Violet Amoabeng shares the reality of building a premium brand from West Africa. She reflects on leadership, legacy, and the delicate balance between science and tradition while building Skin Gourmet.
In the vast landscape of African beauty, some brands blaze a trail beyond the glow. Skin Gourmet, founded by Ghanaian entrepreneur Violet Amoabeng, is one of them. With its iconic tagline, “If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin,” the brand has redefined beauty through a radical philosophy rooted in purity, sustainability, and purpose. In an industry filled with complex formulations and commercial noise, Skin Gourmet remains committed to food-grade, handmade skincare produced ethically in Ghana.
Founded in 2014, Skin Gourmet didn’t follow the traditional blueprint of investor pitches or glossy brand decks. Instead, a personal skin issue, a jar of shea butter, and a life-changing realisation about Ghana’s raw ingredient potential sparked its creation. Beyond the products lies an even deeper mission: empowering local communities, elevating African ingredients, and restoring global faith in handmade skincare.
For Violet Amoabeng, the beauty business is more than marketing. It’s stewardship — one that honours God, the earth, and the people who contribute to every product jar. Her journey is deeply spiritual, fiercely entrepreneurial, and profoundly human, touching lives across the globe. Violet’s commitment to ethical sourcing, minimal waste, and social responsibility has turned Skin Gourmet into a movement, not just a brand.
This edit of The Woman Behind the Brand is about vision, resilience, grace and truth. Violet’s story isn’t one of overnight success, but of enduring purpose. Through her words, we hear the heart of a woman who is redefining beauty in her own powerful terms. She reminds us that beauty is really about how it lives, who it serves, and the legacy it leaves behind.
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Founding vision & entrepreneurial journey
What sparked the idea for Skin Gourmet, and when did you know it was something special?
Skin Gourmet didn’t start the way most businesses do. There was no five-year plan, no pitch deck, and not even a clue what I was doing. I had spent most of my life abroad: Uganda, Canada, the U.S., Tunisia, just surviving one day at a time with no real calling. When I returned to Ghana as an adult, something hit me hard. I couldn’t understand how Ghanaians abroad were these absolute juggernauts; top of their game, but back home, that fire seemed to be missing. I knew I wanted to help change that; I just didn’t know how.
Then in 2014, my lips wouldn’t heal. I tried everything but what was Ghanaian. A friend finally said, “Violet, just try shea butter.” I did, and within three days, my lips healed. That was my lightbulb moment. I wanted to create the best body butter the world had ever seen, using what Ghana already had. When I met the women behind the ingredients, the farmers, the producers, that’s when I truly knew it wasn’t just skincare, it was transformation.
How did your background in business shape your approach to building a skincare brand?
I was the head of procurement at my father’s bank, but it wasn’t glamorous. That job taught me discipline, systems, accountability and how to work with people. Being in procurement meant building relationships with suppliers, respecting timelines, and honouring people’s work. That translated directly to Skin Gourmet.
It was about becoming someone who could carry the responsibility of leading a purpose-driven brand. Business gave me structure, but it was the suffering that gave me strength.
What inspired the philosophy, “If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin”?
It’s simple — if it’s not good enough to eat, it’s not good enough for your skin. The skin isn’t a barrier, it’s a gateway. Approximately 60% of what you apply gets absorbed directly into your bloodstream. But beyond science, I never wanted to make anything that could harm people or pollute the earth. The wisdom from our Ghanaian communities showed me that skincare can be powerful and pure.
That’s why our products are versatile and 100% safe. One jar does it all: skin, hair, even baking. Skincare should be working harder than your wardrobe. Stewardship means thinking about what happens after the product rinses off — into rivers, soil, and oceans. That’s love in action.
What challenges did you face launching a premium natural skincare brand in West Africa?
What challenges didn’t I face? Convincing people that edible skincare was legit in West Africa was tough, but the biggest battle was with myself. Skin Gourmet forced me to confront my flaws as a leader. I had to unlearn the mindset of “I’m the boss” and embrace servant leadership. That shift broke me, then built me.
We didn’t have a big investor. We started with $45. But constraint breeds creativity. I learned to let go and allow purpose to lead. This was a movement for the women in northern Ghana, for the young team building dignified careers, for proving African excellence doesn’t need dilution. That’s how I navigate challenges: with faith, fire, and remembering why I started.
