Last week, Oke Maduewesi, the founder of Zaron Cosmetics quietly clocked 50. Except for her very close friends and associates, it was a hush hush a
Last week, Oke Maduewesi, the founder of Zaron Cosmetics quietly clocked 50.
Except for her very close friends and associates, it was a hush hush affair as Oke who abhors the limelight chose to celebrate her landmark age in faraway Portugal with her two children, family, close friends and acquittances which included Yewande Zacheus and Nike Ogunlesi.
At the birthday celebrations, everyone spoke glowingly about her. How that she is humility and grace personified, a truly sweet and pure spirit who is truly the glue that keeps everyone together. Her sister-in-law gave a phenomenal tribute in her honour that had all the attendees all in tears. She has also been described as a perfect example of resilience, tenacity and God’s grace.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the music that Keynotes, a musical band unleashed on the celebrant and her guests.
Indeed, Oke is a fine blend of beauty, brains and brawn.
Despite losing her husband in the Sosoliso crash of 2005 and being pregnant with their second daughter at that time, Oke has kept her eyes fixed on the ball refusing to be distracted by the pain of her loss. She has instead focused on delivering sleek premium quality products at affordable prices to enhance the lifestyle needs of African women.
Zaron was conceived whilst she was doing an MBA at Leeds Business School. Prior to that, she was working in one of the leading financial institutions in Nigeria until she decided to relocate to the United Kingdom with her two daughters who were four and two at the time in pursuit of her next chapter.
While in school, reviewing different business case studies and having this restlessness within, she knew without a doubt that she had to change the narrative of the Beauty and Wellness industry, which was one of the fastest growing industries at that time. Besides, there were no prominent African brands dominating the space at that time. So, she launched Zaron and allowed it to flourish.
Besides her thriving business, Oke is a source of inspiration to many young women and widows. Understanding the emotional needs of widows, Maduewesi has for many years through her Valentine’s Day outreach to widows, impacted on the lives of women who suffer the same fate of losing their beloved. This initiative of hers has helped bring succour to aching souls through acts of sisterhood.
