Caveat: A 2.5-minute read.
Today, I am thrilled to share a pivotal update on our journey as we step into a new chapter of growth and expansion.
For those who might not be familiar, let me take you back a bit: we’ve been working on plans to take Olori across the pond to the US for a while now.
The process was birthed in the summer of 2019 when I attended Cosmoprof North America, the world’s largest beauty trade show.
However, the unforeseen arrival of the pandemic in 2020 momentarily halted our progress. Undeterred, over the past two years, relentless dedication has fueled the development of our products, shuttling between Lagos and LA, driven by an unwavering ambition to materialize the grand aspirations harbored for our beloved Olori.
Our primary objective was clear: to reimagine our revered DamageBeGone line, crafting an offering tailored meticulously for our entry into this new market - using all the learnings and feedback of the last 7 years as an opportunity to create a more homogenous and simplified offering, with effective formulas that deliver on an amazing experience. In addition, we redesigned our packaging to stand out on store shelves and to look amazing on your vanity counter.
Then I realized, this wasn't merely an expansion; it was akin to birthing a new entity from scratch. Every facet, from registrations to trademarks, from cultivating new social media platforms to curating a distinct e-commerce website, demanded meticulous attention and orchestration.
However, amidst this whirlwind of creation, I found myself navigating not just the realm of business but also embarking on the deeply personal journey of motherhood.
Two amazing things to be doing at the same time
balancing these two profoundly transformative experiences simultaneously presented its challenges. Yet, in the pursuit of this audacious mission, I traversed continents while expecting, delved into product development, weathered the ebbs and flows of fundraising, embraced motherhood, and persevered through formulation intricacies, postpartum adjustments, and the solitude that sometimes accompanies the path of a solo-founder.
Today, I stand here with immense pride and joy to announce that we've reached a milestone.
Our vision is crystallized. We are not an "African-inspired" brand.
We are an authentic African brand, nurtured in the heart of Lagos and now crafting our offerings in the USA. Our mission remains steadfast – to create and deliver products designed for the diverse spectrum of multi-textured hair types worldwide. Our formulations are imbued with integrity, sourced directly and ethically from small, women-led cooperatives in West & Northern Africa, ensuring sustainability at every step of our journey.
This moment is huge.
It’s the result of sweat, tears, and a whole lot of belief in what we’re doing. We’re not just building a brand; we’re building a legacy—one that’s all about being true to who we are, delivering top-notch quality, and celebrating beauty that knows no boundaries.
I couldn’t have done any of this without your incredible support and belief in what Olori stands for. So, get ready to join us on this epic ride as we dive into this new chapter together!
XO,
Toyin
P:S - You may now pre-order products from our new range here.
Ship By Dates will be advised upon the placement of your order.
For the moment – we will be shipping to US addresses only. I also invite you to check out our spanking new US-enabled website: www.oloribeauty.com , and to follow us on our new socials here.