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Rising Stars: Meet Vanessa Onwughalu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Onwughalu.

Hi Vanessa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I launched Taos Beauty in London in 2013. I didn’t quite get everything right. I eventually moved to West Africa to learn more about women of colour and appeal to their makeup needs. Being there I realised they didn’t have great indigenous brands and with a lot of research , study and growth I relaunched in 2016. More intentional, New Logo, New Vibe! It was on and up from there. We brought in the first matte liquid lipsticks to Africa. We had over 65 distributors worldwide, 15 stores worldwide that carried the brand and over 10,000 makeup artists worldwide that had used the brand and continuously create beautiful content on social media varying from instagram, YouTube, twitter, TikTok . I moved to the USA in 2023 and expanding the brand daily. Currently have Taos Beauty in 5 beauty stores and looking to expand more.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been several struggles, inventory, logistics, staff, however the products always speak for themselves and shine through and above the struggles. I always say the most important characteristic a founder needs to have is RESILIENCE.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m proud of my attention to detail and being known for Quality.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that Houston is THATTT city. The food is amazing! As someone that has lived in 5 different cities I appreciate all Houston has to offer.

Contact Info:

Open makeup palette with six red and orange shades, marble-patterned case nearby, on pink background.

Young woman in pink gown sitting on a floral arrangement, framed by a glowing square, with flowers around her and behind her.

Black matte powder palette with six circular shades on a beige background with scattered circular spots.

Three tubes of foundation with swatches on a light background, arranged diagonally.

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