The Subsaharan Beauty Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Onyeka Michael Ugwu, CEO and Founder of Hello Perfect, one of the leading aesthetics and laser clinic in Nigeria. Onyeka is known for her expertise as a licensed Medical Aesthetician and Senior Laser Technician with a decade’s experience across three continents. She holds a professional certificate in Medical Aesthetics and Laser Technique from the Texas Laser Ins...

On this episode, we're delighted to welcome back the talented and inspiring Valerie (Lawson) Marfo, award-winning makeup artist, educator, and entrepreneur. She shares an update on new events and adventures in her life--inciting this new chapter as the "beginning of a harvest" after a 17-year tenure of dedication and hard-work in the beauty industry. Since her last visit, the non-profit she establ...

From the beautiful packaging inscribed with affirmations like "I am Radiant" and "I am Vibrant" to campaigns, Uncover is building a skincare brand that empowers confidence and self-love. The tagline on their Instagram page reads, "Skincare made with Africa as the priority." In this episode, I sit down with the brand's co-founders, Sneha Mehta (CEO) and Jade Oyater...

Jennifer Uloko’s entrepreneurial journey unfolds against the backdrop of a prevalent issue faced by African beauty consumers—the struggle to access coveted international cosmetics. Recognizing this gap, Jennifer seized the moment and birthed Yanga Beauty, a Nigerian makeup brand renowned for its affordable, high-quality products adorned with its distinguished vibrant branding. With a background in...

In the words of Mary-Jane Ohobu , COO of Zaron Group of Cosmetics , "The vision is clear...Zaron is here for keeps." With an impressive presence boasting over 24 franchise stores, a vast network of 1000+ distributors, retail partners, and independent business consultants in Nigeria alone, Zaron has not only cemented its status as a trusted cosmetics brand but has also become a staple in...

In 2005, Nibi Lawson 's finance career took her from NYC to Lagos, Nigeria, coinciding with the resurgence of the 2000s natural hair movement. However, Lagos didn't reflect the natural hair celebration she hoped for. Determined to reshape this narrative, Nibi embarked on a mission to promote and celebrate natural hair textures, giving birth to a vibrant community. In 2010, she launched Kin...

On today's episode, we're joined by Abena Boamah-Acheampong, founder and CEO of Hanahana Beauty, a conscious skincare brand rooted in her passion for holistic wellness and vision for business being a source of good and sustainable impact. In this fun and lively conversation, we delve into the power of intentionality and embracing transitions, and cultivating her leadership style Quotable moments "...

In this episode, we sit down with Omolola Faleye, the visionary Founder of the Makeup Fair Series. With over 20 years of experience, Omolola’s journey from a brand representative for a global makeup label in Nigeria to the founder of a premier beauty tradeshow is a story of passion and empowerment. Learn how the Makeup Fair Series has grown to host 101 events in 13 major cities, revolutionizing th...

Join me on this incredible solo episode, where I take you on my soul-stirring journey to Kenya. It all began as a celebration and reflection after my acceptance into Columbia Business School. From the serene landscapes of Kenya to the heartwarming encounters with strangers, this trip became a turning point in my life. During this episode, I'll be sharing with you the invaluable life lessons I...

In this episode, we're joined by Grace Abamba, the founding president of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Nigeria and the past president of the UK and Ireland Society of Cosmetic Scientists. Grace is a consultant and educator in the technical and quality management of consumer goods, specializing in cosmetic and personal care products. We discuss Grace's background in product development, her...

On this episode, we're joined by Kui Mwai, journalist, podcaster, and producer. As a writer, Kui covers entertainment, beauty, culture, and health international publications including Well&Good , Blavity, Bustle, Refinery29, ELLE UK, and Cosmo UK. Through her writing, she has been able to open up conversations about identity and culture. Seeking change to manifest the life she envisioned for h...

On this episode, we're joined by Valerie Lawson , a multiple award-winning makeup artist, educator, and entrepreneur pushing the boundaries of beauty globally and merging raw talent, business skills, and professionalism. Known for her simple yet sophisticated timeless looks, she has beautiful brides and loyal clients from various fields and countries – H.E. Erna Solberg, Mrs. Reeta Roy, Maria Borg...

In this episode of The Sub-Saharan Beauty podcast, we have Christina Funke Tegbe, the founder of 54 Thrones, a clean beauty brand handcrafted to celebrate the richness, diversity, and cultures of the African continent and its people.  We talk about Christina’s childhood and the influences that shaped her path to beauty and entrepreneurship. She shares her mission to change how people think of...

On this episode, I’m joined by Ore Runsewe , founder of Arami Essentials, a conscious beauty brand based in Lagos, Nigeria. Arami was founded by Ore Runsewe in 2016 out of a strong desire to see real improvement and make a tangible impact in Africa's beauty and wellness sector. Today, Arami not only offers simple beauty solutions. The brand is centered on beauty with integrity and encouraging peop...

After a long hiatus, the Subsaharan Beauty Podcast is officially back with new episodes starting February 15, 2023. Tune in for new guest interviews and thought-provoking conversations with inspiring African women shaping the beauty, health and wellness narrative in Africa and across the diaspora.  Be sure to subscribe to your favorite podcast platform and follow along on social media to stay...

The time is now for spaces that advocate, cultivate, and share our health and wellness stories of black women globally. And my guest for this episode has enriched this space with powerful dialogue and stories that leave a lasting impression and inspire women to champion and prioritize their own health and wellbeing. In this episode of The Sub-Saharan Beauty podcast, I’m joined by Nnenna Kalu Makan...

In this episode, I sit down with Eden Zeilo , the Director of Global Brand Marketing at Unilever for the Sundial Brands, which includes the SheaMoisture, Nubian Heritage, nyakio, MCJW, and Emerge brands. Eden manages the SheaMoisture brand globally in Canada, Europe, Australia, Africa, and Latin America. Eden leads the charge in establishing partnerships with distributors, retailers, mar...

What does it take to bring the global beauty industry to Africa? Can African-made beauty products break through the global market? The beauty industry in Africa has significantly changed over the years, but there’s still a need for education for beauty companies to understand how to approach the African market. In this episode of The Sub-Saharan Beauty podcast, we have Dunni Odumosu, founder of Ho...

With the beauty and personal care market in Africa is poised to grow by USD 1.26 billion during 2021-2025, Africa as a global market, is only now starting to attract international beauty brands and conglomerates. But, are they ready to represent the concept of African beauty that’s so intricately intertwined with our diverse cultures? In this episode, I’m joined by Crystal Sai , Director of the Gl...

What is your perception and understanding of true beauty? We must promote the true meaning of beauty that comes from within and reflected in all shades. Is it possible to mobilize for change in how media and skincare companies promote Eurocentric beauty standards in Africa while skincare brands sell us the appeal of fairer complexion as the beauty standard? If so, what does that change look like?...

In this episode, I'm joined by Valerie Obaze, founder of R&R, a luxury beauty brand from Ghana founded on the philosophy of transforming one of nature's purest and richest gifts --shea-- into elegant and enriching beauty products. Valerie sheds light on R&R's growth over the past 10 years, the brand's established domestic and international presence, and how she maintains the brand's core v...

Welcome to the Subsaharan Beauty podcast, a new space, and platform dedicated to elevating the essence of African beauty and amplifying the interplay between beauty, health, and culture.  Hosted by Ijeoma Chimezie , pharmacist and beauty entrepreneur. The first episode airs on May 5th.