Delphine Okoronkwo is the CEO of Bare to Beauty Cosmetics, one of the fastest-growing Nigerian-owned makeup brands that aims to provide affordable luxury makeup products to every woman.
Delphine Okoronkwo attended Igbinedion University Okada where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology. After serving her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Adamawa State for one year, she left the country to England for a Pre-Masters education at the London Institute of Business and Technology (LIBT); graduating with a degree in Business and Management. Soon after, she entered Brunel University London and obtained a Masters Degree in International Business.
Eventually, Okoronkwo returned to Nigeria working as the Personal Assistant to the CEO of Vectis Capital. Not long after, she became the Executive Assistant to the Group Managing Director of a Multinational company A.G Leventis Nig. Plc.
However she has always had a strong Entrepreneurial spirit and a compelling passion for beauty; motivating her to resign in 2012 and instead, launch her companies: Deldamivo Nigeria Limited in 2013(A Construction, Projects, Procurement, and Logistics Company), Bare To Beauty in 2013 (A Beauty Services Company), Bare To Beauty Cosmetics in 2018 (A Beauty and Skincare Products Brand), and Del’s Place Mall in 2018 (A Trendy Business Hub for different businesses located in the heart of Lekki 1). She has successfully grown all these Businesses and earned herself a reputation in not just the beauty industry as one of the Best Beauty Entrepreneurs in Nigeria, but also as a brawny Business woman.
She is also a top celebrity makeup artist to some of the biggest celebrities and high profile women.
In this interview with IFEOMA OKEKE-KORIEOCHA, she speaks on her journey to founding Bare to Beauty Cosmetics, how she sources raw materials for her products and how she deals with counterfits, amongst others
From studying Microbiology in university to founding a cosmetics business; why the shift?
I’ve always loved and had a very deep passion for beauty in general. My background in Microbiology provided me with a scientific foundation that fuels my understanding of product formulation and safety, which are essential in cosmetics. So over time, my passion for beauty grew and then came the desire to bridge the gap between science and luxury, creating products that are not just effective but also safe and innovative.
Take us through your journey of founding Bare to Beauty Cosmetics.
The journey started with a vision: to make luxury makeup accessible to women of all backgrounds. I identified a gap in the market for high-quality, affordable beauty products tailored to diverse skin tones and needs. After extensive research, collaborations with experts, and overcoming challenges, Bare to Beauty Cosmetics was born—a brand rooted in inclusivity and sophistication.
How do you source materials for your products? Are they locally or internationally sourced?
We adopt a hybrid approach, sourcing some ingredients locally to support our economy while obtaining specialty materials internationally to maintain our high-quality standards. This ensures our products meet both global benchmarks and the specific needs of our customers.
If internationally sourced, how is the fluctuating high exchange rate affecting your business?
The high exchange rate presents challenges, but it has also pushed us to innovate. We’ve optimized supply chain efficiencies, negotiated better contracts, and explored local alternatives where feasible, all while maintaining our commitment to luxury and quality.
How do you provide luxury makeup at an affordable rate without compromising quality?
We achieve this by adopting sustainable practices, building strong relationships with suppliers, and investing in innovative technologies that streamline production. By cutting unnecessary costs and focusing on our customers’ needs, we ensure affordability without compromising on luxury.
Did your experience in England during your pre-Masters at LIBT influence your business decisions?
Absolutely. My time in England exposed me to diverse cultures and business practices, fostering a global perspective. It taught me the importance of market research, branding, and customer-centric strategies, which are now central to Bare to Beauty’s success.
What success stories have you recorded since you commenced Bare to Beauty?
From wining multiple awards in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, to becoming a household name both in Nigeria, other African countries and some parts of the West , to launching best-selling products, to partnering with influential figures in the beauty, lifestyle, and other industries, Bare to Beauty has consistently surpassed milestones. The Service Part of the business just clocked 8 years while the Cosmetics part just clocked 6. We are very proud of all our accomplishments and we return all the glory to God almighty for His Grace.
Who are your target market and why?
Our target market is women who seek affordable luxury without compromising on quality— Makeup artists, celebrities, professionals, students, and beauty enthusiasts who want products that reflect their individuality and style.
What are the major challenges facing the beauty industry today, and how can the government address them?
The industry faces issues like counterfeit products, inadequate regulation, and high import duties. The government can help by enforcing stricter quality control measures, supporting local manufacturers, and reducing tariffs to promote fair competition.
What differentiates your products from other renowned beauty products in Nigeria?
Our products stand out for their inclusive shades, luxurious feel, and commitment to affordability. Additionally, we prioritize sustainability and cruelty-free practices, which resonate deeply with today’s conscious consumers.
How do you deal with counterfeits and ensure your products are not counterfeited?
We use advanced anti-counterfeit measures like unique serial codes, tamper-proof packaging, and QR code verification. Educating our customers about purchasing through official channels also helps combat counterfeit issues.
What is your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to pitch their tent in the beauty industry?
Start with a clear vision, and never compromise on quality or your values. Research your market thoroughly, stay adaptable, and invest in building relationships. Most importantly, be resilient and passionate about solving real problems for your customers.
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