What inspired you to start Epara?

I had been struggling with a skin problem for a few years and I couldn’t get any proper diagnosis. I thought it might be the quality of the products I was using. I then decided to experiment with African botanicals for my own use and found a formulation that worked for me. Upon seeing the improvement in my skin, friends started to ask for some of what I was using and that is how the idea came about to commercialise the discovery.

What are the big milestones you are looking to achieve with Epara in 2023?

I am looking forward to Epara expanding internationally.

Where would you like Epara to be in 5 years?

I hope Epara will be a successful skincare and lifestyle business in five years. I hope that we will be exceeding our stated revenue goals and are offering innovative products to the market by then.

You are also a Trustee of ‘The Baytree Centre’What made you get involved?

I wanted to give back to young girls and women. I have benefited immensely from several amazing mentors who just wanted to see me succeed. I felt that I could pay that forward by contributing in some way to an organisation that supports so well, women and girls in the community.

If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

If you mean starting out in business, I would say perseverance is key. Invariably, one would encounter some truly difficult moments when starting and running a business but if you just keep trying and keeping at it, you will overcome.

What’s been your proudest moment, so far?

I have quite a few but I still remember keenly the day that the idea we had thought out became reality – when I held the first final product in my hands. It was just great to see creativity come to life.

What experience shaped who you are?

I would say having a very international outlook amongst other things has shaped who I am today. The belief that I can survive pretty much anywhere has been incredibly useful. In the sense that it has given me confidence to take on challenges that looked seemingly insurmountable and having the ability to navigate the very diverse world in which we live today.

Which entrepreneurs do you respect and why?

I admire Pat McGrath because of her resilience in building an amazing brand focusing on quality.