3 min read
It’s Deeper Than Skin™
It’s Deeper Than Skin™ is a compilation of interviews featuring diverse multicultural individuals each carrying unique aspirations and desires yet bound by a common passion to create a more joyful, diverse and inclusive space for us all. They inspire, empower and help transform the way we think and feel about beauty, culture, ancient traditions, diversity, mental health, societal standards and more. Through these multifaceted lenses, we learn to celebrate our uniqueness and are reminded once again that our beauty is deeper than skin.
Abiola (@skinwithabiola) is a beauty blogger and founder of online retail store, Beeola Beauty Store. You can find her talking about all things skincare, from her recent skincare raves to personal skincare tips. Her love for skincare extends beyond her platform into Beeola Beauty Store, which not only offers beauty products but also nuggets of skincare education. We are excited to have her here today to share with us a little more about her thoughts and experience as a BIPOC founder in the skincare community.
Sachi Skin: Hi Abiola, it's so great to have you here. Could you share with us what inspired you to join the online skincare community?
I love skincare but more importantly, I really wanted to share my journey and knowledge with other skin lovers.
Sachi Skin: Tell us about your skin journey and how would you describe your current state of skin?
Right now, my skin is in its best state. It’s been a long and hard journey, especially dealing with hormone-related skin issues.
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Sachi Skin: What is your current skincare ritual?
I like to do the basics like cleansing, toning, serum and moisturizer and extra steps like a hydrating essence and sleeping masks.
Sachi Skin: Growing up, what skincare traditions or customs did you practice?
Unfortunately, I didn’t really do any skincare growing up.
Sachi Skin: What have you learned in your skincare journey that you would like to share with others?
Patience and consistency is key.
"Because they get it, BIPOC founders understand what it's like to be BIPOC and they understand how important it is that we’re not just afterthoughts and are also considered in the first stages of formulating a product."
Sachi Skin: If you could make one change happen in the beauty industry what would it be?
No more fear marketing tactics. I don’t have particular experiences to share, I just feel that there are other ways to market the efficacy of products without scaring customers into buying it with myths that are often untrue.
Sachi Skin: Do you have a favourite Sachi Skin product?
Right now, no, it’s amazing how they work great together to give me the best skin ever!
Sachi Skin: Why do you think it is important to support BIPOC founders in the beauty industry?
Because they get it, BIPOC founders understand what it's like to be BIPOC and they understand how important it is that we’re not just afterthoughts and are also considered in the first stages of formulating a product.
Personally, I feel that if you’re going to make a product for the public, it should be for everyone - not just people that look like you. More often than not, beauty products (makeup and skincare) are made for the lighter demographic, without dark skin issues in mind. For instance, treating hyperpigmentation on darker skin requires more than Vitamin C but many brands don’t take the time to create these products for dark skin that won’t totally alter our skin tone.
For me, supporting BIPOC founders serves as a sign to other creators in the community to “come with your products, we’d support you, just make great products and relax”. More importantly, when effective products are made for us, it sends a message to BIPOC customers that they are seen.
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Sachi Skin: What is it like setting up your own ecommerce store, Beeola Beauty Store and how do you think your experience as an influencer has shaped your business venture?
I’ve had my store for over 5 years now and it was hard at first, I started it as a preorder service and then transitioned into a full beauty store and my experience as a business owner has actually helped me as an influencer in lots of good ways. For me, I was lucky to have a relatively smooth journey as my business is set up in my home country Nigeria.
Sachi Skin: Tell us something that people may not know about you?
I love to dance.
Sachi Skin: Any movie, Netflix, book recommendations for us to binge on this weekend?
Grey’s anatomy!
Sachi Skin: What's next for you?
I am not entirely sure for now, but I know it’s going to be a great end of 2021.
