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In the ever-evolving world of beauty, a quiet but powerful transformation is happening across the African continent — one rooted not in trends, but in tradition, transparency, and true self-care. A new class of founders is leading the charge, building brands that honor ancestral wisdom, prioritize clean and ethical sourcing, and celebrate the brilliance of melanin-rich skin.
These five beauty entrepreneurs are not just creating skincare — they’re creating cultural shifts. Through minimalism, bold storytelling, and ingredients that are as meaningful as they are effective, they are telling a new story of African beauty: one that’s global in impact, local in sourcing, and deeply personal.
As part of The Folklore 50 Africa, we are proud to honor these founders for the way they blend innovation with intention — turning centuries of ritual into modern-day must-haves.
Ore Runsewe — Founder, Arami Essentials (Nigeria)
Rooted in Yoruba heritage and inspired by simplicity, Arami Essentials has carved out a cult following for its intentional, minimalist approach to wellness. At its heart is founder Ore Runsewe’s belief in gentle, nourishing skincare that feeds the body and honors the soul. Arami’s signature Glow Oil and clean aesthetic reflect a deeper philosophy: that beauty is found in consistency, care, and cultural pride.
Valerie Obaze — Founder, R&R Skincare (Ghana)
Valerie Obaze built R&R Skincare around one of West Africa’s most sacred ingredients: shea butter. Ethically sourced and handcrafted in Ghana, her line of rich, luxurious skincare is as deeply nourishing as it is socially impactful. With a mission to uplift local communities and redefine sustainable beauty, R&R is a love letter to both the land and the people who cultivate it.
Violet A. Amoabeng — Founder, Skin Gourmet (Ghana)
“If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin.” That’s the uncompromising ethos behind Skin Gourmet, the raw and radically transparent skincare brand founded by Violet Amoabeng. Sourced from wild ingredients and handmade in Ghana, each product is a celebration of purity and power. Violet’s fearless branding and unapologetic authenticity have positioned Skin Gourmet as one of the most distinct and disruptive African beauty brands today.
Christina Funke Tegbe — Founder, 54 Thrones (Nigeria/USA)
Christina Funke Tegbe launched 54 Thrones with a mission to bring the richness of African beauty rituals to the global stage — and succeeded. With ingredients sourced across the continent and stocked by beauty giants like Sephora, 54 Thrones is luxury with a soul. From Egyptian lavender to Ugandan shea, Christina’s blends honor the continent’s diversity and depth while rewriting what clean beauty looks like.
Linda Gieskes-Mwamba — Founder, Suki Suki Naturals (South Africa)
From personal necessity to cult-favorite brand, Suki Suki Naturals was born out of Linda Gieskes-Mwamba’s search for nourishing, natural haircare for textured hair. Today, her botanical formulations are beloved for their luxe feel and deep hydration — and for empowering Black women to care for their skin and hair without compromise. At Suki Suki, beauty is holistic, inclusive, and entirely on your own terms.
Why These Founders Matter
These five women are not just building beauty brands — they’re reclaiming legacy. By tapping into local ingredients, respecting traditional practices, and building ethical businesses with global appeal, they’re shaping a future where African beauty is not just represented, but centered.
The Folklore is honored to celebrate these visionaries who are expanding how we define wellness — with care, culture, and courage at the core of everything they create.
The Folklore is empowering brands to grow faster, save more, and sell globally through easy-to-use commerce, dropship, and shipping technology.
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