred fruit of beauty and generosity. Since 2010, we have been studying the active components of the banana plant and have developed globally recognized expertise.
As active advocates, my parents instilled in me a deep awareness of environmental and social causes from a young age, especially in the countries where we lived. Preserving the environment and its resources is a cause close to our hearts. My diverse travels and mixed heritage (Caucasian, African, Indigenous, and Asian) naturally inspired me to formulate products and textures that adapt to all skin types, shades, and climates.
KADALYS embodies my vision of a caring company that is in tune with its time, founded on the principles of circular economy, green chemistry, and inclusive capitalism. Beyond holistic beauty, it represents a commitment to meaningful practices that share and preserve our world.
THROUGH KADALYS, I WANTED TO CREATE ETHICAL COSMETICS, WITHOUT COMPROMISE BETWEEN HIGH PERFORMANCE, NATURALITY & CITIZEN COMMITMENT.
Recognition of institutions
She received the National Order of Merit for her actions to promote the banana sector in 2017.
She was invited to represent France and the Overseas Territories at the G20 Young Entrepreneur Alliance in Japan in May 2019, where she spoke about her vision of inclusive capitalism.
As the president of the association "Les Jeudis de la Stratégie" since 2016, she supports young entrepreneurs through acceleration programs for startups from fragile territories (such as suburbs and Overseas Territories) that are in the development phase. She is backed by the Fontanet Foundation and led by Xavier Fontanet, an affiliated professor at HEC. She also received the "Coup de cœur" award at the 2017 "Les Espoirs du Management" trophy.
