In this day and age, it has become instrumental for the chic and modern woman to be clear on the beauty products to use. These have to be the highest quality and the best brand so as to bring out the best. It’s, therefore, important to know where and which places to get these essential products. Below are some of the places and dealers in where you can buy beauty products in Kenya.
1. Chelsea Beautique Kenya
It is quite frankly the go-to place to buy top range make-up and beauty products. They are a world-class brand specialized in bringing a whole range of makeup products. From eyebrows, lashes to essentials, they have it all covered for the modern woman’s need. They are located at Garden City Mall
2. Skin Care Essential Kenya
They take pride in having some of the best products in the beauty market. This makes them a great go-to place to buy beauty products in Kenya. They stock skin care products as the primary focus of their product range. From acne removal products to skin glowing, they have it all.
3. Artistic Nail Design East Africa
A wide reach, a clear world-class range of nail art and beauty accessories. This is what makes them one of the ultimate venues to buy beauty products in Kenya. They also have an extensive creative reach in the East African region. Artistic has a huge market base because of the colour gloss, LED gel, liquids, and powders for nail art needs.
4. Lani’s Beauty
If you’re looking for the unique and clear-cut beauty products lines, Lani’s pretty much got you covered. They have cosmetics and beauty products aimed at the natural woman. If you’ve been dreading for an hour-glass figure, Lani’s beauty got a product for that. Latex waist trainers and butt lifters will work magic for you. It’s a no wonder why they are one of the top places to buy beauty products in Kenya. They also have one the fastest online response times in the market, ensuring they got you covered.
5. Oriflame Spo Nairobi
Oriflame is pretty much synonymous with great beauty products and amazing specialized ranges. They supply cosmetics and beauty products using a network of suppliers all round Kenya. Additionally, this store has great offers and deals to ensure that the beauty needs are efficiently met. This makes them a great place to buy beauty products in Kenya.
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6. Beauty By Mo
Beauty and professionalism have never melted together this well.Beauty by Mo is comprised of a team of advanced level makeup artist and beauty suppliers. Their services and product range has made them a clear go-to place to buy beauty products in Kenya. They specialize in bridal, model and corporate make-up solutions,
7. Beauty Spot Kenya
They have built themselves a beauty spot, no pun intended, to solving women’s beauty needs. The shop gives advice and tips on the products they sell depending on the user’s unique needs. This has drawn many people to make them a preferred place to buy beauty products in Kenya. They also have great deals on their range.
8. Super Duper Cosmetics
It is arguably one of the most established and specialized beauty stores in Kenya. They understand the varying needs and different levels of beauty preferences. This ensures that modern woman has it covered here.They also stock accessories like nail tips and salon items.
9. Flomar By Creme et Chocolat
Flomar seems to have captured the beauty market a little too well. From offering top-of-the-range manicures to having a make-up artistry empire, they have covered pretty much all the angles. The impact gives them an advantage in being a go-to place to buy beauty products in Kenya. Their products and deals are also quite attractive.
10. Nawir Scents and Style
Few stores and places can match the variety and distinct range that Nawiri possesses. They specialize mainly in designer perfumes and colognes for that fragrant touch. This makes them a rosy venue to buy beauty products in Kenya. They have some of the broadest ranges and biggest of offers to meet the style needs of different people.
The marriage between denim and boots is legendary; it is the “match made in heaven” combo of the fashion world and one of the most-sought-after looks in colder temperatures. The most common perception about this union is that it affords a “macho/tough” look to women, or that is only intended for casual settings, but with the vast assortment of jeans to choose from as well as a plethora of boot options, even feminine and professional looks can be achieved with this pairing. There are certain intricacies associated with this styling as well, such as the folding technique of your jeans i.e. the cuffing of your jeans (which can add another dimension to your outfit). All of this is discussed below.
No matter the season, pairing a great pair of jeans with a stylish pair of boots is definitely the way to go. When pairing boots with jeans, you can dress up, dress down, and accommodate whatever weather happens to strike that day. This fashionable dynamic duo is a comfortable and versatile wardrobe must-have. But perhaps most important is learning how to wear boots with jeans to show off your own personal style.
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Best Jeans To Wear With Boots You can never go wrong with the winter classic look, boots and denim. Not surprisingly there are endless combinations you can create to innovate a new style and overall look that will make both your jeans and your boots be the statement of your outfit. We’ve curated a selection of 5 drastically different pairs of jeans that will look fantastic with various different styles of boots. From straight leg bootcut denim to the more modern and trendy flared crop, we’ve got it all in this one stop shop for all the latest denim styles you’ll need to rock this season. Get Artistic
The cut of these jeans is perfect for those who want to go the extra level and pair them with knee high or calf high boots. These black denim washed jeans with a modern twist of white splattered paint, really add a subtle but creative touch to any outfit. They can easily be dressed up or dressed down.
Ripped Knees
Adding some regular washed jeans with two rips in the knees, keeps your outfit looking tasteful while still adding a bit of an edgy flair. These are also cropped so you can pair these with an ankle boot of your choice!
Black Denim
Black denim with black boots of any height and style always look fantastic. These McGuire Denim jeans are the perfect staple pair of jeans to add to your winter collection. Not only will they look fantastic with any boot, but they will be a great transition into spring and summer as well. Also with any denim classics, it can easily be dressed up for a more chic look, and it can be dressed down for a cozy and casual feel. The Simple Crop
These high waisted distressed jeans might come off a bit summery, but they can easily be warmed up to make a regular wash look fantastic with a pair of neutral colored suede or velvet boots. Add in a bit of wear and tear and you’ll have a great casual statement look that will turn heads anywhere you go. The Classic Straight
You can never go wrong with a classic regular washed denim high waisted jean. These look fantastic with any style of boot, cuffed, or even tucked. They can really make any outfit look perfect by adding a bit of brightness to your outfit.
These 5 drastically versatile styles of jeans will bring some fashion innovation into your life this season. Whether you choose to opt for a cropped and modern look or a more traditional style, the choice is yours. The good news is, they all look amazing on anyone of any shape or size.
Nairobi Fashion Hub blogging gives a clear and innovative glimpse towards current trends and it also highlights future breakthroughs in African fashion styles. There are top fashion bloggers who have impacted the fashion scene and also carved the style trends. In this piece, we are going to feature some of the top Nigerian fashion blogs that are getting us eager to know everything about fashion.
1. Fisayo Sayo Longe ~ mirrorme.com
Fisayo is the genius behind one of the top fashion blogs, mirrorme.me. She shares captivating insights into African fashion, travel and even shopping tips. Her inspiration is drawn from different cultures and places around the world. This has made her blog one of the top sources of unique fashion content.
2. Folake Huntoon ~ stylepantry.com
Her blog, stylepantry.com is a collection of multiple tips and glimpses to top styles. It has some of the most diverse style tips that keep it fresh and lively. She caters for African style and beauty needs for both men and women. This has made her one of the top Nigerian fashion blogs.
3. Uche Eze Pedro ~ bellanaija.com
Uche is a multi-talented entrepreneur and one of the leading Nigerian fashion bloggers. BellaNaija.com, her blog features the most inspirational and up-to-date informative tips on everything fashion. She has been nominated for various awards and recognized for outstanding work in the fashion industry.
4. Yemisi Aiyedun ~ sisyemmie.com
Yemisi Aiyedun is among the most fun and graceful people in the fashion scene. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that she directs one of the most popular fashion blogs in Nigeria. Her blog features different content including style, beauty and even romance tips. This has made her a darling among many readers and a popular one at that.
