Zimbabwean born, Canadian-based businesswoman Magdalene Lafontat is on a quest to address the needs of the black woman’s skin one product at a time. Working in aesthetics for over two decades opened her eyes to the need for more action in this regard. Equipped with all the knowledge she had gathered, she created a skincare line that would cater for black skin; Nakai (Nakai in Shona means ‘Be Beautiful’).
“There is a lack of understanding of black skin and how different ingredients and skin treatments affect our skin. We are now starting to see more products being made, but there’s still so much more room for creation of skincare products that are favourable to women of colour.”
Nakai was founded in March 2020, just as the COVID 19 Pandemic struck, and when asked how the timing affected the business, Magdalene answers boldly that she’s glad she launched it when she did.
“I started Nakai at the beginning of the pandemic, which many thought insane! I guess that’s why dreams are always your own and not for the masses. The response has been overwhelming already, we currently produce stock according to the orders we get. Our products are shipped worldwide, we are facing some hurdles when it comes to shipping due to restrictions but I know sales will definitely thrive once the pandemic is over. ”
With 19 different facial products on the range, the products cover all skin needs from cleansing to balancing, repairing, soothing, and healing.
“I wanted to make sure that I’m able to include products for different skin conditions,” Magdalene explains.
Magdalene is not scared of getting her hands dirty and she gets involved in the manufacturing process of her products. From the complex part of being involved in adding ingredients that she feels would compliment different skin types to choosing the packaging.
“I’d have to say my favourite part is studying ingredients and choosing what goes in where. And my least favourite part is writing and proof reading all the content that goes behind the products. Trying to write text that makes everyone understand why the products work the way they do is quite tedious. But it is all quite fulfilling.”
Commenting on her work principle, Magdalene says she doesn’t believe in the term side hustle. She believes in hard work, integrity and the guts to tell the truth instead of sugar-coating things.
“So if you’re an entrepreneur and you’re calling something a “side hustle” then that’s all it’ll always be! All the work that I put into Nakai is a full time job. I put 110% effort in my business. I don’t believe in the so called side hustle. For me that term represents a mentality that will slow you down from fully thriving.”
The Nakai range has a few body products lined up for release.
“My dream is to see professionals in the aesthetics field using Nakai products in their treatments rooms and retailing them to their clients.”
Magdalene believes in seizing the moment and advices all aspiring business people that the best way to venture into something is to just go for it.
“Do not self sabotage by trying to convince yourself that you’re not ready or not good enough, because you are! We all have a magic inside of us. Are you recognizing what your magic is? There’s no one way of doing things, there’s just your way. So just START!”
Get in touch:
www.nakaiskincarecosmetics.com
Instagram: @nakaiskincarecosmetics
Facebook: @nakai.totheworld
Facebook Group: “Let’s talk Skin with Magda”