Meet Best Face Forward Makeup Studio: A Black-Owned Beauty Brand That Celebrates Women of Color
PARTNER BRAND SPOTLIGHT
In recognition of Black Philanthropy Month, WOC has chosen to amplify the incredible products and services of its partner brands, who have so generously allowed WOC members exclusive discounts. WOC has carefully curated its partners, who with the exception of publications, are all people or woman of color-owned businesses.
When we support economies of color, we are helping the philanthropic cycle thrive. Strong business = the possibility for raising and giving more funds to the causes that deserve them.
Did you know that WOC Advisory Committee member Adeshola “Shola” Akintobi is also an entrepreneur, in addition to being an expert fundraiser?
Shola is the Founder, CEO of Best Face Forward Makeup Studio, an on-demand beauty concierge with a line of beauty products. We caught up with Shola to learn about the story behind Best Face Forward Makeup Studio:
Adeshola “Shola” Akintobi, Founder, CEO, Best Face Forward Makeup Studio, LLC
WOC: What inspired you to start Best Face Forward?
Shola: I’ve always loved the transformative qualities of makeup and skincare. If you ask my mom, she’ll say Best Face Forward began the moment I plastered my cabbage patch doll with her favorite Fashion Fair foundation or perhaps the time I gave myself a beauty treatment at age three. In college, I turned my dorm room into a makeup salon before every party. I was obsessed with finding out the reason why certain foundations made my skin appear dry (too much titanium dioxide) or why finding a true match to deep skin complexion with yellow undertones was so difficult. The summer after graduating from business school I decided to turn my passion into a company. Combining a nickname (“makeupBFF”) with a mantra inspired from a quote from renowned author Toni Morrison’s Beloved “You are your BEST thing.” I set out to create a company that would provide our clients with pampering beauty services, education and products that would remind them to celebrate and cherish themselves. Best Face Forward Makeup Studio was born and we’re excited to welcome in our 10th anniversary next year.
WOC: Owning a business comes with many challenges but rewards as well — what has been the most rewarding experience of being a business owner?
Shola: The wonderful thing about being in the beauty industry is that I have a rewarding experience with every happy client. However, I will never forget the moment I opened a pop up shop at the Circle of Sisters Expo at Jacob Javits Center. It was my first time displaying my products to thousands of people over three days. I never worked so hard to pull everything together. The feeling of hundreds of women responding positively to our line of products was indescribable bliss. A moment I will never forget.
“I set out to create a company that would provide our clients with pampering beauty services, education and products that would remind them to celebrate and cherish themselves.”
WOC: With your experience, what advice would you impart for other budding Black Women and Women Entrepreneurs of Color?
Shola: Always be a solution. Within your specific industry, try to anticipate the product needs of your customer, put yourself in their shoes and ensure that your product adds value and is a viable and attractive solution to a problem/challenge that your customer experiences.
Visit the Best Face Forward Makeup Studio to learn more about their concierge and be inspired on Instagram! Read more about Shola’s work in nonprofit development.
WOC members can log-in to access your WOC-exclusive offer from Best Face Forward Makeup Studio.