5. Sayedero Enytan ~thefashionegineer.com
Sayedero is a top fashion blogger and a style icon. She creates enchanting content centered on both beauty and style for men and women. Her brainchild, thefashionengineer.com is among the most innovative Nigerian fashion blogs. Whether you are looking for style tips or the top fashion brands, this blog has got you covered.
6. Seyi Famuyiwa ~ infashiontrust.com
Seyi Famuyiwa established her blog, infashionitrust.com as a way to bring out what she loves about African fashion and style. She started this in 2012 and it has grown to become one of the most influential of Nigerian fashion blogs. Her posts also feature inspirational bits and pieces and this is one of the reasons why we love this blog.
7. Ono Bello ~ onobello.com
Ono Bello is an innovator and one of the most sought after African fashionistas. Her blog, onobello.com, is an appealing content collection of informative posts on Nigerian clothes’ styles. She focuses mainly on current trends and fashion tips for the modern fashionista.
8. Sara Audu ~ princeaudu.blospot.com
Sara mainly focuses on the loveliness of the African print as the basis of her fashion content. Her blog features the loveliest trends and tips on how to make outfits work beautifully. The authentic feel and African touch gives a unique touch to her posts and makes you love African fashion.
9. Casandra Ikegbune ~ cassiedavess.com
Her blog is a collection of Nigerian clothes designs and helpful stylish tips. Her inspiration is mainly on African-inspired looks in modern fashion. She also keeps her content fresh in updated pieces on the trending African styles. This helps when keeping tabs with the latest information.
10. Hanifa Abubakar ~ haniiiifa.com
She has one of the clearest Nigerian fashion blogs, haniiiifa.com. It is a beautiful collection of the latest trends and stylish fashion tips on African clothes. Her blog is centered on elegant simplicity in everyday outfits. She also has informative segments that keep you glued to her blog.
Fashion is a fast-growing industry in Uganda. The people on this list have in one way or another influenced the way people dress, the designers making the clothes, or even changed people’s mindsets towards fashion in Uganda. They’ve not only perfected their craft but are also using their power to lay a foundation for the future. In no particular order, meet the most influential people in fashion in Uganda.
1. Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda
The Queen of Buganda is arguably one of the most stylish women in Uganda. She’s a style icon to many, especially women from Buganda, thanks to her effortless style and elegance. She always steps out impeccably dressed in custom-made Busuutis and intricately embroidered evening gowns. She’s living proof that one can be a royal and still be relatable, often attending social events in Kampala. Her great style and philanthropic work have been covered by international press such as Vogue Italia, the most influential style magazine in the world. Inspired by her elegance and grace, early this year Sylvia Owori announced that she’s working on a Busuuti line in collaboration with her.
2. Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya
Princess Bagaaya has amassed a long and enviable resume, working in the government as a minister and envoy, in the fashion world as an accomplished model, and in the entertainment industry as an actor. This well-schooled royal was the first black woman to appear on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, an American fashion magazine. In 1974, she caused a stir, when she gave a speech as Uganda’s then Foreign minister at the UN General assembly dressed in a long gold-brocade Chinese gown and her hair braided into a crown by a Nigerian hairdresser she flew in just for the occasion. She set a new hair-trend for black women, and also landed the front page of the New York Times.
Early this year, American designer Zac Posen announced that his Spring Summer 2016 show presented at New York Fashion Week in February was inspired by the “stunning Oxford-educated #PrincessElizabethof Toro”, he shared on Instagram. The runway show, which featured only models of color was closed by Uganda model Aamito.
3. Queen Best Kemigisa
An advocate of the Suka, the traditional wear of the Batooro, Queen Best Kemigisha is one of the most stylish women in Ugandan. Her style and grace have inspired many women especially Batooro that, they can still look modern and trendy in their traditional wear. She often attends high-end events in her beautifully embroidered dresses, often stealing style points without even trying.
4. Keturah Kamugasha
Keturah is the editor-in-chief of Flair for her magazine, a lifestyle magazine for women. She has for many years used her popular style columns both in the Newvision newspaper and her magazine, to influence what people wear and the designers of the moment. Through her writing, she has shared her knowledge on fashion with the rest of the world, while also inspiring young fashion writers and journalists
5. Gloria Wavamunno
An accomplished designer and tailor, Gloria Wavamunno continues to raise the bar high for fashion in Uganda with her brainchild, Kampala Fashion Week. She chose to live and work in Uganda, to use her genius to impact the local industry. Kampala Fashion Week is the most influential fashion platform in Uganda, often attracting designers from as far as London to fly in and showcase their new designs.
6. Joram Muzira
The models who walk the runways are such a crucial element of the shows, bringing to life the creative vision of designers. Casting directors are usually charged with the role of hiring the right models for the job. Joram Muzira has grown to become the most in-demand casting director and model manager in the business. His shrewd and tough demeanor has polished the careers of most of the successful models now including Aamito and Patricia Akello among others.
7. Kalungi Kabuye
The no-nonsense arts and lifestyle journalist has helped launch the careers of many local designers often supporting them in his articles and reviews. His articles have a number of times ruffled a few feathers, but what’s influence without a bit of controversy.
8. Santa Anzo
Santa Anzo is one of the most successful designers in Uganda, running her business in Kampala. Her main focus is usually on designs with an African element and she’s a big advocate of African print. She organized the first fashion week in Uganda, the Uganda International Fashion Week. She’s a celebrated entrepreneur and businesswoman, often doing motivation speaking to young people. She’s supported the careers of many up-and-coming designers.
9. Brenda Nanyonjo
Brenda is one of the few stylists from Uganda to have great success. She styled most of the beautiful fashion stories featured in African Woman magazine back in the day, and long after the magazine folded, she’s still the go-to stylist for many big-name celebrities in Kampala. Not afraid to innovate, early this year she launched ‘Miss B Jeans, a denim line for women with curves. She’s also the current holder of the Miss Uganda franchise.
10. Aamito
Aamito is not just an icon in the modeling world, she’s a huge inspiration to many young people in Uganda. A trip to Kenya on a bus, to audition for Africa’sNext Top Model changed her life completely. After winning the TV show, she has gone on to have an accomplished career, walking for almost all the big-name designers in Milan, London, Paris, and New York; appearing in British Vogue, Yahoo Fashion, Vogue Espana, W Magazine, and much other major fashion publication. She has also been featured in advertising campaigns for brands such as Marc Jacobs and Other stories.
11. Ahumuza Brian
There’s no way you can mention fashion in Uganda and leave out Ahumuza Brian of Abryanz Collection. What started as a retail shop selling clothes in downtown Kampala is now a huge phenomenon. His styling genius has been tapped by many brands and big-name celebrities for press appearances and in advertising. His unique style sense has inspired many trends in Kampala, and he has greatly influenced how men view fashion. What he wears, everyone will follow and wear? His brand grew to include an annual event, the Abryanz Fashion & Style Awards, a platform that awards and recognizes movers in the fashion industry.
12. Sylvia Owori
Arguably the most powerful woman in fashion in Uganda, Sylvia Owori is a forward-thinking creative, always putting out collections that attract so much traction from across the globe. The British educated designer has impacted the industry in a number of ways, giving people jobs, dressing them, and most importantly, inspiring many young designers. She now hosts The Style Project on NTV where she shares her style genius with the rest of the world. Her comments on the show have many times sparked controversy, but again, what’s influence without controversy?
Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of something or someone. But, how do you measure it? Is it through the number of people, one has mentored? Or the successful projects they have under their belt? An influential person is one whose actions and opinions strongly influence the course of events. Content Courtesy Of Nairobi Fashion Hub
Africa has come of age where we appreciate our own beauty products, In the world of beauty and wellness, there is a huge interest right now in products and services that celebrate the essence of Africa’s unique natural resources and ingredients, whilst at the same time harnessing traditional skills and up-to-the-minute knowledge of leading women innovators in the industry. These game-changers are changing the face of the beauty and wellness industry in Africa, and creating fabulous new, proudly African products and brands in the process that the world wants to buy and use. Some of the names and brands are well-known – others are new to the scene – but all of them are capturing the imaginations of consumers across the continent, and indeed the world below are some of 30 Women Entrepreneurs Changing the Face of the Beauty and Wellness Industry in Africa.
Suzie Wokabi – Founder of Suzie Beauty Ltd – Kenya
Charlyn Kentaro – The Good Hair Collective – Uganda
Upendo Shuma – Founder Lavie Makeup Studio – Tanzania
Linda Gieskes Mwamba – Suki Suki Naturals – South Africa
Tara Fela-Durotoye – Founder of House of Tara – Nigeria
Terryanne Chebet – Founder of Keyara Organics – Kenya
Shereen Makhanye – Founder of Nubian Nature (Pty) Ltd – South Africa
Tamarind Nott – Founder of Mbiri Natural Skincare – Namibia
Getty Choenyana – Founder of Oamobu Naturals – South Africa
Korkor Kugblenu – Founder of The Body Butter Company – Ghana
Kerryne Krause Neufeldt – Founder of Eye Slices – South Africa
Leila Janah – Founder and CEO of LXMI –Uganda
Thokozile Mangwiro – Founder of Nyla Naturals – South Africa
Yolanda Methvin – Founder of LithaFlora – South Africa
Christine Buchanan and Louiza Rademan – Founders of Oh Lief – South Africa
Eunice Cofie – Founder of Nuekie – United States
Jesslynn Schlam – Founder of Lulu & Marula – South Africa
Zeze Oriaikhi Sao – Founder of Malee Natural Science – South Africa
Tanya du Bois – Founder of Naturals Beauty – South Africa
Zikhona Tefu – Founder of O’live – South Africa
Sarah Taylor – Bee Balmy – South Africa
Bukky George – HealthPlus Limited and CasaBella International – Nigeria
Florence Adepoju – MDMFlow – Nigeria/Britain
Leslie Okoye – Cookie Skin – Nigeria
Ego Iwegbu-Daley – Miss Salon London – South Africa
Ngozi Opara – Heat Free Hair – Nigeria
Rahama Wright – Shea Yeleen – Ghana/US
Joycee Awojoodu – Oriki Group – Nigeria
Banke Meshida-Lawal – BM Pro – Nigeria
Leonette Galliano – Wema Bodycare – South Africa
Content Courtesy Of Lionesses Of Africa
Suzie Wokabi
Kenyan entrepreneur, Suzie Wokabi, launched her trailblazing cosmetics brand, Suzie Beauty Ltd. creating a world-class product range that understands the needs of today’s African women who want bespoke make-up products that work perfectly on African women’s skin-tones and produce a stunningly beautiful look. SuzieBeauty is Kenya’s first make-up brand and creates and sells products, offers make-up artistry services, as well as training for professional make-up artists. The hallmark of SuzieBeauty products is that they are affordable, great quality, and tailor-made for the unique needs of women living in the African climate. Suzie developed this product line with the African woman in mind. It works perfectly on their skin tones, textures and the colours are amazing!
2. Charlyn Kentaro
Founder of The Good Hair Collective, the beauty brand for Afro textured hair producing organic handmade hair & skin care products, Charlyn Kentaro originally started out as a lawyer before going into the world of beauty. She did her Master of Laws, lectured for a bit, then got bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. She was working/studying in Cape Town when she decided to “go natural”, as in she cut her relaxed hair off and embraced her natural curls. When she started to look for products to help manage her hair, she came up short. Everything was packed full of harmful chemicals (liquid paraffin, strong sulphates and the like) and/or imported and really pricey. She mixed her own shea butter with other natural oils on one of her holidays and fell in love! Her family and friends liked what she was making, so she started to do lots of research, trained on it, formed a company and the rest is history!
3. Upendo Shuma
Shuma spent her days off learning how to do make up, while working as cabin crew at Fastjet airline. Once she was confident enough, she would make up her friends and family for a fee. The small business grew through word of mouth. She got more clients and even celebrities advertised her work through Instagram.In 2013, she resigned and founded Lavie Makeup Studio. “I opened a small makeup studio with just one room, employed one person and trained her,” she says.After a year, they moved to a bigger place and she employed three more people. A year and a half later, they moved to an even bigger place and added another three people. Lavie Makeup Studio has 40 to 60 brides per month during peak season and 20 to 30 brides when business is slow. “We also do regular makeovers and fixing lashes. We also do celebrity makeup, we have worked with a lot of celebrities inside and from outside Tanzania.”Shuma has also developed her first line of products. She says they have sold 3,000 pieces since inception in 2015.
4. Linda Gieskes Mwamba
Linda Gieskes Mwamba is the founder of Suki Suki Naturals, an Indie, Natural, and African Hair Care Brand. Linda is passionate about the healing and restorative powers of natural and essential oils, and prides herself on combining thebest ingredients that mother nature has to offer in order to achieve optimum hair growth and health, whilst celebrating Africa’s unique heritage and plant life. All the products are 100% natural and completely free of artificial ingredients such as mineral oil, preservatives, parabens, artificial fragrances, sulphates and animal ingredients. Suki Suki’s philosophy is to teach women how to take better care of their hair and providing them with the right tools and information to do so whilst using natural ingredients to make better and healthier products. Suki Suki Naturals was the first natural African hair care brand to be invited to exhibit at the prestigious Sanlam Contemporary Handmade Fair heldin Johannesburg in 2015.
5. Tara Fela-Durotoye
More than ten years ago, House of Tara founder Tara Fela-Durotoye, sparked a revolution that reverberated across Nigeria, creating a powerful corporate brand, a range of interesting makeup and skincare lines aimed at women of colour, and setting up Nigeria’s first make-up school. Tara Fela-Durotoye is a Nigerian makeup artist and lawyer. A pioneer in the bridal makeup profession in Nigeria, she launched the first bridal directory in 1999, followed by the establishment of an international standard makeup studio, and the launch of the first makeup school in Nigeria. Over the past 16 years, Tara has been dedicated to realising her vision of building a globally respected beauty company of African origin. She is the founder and current CEO of House of Tara International; the creator of the Tara Orekelewa Beauty range, Inspired Perfume and the H.I.P Beauty range; and a highly respected mentor for make-up artists and small business owners. She is a genuine powerhouse and gamechanger in the cosmetics industry in Nigeria and an inspiration for the rest of Africa.
