Chidiogo Mbelede is redefining skincare for African women by championing science-led, intentional beauty rooted in self-worth, heritage, and wellness. In this interview, she shares her journey, challenges, and the bold future she envisions for melanin-rich skin.
African beauty brands are claiming their place in the global industry with confidence and science-backed innovation, and the brilliant women leading them are inspiring. Among these trailblazers is Chidiogo Mbelede, founder of House of Coco, a skincare brand rooted in purpose and powered by intention.
With emphasis on safe, effective and locally formulated skincare, House of Coco speaks to the needs of women who want more than just the glow. They want integrity, wellness and most of all, they want good skin health. In a country where colourism and bleaching practices persist, Chidiogo has made it her mission to challenge beauty norms and offer empowering alternatives.
Before launching her brand, she actively invested in women’s development and confidence-building. House of Coco is the natural result of that passion — blending science, heritage, and advocacy in one elegant product line. It’s skincare for the intentional woman, rooted in wellness, not quick fixes.
In this edit of The Woman Behind The Brand, Chidiogo Mbelede shares the story of how House of Coco came to be, the movement it represents, and her vision for the future of African beauty.
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The journey
What’s the story behind House of Coco? What was that one moment you knew, “I have to do this”?
House of Coco was born out of both personal passion and purpose. As someone deeply invested in personal development and women’s empowerment, I saw skincare as a powerful way to help women feel more confident in their own skin. The defining moment was when I realised how widespread unsafe skincare practices — especially bleaching — had become in our community. I knew I had to create something that stood for skin health, heritage, and science-backed beauty. That’s how House of Coco came to life.
Did beauty play a big role in your life growing up? What early memories shaped how you see beauty today?
Absolutely. Beauty played a big role in my life growing up. I have always tied beauty to self-care and rituals. I remember watching my mother with her cocoa butter and simple skincare routines — nothing elaborate, but always consistent. Those memories taught me that beauty is less about covering up and more about caring for yourself with intention and love.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the journey of starting a beauty brand in Nigeria?
It’s not all gloss and glam. It is supply chain battles, navigating foreign exchange fluctuations, dealing with policy inconsistencies — and still showing up to create something meaningful. It takes structure, grit and a deep sense of purpose to keep going.
How Chidiogo Mbelede built the House of Coco brand
House of Coco has such a distinct feel — clean, soft, and grounded. What kind of woman did you envision when building the brand?
I built House of Coco for the intentional woman — soft yet strong, ambitious yet grounded. She appreciates the science, but also honours tradition. She wants more than beauty; she wants balance.
What’s one product from your line every woman should try at least once, and why?
Our 7% AHA + 2% HA Renew Resurfacing Serum. It’s a powerful but gentle exfoliating serum that really embodies our philosophy: science-based, results-driven, and melanin-respecting. It’s transformative, especially for acne-prone or hyperpigmented skin.
What challenges have you faced in establishing House of Coco in the Nigerian beauty industry? How have you overcome them?
The biggest has been scaling manufacturing locally with the right standards. We overcame it by building our own lab and formulating in-house. It gives us full control and helps us keep our promise of transparency and safety.
In what ways does House of Coco contribute to the local community and economy?
We are 100% female-owned, and over 90% of our staff are women. We prioritise sourcing ingredients locally where possible, support local artisans, and actively educate on safe skincare. Our brand isn’t just a business; it’s a platform.
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Representation and African beauty
How do you perceive the evolution of African beauty standards, and where does House of Coco fit within this narrative?
African beauty is in a powerful moment of reclamation. We’re shedding old colonial hangovers and redefining beauty on our own terms. House of Coco is part of this new wave — one that says, “Your skin is not a flaw to fix.”
What excites you most about the beauty space in Africa right now, and what do you think we’re doing differently?
We’re becoming bolder. There’s more innovation from within — African brands telling African stories and creating products for our specific skin needs. We’re no longer seeking validation outside, and that’s exciting.
How does House of Coco celebrate African heritage and ingredients in its product line?
We proudly use jojoba and argan oil, and other native ingredients, not just for tradition’s sake but because they work. Our brand also educates on African skin science — showing that our skin type deserves its own tailored solutions.
The future of African skincare
What innovations do you foresee shaping the African beauty industry in the next 5–10 years?
Science-backed formulations, AI-powered skin diagnostics, sustainable packaging, and local research & development innovation. Personalisation will also play a bigger role.
How is House of Coco preparing to adapt to these upcoming trends and consumer needs?
We’ve already built an in-house formulation lab and are exploring tech integration into our skin consultation process. Sustainability is also on our radar — especially for refillables and recycling initiatives.
What is your vision for the future of House of Coco, both locally and internationally?
Locally, we want to be the go-to brand for safe skincare solutions for melanated skin. Internationally, we want to export African skincare excellence to the world — led by women, powered by science.
If you could dream up one major milestone for House of Coco in the next 3 years, what would it be?
A flagship skincare wellness centre in Lagos — a space that blends science, tradition, consultation, and self-care. A haven for African skin.
Personal insights
In building a beauty brand that celebrates women, how has your understanding of femininity and power evolved?
I’ve learnt that femininity is not weakness. There’s deep strength in softness. Real power is nurturing, intentional, and wise. House of Coco reflects that evolution.
Reflecting on your journey, what is one key lesson you’ve learned that you would share with aspiring entrepreneurs?
Clarity is your compass. Know why you’re doing it, and that “why” will carry you through every challenge.
Can you share a personal beauty ritual or philosophy that you live by?
Skincare is self-respect. No matter how tired I am, I cleanse, tone, and moisturise. It’s a way of saying: “I matter.”
Get to know Chidiogo Mbelede
Go-to beauty product when you’re in a rush?
A tinted SPF by Fenty Beauty — glow and protection in one.
Scent that makes you feel instantly powerful?
Christian Dior Oud Rosewood smells divine!
Skincare step you’ll never skip, no matter how tired you are?
Hydrating! I have three hydrating products in my routine — rosewater toner, hyaluronic acid serum and peptide moisturiser.
A beauty trend you secretly love and one you don’t understand at all?
Love: glossy, radiant skin.
Don’t understand: extreme contouring — it hides the face, not enhances it.
One word that describes how you want women to feel when they use House of Coco?
Whole.
