Empowering Beauty Entrepreneurs: Adebusola Adu Leads a New Era in Natural Skincare

In an inspiring live session on the Afro Centuries Podcast, hosted by the vibrant Energetic EJ, natural skincare pioneer and founder of Forever Yasaph Academy, Adebusola Adu, shared her journey and expert insights on building a thriving brand in the beauty industry.

With over six years of experience transforming lives through education and formulation, Adebusola stands out as a trailblazer in Africa’s growing clean beauty space.

Adebusola, who began formulating skincare products in 2018 to address her son’s severe dry skin, has since grown her brand into a thriving academy serving learners across the globe. Her motivation stemmed from discovering how natural skincare could improve not just the skin, but also the immune system—an understanding that has shaped her passion and pedagogy.

“The skin is the largest organ of the body, and yet many people apply toxic products without knowing their impact,” she shared during the podcast. “I began with my family, and now I serve families all over. That’s the power of solutions rooted in care and knowledge.”

From DIY to Global Influence

Forever Yasaph Academy now trains students in cosmetic formulation, empowering them with the skills to launch sustainable brands of their own. Adebusola’s impact extends beyond product development—her approach nurtures confidence, business structure, and technical excellence.

“We provide not just formulas, but a foundational understanding of skin and hair science,” she explained. “Even if students are not formulating themselves, this knowledge helps them serve their customers ethically and effectively.”

Her commitment to excellence has made her a respected figure in the industry, with numerous testimonials from graduates who describe her teaching as “different” and “transformational.”

Five Pillars for Aspiring Skincare Entrepreneurs

During the episode, Adebusola outlined five key steps to launch a successful skincare or haircare brand:

1. Define Your Niche: Decide whether you’ll focus on skin, hair, or both—starting with one simplifies your entry into the industry.

2. Skill Acquisition or Outsourcing: Choose whether you’ll formulate in-house or pursue private labeling. Either way, a basic understanding of formulation is essential.

3. Understand Legal Frameworks: Comply with national regulations like NAFDAC in Nigeria to ensure product safety and build trust.

4. Invest in Branding: Strategic brand storytelling and packaging distinguish your product in a competitive market.

5. Clarify Distribution Channels: Determine whether to sell online, in stores, or through distributors to align with your business model.

Global Reach Through Digital Strategy

Adebusola’s strategic mind also extends to marketing. On Instagram, she uses SEO-rich usernames like @learnhowtomakenaturalsoaps to attract a global audience searching for practical knowledge. This innovative approach to social media branding has led to significant conversions and positioned her as a thought leader in the space.

“That username was deliberate,” she noted. “People go online looking for how to make natural soaps. Why not meet them there?”

A Legacy of Purpose

Despite her quiet demeanor, Adebusola continues to overcome the challenges of visibility and competition through consistency, education, and a strong sense of purpose. “Being an introvert and a perfectionist made it hard to show up at first,” she admitted, “but I knew I had something valuable to offer.”

As she helps others build their dreams in the multi-billion-dollar beauty industry, Adebusola Adu is not only shaping skin—she’s shaping destinies.