Delphine Okoronkwo Building a Beauty Empire

The eyes do not lie when they see beauty. And they certainly don’t when they meet DelphineOkoronkwo, the Chief Executive Officer of the beauty brand, Bare to Beauty. But for the serial entrepreneur, beauty is more than skin deep. It’s a powerful form of self-respect, empowerment and identity. Vanessa Obioha writes.

You may be forgiven for mistaking DelphineOkoronkwo for a beauty queen. With her flawless skin, statuesque height, and glowing face that could make the moon envious, she is such a sight for sore eyes and easily fits the mould of pageant contestants. Though she once modelled and still appears as a brand influencer, she never ventured into beauty pageants.

Of course, she is aware of this misconception about her persona, and this sometimes brings a smile to her face.

“It is more about the aura you project,” she said. “I believe every woman is a queen in her own right when she embraces her power, purpose, and presence. The way I carry myself with intention, elegance, and confidence, often aligns with what people associate with a “beauty queen.” But for me, true beauty is about substance. It’s not just about appearances but how you influence, uplift, and inspire others through your journey and presence.”

Okoronkwo emerged in the spotlight in her 20s. In the 2010s, she was one of the most sought-after celebrity makeup artists, with clients including Nollywood stars and prominent society women. She was frequently listed among young women making waves in Lagos’s entrepreneurial scene.

Today, she is known as a serial entrepreneur with interests in both construction and beauty. It was in 2012, that Okoronkwo left paid employment to set up her businesses. She founded Deldamivo Nigeria Limited, a construction, projects, procurement and logistics company in 2013. That same year, she founded Bare to Beauty, offering beauty services, and in 2018, she launched Bare to Beauty Cosmetics, a skincare brand. She also opened Del’s Place Mall in Lekki, a stylish hub for emerging businesses.

The eldest child of her parents, Okoronkwo had dreams of becoming a successful medical doctor.

“I was passionate about helping people and fascinated by the idea of healing. But life has a beautiful way of redirecting us. Today, I’m a successful entrepreneur in multiple industries, particularly in beauty, and I find fulfilment in empowering others and building brands that inspire confidence.”

Although not from an influential background, she credited her parents for their support and sacrifices. “They made sure we attended the best schools both in Nigeria and abroad. Their sacrifices, values, and disciplines laid the foundation for who I am today.”

A graduate of Microbiology from Igbinedion University and holder of a Master’s degree in International Business from Brunel University, London, Okoronkwo’s love for beauty and business runs deep. She attributed her entrepreneurial flair to both nature and nurture.

“I come from a lineage of hard-working, resourceful individuals, especially women who made the most of what they had,” she explained. “A good example is my mum, Mrs Mercy Nene Okoronkwo. Watching her turn passion into provision definitely planted seeds in me. But I also believe I’ve cultivated this spirit through exposure, curiosity, and experience. I’ve always been a go-getter, always questioning how things could be done better, smarter, or more beautifully. I think true entrepreneurs are born with that drive. But it takes dedication, vision, and resilience to truly turn that potential into impact.”

As a child, she showed interest in beauty and make-up.

“I was always the one doing friends’ makeup, mixing products, and paying attention to the tiniest beauty details that others might miss,” she recounted. “But I would say I truly developed a strategic knack for the business of beauty in my early twenties. That was when I began to deeply study the industry. Not just trends, but the science, market gaps, consumer behaviour, and branding. I recognised early that beauty wasn’t just an art form, it’s a powerful vehicle for empowerment, identity and transformation. That realisation turned my passion into a purpose and, eventually, a profitable enterprise.”

Future plans include expanding her business globally, investing in education and mentorship for young women, and eventually launching philanthropic projects that support healthcare and entrepreneurship in Africa.

Her scientific background also gave her an extra edge in the highly competitive beauty industry.

“I understand the chemistry behind skincare and makeup; how ingredients interact with each other and with the skin. When we formulate products at Bare to Beauty Cosmetics, I’m not just looking for what’s trending. We’re focused on efficacy, stability, and skin compatibility, especially for melanin-rich complexions. I ensure our products are evidence-based, safe,  non-comedogenic, and paraben-free to actually improve the skin barrier, not just cover imperfections. It’s this fusion of science and artistry that allows us to create products that are both luxurious and safe.”

