Rabia Usoro, CEO of Hareem Group, blends science and instinct to reshape corrective skincare with Bercēker, aimed at restoring African skin to its finest state
Bercēker is contributing to the African skincare conversation — stripping back the noise, the pressure, and the endless steps to offer something simple, functional, and deeply intentional. At its centre is Rabia Usoro, the Turkish-born, Nigerian-based CEO of the Hareem group. Her experience from mathematics and artificial intelligence to business leadership is as unexpected as it is compelling.
There is a charm to Rabia, the kind that belongs to someone with a passion rooted in emotion. Her educational background provides her an exceptional understanding of numbers, logic, and structure. She speaks with clarity, warmth, and conviction, yet leads with instinct, emotion, and deep attachment to the people and places she calls home, and Nigeria is one of these.
Her story moves between Istanbul and Lagos, academia and entrepreneurship, science and beauty. The African skin is as important to her as hers, as she has a family here. Her desire to create a product that her daughter’s skin converged into Bercēker — a brand inspired by myth, built on discipline, and shaped by a belief that skin can return to its strongest, most radiant state.
In this edit of The Woman Behind the Brand, Rabia discusses her journey guided by years of formulation and the determination to build a product and hopefully, a legacy.
From Istanbul classrooms to Lagos boardrooms
Rabia, you’ve lived many lives. Where did this journey begin?
I was born and raised in Istanbul, and I studied mathematics, computer science, and then artificial intelligence for my master’s. For a long time, I imagined I would stay in academia or pursue a tech career. But life has its own plans. I moved to Nigeria in late 2014, and truly, Nigeria became home for me. It changed everything in my story.
You often say you “became Nigerian.” What does that mean to you?
I married a Nigerian, built my life here, and built my dreams here. At this point, I identify as Nigerian — the country shaped my career, my family, and my purpose. When I create for African skin, I’m not creating for outsiders. I’m creating for my own family.
How did you go from academia to becoming CEO of the Har group?
It was unplanned. Three years ago, I joined Hareem [Istanbul] as Director of Marketing. Eight months later, I became CEO of the entire group — Hareem Istanbul Fragrances, Hareem Dream furniture, our restaurants, and our real estate investments. We operate across Turkey, Romania, Ghana, Nigeria, and also invest in Greece and Morocco.
My academic background actually helps me a lot. Numbers guide every decision. I approach investments logically — calculating value, return, and long-term viability.
Read also: Bercēker is redefining the skincare industry — by transforming myth into a daily ritual
What is Bercēker: A brand born from strength
The name, “Bercēker”, how did that come about?
It was inspired by Nordic Berserk warriors. Historically, they were known for having skin so strong it resisted weapons — they didn’t need armour. That idea of corrective strength shaped our entire philosophy.
Our focus isn’t on building something new on the skin. It’s about restoring what was always there — the purity, the resilience, the strength of the skin before environmental damage sets in.
Your “Hundred Faces of Radiance” event created a lot of conversation. What was the intention behind it?
Education. We wanted people to understand the ingredients, the philosophy, the science. Working with Marie Claire Nigeria and House of Tara, we created an environment where experts broke everything down clearly.
One of the most surprising moments was the toner. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive — even though it wasn’t my personal go-to product. That made me really proud.
You emphasise simple formulations, not overwhelming routines. Why?
Not everyone wants a ten-step routine. Many people don’t even know where to start. Bercēker is simple with three products and key ingredients — Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and the necessary nutrition your skin actually needs. We’re not chasing trends. We’re correcting, restoring, and strengthening.
What are the three products?
Bercēker has a Body wash, Body lotion, and Mochi Toner.
You’ve spoken openly about wanting to honour African skin. What does that mean in practice?
African skin has its own realities — uneven tone, dark spots, mosquito bite scars, and dryness. These are not “issues”; they are real-life concerns. Because I live here, because my family has African skin, I see these things every day.
My husband and baby both have dry skin that needs constant moisture. In Turkey, that’s not common — people barely need moisturiser. Here, hydration is essential. So our formulations respect that. They were made for people I love.
And you use the products on your baby?
Yes, I do. Especially the lotion. That’s how confident I am in the ingredients and in our process.
Bercēker took years to perfect. What made the process so intense?
Perfection. That was the standard from day one.
We refused to settle. After two years, our first formulation reached the fourth testing phase. It was “good” — but not perfect. So we destroyed it and started again.
The second round was easier because we had learned from the first. But it still required discipline and patience. Eventually, we reached a point where we all knew — this is the product.
How do you measure Bercēker’s long-term success?
Not through immediate sales. For me, the biggest KPIs are customer feedback and returning customers. If people come back — if they tell us their skin is changing — then we’ve succeeded.
I want Bercēker to become the kind of brand our children and grandchildren grow up with. A legend. Not just “today’s product.”
Get to know Rabia
What is the one product you can’t live without?
Lotion — always. But in general, perfume is my daily essential.
Most underrated beauty product?
Sunscreen. People don’t take it seriously enough.
Most overrated?
Under-eye patches. They rarely work as magically as people expect.
One ingredient you always look for?
Niacinamide. It smooths the skin and closes pores — something I’m very sensitive about. That’s why you’ll find it in so many Bercēker products.
Your perfect workday?
Quiet, focused, filled with numbers, strategy, and creative thinking.
Something most people don’t know about you?
I’m deeply sentimental — even though people assume I’m purely analytical.
Your go-to fragrance note?
Oud blended with soft florals — strong yet gentle, just like the brand I’m building.
A dream for Bercēker in one line?
To build a corrective skincare legacy rooted in strength, science, and sincerity.
Read more: Anita Omofonma on building ISIANOLA, bridging worlds, and designing luxury bags with intention
