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13 Women Changing The Beauty Industry

13 Women Changing The Beauty Industry and Here’s Why

In an industry often dominated by traditional standards and big-name brands, a new wave of visionary women is reshaping the landscape of beauty. From entrepreneurs challenging conventional norms to leaders advocating for inclusivity and sustainability, these trailblazers are driving meaningful change. In this blog, we shine a spotlight on 11 remarkable women in the Afrodite community who are not only making waves in the beauty industry but also inspiring others with their passion, resilience, and dedication. Join us as we explore their journeys, milestones, and impactful contributions that are redefining beauty for generations to come.

Amisha Patel - O'Bao

Amisha Patel - O’Bao

Amisha Patel, founder of Obao, was driven by necessity to start her own company in the beauty industry, aiming to fill a gap for homegrown brands in Africa that truly understood the needs of the people. She sought to change the narrative of undervalued resources and embraced the challenge of making locally sourced products appreciated both locally and internationally. Amisha faced the challenge of being taken seriously as a woman in her industry but turned it to her advantage by working diligently and quietly, ultimately shocking people with her achievements. She prioritizes self-care through meticulous planning and setting boundaries, emphasizing the importance of personal time. Amisha hopes to empower women to embrace their true selves and challenge industry norms through Obao, advocating for social and environmental sustainability. She encourages aspiring female entrepreneurs to be brave, persistent, and innovative. Amisha’s vision for Obao includes leading innovation in African skincare while promoting sustainable business practices and empowerment. With initiatives like achieving 50% gender equality within her company and supporting women-based businesses, Patel is committed to making a positive impact both within her industry and society at large.

Neha Parmar - The Natural Mum’s Company

Neha, founder of The Natural Mums Company, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey inspired by her pregnancy and the nurturing care she received from the women in her life. The company offers holistic skincare solutions for the entire family, rooted in natural ingredients and healing principles. Despite facing societal pressures and criticisms for her choices as a woman and mother, Neha has learned to assert her sovereignty over her life and decisions. She finds fulfillment in the positive feedback from customers, especially those battling illnesses who swear by the healing properties of her products. Neha’s vision extends beyond skincare; she aims to support smallholder farming communities, promote environmental sustainability, and raise awareness about the importance of natural products. She encourages aspiring female entrepreneurs to be firm, consistent, and resilient, emphasizing the transformative power of self-belief and hard work. Through initiatives like supporting women-owned businesses and mentoring her team, Neha fosters solidarity and collaboration. Looking ahead, she envisions creating a more enhanced circular economy, empowering local communities, and bridging the gap between consumers and producers in Africa.
Neha Parmar - The Natural Mum’s Company
Sanah Kassam - Sanzhe Wellness

Sanah Kassam - Sanzhe Wellness

Sanah Kassam, along with her sister, founded Sanzhe Wellness, driven by their childhood experiences with holistic hair care rooted in Ayurvedic practices. The company’s inception was inspired by their journey to heal a loved one using natural blends, leading them to share their products with the world. As women in the industry, they faced challenges but prioritized collaboration with talented women, aligning with their vision of empowerment. Significant milestones include seeing their blends come to life and receiving positive feedback from clients, driving their commitment to holistic wellness. Their self-care rituals emphasize nourishment and balance, reflecting Sanzhe’s ethos of wellness and healing. The company aims to inspire positive change in lifestyle and promote awareness of clean, non-toxic formulations. Through initiatives like personal preservation training for women, Sanzhe supports empowerment and inclusion. Looking ahead, their aspirations include building trust through quality products and expanding their range while staying rooted in nature’s offerings.

Billie Rihal - L’elu Botanics

Billie Rihal, the founder of Lelu Botanics, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey driven by her passion for skincare and haircare, as well as a commitment to transparency in the beauty industry. She noticed a lack of information available to consumers, especially regarding products suitable for melanated skin tones and textured hair. Inspired to bridge this gap, Billie founded Lelu Botanics with a mission to empower individuals to make informed beauty choices while prioritizing the symbiotic relationship between skin health and mental well-being. Despite facing challenges as a woman in the industry, Billie remained resilient, actively challenging stereotypes and advocating for change. Memorable milestones include positive feedback from customers and recognition in prominent publications, fueling her dedication to the brand’s vision. Billie prioritizes self-care and work-life balance, recognizing their impact on personal and professional success. Through Lelu Botanics, Billie hopes to introduce innovative Ayurvedic rituals, foster conversations around well-being and mental health, and champion diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry.
Billie - Lelu Botanics
Alison and Megan Root Grounded