How did you expand into international markets like Europe and Asia?
We always dreamed of global reach but didn’t chase it the usual way. There was no big campaign or giant budget. We focused on the product, made it so excellent that people felt it and shared it. Customers became ambassadors; they carried Skin Gourmet home. Our growth was organic. That’s the beauty of integrity: people recognise it. We built relationships, not transactions. Sometimes we gave more than we got, but when you sow generosity, you reap loyalty. That’s grace.
Brand identity & impact
How do you maintain integrity as you scale Skin Gourmet?
Transparency isn’t a trend, it’s a responsibility. Scaling for us is about transforming more lives. Many of our producers are women in rural communities, and scaling doesn’t mean forgetting our roots. It means strengthening them. We’ve built traceability systems from origin to shelf. Every product is what it says it is. No fillers, no fluff. Scaling pushes us to innovate and, more importantly, to stay faithful to our mission.
What does sustainability mean for Skin Gourmet in the African context?
Sustainability is stewardship. It’s making sure beauty flows through the supply chain, not just to the customer, but back to the maker. We support regenerative agriculture, fair income models, and long-term viability. We ask: Can this last? Not just for us, but for the people and planet involved. Ethical beauty, for us, means everyone benefits. Beauty that lifts. Beauty that blesses. That’s good business.
How do you balance science with traditional knowledge in product development?
Tradition is our starting point, and science helps us protect and amplify it. We know our ingredients work because our communities have used them for generations. Science validates that wisdom for a global audience. It lets us certify products without compromising purity. We don’t choose between tradition and innovation; we use science to honour tradition and take it further.
What’s been Skin Gourmet’s best-selling product globally, and why do you think it resonates across diverse markets?
Hands down, our edible butters. They’re versatile, pure, and real. No fluff, just food-grade skincare you can use on skin, scalp, or even toast. People love simplicity, and when your product is honest, it sells itself.
Skin Gourmet is handmade and non-toxic. How do you maintain quality control at scale while keeping production in Ghana?
Making skincare safe enough to eat is no small feat. It requires constant testing, strict documentation, and staying close to every batch. We do everything by hand, here in Ghana, with no shortcuts. It’s expensive, it’s hard, but it’s worth it. When someone uses Skin Gourmet, they’re trusting us, and we don’t take that for granted. Scaling for us means stepping deeper into the process, not away from it.
Representation & authenticity
What does beauty mean to you, and how does Skin Gourmet contribute to redefining global beauty standards?
Beauty, for me, isn’t about appearance; it’s about impact. True beauty flows from within and touches the lives of others. As Scripture says, “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” That’s the kind of beauty I believe in.
Our consumers don’t just want to look good; they want to live intentionally. At Skin Gourmet, we promote beauty as stewardship. We honour the earth, nourish the body, and create products that are good for people and the planet. We’re not selling a look, we’re offering a lifestyle that’s generous, sustainable, and deeply conscious.
How much value do you place on African ingredients being acknowledged in global beauty?
It’s critical. African ingredients aren’t just trendy, they’re powerful and foundational to our mission. We honour them and the communities behind them. For too long, Africa has exported raw materials without gaining value. At Skin Gourmet, we create finished, world-class products here on the continent. This is about reclaiming ownership, driving impact, and showing that Africa can lead, not follow, in global beauty. It’s about investment, equity, and respect.
What misconceptions exist about African beauty brands and entrepreneurs?
A major one is that we’re less capable or need to be “perfected” elsewhere to be taken seriously. African beauty brands are not underdeveloped; we’re underestimated. We’re building with purpose, innovation, and excellence, even when the odds are against us. African entrepreneurs are shaping systems and setting new standards. What we need isn’t applause or pity, it’s access, recognition, and the opportunity to thrive on our own terms.
Skin Gourmet’s social media feels human and intentional. How do you balance personal storytelling with brand-building?
Thank you for the compliment; that means a lot. We create our content in-house with a team that’s deeply aligned with our mission. Zeena and Jonathan, who lead our storytelling, work closely with me to communicate Skin Gourmet’s heart. We focus on being real, not just relevant. Every post asks: Is this meaningful? Does it reflect who we are? Social media for us is about educating, connecting, and building trust. Beyond trends, it’s about sharing our truth.
