My name is Adelaide, I was born in Hamburg and have Ghanaian roots.
On September 1, 2018, I finally took the plunge as an entrepreneur into the cosmetics industry - for one decisive reason.
Even as a child, I suffered from extremely dry skin, an allergy to the sun and melasma - an inherited form of hyperpigmentation. In my teenage years, I developed severely blemished skin and other pigmentation spots. My dermatologists were at a loss. After numerous creams and ointments, they finally said: "That's the way it is with dark skin, it will go away over time."
When I tried to conceal my skin problems with make-up, the next disappointment followed: the drugstore had neither suitable skincare products for my skin type nor foundation for my skin tone. My self-confidence? Zero.
I quickly realized how big the gap was in the cosmetics industry - not only in the area of care for dark skin, but also for different hair textures. That's why, at 17, I started researching cosmetics, effective ingredients and effective routines. After many attempts, I developed a skincare routine that finally helped my skin, which was characterized by blemishes and pigmentation spots - and this did not go unnoticed by those around me.
Friends, family and acquaintances tried my enriched shea cream and also noticed improvements - and I knew that something could be created from my personal suffering that would also help others.
The decision had been made: I wanted to start a cosmetics company. Of course, I was aware that this would not be an easy path - especially not alone. But I had two options: Keep complaining or make a change myself. I opted for the latter.
And of course I could have focused on developing products for dark skin types only. But I knew the feeling of being left out - and I didn't want to follow in the footsteps of those who have been doing this for far too long. I wanted to show that it is possible to incorporate the needs of all skin tones, skin types and hair textures.
Since the launch of our first two products in February 2019, I have received numerous before-and-after pictures and valuable feedback - including from people with skin types that I cannot identify with, but with their desire to feel good in their skin.
Today, we at Unrefined Riches are constantly developing new skin and hair care products that work - regardless of color, texture or type. I'm excited to see what else is coming.
