By Theresa Moses
Entrepreneur, beauty innovator, and founder of the award-winning skincare brand 54 Thrones, Christina Funke Tegbe lit up the stage at the just concluded GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 masterclass, delivering one of the most insightful and authentic conversations on business, creativity, and Africa’s place in the global beauty economy.
Tegbe, who has built businesses across beauty, tech, and local services, is widely celebrated for transforming African botanicals into luxury skincare experiences sold in top retailers including Sephora, Nordstrom, Credo, and specialty boutiques worldwide. Her brand—recognized by Oprah’s Favorite Things, Harper’s Bazaar, Byrdie, Bustle, and Shape Magazine—has become a global ambassador for African-sourced ingredients, ethical production, and social entrepreneurship.
“I jumped out of the plane and built the parachute on the way down”
Speaking with refreshing candor, Tegbe shared how she left her corporate job to pursue her calling—long before she even realized it would become a beauty empire.
“I just jumped out the plane and built a parachute on the way down. It wasn’t planned. I didn’t even fully know what the brand would become. I only knew I had a calling to do something more.”
Her honesty struck a chord with the audience as she cautioned aspiring entrepreneurs to be strategic—not impulsive—about launching new ventures.
Tegbe emphasized that the beauty industry is saturated, and survival depends on purpose, clarity, and customer intelligence.
“Don’t just start a brand to start a brand. Understand the problem you’re trying to solve. Identify your customer. Know what they care about, where they shop, what pages they follow, the influencers they love.”
This deep understanding, she explained, allows brands to build product lines, messaging, visuals, and marketing strategies that resonate authentically with their audience.
For founders struggling to pay themselves, Tegbe offered one of the most practical and emotionally grounded pieces of advice of the day:
“In the beginning, you may be overworked and unable to pay yourself. But as you grow, you must take care of yourself. If you’re starving, you cannot lead creatively or effectively.”
She stressed that self-neglect is not a badge of honor—it’s a business risk.
The name 54 Thrones has always sparked curiosity, and Tegbe revealed its origin:
“I traveled all around Africa. I haven’t made it to all 54 countries yet, but I wanted a name that felt regal, organic, and asked a question. 54 Thrones honours the 54 countries of Africa—where our key ingredients are sourced.”
The brand is built on promoting trade, not aid, ensuring Africans benefit directly from the continent’s natural wealth.
Christina Tegbe isn’t only a beauty entrepreneur. Her portfolio includes:
- AvailVA – a task-outsourcing agency supporting niche industries
- ZiggyVA – a cloud-based call center creating jobs for Caribbean women (exited 2021)
- A suite of local service businesses spanning maintenance, cleaning, and property services
Her entrepreneurial footprint demonstrates a rare ability to blend creativity, technology, and operational excellence.
Tegbe’s journey—which includes a celebrated appearance on Shark Tank 2021—has positioned her as one of the most influential African-diaspora founders shaping global beauty. At GTCO Fashion Weekend, she left the audience with a message rooted in courage, clarity, and culture.
“Africa is rich in beauty, story, and power. My purpose is to create better things and to tell our story through what we make.”
Her session ended to loud applause, with many attendees describing it as “one of the most transformative conversations of the weekend.”
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