6. Terryanne Chebet
Keyara Organics is a natural skincare company with a soul and a real passion for African ingredients. Founder and serial entrepreneur, Terryanne Chebet, has a vision to grow the company to be among the world’s leading Natural Skincare brands, understanding that everyone needs a natural skincare routine. Keyara Organics is a Natural Skincare line, inspired by Africa and it’s wealth of natural oils and scents of the continent. Terryanne started the company after looking for natural skincare brands for her daughter, which were rare to find and not consistent on the shelves. She then saw a gap for a market that is keen on achieving beautiful skin the natural way and believes that women love the brand because it is passionate about skincare. The Keyara team is the first one to test and critique all the products before they go to market, and only when they know they have it right do they sell. They personally take the time to ensure that all the products are natural and safe. Keyare is a brand that is passionate about Africa, and growing a product that will change how the world looks at Africa, beautifully
7. Shereen Makhanye
Nubian Nature (Pty) Ltd is the entrepreneurial creation of founder Shereen Makhanye, whose journey to find products that are not harmful to use on African hair led her to harness the power of the continent’s natural ingredients to find a solution. Her company and its products harness Africa’s organic and exotic indigenous crops to create an exciting hair-care brand. They provide the showcase for her genuine passion for Africa, science, hair and all things natural and it’s been her life dream to share the experience and richness of Africa with Africans and the rest of world.
8. Tamarind Nott
Tammy Nott is a passionate Namibian entrepreneur who is harnessing the raw natural plant ingredients of her country to create a business and a strong community support system. Mbiri Natural Skincare is a 100% natural skincare brand that focuses on using Namibian plant ingredients including Namibian Myrrh, Marula oil and Kalahari Melon Seed oil. The core of the brand lies with Namibian Myrrh which is endemic to Namibia and is harvested by the Himba people in the northern desert regions of Namibia. The brand is approved by The Vegan Society, is endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty and is an accredited partner of Phytotrade Africa, which is a fair-trade initiative.
9. Getty Choenyana
Founder of Oamobu Naturals, Getty Choenyana, is a South African mechanical engineer turned skin and haircare entrepreneur. Her company designs, formulates and produces high quality natural skin and hair care products using unrefined shea body and hair butters that are whipped with carrier and essential oils. To supplement the use of shea butter based products, the company also offers African black soap, with all the imported ingredients being sourced from Fairtrade certified producers. Oamobu was born from a collective frustration of not being able to easily find all-natural high quality reputable ingredients and products that are non-chemically enhanced. The company name “Oa mobu”. “Oa mobu” is a Sepedi phrase which translates to “Of the soil”. As a company, “Oamobu” perfectly encapsulates the brand’s identity and inspiration.
10.Korkor Kugblenu
Ghanaian entrepreneur Korkor Kugblenu created her business venture, The Body Butter Company, to produce natural beauty solutions for sub-Saharan African women. Seeing a gap in the market for products that celebrate naturally beautiful African women’s skin and hair, the company manufactures and retails indigenous 100% natural beauty solutions. Korkor came to the realization going back to sporting her natural hair 10 years ago, that African women have a deep-seated dislike for what is uniquely theirs, instead straightening out beautiful kinks and bleaching their luscious dark skin. She wanted to change that, believing that women deserve the right to be proud of their natural features, and recognising that the way to do that is to use age-old beauty secrets from the continent to preserve the beauty of their naturalness. As a brand and company ethos, The Body Butter Company is furthering this cause by going to secondary schools in Ghana to talk about natural beauty, self love and good grooming. Every jar or bottle contains confidence and self-love, the livelihood of local raw materials producers, and unadulterated ingredients that give unadulterated benefits to the skin and hair.
11. Kerryne Krause
Many of us with busy entrepreneurial lives, heavy travel schedules, and lots of late nights will probably have experienced the effects of tired puffy eyes, with increasingly dark circles and redness, exacerbated by staring at computer screens and smartphones all day long. However, one innovative South African entrepreneur, Kerryne Krause Neufeldt, thinks she has found the solution – eyeSlices ! Kerryne is a natural born entrepreneur and marketer, and she saw a gap in the market and believed that she had the ability to fill it. Her company and brand, eyeSlices is a multi-award winning product range and a global first in Cryo-Gel technology. The company’s cooling and soothing eye gels target puffiness, dark circles, tiredness, redness and wrinkles, and are re-usable up to ten times! Made with natural and organic extracts from the Swiss Alps, they are guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed, restored and revived within minutes! This lifestyle range is ideal for people that travel long distances, party hard, work late nights, experience seasonal allergies, or simply want a quick relief from lifestyle induced eye symptoms. The Company produces 3 ranges of products for distribution through Beauty Salons & Spas; Cosmetic Stores & Pharmacies; and currently exports from South Africa to over 20 countries
12. Leila Janah
Leila Janah, the founder and CEO of LXMI, brought us along to see how the ingredients are harvested—and the amazing things the business is doing for the local Ugandan women. Leila Janah is the Founder and CEO of Samasource and LXMI, two companies that share a common social mission to end global poverty by giving work to people in need. She is also the author of Give Work: Reversing Poverty One Job at a Time and co-author of America’s Moment: Creating Opportunity in the Connected Age, a book by Rework America
13. Thokozile Mangwiro
Thokoizile Mangwiro is the founder of NYLA, a luxury brand that offers 100% natural, deeply moisturizing skin oils and products. Nyla is handcrafted from Johannesburg, South Africa, with a star indigenous ingredient, The Marula oil. Thokozile believes that Marula oil is the secret to timeless Hair & Skin Nourishment. Deemed the miracle oil of Africa, it is obtained from the core of the Marula fruit; and is indigenous to Southern Africa. The Tsonga women of South Africa and Mozambique have used this oil as a moisturizer and a massage oil on babies for years. This oil has protected the African skin and hair against harsh and dry, hot and humid weather conditions for ages. Thokozile’s company, Nyla Naturals, has created the Marula Evolution Collection by showcasing pure Marula oil and fused it with various natural botanical and organic ingredients to create the most luxurious products to nourish your skin and hair. Thokozile has also newly launched an exciting new brand – NILOTIQA is a natural hair care product line that is specially formulated for dry, damaged natural afro hair with a tendency to be brittle and prone to breakage. The product line consists of a deep replenishing co-washing conditioner, deep moisturizing butter, detangling cream and nourishing scalp and hair oil. All the natural products are formulated with high-quality nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, castor oil and avocado oil that leave the hair feeling softer, deeply moisturized and much more manageable. All the products keep away from artificial sourcing of ingredients and do not contain petroleum, lanolin, parabens, phthalates, or artificial colors
14. Yolanda Methvin
Entrepreneur Yolanda Methvin is demonstrating through her LithaFlora African Botanicals company that it is possible to capture the essence of her unique environment in the Cape Floral Kingdom as the source of her environmentally friendly and luxurious wellness products. LithaFlora African Botanicals is a health and wellness, lifestyle brand with a heart, and that heart beats in tune with the indigenous biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom and the Southern Cape. The company creates and produces accessible but luxurious consumable lifestyle products; a “five senses” exploration in indigenous African Botanical health and wellness, which includes Herbal Health Teas, Cold Processed Cleansing bars, and Solar salt pans Bath Salts, derived from the Kalahari Desert, and infused with African essential oils. The products manufactured, marketed and sold are locally sourced, produced, packaged and distributed, winning new fans around the world.
15. Christine Buchanan and Louiza Rademan
Two entrepreneurial sisters from South Africa with a love of all things natural and organic are capturing the imagination of customers looking for an alternative to the mass produced, chemically formulated skin and body care products on the market. The Oh Lief Natural Products company is developing 100% natural and organic products that are truly world class. The ethos behind the product range is to produce organic natural products, not specifically only using South African or African base products and essential oils, etc. The company brings a product to market that is an organic alternative, with every single ingredient used being certified organic or certified natural. In December last year, the company also launched its natural sun screen, which excitingly is the only natural sun screen available in South Africa which is truly organic and endorsed by the Cancer Association of South Africa.
