Shades & Layers
Shades and Layers is a podcast focused on black women entrepreneurs from across the globe. It is a platform for exploring issues and challenges around business ownership, representation and holistic discussions about the meaning of sustainability in an increasingly complex global context. Conversations are wide- ranging and serve not only as a Masterclass in Entrepreneurship but also provide wisdom and tools for Successful Living. It is a space for meaningful conversation, a place for black and other women of color to be fully human and openly share their quirks and vulnerabilities.
Guests include prominent figurers in the beauty, fashion and wellness industries both in the Northern Hemisphere and the Global South.
Dr. Theo Mothoa-Frendo of USO Skincare discusses her journey from being product junkie to creating an African science-based skincare range. Taryn Gill of The Perfect Hair is a brand development whizz who discusses supply chain and distribution of her haircare brands. Katonya Breux discusses melanin and sunscreen and how she addresses the needs of a range of skin tones with her Unsun Cosmetics products.
We discuss inclusion in the wellness industry with Helen Rose Skincare and Yoga and Nectarines Founder , Day Bibb. Abiola Akani emphasizes non-performance in yoga with her IYA Wellness brand and Anesu Mbizho shares her journey to yoga and the ecosystem she's created through her business The Nest Space.
Fashion is all about handmade, custom made and circular production with featured guests like fashion designer Maria McCloy of Maria McCloy Accessories; Founder and textile/homeware designer Nkuli Mlangeni Berg of The Ninevites as well as Candice Lawrence, founder of the lighting design company Modern Gesture. These are just a few the conversations on the podcast over the past three years.
Shades & Layers
African Dermal Science with Dr. Theo Mothoa-Frendo (S1, E8)
This week's episode of Shades and Layers breaks the mould a little, with a look at a "cosmeceutical" brand, Uso Skin Care. So far, we have explored the indie beauty industry, but once you hear the story of founder and CEO of African Dermal Science, Dr. Theo Muthoa-Frendo, you will understand why this story is important.
There are three important things to learn from Theo's journey:
- Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve
- Start where you are and use your network
- Success has a lot to do with how well you understand yourself and how you use the resources around you
Uso Skin Care products sit alongside international famous brands at the Edgars department stores in three Southern African countries. This is a first for a black, woman-owned beauty brand from South Africa, and hope you will enjoy hearing how Theo and her team made it happen.
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