Delphine Okoronkwo is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Bare to Beauty Cosmetics, a Nigerian owned makeup brand. With a degree in Microbiology from Igbinedion University, Okada, she holds a Masters’ degree in International Business from Brunel University, London. In 2013, Okoronkwo delved into entrepreneurship and runs Deldamivo Nigeria Limited and Del’s Place mall alongside ‘Bare To Beauty’ cosmestics. In this interview with GERALDINE AKUTU, she shares her entrepreneurial journey and her thoughts on the beauty industry.
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How did you get to where you are today?
My journey has been fueled by passion, resilience, and a clear vision. From an early age, I knew I wanted to build a beauty empire, but I also understood that passion alone wouldn’t be enough. I needed knowledge, strategy, and relentless execution. When I started, I immersed myself in research, studying the industry, understanding formulations, and identifying gaps in the market. I focused on creating an affordable luxury brand that merges high-quality products with accessibility. Along the way, I made sacrifices, took risks, and learned from every setback. I also surrounded myself with the right people—mentors, industry experts, and a strong team that shares my vision. Success in business doesn’t happen overnight, but by staying committed to my goals and adapting to challenges, I’ve been able to build something I’m truly proud of.
What were the initial challenges you had to overcome when you started?
Breaking into the beauty industry is tough, especially when you’re an independent brand competing with billion-dollar companies. One of the biggest challenges was finding the right manufacturers who could bring my vision to life while maintaining the quality I demanded. It took a lot of trial and error, but I refused to settle. Gaining customer trust was another hurdle. People already have their go-to beauty brands, so convincing them to try something new required a strong brand identity, transparency, and a focus on delivering results. Funding and scaling were also major challenges. I had to be strategic about budgeting, reinvesting profits into the business, and making smart financial decisions to grow without compromising quality. Every challenge taught me something valuable and helped shape the brand into what it is today.
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How did your background and upbringing influence your professional career?
I grew up surrounded by strong, ambitious women who valued confidence, independence, and hard work. Beauty was always present in my life, not just in the sense of looking good, but as a way to uplift and empower. I saw how a great lipstick or a flawless complexion could instantly change someone’s mood and boost their confidence, and that stuck with me. My upbringing also instilled in me a strong work ethic. I wasn’t handed success; I had to earn it. From a young age, I understood the importance of discipline, financial independence, and having a clear vision for my future. That mindset shaped the way I approach business today. I embrace challenges, push boundaries, and never settle for less than excellence.
What does ‘Bare To Beauty’ Cosmetics stand for?
‘Bare To Beauty’ Cosmetics is about confidence, inclusivity, and self-expression. Whether you love a natural look or bold glam, our products enhance your beauty without masking who you are. We believe luxury should be accessible to everyone, and we’re committed to creating clean, high-performance formulas that deliver results. Most importantly, ‘Bare To Beauty’ is about celebrating beauty in all its forms. We want our customers to feel seen, represented, and empowered every time they use our products.
What roles do you think mentorship plays in the industry?
Mentorship is invaluable. The beauty industry is competitive, and having guidance from someone who has already navigated the challenges can save you years of trial and error. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who helped me avoid costly mistakes, and I now make it a priority to mentor others. Beyond knowledge, mentorship opens doors. It provides connections, insider insights, and emotional support. For anyone starting out, I always recommend seeking mentorship. Whether through networking, social media, or formal programmes. Learning from those who have walked the path in any business before you is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Do you see makeup as a form of self-expression?
Absolutely. Makeup is deeply personal. Some people use it to enhance their natural beauty, while others use it to make a bold statement. It’s a way to tell a story, express emotions, and even shift moods. For me, makeup has always been a creative outlet. It allows people to experiment with different versions of themselves, whether they’re feeling playful, powerful, or elegant. That’s why ‘Bare To Beauty’ is about giving people the freedom to create—whether they prefer a soft, everyday glow or a dramatic, statement look.
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The beauty industry is constantly evolving. How do you keep up with industry trends?
Staying ahead of trends requires a combination of research, intuition, and listening to my audience. I keep up by mainly studying consumer behaviour, attending industry events, and collaborating with beauty influencers and experts. Social media is a powerful tool, it gives real-time insights into what people love, what they’re frustrated with, and what’s missing in the market. However, I don’t just follow trends—I focus on innovation. Instead of chasing what’s popular at the moment, I ask, “What’s next?” That’s how ‘Bare To Beauty’ remains relevant and continues setting new standards in the industry.
Can you mention the women in the beauty industry that inspire you?
There are so many, but a few that stand out are Pat McGrath, Rihanna, and Huda Kattan. Pat McGrath’s artistry and innovation have shaped the beauty world in incredible ways. Rihanna changed the game with Fenty Beauty by prioritising inclusivity in a way no mainstream brand had before. Huda Kattan built an empire from her passion, proving that authenticity and persistence pay off. Each of these women have broken barriers and redefined beauty in their own way, and that’s something I deeply admire.
Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?
The moment a client looks in the mirror after a makeup session and smiles—that’s everything to me. Seeing their confidence light up, watching them fall in love with how they look, and knowing I played a part in that joy is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work. I also love product development. There’s something magical about taking an idea and turning it into something tangible. From formulating to testing, refining shades, and perfecting textures, I love every step of the process. But nothing compares to seeing real people use and love what I’ve created.
What has been a major learning curve in your career?
Scaling a business while maintaining quality has been a huge learning curve. Growth is exciting, but it has to be done strategically. I’ve had to refine my supply chain, improve operations, and learn to trust my team so that we can expand without compromising on excellence. Another major lesson has been learning to let go of perfectionism. I used to overthink every little detail before launching a product or campaign. Now, I’ve learned that progress is better than perfection. Launch, learn, and refine along the way.
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As a serial entrepreneur, how do you combine your various roles effectively without one affecting the other?
Balance comes down to prioritisation and delegation. I structure my time carefully, focusing on what needs my immediate attention while trusting my team to handle other aspects of the business. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to step back sometimes; when I’m working on ‘Bare To Beauty’, I’m fully present, and when I shift to another venture, I give it the same dedication. The key is knowing when to be hands-on and when to trust the systems I’ve built. Time management, organisation, and having the right people around me have made it possible to juggle multiple roles without one suffering.
What changes would you like to see in the industry?
I want to see more transparency. Consumers deserve to know exactly what’s in their products and how they’re made. Sustainability is also a huge priority—brands need to take real steps toward reducing waste and creating eco-friendly packaging. I also want inclusivity to go beyond just shade ranges. True inclusivity means diverse representation in campaigns, leadership, and product development. Beauty should be for everyone, and the industry still has work to do in making that a reality.
What is your favourite piece of advice for female entrepreneurs?
Believe in yourself and take action. Every industry including the beauty industry is competitive, but if you have a unique vision and are willing to put in the work, you can create something incredible. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start now, refine as you go, and never stop learning. Confidence and consistency will take you further than you can imagine.
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