During my research, I was appalled to discover that 85% of women in Kenya don't feel represented in the beauty industry. I want to change that. We need to include all kinds of beauty. You will notice our models don't fit the stereotype. We pride in being untamed rather than being the fairest of them all.In my 20's I modelled for fashion designers in Asia and Middle East. Sometimes I'd never get the job beacause I was either, too short, too skinny, too dark, there was always something.Untamed Beauty encourages women to show up unapologeticaly and refuse to fit in a box. To celebrate their own authentic selves without conforming. Why be the fairest of them all when you can be untamed?
KB: What's your definition of 'beautiful'?Being confident in your own skin and showing up unapologetically.KB: What were the most important factors that you considered while creating Untamed Beauty?Quality was a top priority for us. Our products are also vegan, cruelty and paraben free.We also had to keep in mind that these products were for the Kenyan and the African woman hence we tailor made it to suit our clientele.
KB: How involved were you in the process of creating the products?I was 100% involved from testing the quality, hues, design and branding to visiting the factories in person.I worked with amazing people. Stephanie Gitonga and Victor Maina helped a lot with products targeting the millennials and the millennials at heart.KB: Do you have a favorite product from Untamed Beauty?I see all my products as my babies. Hence no favorite. I love all of them!However the NairoBerry eye palette went viral just a few hours of launching it. It's an eye palette that resonates with Kenyans due to the colour shades being named after famous sheng words.View this post on Instagram
The eye palette also looks like a chocolate with a berry in it hence we changed 'Nairobbery' to something sweet and positive-NairoBerry.
My favorite lipstick is Prayer Warrior and Opulence. Prayer Warrior is Strong and Bold and suits all African skin hues, while opulence is grand and extravagant. We have received very good reviews on our lipsticks as well.
KB: On the days when you're not feeling so hot but still have to go out and be an untamed beauty what do you do?You just answered the question. I show up as an untamed beauty.KB: How will you stay on top of an already saturated market? What's the strategy?Jack Ma once said "Stop focusing on competitors. Focus on the customer".Our customer's feedback is key. We will always work close with our customers as that's our most priced and valuable asset in our business.KB: What has surprised you the most about the response to Untamed Beauty?I didn't expect our brand to be recognized this fast. It has been a very pleasant surprise to see people embracing our campaign and buying our products less than a week after our official launch.View this post on InstagramIsn't she beautiful? Queen Petronila with her " Prayer Warrior" lippie.
KB: What's next for you and the world of beauty?Continue to offer luxury for less while shattering the stereotypes of beauty in Kenya and all over Africa. The dream is for our products to be in every country in Africa and for all black girls to know they are beautiful as they are.