Alison & Megan Root - Grounded

Alison and Megan, the founders of Grounded, embarked on their entrepreneurial journey driven by a desire to have a tangible impact on the world. Alison’s background in government affairs and international development in Africa, coupled with Megan’s persuasive skills, led them to establish Grounded. Their mission to provide safe, natural cleaning products made with locally sourced ingredients resonated with their passion for supporting farmers, the environment, and the health of women and children. Despite challenges as women in male-dominated industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing, Alison and Megan prioritize building a team of female leaders at Grounded. They strive to create an inclusive environment where women can thrive professionally. One memorable milestone for Grounded was the rebranding of their product line in 2022, reflecting their commitment to innovation and sustainability. Alison and Megan emphasize the importance of self-care and work-life balance, maintaining boundaries between work and personal life. Through their work, they hope to make Kenyan manufacturing more sustainable and promote safer cleaning products for consumers worldwide. Their advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs is to lead with confidence and humility, embracing the support of strong female friendships. Grounded is proud to be a majority female-staffed company, prioritizing people and planet over profit. As they look to the future, Alison and Megan aspire to expand Grounded’s presence within East Africa and explore export opportunities to share their natural, farm-grown products with the world.

Gladwell Mwangi - Washa

Gladwell, the founder of Washa candles, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey as a way to channel her passion and creativity while building a brand with a positive impact. With a background in marketing and a career spanning from Nairobi to New York, Gladwell’s corporate experience serves as a foundation for her entrepreneurship projects. Despite facing underestimation and stereotypes as a woman in both Kenya and the US, she leverages ignorance to her advantage, curating her life and surrounding herself with like-minded individuals. Washa recently celebrated its fourth anniversary and the launch of its sixth candle, “Pendo,” marking a significant milestone after overcoming supply chain challenges during the pandemic. With a commitment to gender equality and amplifying the voices of Kenyan women, Washa integrates advocacy into its mission, donating a portion of sales to organizations like Nyanam International, which prepares widows to be leaders of positive social transformation in their communities. As Washa continues to grow, Gladwell envisions it becoming a household brand-name, driven by storytelling and a dedication to uplifting communities.
Gladwell Mwangi - Washa
Natasha Bhagat - Pressed Beauty

Natasha Bhagat - Pressed Beauty

Natasha Bhagat, the founder of Pressed Beauty, was driven to start her company out of necessity after shutting down a family business. Her inspiration stems from a desire to redefine beauty standards, particularly for her daughter, by acknowledging history and representing diverse beauty authentically. Despite not recalling specific gender-related challenges in her industry, Natasha prioritizes self-care and maintains a healthy work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of family and personal well-being. With a focus on education and representation, Pressed Beauty aims to empower women to feel seen and confident through their hair care journey. Natasha advises aspiring women entrepreneurs to start small or big but to start, emphasizing the importance of confidence and taking initiative. On International Women’s Day, she encourages women to build confidence gradually through reading, exercise, and mindful self-talk. Pressed Beauty supports women’s empowerment by reviewing a school for future support, aligning with their core value of education. Natasha shares a success story of hosting a powerful panel discussion on the politics of hair, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and empowerment. She fosters mentorship by keeping doors open for aspiring entrepreneurs and aims to continue developing treatment-based solutions beyond hair care while maintaining a small, purposeful, and mighty brand through controlled ingredient production, meticulous formulations, and nurturing customer connections.

Sonal Haria - Canvas Cosmetics

Sonal Haria, the founder of Canvas Cosmetics, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey driven by a desire to carve her own path and create a significant impact outside the confines of the corporate world. Despite initial challenges faced as a woman in both marketing consulting and the male-dominated beauty industry, she focused on confidence and letting her work speak for itself. Through Canvas Cosmetics, Sonal aims to inspire women to believe in their ability to create globally recognized brands, emphasizing the importance of confidence, vision, and consistency. Her company’s initiatives, such as the Women to Watch campaign and mentorship program, underscore her commitment to empowering other women in business. With a global vision for Canvas Cosmetics, Sonal strives to represent Kenya, Africa, and women of color on shelves worldwide, aiming to continue bringing exceptional products and brand experiences to customers as the company grows.
Sonal Haria - Canvas Cosmetics
Joey Richard - A Great Idea

