Being a young, black, female entrepreneur has a lot to do with empowerment. By offering locally made natural African cosmetics, Nova Blooms aims to empower African women. They can join a transformative movement of self-love and conscious beauty that enables them to affirm their roots and be proud of their heritage.

Ingrid Tenekam

Cosmetic products are largely imported into the West African nation from industrialised countries. Many of these products contain ingredients that pose health risks to the consumers, including burns and abrasions. The sale and use of skin lightening creams, which have detrimental effects, further exacerbate the issue. With Nova Blooms, Ingrid is striving to make a difference in the lives of Cameroonian women.

The young entrepreneur is convinced that both taking care for yourself and taking matters into one’s hands can be completely transformative. That’s why she is doing two things: She produces and sells beauty products that are made locally and contain natural ingredients only. She also teaches other young women how to create their own beauty products. This not only broadens their horizons and sparks creativity but also boosts their self-confidence. Ingrid, who grew up in a low-income community in Cameroon, is driven by her a vision of a world where everyone has equal opportunities.

When we care for ourselves, we feel confident and able to take on the world. We can make life changing decisions, stand up for what we believe in. And by so doing, we inspire other women to stand up too, and together we can change the world for the better.

Ingrid Tenekam