By Manny Ita
Imagine a world obsessed with a singular definition of beauty, a world where dark skin is seen as a flaw to be corrected, not celebrated. This is the extant reality that the beauty industry was faced with prior to 2017, when Temitope Mayegun, founder of Avila Naturalle embarked on a divinely inspired mission – to providing solutions to problems the toxic beauty empire had been brewing with organic based beauty products.
Bleaching the Skin has been around for a while and skin lightening creams, often laced with dangerous chemicals like mercury and lead, promising a lighter, flawless complexion are more like Trojan horses, bringing beauty at the cost of ravaged skin, damaged organs, and a nervous system under siege. The desire for lighter skin, fueled by a legacy of colonialism and white supremacy, had morphed into a global phenomenon with a devastating impact on health and self-esteem.
Mayegun sees the battlefield for what it was – a war against self-love waged by dubious beauty standards. Avila Naturalle became birthed as a brand armed with natural ingredients and a fierce commitment to healthy skin. Their products are a revelation – effective, safe, and kind to even the most sensitive skin. But the fight isn’t just about products. It is about education, about shattering the myth that fair skin equals beautiful skin.
The battle against skin bleaching isn’t a solo mission. Mayegun recognizes the vital role of government regulations and media awareness. Initiatives like Rwanda’s “Black is Beautiful” campaign and the Minamata Convention, which restricts the use of mercury in cosmetics, offer rays of hope. But the fight also needs you – the individual who chooses self-love over societal pressures. Let your melanin shine, celebrate the beautiful tapestry of skin tones that graces our world.
Avila Naturalle’s journey is a testament to the power of natural solutions and unwavering determination. They remind us that true beauty lies not in conforming to unrealistic standards, but in embracing the skin we’re in. It’s a call to reject the toxic and celebrate the natural, a reminder that we are all beautiful, in every shade and hue. As Mayegun herself says, “The diversity of skin colours is what makes each and every one of us beautiful and special.”
Temitope Mayegun’s vision extends beyond creating exceptional skincare products. For her, Avila Naturalle is a platform to inspire positive change. The company’s “Be-You-Tiful” campaign is a testament to this commitment. By engaging with Africans of àll ages, Avila Naturalle is sowing the seeds of self-love and body positivity.
Beyond the products and the advocacy, Avila Naturalle’s impact ripples through the community. With a growing team of 150 and a distribution network spanning the country and betond, the company is not just creating jobs but also empowering individuals. Mayegun’s emphasis on a shared value chain ensures that success is distributed across the board, fostering a sense of shared ownership and purpose.
Avila Naturalle’s story is one of remarkable growth. It all started with a modest investment in coconut oil – just 30,000 to be exact. Today, the company boasts over 2,000 distributors and a passionate team of 150. Their success lies not just in their products, but in their core values – integrity, innovation, and a commitment to creating a shared value chain. Their distributors aren’t just business partners; they’re allies in the fight for natural beauty.
The journey for Avila Naturalle is far from over. The global skin lightening market remains a behemoth, fueled by unrealistic beauty standards. But with brands like Avila Naturalle leading the charge, there is hope for a future where beauty is defined by health, confidence, and diversity.
Mayegun’s leadership, coupled with the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, positions Avila Naturalle as a beacon of hope in the beauty industry. As they continue to grow, their impact on the lives of individuals and the environment will undoubtedly expand.
The story of Avila Naturalle is a testament to the power of vision and the potential of natural solutions. It’s a story of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast belief in the beauty of every individual. As the brand continues to evolve, it carries with it the promise of a healthier, happier, and more inclusive world.
