Africa is a major hub for the European cosmetic industry, which is estimated to be worth billions of dollars; however, the continent has largely been left out of the production success. Only a few people from the continent have set out to participate in the sector, and those who do, are unable to sustain it due to challenges like the cost of production, and the preference for European products among others.
This is what drew Nigerian entrepreneur, Oluwabusayo Victoria Abiri, into the cosmetic industry. Her business is all about making sure that all black women are comfortable in their own skin, she told Forbes Africa.
Victoria started Koko By Khloe Beauty with $150 dollars and resilience, Forbes Africa reported.
“I started Koko By Khloe Beauty as a response to limited quality skincare products in Africa,” she noted in an interview with Forbes. “Unfortunately, there [are too many] hazardous skin care products in the African market. I wanted to go against the status quo and launch a cosmetics line that embraces different skin types and shades, providing them with well-trusted and patented products that nourish and promote healthy glowing skin.”
She has been able to amass over 1.5 million followers on Instagram through her company. She also has over 200,000 daily Snapchat viewers. According to Forbes, she has been able to leverage her large audience to generate conversation around the age-old standards of beauty in Africa and how they are changing.
“The beauty industry is highly competitive, and local brands face a significant challenge competing with global giants,” Bright Jaja said. “However, I am impressed with Victoria’s success in breaking into the industry and making a significant impact in a short period. By leveraging her Instagram following, she has managed to create a community of people who appreciate and purchase her products.”
Prior to starting her own cosmetic brand, Victoria was a reality TV Star. She was recently named among Forbes’ 30 Under 30 newest self-made young African innovators.
In a post, she described her inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 as emotional and a big deal for her.
She noted: “This was a big deal for me because of my story. I was very nervous and emotional during the interview.
“Words cannot express the sheer pride and joy I, Oluwabusayo Abiri, feel as I announce that I have been named one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 honorees!”
“As a proud Nigerian, this prestigious recognition is a testament to the countless hours of hard work, perseverance, and passion I have poured into my career,” she said.
Starting Koko By Khloe Beauty in Nigeria as a woman did not come easy for Victoria. According to her, being an entrepreneur in Nigeria is hard and complex. She notes that there are a lot of stigmas about doing business with Nigerians, as well as a lot of competition.
