The founder and CEO of Topicals Skincare, Olamide Olowe, is now known as the youngest black woman to secure over $2 million in venture funding at 26 years old.
This achievement landed her a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2022 after she completed a substantial $10 million financing round, with CAVU Consumer Partners leading the way.
Topicals, being the fastest-growing skincare brand at Sephora, has attracted Gen-Z consumers by running smart marketing campaigns on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Their eye-catching packaging and dedication to mental health advocacy have also played a significant role.
Established in 2020, the company experienced a remarkable three-fold revenue increase in 2021. They reached the impressive milestone of selling one product per minute in 2022.
Topicals’ core mission is to tackle the stigma associated with chronic skin conditions that impact over 85 million Americans. They achieve this by creating products supported by thorough scientific research.
Olowe, inspired by her own struggles with chronic skin conditions and her time at Shea Moisture while studying at UCLA, has played a crucial role in shaping Topicals’ values and beliefs.
Olowe noticed a significant lack of skincare products tailored to darker skin tones and set out to change the conversation about chronic skin conditions for diverse communities.
Topicals’ core belief centers around the importance of storytelling, encouraging discussions about mental health and pushing back against traditional beauty norms.
Olowe stressed the significance of thorough research and development to guarantee the effectiveness of Topicals’ products, even in the face of industry demands for constant product releases.
She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to confront their self-doubt directly and adopt the mindset of “Why not me?” as they start their entrepreneurial ventures
