Shows
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastAdvancing Aesthetics and Skincare Education with Onyeka Michael Ugwu of Hello PerfectIn 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 Institute and a degree in Management in Business Innovation from Queen Mary University in London.
As the aesthetics industry grows in Nigeria's metropolitan cities, such as Lagos and Abuja, Onyeka shares insights into establishing an aesthetic pr...
2024-06-291h 07
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastValerie Lawson on Empowering Makeup Artists Beyond The Craft: A Spotlight on the Valerie Cares Foundation.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 established--the Valerie Cares Foundation in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has taken off in an amazing way and has completed their first pilot program with purpose. The organization mission is to empower young women in the beauty ecosystem through...
2024-06-1258 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastHow Uncover is Redefining Beauty Standards and Prioritizing Women of Color ft Sneha Mehta and Jade OyateruFrom 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 Oyateru (COO), to discuss how Uncover is filling a major gap for skincare products tailored to women of color, with Africa as a priority. We discuss their journey with entrepreneurship, the creation of the brand, and its...
2024-03-121h 06
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastTurning Challenges into Opportunities: The Yanga Beauty Story with Jennifer UlokoJennifer 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 makeup artistry and a business mindset, Jennifer teamed up with cosmetic scientists to make Yanga Beauty a reality--a brand that not only celebrates women of color but also empowers thousands of
beauty professionals through its innovative franchise model.
In this...
2023-11-0946 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastWhat it Takes to Excel as an African Beauty Brand: A Conversation with Mary Jane Obohu, COO of Zaron CosmeticsIn 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 countless Nigerian households. Since launching in 2011, Zaron has remained true to its mission of serving women of color as an aspirational yet accessible beauty brand. This commitment has propelled the brand's remarkable...
2023-10-2654 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastPersonalizing Black Hair Care Through A.I. and Tech Innovation ft Nibi LawsonIn 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 Kinky Apothecary, Nigeria's first trusted marketplace for clean, effective textured hair products.
Drawing from a decade of beauty community engagement, Nibi is now pioneering HairRx, an AI-driven beauty tech startup personalizing hair care for curly and...
2023-09-2840 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastLessons in Authenticity, Intentions, and Impact ft Abena Boamah-Acheampong of Hanahana BeautyOn 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
"Reflecting on challenges and seeking the lesson in every situation is like finding the hidden gem in life."
"Transitions have really been around--how I can respond to different changes and challenges. Because as an entrepreneur, the one thing that's consistent...
2023-08-311h 03
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastBuilding Nigeria’s Premier Makeup and Beauty Trade Show with Omolola FaleyeIn 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 the African beauty industry by providing a platform for beauty professionals to showcase their talents and fostering collaboration. Omolola discusses evolving beauty trends in Africa, the challenges entrepreneurs face, and her journey’s key mile...
2023-08-0946 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastWanderlust and Wisdom: 3 Life Lessons from My Solo Adventure in KenyaJoin 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 learned during my time in Kenya. From discovering the power of solitude in times of change, to the heartwarming connections I made with strangers through their acts of kindness, and the epic moments...
2023-07-2621 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastElevating Cosmetics Standards, Research and Regulations in Nigeria with Grace AbambaIn 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 work in the beauty sector and personal care, and the importance of connecting academic research to local ingredients. We also explore the importance of African beauty founders understanding market regulations when launching a product, and how NICOS is...
2023-03-1550 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastFrom DC to Nairobi: Reconnecting with my Kenyan Heritage Through Beauty with Kui MwaiOn 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 herself, Kui moved to Nairobi in September 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this intimate conversation, Kui shares her journey of moving back to Kenya in 2020, the inspiration behind it, and how it has allowed her...
2023-03-0847 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastAdvocacy in Beauty, Embracing Transition, and Chartering New Territory with Global Makeup Artist Valerie LawsonOn 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 Borges, H.E. Mrs. Samira Bawumia, Ms. Bozoma St. John and Mrs. Nicole Ari Parker among other great and beautiful women.
Valerie is also the CEO and Founding Director of Ghanian beauty brand @cvlbeautyofficial and served as Artistic Director for...
2023-03-011h 01
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastFrom Childhood Curiosity to Building a Legacy of Impact with Christina Funke-TegbeIn 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 Africa through her luxury botanical skincare line and her desire to leave a lasting impact in the beauty industry by making space and platforms for those coming behind her!
