Today we’d like to introduce you to Sipho Gumbo.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sipho. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up in rural Zimbabwe gave me a true understanding and knowledge of African flora and fauna. It was the lessons from childhood — river baths, sharing ancient beauty secrets and day to day lessons from my grandmother, aunts and community that helped me to develop the understanding of what it is to be a beautiful African woman.
It is from these roots that the inspiration for developing Yangu Beauty was derived.
I have always had extremely sensitive skin and as I got older it seemed to be getting worse. It was during my search for products that I could use on my skin (that did not have a tingling sensation) that I realized that women with darker skin tones have specific skin challenges which include: easy scarring and development of dark spots, dark circles under the eyes and puffy eyes, high irritation to many chemicals used in current cosmetic lines (tingling skin during use), and scarring acne. Ethnic skin tends to have larger pores which create production of excess sebum and this causes skin breakouts.
With my knowledge of ancient African oils and herbs that my grandmother and women in the village used when I was growing up, I decided to seek help from a veteran cosmetic chemist and from my husband (as a pharmacologist) to come up with a gentle line for women of color. Yangu Beauty used the power of cutting edge chemistry and pharmacology, African oils identified as soothing the skin since ancient times, and different types of African herbs as ingredients, to create a complete skin care line for women of color. The cosmetic line is fully vegan and relies on renewable resourcing and sourcing from African women who harvest them as part of their employment. It is created for women, by women.
Has it been a smooth road?
Entrepreneurship is never a smooth ride. It is particularly difficult being an immigrant woman of color. We have had our fair share of challenges.
The cosmetics industry is a very competitive industry especially for a new brand. We are a very unique brand for a very unique market. Getting the word out about this wonderful product line has been difficult. The products are amazing but people have to know about us. We have had to work hard to get known and have people trust us enough to try the products.
It is because of how common sensitive skin is to women of color that it is not easy even to convince people to try the products. Developing relationships with customers for them to be willing to try the products makes the process long. Those who try the products absolutely love them.
Another challenge that is common to start ups that we have faced is getting funding. It has been difficult to get the type of funding needed and to maximize awareness of the product line. We are still working on getting more people to know about the brand as well as seeking funding so that we can ramp up our growth.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Yangu Beauty – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a wife, mother, philanthropist, and entrepreneur born in Zimbabwe, Africa to Xhosa and Ndebele parents. I studied and attained my Bachelor of Arts degree in Traditional African Literature and received my graduate certificate in Healthcare Administration. I continued my education and attained an MBA in International Business thereafter. As the creator and founder of Yangu Beauty and Munhu, Inc. — a non-profit that supports and educates children orphaned by AIDS, I have always been passionate about helping my community and inspiring others to embrace and love themselves for who they are.
Founding Yangu Beauty has been such a joy. It is an evolving, Dallas-based scientifically advanced skincare line that uses traditional Bantu beauty herbs that have been tried and tested by African women over millennia. It is a natural, vegan, plant-based line that is free of parabens, animal products and artificial coloring. Women in Southern Africa gather the ingredients in an eco-friendly manner and it is a line created by women, specifically for women of color.
I am most proud that it is changing the lives of so many women, and helping them to see their skin and themselves more beautifully than ever before.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that there are so many diverse women and that Dallas is a progressive city that is open to the success of more private and independent beauty companies.
At times, it does seem that the Dallas beauty industry can be a tad oversaturated, however the quality of our product makes an impact with every customer who interacts with it, so we’re excited to see what the future holds for Yangu Beauty.
Pricing:
- Cleansing Whip for Oily Acne Prone Skin – $29.99
- Even Tone Serum – $69.99
- Moisturizing Day Cream – $65.00
- Gel to Milk Cleanser – $29.99
- Finishing Night Cream – $65.00
- Bright Eyes Cream – $65.00
- Renewal Oil Gentle Makeup Remover – $29.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yangubeauty.com
- Phone: 214-649-3834
- Email: info@yangubeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yangubeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yangubeauty/?ref=br_rs
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/yangubeauty
Image Credit:
Simon Lopez, Others Courtesy of: Yangu Beauty
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