Global vision
Global platforms have spotlighted Skin Gourmet over the years. How do you stay grounded amid international success?
The world sees the features. But on the ground, it’s a very different story. Yes, the recognition is lovely, praise God for it, but we’re not where we need to be yet. We carry a big vision that goes beyond visibility. The challenges are constant, the moving parts are many, and some days it feels less like being grounded and more like being buried.
This journey humbles you, it strips away ego and forces you to rely on faith. Success isn’t what people see; it’s the quiet persistence, the pivots, the prayers. What grounds us is knowing how far we still have to go. That gap keeps us focused and dependent on grace, not hype.
What’s next for Skin Gourmet? Any new products, collaborations, or markets ahead?
So much more is coming! It’s been 10 years but we’re only just beginning. We’ve built the foundation and found our purpose, not just as a brand, but as a movement. There will be new products, more impact, and deeper collaborations. But above all, more meaning. We’re creating value that empowers people through how we make and share what we do. The world has only seen the beginning; what’s coming is bigger, deeper, and far more disruptive.
If you could create the perfect “Made in Africa” beauty innovation, what would it be, and who would you collaborate with?
It wouldn’t just be a product, it would be a movement. Something that blurs the line between skincare and food. Deeply nourishing, sustainably made, and reimagining how we care for our bodies and the earth. I’d love to build it alongside other African beauty founders as visionaries. A product that combines wisdom from across the continent but carries the soul of Ghana. One that’s regenerative, collaborative, and time-defying. Innovation doesn’t have to dominate; it can unify, and I know it’s coming.
What lessons would you share with African beauty founders navigating growth, funding, and impact?
First, be passionate about your mission. Don’t chase growth for vanity. Purpose must anchor everything, or you’ll drift, and when one of us falls, it reflects on all of us. Guard your mission.
Second, always tell the truth. It’s humbling, but it helps you grow. Without truth, you’re building on sand.
Finally, ask for help. Learn. There’s no shame in not knowing, but pretending to know can block the support you need. If your work truly matters to you, you’ll do what it takes to protect it, even when it’s hard.
That’s the kind of leadership Africa already has: purposeful, grounded, and ready to build boldly.
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Personal Reflections
How do you practise self-care outside of your brand? Are there any rituals that help you recharge?
Self-care starts with God. Every morning, I walk and talk with Him; it’s how I breathe, how I process, how I stay whole. I journal my prayers, hopes, and conversations with Him. That quiet time recharges me more than anything else.
I’ve also learnt that rest is not a weakness. If I’m tired, I rest. I take weekends off, I don’t start work before 10 a.m., and by 4 p.m., I’m done. I keep it simple: God, family, work. That rhythm gives me peace. I don’t need to juggle everything—I just need to stay aligned with what truly matters.
What’s a beauty belief you’ve let go of, and what did it teach you about yourself?
I’ve let go of the idea that beauty is only skin-deep. Beauty is balance. It’s a lifestyle, it’s how you eat, how you think, how you treat people, and how you treat yourself.
No product can fix what’s happening inside if you’re constantly stressed, dehydrated, disconnected or unkind. You can have glowing skin and still feel empty if you’re carrying bitterness. True beauty comes with joy, self-awareness and how you make others feel. It also comes with discipline, eating well, staying hydrated, moving your body, resting, and nurturing your soul.
What does success look like to you today, and how has that definition evolved?
Today, success is when others succeed. I used to think it meant standing out, being seen, being recognised, proving you’re winning. Now, it’s far quieter. It’s when you contribute meaningfully to something bigger than yourself, even if no one knows. You know you showed up, gave, served, and the impact continues, even if they don’t attach your name. That’s success for me now. Not being the face of everything, but being the force behind something greater. That’s enough. That’s everything.
Get to know Violet Amoabeng
Your favourite Skin Gourmet product right now?
Groundnut and Cocoa Butter! But honestly, it changes with my season.
Go-to scent or essential oil for a good day?
Ginger and peppermint. Sharp, fresh, and grounding.
A beauty ritual you never skip?
Water. Hydration is everything.
A Ghanaian dish that feels like self-care?
Ghana bean stew with avocado. Warm, nourishing, full of quiet joy.
One word that defines Skin Gourmet?
Stewardship. Everything we do is rooted in care — for people, planet and purpose.