Episode Timeline:
[3:58] Chri...
2023-02-2245 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastBuilding a Conscious Beauty Brand and Redefining Personal Wellness w/ Ore Runsewe of Arami EssentialsOn 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 people to make better decisions for their bodies, being mindful of it as a sacred place.
Full show notes available on the podcast website
Products mentioned in this episode:...
2023-02-1548 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastAnd We're Back: The Subsaharan Beauty Podcast Season 2 TrailerAfter 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 connected.
Instagram: @subsaharanbeautypod
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-subsaharan-beauty-podcast/
Newsletter: https://thesubsaharanbeauty.com/
2023-02-0704 min
Before the Come UpIjeoma ChimezieIn episode 14 of Before the Come Up, we sit down with Ijeoma Chimezie. She was born in Nigeria but moved to New Jersey in her youth with her family. Before CBS, she got her Doctor of Pharmacy from Rutgers University and worked as a registered pharmacist before pivoting into brand communication strategy at varying capacities within healthcare. In this episode, we learn how she has fused her passions for beauty, marketing, and medicine as she seeks to leverage industry knowledge and her entrepreneurial drive to advance access to healthcare and science globally.
2022-02-041h 00
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastSharing the Health and Wellness Stories of Black Women with Nnenna Kalu MakanjuolaThe 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 Makanjuola, the founder and editor-in-chief of Radiant Health Magazine, a bi-annual print and digital magazine for black women. Their mission is to tell our own health stories and inspire Black women to live th...
2021-08-0953 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastThe Power of Community Commerce: Spotlighting SheaMoisture's Global Impact with Eden ZeiloIn 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, marketing agencies, and other suppliers in order to engage with the end consumer and drives global business and brand strategy. Eden holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor's in Operations Research from MIT.
From its inception, SheaMoisture has bee...
2021-07-0351 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastExpanding the Global Beauty Industry to Different African Markets: A Founder's Journey Featuring Dunni OdumosuWhat 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 House of Arewa, the modern-day matchmaker for independent beauty brands looking to expand to the African market. Dunni is a career entrepreneur with a career in biopharma and entrepreneurial endeavors in beauty. Sh...
2021-06-1843 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastDiversity & Inclusion in Global Beauty: Amplifying the Growth of Africa's Beauty Industry with Crystal SaiWith 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 Global Brand Activation and Global Communications at Estée Lauder Companies (ELC). Crystal leads the efforts for developing and executing an integrated global strategy for the ELC enterprise brand through the creati...
2021-06-031h 08
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastEliminating Unrealistic Beauty Standards ft Karen HendricksonWhat 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 Karen Hendrickson, philanthropist, and CEO of Rabito Clinic, Ghana's premier dermatology network of clinics serving patients across Africa. Karen is also a recent nominee...
2021-05-2053 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastThe Next Era of Sustainability and Social Impact in Beauty with Valerie ObazeIn 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 value of keeping its supply chain as local and transparent as possible.
Valerie discusses the brand's commitment to ethical sourcing, nature preservation, and job creation across its entire value chain. R&R sources 100% of t...
2021-05-0643 min
The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastIntroducing The Subsaharan Beauty PodcastWelcome 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.
2021-04-3003 min
Beauty Of The Nile: Skin Care Tips & Inspiration for Women-of-ColorFrom Pharmacist to Pro Makeup Artist & Everything in Between: Featuring - Makeup Artist, Ijeoma Chimezie - Episode 19In this episode of the Beauty Of The Nile Podcast, host Jasmine Mobley sits down with Makeup Artist – Ijeoma Chimezie. Episode 19/Season 2. From Ijeoma we learn:How her background as a pharmacist uniquely informs her knowledge of beauty and skincareHer best makeup tips for women of colorThe role that beauty and skincare plays in empowering us How internal wellness can impact skincare results The importance of understanding the needs of different skin tones when making skincare and makeup recommendations The biggest skincare struggl...
2021-01-0641 min
Black Women PharmacistsHow This Pharmacist Volunteered Her Way into Healthcare Marketing and CommunicationsSeason 2 Episode 9 She's creative. She's an entrepreneur. And She's a doctor. Sounds impressive right? Her story is featured on this episode. instagram: @ijeomaezinnebeauty LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ijeoma-chimezie-pharmd-86555b13/ Opinions expressed on this podcast are those of me or my guests and do not reflect the views and opinions of our respective employers
2020-04-1658 min