16. Eunice Cofie
In the highly specialist and competitive world of the health and beauty industry, there is one woman who is successfully combining traditional African medicine with modern science to create world-class products for people of colour. Nuekie is an innovative health and beauty company for people of colour, developing products that are scientifically designed to meet the needs of ethnic populations. Its founder, Eunice Cofie, is a woman entrepreneur harnessing her passion for science to make a difference to people’s lives and, at the same, building a new global health and beauty powerhouse. She realized that the health and beauty industry lacked effective treatment products that took into account the unique needs of ethnic people. This was just the impetus she needed to develop her company, Nuekie, Inc., which is on a mission to provide quality dermatological products for ethnic people (i.e. African/African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern, Native American, Pacific Islander)
17. Jesslynn Schlam
Frustrated by not being able to find skincare products that ticked all the boxes in terms of health, wellbeing, sustainability and eco-friendly production with a minimal impact on the environment, South African entrepreneur, Jesslynn Schlamm, was inspired to create her own from her small kitchen. Today, her Lulu & Marula skincare range is testimony to that original passion and dedication. She is aiming her products at all those customers who have a fresh approach to skincare and lifestyle and are looking for something a little different. She finds that a lot of people are attracted to her brand initially though the packaging and the product ethos, and the use of local Marula oil throughout the whole range of skincare products. On a personal level, Jesslynn loves it because it is a very universal oil, it is good for all skin types and it is very high in vitamin E and contains a natural preservative, which ultimately all means that the company’s products are 100% natural.
18. Zeze Oriaikhi Sao
The story of entrepreneur Zeze Oriaikhi Sao, is one woman’s journey to create a unique, luxury, natural beauty and skincare brand that has a uniquely African story and essence. Malee Natural Science was inspired by her relocation back to Africa after having lived in the UK for about twelve years at the time. She had just moved to South Africa at what was the beginning of a recession in 2009, and no-one was really hiring at the time, and sheneeded something to do. She had always had a passion for lotions and potions, combined with a love of fragrances, and felt like there was nothing in the African space that had a soul, that told a story, and that got people connecting with the continent in an interesting way through such products. So she thought there was a good opportunity to put the two things she loved together into a natural, premium skin, bath and bodycare business, and so Malee Natural Science was born.
19.Tanya du Bois
South African entrepreneur, Tanya du Bois’ inspiring story is of a women entrepreneur dedicated to creating natural and organic skincare products for those with highly sensitive skin. Her company Naturals Beauty produces a range of natural skin and body care products for women, teens, babies, kids and men! Her inspiration for the business came from her son’s Autism diagnosis back in 2008 when she became acutely aware of ingredients only after having a child that was so sensitive to toxins. She was alarmed at all the ‘nasties’ that go into commercial body products. Not having a chemistry background, she could only take the range so far, so was delighted in 2009 when she met her wonderful Contract Manufacturer – Louise Botes. Louise came to Naturals Beauty with 12 years’ experience in natural and organic ranges. Her knowledge of botanical extracts and natural preservative systems and organic ingredients has helped to make the company’sproducts highly sophisticated. They work as a team researching, developing and producing new and existing products, with a little lab based in the beautiful Riebeek Valley, and with all the brand labelling and admin done in Cape Town, South Africa.
20. Zikhona Tefu
This Cape Town handmade soap maker harnesses the unique natural qualities of indigenous herbs and plants from the world famous Cape Floral Kingdom to produce world-class skincare products. Talented handmade soap crafter and entrepreneur, Zikhona Tefu, owner of O’live Handmade Soaps, was born into a family of highly creative women in Mdantsane near East London, South Africa, all of whom possessed a unique can-do spirit. Today, this businesswoman, wife and mother of three beautiful children, now lives in Cape Town, and reflects on her upbringing and the creative spirit and natural sense of curiosity which led her to questioning the ingredients in the skincare products she and her family where using. She remembers buying a bar of natural handmade soap at a local health store and reading the ingredients on the back of the packaging. She noticed it was only made with natural oils. When she compared this with the traditional store bought soaps she had been using, she couldn’t believe the difference. The store bought soap was full of added chemicals and fillers. She began to wonder if the handmade, all-natural soaps could be made by herself. Harnessing the power of the plant kingdom, every single bar of O’live handmade soap is today made in small batches, using a secret blend of wild-harvested fynbos herbs, locally grown olive oil, and pure essential oils. This is what makes each individual bar of soap skin-loving, moisturizing and conditioning. Each of the ingredients plays a vital role in ensuring that one of these soap bars not only offers hydration and cell regenerating properties, but also helps with eczema, sensitive skin and other skin conditions
21. Sarah Taylor
A journalist-turned-natural skincare product entrepreneur works with nature to create a range of soothing and healing skin balms, bringing relief for allergy sufferers, under the brand name Bee Balmy. Sarah Taylor lives near the southern tip of Africa in Hermanus and her entrepreneurial journey started as a result of both her own and her husband’s families being prone to allergies. Cortisone and antihistamines were a mainstay of their well-being for decades. About a year ago, Sarah woke up to what the family were using on their skin – mostly mineral oil/petroleum-based, hydrocarbonproducts containing preservatives, such as parabens. While the jury is still out on whether exposure to such synthetic compounds is linked to cancer or endocrine-system disruption, Sarah decided she didn’t want to take the risk and wanted to know what she was putting on her own skin, and that of her children. She started looking into natural, non-toxic alternatives that she could make at home. A friend gave her a basic ‘baby balm’ recipe, which she had made and sold under her Earth Nurse label, and which was based on olive and grape seed oils and beeswax. It was at that point that Sarah’s own personal journey into making natural skincare products began. Since those early days, Sarah has since adapted the balm formula through numerous trials, and now adds sweet almond and jojoba oils to the olive, grape seed and apricot kernel oils, beeswax, and extracted oils of lavender and calendula. The plant- and animal-based ingredients used in her balms,have special properties for the skin and have been used by healers and herbalists for centuries: The cold-pressed olive oil used in Sarah’s wonderful balms is sourced locally from Rio Largo, an award-winning olive farm on the Breede River, Western Cape, owned by another Lioness of Africa, Brenda Wilkinson. The grape seed oil comes from Seed Oils SA in Somerset West. The beeswax used comes from local suppliers in the Overberg, while the lavender and calendula flowers and other oils are bought from certified and reputable South African suppliers. Sarah makes a range of balms and her products have been guided by what she personally likes and needs in a balm, as well as what her customers request
Content Courtesy Of Lionesses Of Africa
22. Bukky George
Bukky George has been described as the ‘queen of retail pharmacy’ in Nigeria based on the steady success of her pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies. This leading pharmacist and CEO of HealthPlus Limited and CasaBella International, has created a one-stop store for grooming and beauty solutions for men and women in Nigeria. Her company HealthPlus is also the fastest growing pharmacy chain in West Africa and already has 31 branches across Nigeria with more branches to already in the pipeline. It has become the Pharmacy of Choice through its provision of high quality healthcare products such as medicines, nutritional supplements, natural remedies, home medical equipment, mobility aids and pharmacy services, by certified and well-informed healthcare professionals, in a friendly and hygienic environment. The company’s uniqueness is underscored by offering an integrative approach for total wellness through the use of both medicines and natural remedies. Bukky is also the first recipient of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Board of Fellows’ Award for Excellence in Community Pharmacy.
