The Power of African Botanicals with Nana Addison
Following Berlin's vibrant Labor Day celebrations (you know how Berlin does it!) May 2nd brought a more serene atmosphere to Best Nights VC in Berlin’s Mitte, where we gathered for a captivating live podcast with the dynamic founder, entrepreneur, and powerhouse, Nana Addison!
With international recognition as one of Europe's 100 most influential women in the startup and venture capital space, today, Nana stands as the founder of two remarkable ventures – global beauty tech innovator Styleindi and the cosmetic startup Ancient Beauty, renowned for its African botanical-infused, hair texture-inclusive scalp and hair care products.
As the first black woman to independently launch two businesses in Germany, Nana has left an everlasting mark on the country's beauty and marketing landscapes, with Styleindi notably being the first Black women-founded Cosmetics CPG startup in German history.
“If it’s on your mind, it’s worth making it reality.”
The evening commenced with Nana sharing her remarkable journey, portraying a narrative of resilience and determination, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to uncovering nature's secrets. From humble beginnings to pioneering strides in the beauty tech realm, Nana's story deeply resonated with the audience, leaving an enduring impact on all who attended.The conversation delved into Nana's personal evolution, recounting her early beginnings into entrepreneurship and navigating through setbacks like private bankruptcy in 2015, which ultimately propelled her towards success in the beauty industry.
“Failure is often viewed as a taboo topic, but it's also a catalyst for growth and resilience.”
Now at the helm of Ancient Beauty, Nana is reshaping the beauty industry with inclusive solutions for hair, skin, and body wellness, revolutionizing Africa's global beauty supply chain while championing inclusivity and recognition. Her advocacy for indigenous botanical ingredients struck a chord with every guest present that evening, underscoring the universal importance of embracing diversity and authenticity in beauty.
As the evening drew to a close, and in now true WAA Podcast style, we were super excited to give one lucky winner Soundboks Go (Thank you Best Nights VC team for such a generous gesture!), as well as hand-picked products from Nana’s very own Ancient Beauty!
