The Team

Team KAIBAE is on a mission to preserve African Botanicals and advance health and well-being. We provide bulk ingredients and develop scientifically supported active ingredients for the food, beverage and cosmetic industries. We are a B-Corp committed to preserving biodiversity and supporting social good. KAIBAE was founded in 2011 with headquarters in Santa Barbara California

Tom Cole, KAIBAE cofounder in his garden house

THOMAS COLE

The Botanist, Humanitarian

Thomas has more than 25 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, community development, and humanitarian response work across Sub-Saharan Africa. Tom works is an agroecologist and drought management advisor for global USAID food security programs. Tom is a world-class frisbee player and Aloe expert.

Dr Luc Maes sitting on log in his garden

DR. LUC MAES

The Doctor, Researcher

Dr. Luc is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine with 35 years of practice experience integrating Functional Medicine, Classical Homeopathy and Medical Botany at the Maes Center for Natural Healthcare in Santa Barbara California. His research includes the study of ethnobotany throughout Africa, Central and South America. When not behind his desk is he is out hiking, sailing or exploring nature.

Barbara Maes sittin on log in her garden

BARBARA MAES

The Curator, aka Baobab Barb

Barbara has decades of experience in advertising, marketing and business development. Barbara’s journey includes work as a curator and project manager for the cities of Chicago and Portland’s 1% for the Arts Public Programs. She manages the Maes Center for Natural Health Care and KAIBAE. Barbara loves yoga, hiking and rewilding herself every moment she can.