23. Florence Adepoju
Frustration at the lack of lipsticks for darker skin tones, is what led Florence Adepoju, a 24 year old British born Nigerian, to begin production of her own line of lipsticks from her parents’ garden shed in Rainham, Essex, London. She spent four years earning an applied chemistry degree in cosmetics and then set out to make lipsticks in colours she’d always dreamt of for skin tones similar to her own. After being disappointed in shade after shade that could not work well with her skin tone without some sort of mixing or blending, Ms Adepoju launched MDMFlow, handmade, rose-scented lipsticks in shades like juicy orange, emerald green and brilliant blue, all sold in gold-colored aluminum bullet casings.Today, with Lena Dunham and other celebrities as fans, her hip-hop lipstick brand, MDMFlow, boasts a variety of colours, and is stocked at Topshop and the French beauty brand, Colette. Florence says that MDMflow is an accumulation of all her obsessions – the colours black and gold, hip hop, beauty, fashion and science. As a self diagnosed beauty junkie she couldn’t find a beauty brand out there that represented her lifestyle and ideals. MDMflow is a post 90s brand influenced by the glamour associated with mid 90s–00s hip hop culture. All MDMflow lipsticks are handmade using the latest colour technology. Now a Scientist with a BSc (Hons) in Cosmetic Science from the London College of Fashion, shedecided upon graduating July 2013 to live out all her dreams and create the cosmetics brand she has always wanted.
24. Leslie Okoye
When it comes to skin care, Leslie Okoye knows best. She is the founder of a leading skin care company, Cookie Skin, which specializes in helping women of different skin colors get flawless skin. Leslie is on a mission to redefine the meaning of good skin among African women with her skin care brand. She believes that no matter your origin or complexion you can and should have CookieSkin. To make this possible her company has introduced a more holistic method of skincare for women of color to age gracefully. CookieSkin® has created the Dermal Repair line to address the many skin care issues the individual Asian, Bi-Racial, African, African-American, Latina and multi-cultural woman faces in today’s ever stressful and busy world. Its aim is to bring highly active skin care formulations to women of color in need of visible results that reveal irresistible flawless skin; always fresh, radiant and youthful – CookieSkin!
25. Ego Iwegbu-Daley
Ego Iwegbu-Daley is the founder of Miss Salon London (South Africa). A serial entrepreneur, Ego is taking the established concept of the nail and beauty experience to a whole new level in the country. Her Miss Salon London concept has created a unique environment (more of a girls club) where music, movies, friends, conversation, a glass of wine, and of course incredibly beautiful nails and essential grooming, all combine in the ultimate pampering experience. Ego is a real mover and shaker in the world of nails and beauty, and her brand is one to watch in Africa.
26. Ngozi Opara
Ngozi Opara is the owner of NZO Hair Studio in Washington D.C and the Founder of Heat Free Hair 100% virgin hair extensions designed to perfectly blend with a woman’s natural hair texture or curl pattern. She is revolutionizing the beauty industry with her products. Financial analyst Ngozi Opara ventured into the hair business in 2012 to cater to this “growing market”. Her company manufactures high-quality wefted hair extensions, closures, wigs, and clip-in extensions. These hair extensions are created to blend effortlessly with the different curl patterns and textures of a woman’s natural hair. A decade ago straight hair was a hit and most women of African descent would buy Brazilian weaves. But today there is a movement for natural hair. Although it is still a small market, demand is growing for the natural look. Heat Free Hair was the first company to specialise in creating kinky, curly and coiled textured hair for the different types of natural hair. All manufacturing takes place at the company’s factory in Qingdao, China, then ships to the US for packaging, after which products are shipped to customers across the globe. Leading markets in Africa are South Africa and Nigeria, where customers are career women who can afford to spend $300 on their hair and have a local stylist to help them fit the hair. Ngozi also runs the Heat Free Hair Movement, which expands beyond the company’s product range and focuses on the education of the natural hair community through seminars, instructional videos and events for women who wear natural hair.
27. Rahama Wright
Many people don’t think about where shea butter comes from when they glide their favorite shea product onto their skin or hair, but Rahama Wright thinks about it every day. As founder of Shea Yeleen International, the socially conscious leader has made a business out of her passion for helping female shea butter producers. Growing up in upstate New York, Wright’s Ghanaian heritage influenced her interest in African-related issues. After working and volunteering in West Africa and drawing on her mother’s stories as an immigrant in the United States, Wright committed herself to making the invisible women behind shea butter production visible to the world. With patience and relentless diligence, she has grown her company—which initially started as a non-profit—with Shea Yeleen soaps, lip balms, and body butters now available in over 40 Whole Food stores in the United States
28. Joycee Awojoodu
Joycee Awojoodu is the founder of a luxury botanically based product line and spa in Lagos, Oriki Group. Oriki is a luxury skincare brand that fuses natural ingredients & scientific research to create extraordinary personal care products. The company creates effective and luxurious beauty and grooming products utilizing raw materials and all natural resources discovered around the world. Botanically based, Oriki use potent plants, organic ingredients and 100% natural essential oils. Oriki is for the sophisticated, health-conscious woman and man who want to look effortlessly sharp with intent and purpose. Oriki is a lifestyle, an attitude, and a way of life. The Oriki philosophy is borne from the notion that natural skin, hair & body products work better simply because they are made with superior ingredients; nature knows best. As a beauty & grooming designer, Oriki’s carefully deliberated array of products, meticulous attention to the scientifically-proven power of nature and the right mix of botanical extracts, vitamins, minerals, peptides and proteins embodies a new form of sophisticated expression in beauty, grooming and lifestyle. Joycee is passionate about creating an African indigenous luxury brand that touches the lives of the women and men who gather the nuts, plants and herbs to produce the raw materials. Her commitment to sourcing the best quality and finest selection of products complements the elegant stance, powerful femininity and bold allure of the Oriki woman and man.
29. Banke Meshida-Lawal
BM Pro – a great makeup brand in Nigeria, was founded by a highly recognized makeup artist in Nigeria, Banke Meshida-Lawal. Having been an avid lover of fine art, she took Art lessons as a child. This love had her painting her own face and experimenting with makeup as a freshman in college. Back then at the University of Lagos, she remembers accosting total strangers to ask if she could trim their eyebrows or try out eyeshadow colours on them. They always obliged and some of them became fast friends!. She became known as the go-to-person for makeovers whenever there were sorority parties or rave nights back then. As the bookings continued to increase and as she left college it was only the next step to take – her company BM Pro was born. Her first studio opened and in 2005, she decided to create her own line of cosmetics because she wasn’t quite satisfied with the international brands’ finish. BM Pro Makeup launched with 14 items. It sold out within weeks and expansion soon followed. Today, BM Pro Makeup has 65 products in the Nigerian market as well as distributors all over Nigeria, the UK, USA, Ghana and Canada. The BM Pro team comprises of passionate, driven Makeup Artists, Gele Artists, Hairstylists, Nail Technicians, SkinCare and Waxing experts, and Beauty School Tutors. The company continues to create amazing looks for The Runway (mbgn, miss nigeria, tiffany amber, house of marie, odio mimonet) Bridal (over 10,000 brides and counting) Editorial cover pages and fashion magazines (this day, WOW, genevieve, the sun, city people, vanguard, punch, MANIA ) and especially the regular woman who wants to look extremely beautiful. BM Pro has won many accolades based on Banke’s work as a makeup artist. BM Pro has recently relocated to its new ultra-modern flagship store in dolphin estate ikoyi, which houses a spa, nail room, hair salon, photography studio as well as the makeup studio.
