Meet Toun Adeoba-Olawoye CEO of Mzuri

When it comes to skin care we know it’s a bunch of opinions out there and I had the opportunity to sit and talk with Toun Adeoba-Olawoye the CEO of Mzuri Cosmetics.

Why was it important to create your own skin care line?

My journey with Mzuri began from a personal struggle shared with my husband—we were both dealing with persistent dry, itchy skin and scalp issues. It was even more challenging when our children developed severe eczema, and despite years of searching, we couldn’t find natural shea butter-based moisturizers or lotions that met our needs. Eventually, we turned back to our roots in Nigeria, sourcing organic products locally to help soothe our family’s skin and hair needs.

Our vision grew from this experience: we wanted to blend nature and science to create premium, luxury skin and hair care solutions for others facing similar challenges. With backgrounds in clinical research and development, we began by mixing our own formulations at home, experimenting with ingredients like shea butter, coconut, and African black soap. The results were remarkable, leading us to launch Mzuri—a brand built on the natural, effective ingredients that transformed our family’s skin health.

What’s the meaning behind the name MZURI COSMETICS?

“Mzuri” is a Swahili word that translates to “Very Fine.” My husband, Tunde, often calls me his “Mzuri woman,” and to him, that word holds deep meaning. If you asked him to define Mzuri, he would say it represents beauty, elegance, radiance, and being virtuous — qualities he celebrates in me.

In naming the brand, Tunde wanted to honor that sentiment, and together, we envisioned Mzuri as more than just a product line. To us, the Mzuri Tribe embodies a community where each person celebrates their inner beauty, self-awareness, and confidence. Mzuri is about embracing who you are and feeling exceptional in your own skin.

​What product was the staple product of your collection?

All our body care and hair essentials are crafted with a base of nourishing shea butter and coconut oil, while our body washes and shampoos are enriched with African black soap alongside these ingredients. Every Mzuri product is packed with high-quality, beneficial ingredients for both skin and hair, so we don’t focus on a single “hero” product — each one is designed to deliver exceptional care. That said, we’ve noticed that our creamy body butters, body washes, and shampoo and conditioner have become customer favorites, with many returning to repurchase these products regularly.

​Tell us about who you are as an entrepreneur? And what made you begin this journey.

Entrepreneurship isn’t new to us. Tunde and I come from a lineage of strong, entrepreneurial women whom we consider the true definition of “Mzuri Women.” My mother, for instance, ran several successful businesses in the food and catering industry, managing restaurants in the heart of Lagos Island and providing corporate catering services. Similarly, my mother-in-law was what Tunde calls a “Jack of all trades”—a dynamic entrepreneur and service contractor with the Lagos state government.

My sisters, too, embody this entrepreneurial spirit; they’re successful businesswomen, ranging from a fabric merchant to an event planner, an aesthetic spa owner, and a luxury wig and hair extension expert. Tunde and I continue this legacy, balancing our own ventures with full-time careers in the pharmaceutical industry. I am an event planner specializing in destination events, as well as an after-party service provider locally, while Tunde oversees our real estate investments in the U.S. and operates an agro-allied business in Nigeria, where we have several acres dedicated to oil palm and cassava plantations.

We saw your products are unisex. What made you create this product for both genders? Why is inclusivity so important to you

We created Mzuri as a unisex line because we believe everyone deserves high-quality skin and hair care, regardless of gender. Inclusivity is essential to us because it reflects our commitment to making effective, accessible products that celebrate and nurture all skin types.

Where do you see your cosmetics company in 5 years?

In five years, we envision Mzuri Cosmetics as a trusted, leading brand in skin and hair care, recognized for our commitment to quality, inclusivity, and sustainability. We’re dedicated to expanding our product line, reaching a global audience, and making a positive impact in the beauty industry by promoting self-care and wellness for all. Guided by the belief that “For with God, nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37), we’re confident that with hard work and dedication, this vision is within reach.