Atlanta Welcomes Ghanaian Skincare Brand R&R at Fashion Week
Atlanta has recently become a buzzing hub for beauty aficionados and fashion enthusiasts, thanks to the exciting U.S. debut of the Ghanaian skincare brand, R&R. This momentous occasion took place during the lively events of Atlanta’s Fashion Week, where the brand showcased its incredible skincare line that features shea body oil, whipped shea butter, and pure black soap. All eyes were on CEO and founder Valerie Obaze as she aims to connect people with African super ingredients that possess a treasure trove of benefits for healthy skin.
Finding Inspiration
Valerie’s journey toward launching R&R was deeply personal. After the birth of her daughter, she and her husband packed their bags and moved from London to Nigeria. During her quest for natural skincare products, Valerie faced a stark reality. Despite being in the heart of Africa, the shelves were suddenly filled with international brands and there was a noticeable absence of pure African offerings, particularly the ever-valuable shea butter.
“I definitely saw that there was a gap there,” Valerie shared during an Atlanta Fashion Week mixer. The observation was more than just a business opportunity; it was also about a need for authentic products. Her mission evolved into creating R&R, a brand that not only focuses on high-quality skincare but also strives to uplift the community.
Empowering Women Through Skincare
What truly sets R&R apart is its commitment to empowering women, especially in Northern Ghana. For over 470,000 women farmers, shea nuts are not just crops; they are the lifeline that supports their families. Despite Ghana being one of the world’s leading producers of shea kernels, Obaze observed that the economic landscape for these rural women had not improved over decades, as major pharmaceutical brands controlled the market.
To remedy this issue, she initiated the Women of The Savannah Development Project (WSDP). This fantastic initiative focuses on sourcing raw materials from the very women who harvest them, allowing these individuals not just to participate but to thrive in their own businesses. “We have to empower women,” she emphasized passionately. “I’m a woman, I have three daughters, and definitely the women are the leaders of the future.”
Overcoming Challenges
Being a Black female entrepreneur isn’t without its challenges, especially in the manufacturing sector in Ghana and Nigeria. Facing difficulties in securing funding has been a part of the journey; however, Valerie has successfully created her own supply chain and fostered relationships that specifically focus on women and people of color. This journey has bolstered her ambitions to expand R&R beyond Africa to the U.S. and Europe.
Currently, R&R operates three flagship locations: two in Accra, Ghana, and one in Lagos, Nigeria. But that’s not all—Obaze has exciting plans for pop-up locations across the globe. After all, it’s about bringing Ghana to the World!
Changing Perceptions
Valerie is determined to change the narrative that often surrounds products from Africa. “I think for the longest time, people have thought that everything that comes out of Africa is insubstantial,” she pointed out. “We’ve proven otherwise with the music, with the fashion, with the film. Now I think it’s beauty’s time to have its moment.” Her vision is to showcase that, yes, Africa can offer luxurious, well-packaged, and high-quality beauty products.
A Grand Finale
To commemorate its Atlanta debut, R&R is hosting a special pop-up event at Bloomingdale’s in Lenox Mall from 12 pm to 6 pm on the weekend of October 5-6. This gives beauty lovers yet another opportunity to experience the magic of African skincare—and perhaps walk away with a treasure or two of their own!
With passionate innovators like Valerie Obaze leading the way, the future looks bright for African beauty products—both in Atlanta and around the globe. Keep an eye out for this groundbreaking brand, as it continually aims to connect people to the cherished natural ingredients of Africa.