30. Leonette Galliano
Leonette Galliano left a successful corporate career to launch her business, making luxurious handcrafted, small batch body butters, cold processed soaps, body oils and candles under the brand Wema Bodycare in South Africa. Wema Cosmetics uses only natural ingredients that provide life and something positive to the skin. The company avoids the inactive ingredients (mineral oils, silicones) and those whose toxicity is not well known in the short or long term (parabens, ethoxylates). Wema Cosmetics does not create new requirements for the skin and limits the number of products to use to keep skin beautiful and healthy. Wema Cosmetics products are formulated without ingredients derived from synthetic chemistry or petro chemistry and use active ingredients that have undergone the least possible transformations. Wema Cosmetics reminds us of the authenticity of plants and minerals that are beneficial to our skin and our mindset. The products are made using carefully selected, high quality vegetable oils and butters sourced all over Africa including indigenous ones from Baobab, Mafura, Marula or Mongogo, all known for their fantastic moisturising and anti-oxidant qualities. Whenever possible the raw ingredients are procured from organic and/or responsibly produced crops directly from producers selected for their involvement in their community that are sourced in Southern Africa and in neighbouring countries.
Content Courtesy Of Lionesses Of Africa & Nairobi Fashion Hub
Taking Kenyan Fashion Industry to the next level, Kenya Fashion Awards Celebrates Local talents, The fashion industry in Kenya is no longer a reserve for the rich. This industry has come a long way because Kenyans not only want to feel good, but to look the part too.
For this reason, there is a new age crop of designers, both upcoming and established who have understood the need that Kenyans have to look and feel good. Competition is stiff and therefore only those who can interpret fashion trends and capture them in their designs carry the day. There are so many designers in Kenya today,
Most Influential Fashion Designer In Kenya
KikoRomeo
This is another leading design house based in Kenya employing many well-known designers. This fashion house is owned by Anne McCreath who was trained as a designer in Rome. Before coming to Kenya, Anne worked as a designer in Bercelona. Some aid work brought her to Kenya and after a number of years, KikoRomeo, a Swahili word that means Adam’s apple was born.
Her desire is to give Africans contemporary fashion inspired by their culture. One of the notable things that this design house has done is coming up with peace patches which were used to bring Kenyans from all walks of life together after the post-election violence in 1998 and also creating employment. You can view some of their collections and enjoy their variety and style.
1. Sally Karago
Of the veteran fashion designers in Kenya, Sally Karago stands out. She started her establishment, Mcensl Fashion House way back in 1992 and her designs are inspired by contemporary Africa. She was actually the first designer to incorporate the Maasai blanket and Kikoi fabric into her designs.
Her collection is dubbed “Made in Kenya by a Kenyan.” She also teaches fashion design since 2009 and has another brand – SK Collection that sells ready to wear clothes for all ages.
2. Wambui Mukenyi
There is no way Wambui Mukeyi could miss out on the list of top 10 fashion designers in Kenya to follow. Apart from being a sought after designer, she is inspirational because she is self-taught. This has seen her go on to receive national recognition.
She founded her label, which goes by her name, in 2009 where she started out with custom made outfits for branching out to African bridal wear. She uses luxurious fabrics in her designs with a little hint of African inspiration.
3. Yvonne Odhiambo
Yvonne Odhiambo is the clear definition of young, funky and trendy. She was among the few select designers who were chosen to dress personalities like Yemi Alade and the entire Coke Studio Band during the third season of Coke Studio Africa.
This was not her first taste of the spotlight though, because she also got the chance to dress Big Brother Africa contestants from Kenya – Melvin Alusa and Sabina Stadler in 2014.
4. Nick Ondu
Whenever you see Sauti Sol look stunning in their attire, especially Ankara, then you will get the desire to know who is behind all those looks. This is none other than Nick Ondu. He is the man that lets his magic speak for him in the way he dresses the boy band.
However, he is not restricted to men’s fashion. He has a wide variety of collections for women as well. Who wouldn’t want to follow a designer who dresses celebrities?
5. Evelyne Akinyi Odongo
Everlyne Akinyi Odongo is the founder and creative director at Akinyi Odongo Kenya is an authentic high end, rejuvenating and invigorating African fashion line by MEFA Creations, cutting across the local, regional and international apparel industry.
Inspired by a Kenyan fashion industry indefatigably knocking on the international market galaxy, Akinyi Odongo Kenya has tilted the establishment with African inspired designs exuding timeless sophistication, class and ever present diversity that has carved its niche in the local and international fashion arena.
From a village girl who milked cows and slaughtered hundreds of chicken a day, to a prestigious fashion powerhouse, evelyne akinyi odongo, 40, has smacked the odds with prowess that has attracted dignitaries for clients, including first lady margaret kenyatta.
Akinyi Odongo Kenya is now a bespoke designer of perfect cuts with refined details and fabrics that are of high quality yet sustainable for everyday use, a touch of rich African culture that creates the distinction. We talk the talk in targeting high net worth individuals from all over the world. Our Jackets, dresses, skirts and suits have been won by first ladies of African countries, presidential candidates, and corporate high flyers and hugely acclaimed by fashion enthusiasts.
She is an extraordinary story of passion, diligence, work ethic, integrity and God! With ‘fashion designer’ genes flowing in her blood, inspired by her mother, a ‘fundi’ (tailor) in a Small village Called Rangala In Siaya County in western part of Kenya who taught her the mastery of a sewing machine at a tender age, Evelyne Akinyi Odongo set up MEFA Creations a decade ago in the corner of her house humble beginnings. Her trailblazing journey, building her clientele from a handful of friends to celebrity endorsement status can only be typified by Evelyne Akinyi Odongo’s
6. Adele Dejak
Adele Dejak the brand is home to luxurious African inspired jewelry handcrafted in the heart of Kenya. Everything comes from materials that different African tribes would use to make their ornaments and trinkets. We have contemporary, artistic and wearable bags, necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets not forgetting some exclusive home decor items.
If you consider yourself sophisticated, edgy, trendy and fashionable, Adele Dejak is the brand for you, in creating jewelry, we are keen to use environment-friendly materials, celebrate cultures, teach technical skills and create employment opportunities. Due to our passion for fashion, we have been able to collaborate with big brands such as Samsung, Salvatore Ferragamo and AFI (Africa Fashion International in SA) among others.
Over the years, we have designed and launched several jewelry collections in the market. Our most recent is the Love Collection, inspired by the emotion that is so abundant in Africa. The Kobo Line features different sophisticated items for less than $100 and we have bags to suit different tastes. Adele Dejak The Brand also features a lifestyle collection of home décor items because your home should look as good as you do.
7. Anyango Mpinga
Anyango mpinga is an eco-innovator who has embraced the principles of circular fashion to explore radical systems in textile design and promote conscious consumption of apparel and accessories. She founded the eponymous brand in 2015, now renowned for its reimagined white shirts; bold prints; balanced between androgyny and a bohemian aesthetic. She designs with an ethereal quality that is reminiscent of the romantic victorian age while maintaining a sophisticated boyish edge. As a forward-thinking designer, anyango is exploring the use of emerging technologies to create biodegradable textiles.
