Christina Funke Tegbe is the founder and creative visionary behind 54 Thrones, an African luxury beauty brand inspired by the richness, diversity, and culture of the continent and its people.
A southern-American childhood rooted with the cultural essence of Nigeria, Christina grew up experiencing the true and sacred beauty of Africa. Empowered by her Nigerian aunties who would indulge her with tubs of shea butter sent via Nigeria and moved by the ingenuity and innovation across the motherland, she answered the call to share the heart and soul of Africa with the world. In 2016, she left a career in corporate consulting to launch her luxury beauty brand.
With 54 Thrones, Christina aspires to spread the message that “Made in Africa is Luxury”. Determined to share the beauty and authenticity of an Africa often not seen, she partners with passionate artisans who handcraft the luxuriously skincare rich products that make up her brand.
Chatting with Christina Funke Tegbe, founder of 54 Thrones
Why Clean Beauty?
The origin of clean beauty is Africa. So choosing clean beauty came quite naturally to me. I source our ingredients directly from the women and men in Africa who grow and harvest them, and since our collection is inspired by African beauty rituals, clean was the only way to truly honor these ancient beauty traditions.
Your self care ritual: An indulgent weekly event or finding moments whenever you can get them?
Making moments to do the small, yet important things that I like. Lately I’ve been finding joy walking barefoot in my backyard with a glass of iced tea or sitting in grass reading an actual hardcover book.
The one product you could never live without?
Shea Butter!! My go to for everything, my favorite multi-use product.
I feel most beautiful when…
I’ve made someone else happy, especially a stranger. Interactions with people are a bit more scarce due to COVID, so finding moments to share a mask-covered smile has been bringing me joy lately.
What’s the #1 piece of advice you would you tell your past self just getting started?
I always told my past self to keep my head down and keep going. Also, don’t take advice from anyone who isn’t where you want to be or has gone where you’re going. Don’t wait until everything is perfect, launch, be nimble and quickly make iterations as you go.
What’s on the horizon?It’s going to be a delicious holiday season, that’s all I can say!
