Dr. GIO Cosmetics has made history in Korea as the first Black-owned K-beauty brand and the first brand of its kind to be owned by a Black woman, Grace Ijeoma Okafor. As a Black woman living in Korea, Okafor saw an opportunity to combine the advanced nature of Korean beauty products specifically to solve problems for those with dark skin tones and people of color.
The brand's debut product is the weightless Ultra 7 Brightening Foundation Cushion, which creates the look of airbrushed skin. The brand chose to start with this product as its first because Okafor recognized it as the number one K-beauty product that's "lacking in inclusivity." Unlike comparable brands that only offer a range of light colors, Dr. GIO Cosmetics makes deep shades like Aisha, Chioma and Bisi.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Black-owned K-beauty Brands
- Creating more diversity and inclusivity within the Korean beauty industry through products made specifically for people of color.
- Inclusive Beauty Products
- Offering a wider range of products that cater to a diverse customer base within the beauty industry.
- Entrepreneurship in Diverse Industries
- Exploration of entrepreneurship by individuals from diverse backgrounds within the beauty industry.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Beauty Industry
- Opportunity to increase diversity and inclusivity within the beauty industry by creating products that cater to all skin types and shades.
- Entrepreneurship
- Promoting and supporting entrepreneurship within diverse communities to foster innovation and bring new ideas to industries.
- Cosmetics Industry
- Increased focus on expanding product diversity within the cosmetics industry by catering to a wider audience.