Joey Richard - A Great Idea

Joey Richard, founder of A Great Idea, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey fueled by her passion for hair and her experiences as a mother of three. Despite challenges in balancing her roles as a wife, mother, and career-driven woman, she remains dedicated to providing quality, non-toxic products tailored to the needs of women and mothers in Kenya. Joey’s vision is to elevate the consumer experience by offering world-class solutions that she herself struggled to find locally. She advises aspiring women entrepreneurs to play to their strengths while fearlessly embracing learning opportunities. Through A Great Idea, Joey aims to make a positive impact on women’s lives by providing natural solutions and empowering other women through training and employment opportunities. Looking ahead, her goal is to expand the availability of their products in Kenya, leveraging the power of natural ingredients to promote healing and well-being in the community.

Georgina Kirungo - Home Spa

Georgina Kirungo, the founder of Home Spa, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey inspired by her decade-long experience in sales and marketing, coupled with her passion for natural beauty solutions. Recognizing the potential of Kenya’s beauty sector and the need for high-quality, locally sourced products, she envisioned creating multi-brands using naturally sourced superfoods. Despite challenges posed by economic uncertainties and the balancing act of motherhood, Georgina’s commitment to prioritizing self-care remains unwavering, integrating it seamlessly into her daily routine to maintain a healthy work-life balance. With accolades such as being ranked among the Top 40 under 40 Women in Kenya and #6 out of 100 Top SMES, Georgina is driven by a vision to elevate the consumer experience and spread awareness of sustainable self-care practices. She emphasizes the importance of mastering one’s craft, advocating for authenticity and excellence in male-dominated industries. Georgina’s aspirations extend beyond Kenya, aiming to launch several new brands within the natural beauty sector while remaining rooted in her mission to provide effective, natural solutions for those prioritizing quality ingredients.
Georgina Kirungo - Home Spa
Maureen Koech - Lily Hairlines

Maureen Koech - Lily Hairlines

Maureen Koech, founder of Lily Hairlines, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey driven by passion and purpose. What began as a personal hobby crafting wigs evolved into filling a gap in the market for high-quality luxury hair products. Despite challenges in staffing, Maureen's dedication to providing top-notch service prevailed, leading to memorable milestones such as partnerships with Miss Universe Pageant and Fashion High Tea. Balancing her business and personal life, Maureen prioritizes self-care through routines that include gym sessions and spa time. Through Lily Hairlines, she aims to set high standards in the industry and inspire other women to pursue their dreams fearlessly. With initiatives like the Women's Leadership Development Program, Maureen fosters gender equality and empowerment within her company, aligning with her vision to provide quality products while staying attuned to evolving trends. As Lily Hairlines looks to the future, Maureen plans to expand product lines and empower her team to thrive in a culture of learning and collaboration.

Olivia Akumu - The Skincademy

Olivia Akumu, one of the founders of The Skincademy, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey driven by a blend of passion and purpose. Transitioning from a career in the
humanitarian field to skincare, she saw an opportunity to combine her love for skincare with her desire to empower others. Overcoming stereotypes about the beauty industry, Olivia is reshaping the narrative around skincare, making it more inclusive and supportive. One standout milestone was the launch of the Sunkissed by Skincademy Sunscreen, tailored for African skin and proudly made in Kenya. Through initiatives like this, Skin Academy aims to address local skincare needs while supporting local economies and promoting inclusivity and sustainability.
Olivia encourages women to embrace their unique strengths, push past fears, and trust in their abilities to achieve their dreams fearlessly. Skin Academy’s commitment to empowerment is evident in initiatives like the ABCs of Skincare for Business training program, which empowers businesses in the skincare industry to thrive. Looking ahead, The Skincademy plans to introduce more product lines, expand regionally, and continue spreading the joy of skincare confidence.

Olivia Akumu - The Skincademy
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us reflect on the stories of resilience, determination, and empowerment shared by remarkable women entrepreneurs. From Sonal Haria’s commitment to elevating the beauty standards in Kenya to Joey Richard’s dedication to crafting solutions for mothers’ hair care needs, these women embody the spirit of innovation and leadership. Through their journeys, they inspire us to embrace our potential, pursue our dreams fearlessly, and advocate for gender equality in all spheres of life. Let us continue to uplift and support one another, championing diversity, inclusion, and empowerment for women worldwide. Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come. Happy International Women’s Day!

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