Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye, the visionary behind Ami Colé, a clean beauty brand celebrating melanin-rich skin, recently shared insights into her journey of entrepreneurship and motherhood.
In a candid conversation with Essence, she delved into the challenges and triumphs of balancing personal growth with building a purpose-driven brand.
Growing up in Harlem, N’Diaye-Mbaye was immersed in beauty culture through her mother’s salon, Aminata African Hair Braiding. This early exposure instilled in her a deep appreciation for Black beauty and the importance of representation. After gaining experience at L’Oréal and Glossier, she identified a gap in the market for clean beauty products tailored to women of color. This realization led to the creation of Ami Colé in 2021, named in honor of her mother.
Ami Colé’s mission is to enhance natural beauty rather than mask it. The brand’s products, such as the Skin-Enhancing Tint and Lip Treatment Oil, are formulated with clean, non-toxic ingredients like baobab seed oil, reflecting N’Diaye-Mbaye’s Senegalese heritage. These offerings aim to provide a minimalist approach to beauty, celebrating the skin’s natural glow.
Motherhood has added a new dimension to N’Diaye-Mbaye’s entrepreneurial journey. She acknowledges the complexities of balancing business responsibilities with the demands of parenting, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. Her experiences as a mother have deepened her commitment to creating a brand that resonates with authenticity and purpose.
Despite launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ami Colé quickly gained traction, resonating with consumers seeking inclusive and clean beauty options. The brand’s success underscores the demand for products that cater to diverse skin tones without compromising on quality or safety. N’Diaye-Mbaye’s dedication to community engagement and transparency has further solidified Ami Colé’s reputation as a brand rooted in purpose.
As Ami Colé continues to grow, N’Diaye-Mbaye remains focused on her mission to redefine beauty standards and empower women of color. Through her leadership, the brand stands as a testament to the power of authenticity, cultural pride, and the pursuit of meaningful change in the beauty industry.