Having created a social enterprise, her initiative free as a human tackles the humanitarian and environmental crisis of the explorative labor practices in the fashion industry. Free as a human raises awareness around human trafficking and the forced labour that occurs within supply chain in the fashion industry. The initiative supports the work of awareness against human trafficking (haart kenya), the first non-governmental organisation dedicated to combating trafficking in east africa. Profits are donated to the haart kenya shelter for young female survivors of trafficking.
Accolades Finalist green carpet fashion awards- milan (2019) Designer of the year- nairobi (2018) International design award, un itc geneva- (2016)
8. Vivienne Taa
Vivienne Taa is a bold and edgy fashion house that intricately blends African prints, contemporary fabric and designs into beautifully styled exotic clothes and accessories for fashion lovers, both men and women with a discerning eye.
Their designs draw inspiration from African culture, especially music and art. they are set apart by thier innovation, extraordinary workmanship and great attention to detail.
Among the newbies in the fashion industry in Kenya today is Vivienne Taa. Her label may be new in the market, but it offers a great addition to the Kenyan fashion world. She took up fashion as a hobby and it was only until 2016 that she decided to take it up as a full time job.
Her passion has made her see her designs showcased on major runways in Kenya like the Nairobi Fashion Week. Her label exudes elegance with a touch of the African culture.
9. John Kaveke
Initially designing for men only, John Kaveke’s designs are a perfect fusion of both African and Western cultures, which is evident in his choice of materials leather, cotton, tie and dye, linen silk and denim suede). He has since included women designs in his collections.
He has had the chance to showcase his work on both local and international platforms like International Smirnoff Fashion wards, Hub of Africa in Ethiopia, just to name a few.
10. Patricia Mbela
A household name in the fashion industry in Kenya, Patricia Mbela, under her brand name Poisa, produces collections for both men and women, alongside knitwear and jewelry.
She likes to call her brand ‘wearable art’ and has been showcased all over the world, with her most notable work being the Kenya Airways Millenium uniform design. She was also awarded the 2014 Top Kenyan Fashion and Jewellery Designer at the Kenyan Fashion Week.
11. Vaishali Morjaria
The founder of Vaishali Creations brings a rare combination of the African and Indian cultures to create an exquisite contemporary line. She derives inspiration from both cultures, as well as nature to create jewellery designs and clothing lines for both men and women.
Vaishali is an award winning Kenyan fashion designer she was born in Kisumu, Kenya., she finished all her formal education in Nairobi and proceeded to U.K for further studies (University) where is pursued her Education graduated with Dip Foundation Fine Art BA ( Hons) Fashion Design MA, PG, PG (Dip) Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products.
She worked as a mentor/ counselor and a PR consultant at the University. she was chosen Designer Maker 2006 by Brilliantly Birmingham. U.K.
Having won many awards, her designs have gained international recognition and praise from the media. Locally, she scooped the 2016 Designer of the Year (Women’s Wear) at the Jumia Glamour Awards.
Vaishali Morjaria was also in the same year chosen winner of the Platina Gallery competition in Sweden. she returned back to Nairobi in 2006 and was introduced to the fashion industry via the reality TV program: ‘Catwalk Kenya’ in which she stood as 1st runners up. Vaishali also started teaching A’ level Art and Design at Oshwal Academy Nairobi in the same year and doing collaboration with Urban Phunk ( free lance print designer for the Company)
The founder of Vaishali Creations brings a rare combination of the African and Indian cultures to create an exquisite contemporary line. She derives inspiration from both cultures, as well as nature to create jewellery designs and clothing lines for both men and women. Having won many awards, her designs have gained international recognition and praise from the media. Locally, she scooped the 2016 Designer of the Year (Women’s Wear) at the Jumia Glamour Awards.
12. Wambui Kibue
Ms Kibue’s she is the founder and CEO at Angelsmile House of Design, Wambui Kibue love for fashion started at an early age, she used to wear her mother’s outfits like shoes and fashion accessories. as time went by Kibue was inspired by the revolutionary fashion television show in the 90s; on CNN’s Style With Elsa Klensch. Wambui although she has a degree in Fashion Design, her skills were honed when she worked for Monica Kanari one of Kenya’s successful fashion designers.
Now with her own successful business, she has managed to win confidence of many local celebrities and is the designer behind the well-cut clothes and red carpet dresses of model Ajuma Nyasenyana, TV presenter Grace Msalame, celebrated film director Wanuri Kahiu, singer Sanaipei Tande and Muthoni “The Drummer Queen”, also a singer.
13. Jamil Walji
Jamil is one of the new designers, but he has the recognition of a seasoned designer. His fashion label, JW Couture, creates sophisticated designs that garner admiration from top fashion critics. He has embraced the couture culture with each line being so different from the next.
He has been in the Kenyan fashion arena since 2011 but has already won a couple of awards; the FAFA Insight 2012 (a competition for emerging designers) and the 2013 Kenya Fashion Awards Designer of the Year. He has exhibited his designs all over Africa, including very recently in Rwanda during the Kigali Fashion Week held in 2016.
14. Deepa Dosaja
Deepa Dosaja is one of the top designers in Kenya. She draws inspiration from nature in all its aspects – patterns, colours and even materials. Due to her love for nature, her label, which has been around since the 1990s, is fully eco-friendly.
She only works with fabrics made from natural materials such as silk, wool, linen and cotton. Her exquisite designs have been paraded on runways all over Africa and once in Europe too. In 1997, she participated (and organised) a fashion event in collaboration with the German Embassy in Kenya to raise funds for street children rehabilitation projects.
In 2013 she won the award for the ‘Most Influential Woman (MIW) Kenya’ in the in the Industries Sector. In 2015, the Oscar Award Winner Lupita Nyong’o wore a Deepa Dosaja outfit on one of her visits to Kenya that received worldwide acclamation.
15. Faith Migwi
Faith Migwi of Manciny Designs is another self-taught designer with a great reputation in the Kenyan fashion industry. She started her journey in 2012 founding 4 different brands; Eqo-chic, an eco-friendly brand that used recycled materials to make bags, Manciny, a men’s wear brand, Nyadhi, a women’s wear brand followed by The Urban Gentleman that provides styling (and design) services for men.
She has currently niched down to concentrate on the male segment, which is inspired by contemporary Africa.
16. Valerie Nyamwaya
Valarie Nyamwaya decided to take a different twist in the African fashion industry. Long before her graduation at Egerton University, she had already started doing what she is passionate about fashion design.
She is the co-founder of Afrivazi, a website that seeks to tell the African story in a different way, through fashion. Her website helps other Kenyan designers to sell their work on an affordable platform.
17. Sharon Mundia
Sharon Mundia, also known as, This is Ess, started her fashion blog in order to share little pieces of her life with the world. She has grown to become a household name in the fashion world.
She also allows other designers to showcase their products on her website. This is Ess is a one woman show and everything that goes up into the blog she does on her own.
18. Laura Lwala
If you thought that fashion designer is all about clothes, then you need to re-evaluate your definition of fashion design. There is another type of fashion apart from clothing and that is what Laura Lwala brings to the table.
She designs jewelry using beads and metal and she mainly uses brass. Public figures like Sharon Mundia and Cece Sagini have donned her pieces. One beautiful thing about her work is that her designs are unique; one piece is totally different from the other.