Sustainability is also at the heart of her creations.

“At Bare to Beauty, we prioritise clean, ethically sourced ingredients. We work with manufacturers who uphold cruelty-free standards, and we’re slowly incorporating recyclable and biodegradable packaging into our product lines. But it doesn’t stop there. We also aim to educate our consumers on mindful beauty consumption. Choosing quality over quantity, and investing in products that nourish long-term rather than creating waste. Sustainability is not a checkbox for us—it’s a core value that influences our formulation, production, and distribution choices.”

While the beauty industry in Nigeria is brimming, Okoronkwo believes that funding, underdeveloped local manufacturing infrastructure, inconsistent regulatory standards, and high import duties, still pose a challenge.

“There’s also a gap in beauty education both for professionals and consumers, which affects product trust and proper usage.

However, digital platforms, increased awareness, and the rise of local brands are beginning to bridge these gaps. I believe the more we invest in infrastructure, training, and industry collaboration, the faster we can build a globally competitive beauty sector from within Africa.”

Oftentimes, beauty is often viewed with a Western lens where a fair complexion is the ideal. This often relegates African women because of their black skin. At Bare to Beauty, Okoronkwo is consciously changing that narrative by normalising the idea that African beauty is worth celebrating.

“For too long, African women have been underrepresented or misrepresented in the global beauty narrative. Beauty products can either alienate or affirm us, depending on whether we see ourselves reflected in the shades, textures, messaging, and values,” she explained.

“When a woman finds a foundation that truly matches her tone or a skincare product that understands melanin, it’s more than convenience, it’s validation,” she continued.

“Bare to Beauty is a brand built on that understanding. We formulate with melanin-rich skin in mind, and our mission is to normalise the idea that African beauty is luxurious, diverse, and worth celebrating. Our role in this movement is to restore agency to African women by giving them products that highlight, and not hide their natural beauty. We’re not just selling beauty; we’re selling confidence, representation, and identity.”

More so, she believes that beauty is a form of self-respect.

“It’s how we honour ourselves, how we show up, care for our bodies, and express our identities.”

“Beauty is deeply personal,” she added, “and it transcends filters, trends, or validation from others. It’s found in confidence, kindness, resilience, and creativity. As a beauty entrepreneur, I see makeup and skincare as tools not to conceal who you are, but to help you shine more boldly as who you’ve always been. That, to me, is real beauty: authenticity with intention.”

Her philosophy of beauty is reflected in her brand name, Bare to Beauty. She explained the concept behind it.

“‘Bare to Beauty’ is a love letter to every woman who’s ever doubted her reflection. It symbolizes the journey from raw authenticity to refined confidence. We all start ‘bare’- vulnerable, untouched, sometimes unsure. But with self-love, care, and enhancement (not transformation), we bloom into our most radiant selves. The brand is built around this philosophy: that you don’t need to become someone else to feel beautiful—you only need to reconnect with the most powerful version of yourself. Our products are designed to celebrate the “before” just as much as the ‘after.’”

Juggling two seemingly unrelated industries — construction and beauty — may seem daunting to most. But for Okoronkwo, both are just different expressions of vision and transformation.

“It might sound unconventional, but I see both industries as forms of creation. Whether I’m building a brand or a building, it’s about structure, vision, and transformation.”

Her formula for balancing the demand of both sectors is systems.

“I have strong, dedicated teams in both sectors, and I’ve learned how to compartmentalize. How to be fully present in one space without neglecting the other. Time-blocking, strategic delegation, and a solid support system are essential. And beyond that, I embrace duality. I’m proof that a woman can wear heels and a hard hat, and do it all with style and excellence.”

If there is one beauty product that Okoronkwo believes every woman should have, it is a high-quality moisturizer with SPF.

“It’s the foundation of every great beauty routine,” she said. “Hydrated, protected skin glows from within and holds makeup better. Many people underestimate the importance of sun protection especially with melanin-rich skin, but it’s crucial for maintaining even tone, elasticity, and long-term skin health. It’s not just about makeup, it’s about preserving and protecting your canvas,” she said.

For Okoronkwo, beauty in her world is not perfection, but power. Whether she’s mixing formulas or laying foundations, she moves with grace, intent, and a radiant belief that every woman deserves to shine.