I’ve always been drawn to contrasts the balance between old traditions and modern confidence, between deep cultural roots and today’s bold self-expression. As someone with a wheatish-brown skin tone, I grew up in a beauty world that rarely represented me. The shades didn’t match, the tones didn’t feel right, and the spirit behind the products never reflected people like us.

As a researcher in R&D and a trained cosmetologist, I spent years studying formulas, skin behaviour, and colour science. The more I learned, the clearer it became there were huge gaps in the beauty industry, especially for brown-skinned people. Brands spoke about inclusivity, but they didn’t truly create for us. Most products still followed a one-shade-fits-all idea, even though our skin and especially our lips like mine — often have multiple tones. I knew this needed to change.

That is why I created Shades of Brown a brand built with honesty, intention, and deep understanding. My science background helped me design formulas that work with our skin, not against it. My love for our culture inspired shades that connect our past with our present colours that feel rooted yet modern. Shades of Brown is more than makeup. It’s a reflection of who we are. It’s a movement to celebrate every shade, every undertone, every story. A canvas of culture, crafted in colour  made for every shade of brown.