How 9 Founders are Transforming Nigeria’s $7.8 billion Beauty Market

Nigeria’s beauty and personal care industry is thriving, with an estimated value of $7.8 billion as of 2023. By the end of the year, this figure is expected to reach $9.7 billion. 

While much of this revenue has traditionally flowed to foreign brands, Nigerian entrepreneurs are rising to the challenge, crafting homegrown solutions to meet the specific needs of African consumers. 

These founders are not only creating products that work for African skin but also driving change in a market long dominated by imports. Let’s take a look at nine trailblazing founders shaping Nigeria’s beauty market.

Tara Fela-Durotoye – Founder of House of Tara

Tara Fela-Durotoye is a name synonymous with beauty entrepreneurship in Nigeria. As the founder of House of Tara, she pioneered the first indigenous makeup line in Nigeria. Since 1998, Tara has empowered countless women through beauty education and entrepreneurship. Her beauty training school has graduated over 10,000 students, and her network of over 15,000 beauty reps continues to flourish across Africa. Tara’s passion for women’s empowerment has made her one of Nigeria’s most influential beauty entrepreneurs.

Onyeka Michael Ugwu – CEO and Founder of Hello Perfect Aesthetic Clinic

Onyeka Michael Ugwu is a leading figure in Nigeria’s medical aesthetics industry. She founded Hello Perfect Aesthetic Clinic in 2018, offering advanced skincare and laser treatments. With over a decade of experience, Ugwu brings expertise from her training in the U.S. and Europe to Nigeria, where her clinic has earned a reputation for innovative beauty solutions. She focuses on helping clients regain confidence through personalized aesthetic treatments.

Joycee Awosika – Founder of Oriki Group

Joycee Awosika established Oriki Group in 2014, a brand that taps into Africa’s natural resources to create skincare products. Oriki started with a focus on farm-to-skin beauty, and since then, has expanded into 10 wellness spas and seven subsidiaries, including a mobile app for on-demand wellness services. Awosika’s mission is to highlight the beauty of Africa’s natural ingredients while promoting holistic wellness. She also launched the Oriki Training Institute to uplift wellness businesses and professionals across the continent.

Ifedayo Agoro – Founder of DANG! Lifestyle

Ifedayo Agoro recognized the gap in skincare products for melanin-rich skin and created DANG! Lifestyle. Her brand offers skincare and fragrances that cater to women of color. Since its launch, DANG! has sold over 450,000 units globally without relying heavily on influencers, instead focusing on authentic storytelling. Ifedayo’s strong community of over a million women connects her brand to real experiences, making it a standout in the beauty space.

Dr. Hilda Ashio Titiloye – Founder of SKIN101 Clinics

Dr. Hilda Ashio Titiloye is at the forefront of aesthetic medicine in Nigeria. Her clinic, SKIN101, offers dermatology, plastic surgery, and aesthetic treatments tailored for African skin. With multiple locations and a ten-figure business, Dr. Titiloye is setting new standards in the industry. She also founded Skintivity Skincare Limited, which manufactures NAFDAC-certified skincare products designed for African consumers. Her work extends to training the next generation of beauty professionals, ensuring a bright future for the Nigerian beauty industry.

Ore Runsewe – Founder of Arami Essentials

Ore Runsewe launched Arami Essentials in 2016 after spotting a gap in the market for affordable and accessible beauty products. Specializing in skincare made from African ingredients, Arami Essentials quickly became a hit on Instagram before expanding to a wider online presence. Ore’s background in digital marketing helped her create a brand that resonates with the everyday consumer, positioning Arami as a go-to for minimalist beauty essentials.

Stella Ndekile – Founder of Nuban Beauty

Stella Ndekile established Nuban Beauty in 2017 to create high-quality, affordable makeup products for African women. Her background as a medical laboratory scientist and part-time makeup artist gave her a unique perspective on beauty. Stella’s brand is known for its professional-grade tools and inclusive makeup options that cater to various skin tones. Nuban Beauty has quickly become a favorite among Nigerian women, offering international-quality products at accessible prices.

Chidiogo Mbelede – Founder of House of Coco

Chidiogo Mbelede, a petroleum engineer turned beauty entrepreneur, founded House of Coco to address the skincare needs of melanated skin. Her brand focuses on scientifically formulated skincare solutions. By employing a predominantly female workforce, Chidiogo emphasizes women’s empowerment while delivering products designed for African skin. Her entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her versatility and commitment to representing African beauty on the global stage.

Oke Maduewesi – Founder of Zaron Cosmetics

Oke Maduewesi is the force behind Zaron, one of Nigeria’s leading beauty brands. Since launching in 2011, Zaron has expanded its presence beyond Nigeria to several African countries and even Canada. Oke’s vision was to create a brand that empowers women by offering high-quality cosmetics at affordable prices. Her leadership has transformed Zaron into a household name, known for its range of makeup products that cater to the unique beauty needs of African women.