Nubian Skin…. tell us how it all started?
Nubian Skin was essentially born out of frustration. I wanted a product that I couldn’t find in shops, so I decided to create it. I knew I couldn’t be the only one who felt the same way.
Do you have any advice for your new entrepreneurs wanting to get their brand out there?
In general new companies don’t have much a budget, we certainly didn’t so social media is key. It’s been our most effective marketing tool and allows you to directly engage with our audience and customers.
There was clearly a gap in the market! You have an incredible social following and some amazing supporters of the brand. I’ve even spotted Jourdan Dunn in Nubian Skin - how did that come about?
I had no clue how to market Nubian Skin, and I was a novice at social media like Instagram and Twitter. I put an image of the models on Instagram and then my phone kept buzzing - I had 10 followers on Instagram, then 50. In four weeks we went from 50 followers to 20,000. The support we received has been pretty amazing. At one point our followers jumped and I realised that Kerry Washington had retweeted an article about us. I think a lot of our supporters just thought it was a cool idea a long time coming.
It’s great you had so many powerful women backing the brand - You talk about empowering women – what is the key to female empowerment?
Feeling comfortable in who you are is such an empowering thing, and I want women to really embrace their colour because no matter what shade you are, it’s beautiful, and that in itself is a very empowering concept.
Your Instagram feed is full of inspirational quotes do you have a role model?
My mum is my biggest role model and cheerleader.
You’re clearly super-busy and have an audience to keep updated. Do you have much time to yourself - How do you relax?
To be honest, it’s hard to switch off though I’m much better at it now. This weekend for the first time ever, I switched off the notifications on my email on a weekend away. It’s all about baby steps. To really unwind there’s nothing like coming home putting on some comfy pyjamas (Yawn naturally), making dinner and sitting in front of the TV. When I actually get out of the house, I love travelling, seeing friends, doing a bit of yoga and generally taking advantage of being in a great city like London.
Nubian Skin is still fairly young what is your vision for the future?
There is so much we have in store. Right now we’re focusing on expanding our size range and then we’ve got lots of exciting things in the pipeline, so watch this space!
Quick fire bedtime questions
Night Cap or Night Cream?
Night cream definitely. I might not get lots of sleep, but the world doesn’t need to know that by looking at me.
Story time or FaceTime?
FaceTime. My parents live in Nigeria, so there are lots of FaceTime calls filled with a lot of laughter.
It depends on the season. Right now, I’m all about the PJs. I absolutely adore all my Yawn PJs of which I have a fair few now ;)
You can find out more on Nubian Skin here - www.nubianskin.com