9 Nigerian Founders Shaping the Billion-Dollar Beauty Industry

Nigeria’s beauty industry is booming, valued at around $7.8 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $9.7 billion by year’s end. While foreign brands still dominate with imported products, Nigerian entrepreneurs are making strides with high-quality, locally tailored offerings. Despite challenges like inflation and limited investor interest, these founders are meeting the needs of African consumers who crave products made for their unique beauty concerns, from organic skincare to solutions addressing the skin bleaching epidemic.

Let’s meet nine influential Nigerian beauty founders making waves in the industry:

1. Joycee Awosika - Founder, ORÍKÌ Group
Joycee Awosika founded ORÍKÌ in 2014, an agro-beauty and wellness brand that champions “farm-to-skin” products, harnessing Africa’s natural resources for organic beauty and wellness. ORÍKÌ has expanded to ten wellness spas, offering on-demand services via a mobile app. In 2021, she launched ORÍKÌ Training Institute to elevate industry standards in Africa. A Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Fellow, Joycee’s expertise spans both beauty and energy, making her one of Nigeria’s most recognised female entrepreneurs.

2. Tara Fela-Durotoye - Founder, House of Tara
A pioneer in Nigeria’s beauty industry, Tara launched House of Tara in 1998, creating Nigeria’s first indigenous makeup line. With a passion for empowerment, she has trained over 10,000 beauty professionals and built a network of 15,000 representatives. Named by Forbes as one of Africa’s Young Power Women, Tara continues to promote beauty education and women’s entrepreneurship across the continent.

3. Onyeka Michael Ugwu - CEO & Founder, Hello Perfect Aesthetic Clinic
As a licensed medical aesthetician, Onyeka Ugwu founded Hello Perfect in 2018, offering advanced aesthetic treatments in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Her dedication to skincare and self-confidence drives her brand, which has become a leading destination for aesthetics and dermatology in Nigeria. Onyeka is known for her impressive results and international training in aesthetics and laser treatments.

4. Ifedayo Agoro - Founder, DANG! Lifestyle Ifedayo Agoro’s DANG!
Lifestyle brand caters to melanin-rich skin, delivering skincare and fragrance products inspired by the vibrant community of African women. With a reach of over 1 million women worldwide, DANG! thrives on authentic storytelling rather than influencer marketing, resonating deeply with women of color globally.

5. Ore Runsewe - Founder, Arami Essentials
After moving to Nigeria from the UK, Ore founded Arami Essentials in 2016 to fill a gap for accessible African beauty products. Initially promoting her brand on Instagram, she has since built a substantial online presence. With a background in public relations and digital marketing, Ore’s approach merges strategic communication with a deep commitment to African beauty.

6. Dr. Hilda Ashio Titiloye - Founder, SKIN101 Clinics
Dr. Hilda Titiloye has made SKIN101 a leading clinic for dermatology and aesthetic medicine in Nigeria. Since launching the brand, she has expanded her clinics to multiple locations and founded Skintivity Skincare, Nigeria’s first NAFDAC-certified African skincare manufacturer. Dr. Titiloye also contributes to setting industry standards, ensuring Nigerian skincare meets global benchmarks.

7. Stella Ndekile - Founder, Nuban Beauty
With a unique blend of scientific and artistic expertise, Stella founded Nuban Beauty in 2017 to create quality makeup specifically for African women. Nuban Beauty quickly gained traction for its commitment to cultural inclusivity and quality. Stella’s passion for cosmetics, paired with her background in Medical Laboratory Science, drives her mission to empower African beauty with international-standard products.

8. Chidiogo Mbelede - Founder, House of Coco
An engineer by profession, Chidiogo Mbelede launched House of Coco to provide skincare for melanated skin. Her brand is 100% female-owned, championing women’s empowerment in beauty. With a strong foundation in technical consulting, Chidiogo merges her scientific expertise with a passion for beauty, delivering products scientifically designed for African skin.

9. Oke Maduewesi - Founder, Zaron Group of Cosmetics
With over 20 years in finance and entrepreneurship, Oke Maduewesi founded Zaron Cosmetics in 2011. Her brand, now present across several African countries and Canada, promotes African enterprise and economic growth. Zaron’s products are designed for African women, blending affordability with high quality, making it one of the most beloved beauty brands in Nigeria.

These Nigerian beauty founders are leading the industry with products crafted to meet African beauty needs. By elevating natural beauty, they not only challenge global brands but also empower their communities, paving the way for a future where African beauty standards thrive.

Source: nairametrics.com/2024/10/13/meet-9-founders-in-nigerias-multi-billion-dollar-beauty-industry/