The African Beauty Founders You Should Know Right Now

TAD Editorial6 min read
Africa's beauty industry is powered by visionaries who are blending heritage, science, and innovation to create world-class products. These founders aren't simply building brands; they're shaping culture, telling African stories, and setting new global standards for beauty.
At TAD, we believe beauty is more than skin deep — it's in the creativity, resilience, and passion of the people who dare to build. Here are five founders making waves across the continent.

1. Tara Fela-Durotoye - Founder, House of Tara (Nigeria)

A pioneer of the modern African beauty industry, Tara has been championing African women's confidence for over two decades. From her makeup line to her beauty schools, she's mentored thousands of artists and placed Nigeria firmly on the global beauty map.

2. Zosimos Khauta – Founder, Zosimos Luxury Skincare (South Africa)

Zosimos built her brand around premium, plant-based formulations inspired by South Africa's botanical wealth. Her focus on clean, sustainable skincare has earned her a loyal following among eco-conscious beauty lovers.

3. Stella Nankya – Founder, Ella's Organic Skincare (Uganda)

What started as a kitchen experiment in Kampala became a full-fledged beauty brand. Stella's mission is to make organic, affordable skincare accessible to every African household while supporting local farmers and ingredient suppliers.

4. Wandia Gichuru – Co-Founder, Vivo Beauty (Kenya)

Better known for her work in fashion, Wandia expanded her entrepreneurial footprint into beauty with Vivo Beauty — a brand that champions self-expression, inclusivity, and the celebration of African skin tones.

5. Anna-Belle Abrokwa – Founder, Luxe by AnnaBelle (Ghana)

Anna-Belle's luxury fragrance and body care brand combines African oils and extracts with French perfumery techniques. Her products are designed to give African consumers a premium sensory experience rooted in local heritage.

Why Their Stories Matter

These women prove that African beauty is not just about what's in the jar or tube — it's about the stories, the communities, and the vision behind every creation. Each founder is building more than a brand; they're building a legacy.

At TAD, we'll keep celebrating the people who are shaping the future of African beauty — because when they win, the whole continent shines.

Published byTAD Editorial Team