At just 26 years old, Olamide Olowe has solidified her place as a trailblazer in the beauty industry.
As the CEO and co-founder of Topicals, a revolutionary skincare brand, she has not only disrupted the beauty scene but also made history as the youngest Black woman to raise $10 million in funding.
A Journey Fueled by Passion and Innovation
Olowe’s story began at UCLA, where she attended on a full scholarship for track and field and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and entrepreneurship.
While still a freshman, she was approached by Rochelle Dennis, the daughter of Shea Moisture’s founder, to help launch a new beauty brand tailored for young women.
The result was Shea Girl, a project that gave Olowe her first taste of entrepreneurship.
The success of Shea Girl ignited Olowe’s ambition to create a brand of her own. Drawing inspiration from her personal struggles with chronic skin conditions and the lack of inclusive solutions for darker skin tones, she teamed up with Claudia Tang to launch Topicals in August 2020.
Within 48 hours of its debut at Nordstrom, Topicals sold out—proving that Olowe had tapped into a market hungry for change.
The brand, which focuses on reducing the stigma around skin conditions while offering clinically-backed, inclusive products, has become a favorite among Gen Z and millennials alike.
Making History and Breaking Barriers
In addition to her brand’s commercial success, Olowe has achieved a milestone that few can claim. In 2023, she made history by raising $10 million in funding for Topicals, a feat that underscores her exceptional vision and tenacity.
Her accolades go beyond numbers; they represent a broader shift in the beauty industry. Olowe is not just building a brand—she’s fostering a movement that champions representation, inclusivity, and self-love.
Celebrating Olamide Olowe
Olowe’s rise is a testament to the power of determination and purpose. From her early days as a college student with a dream to her current status as a game-changer in skincare, she exemplifies what it means to create with impact.
“They’re tryna keep up with her at this point,” and rightfully so.
Olamide Olowe isn’t just the “new hot topic” in skincare—she’s rewriting the rules of beauty with innovation, heart, and purpose.
Her story is a celebration of breaking barriers and empowering others to follow in her footsteps.
