EPISODE 10: From Childhood Curiosity to Building a Legacy of Impact with Christina Funke-Tegbe of 54 Thrones

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Tune into the Sub-Saharan Beauty Podcast to hear Christina Funke-Tegbe, founder and CEO of 54 Thrones, share her mission to change how people think of Africa through her luxury botanical skincare line and her desire to leave a lasting impact in the beauty industry by making space and platforms for those coming behind her!

Episode Timeline:

• [3:58] Christine describes her curious and creative childhood and her parents’ encouragement

• [7:12] The influence of her parents on her life and choices, plus the role models that inspired her path.

• [11:44]  She shares the key transition of her life when she quit her job and moved to Nigeria.

• [16:38] How getting higher education sharpened her problem-solving skills and learned to work with people. 

• [20:47] The experiences of beauty and African culture that inspired Christine to start 54 Thrones. 

• [27:29]  She explains the rewarding aspect of building a brand that helps people connect with Africa. 

• [31:12] The strategic approach she used to select retailers for 54 Thrones and how they benefit her brand.   

• [35:51] The main challenges that 54 Thrones is experiencing as a small brand in expanding. 

• [36:18]  Christina’s anticipation of the evolution of African beauty beyond body butter. 

• [38:36]  The importance of empathy and compassion with each other and our criticism.

• [41:53] Christina on why she wants her legacy to be about paving the way for others in the beauty industry.

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Meet the Guest

With 54 Thrones, founder Christina Funke Tegbe was inspired to spread the message of the African origin of clean beauty”. Determined to share the beauty and authenticity of an Africa often not seen. She aims to change the “pity Africa” narrative and instead show all the wonderful things about Africa through her first-hand travel experiences and luxury skincare products.

Launched in 2016, 54 Thrones has already gained traction as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things and won awards in Harper’s Bazaar, O, The Oprah Magazine, Byrdie, Popsugar, and Bride’s. Christina was also featured on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” where she received a $250,000 offer from sharks Nirav Tolia and Kevin O'Leary

While growing up in Houston, Christina was influenced by her Nigerian aunties, who would indulge her with tubs of shea butter sent to her through friends and family traveling to the states from Nigeria. The rituals of African skincare handed down from generation to generation inspired Christina to start 54 Thrones. She is passionate about creating a truly authentic brand, using only natural ingredients grown on African soil and inspired by ancient African traditions. Christina personally travels to each country to ethically source each key ingredient that goes into the 54 Thrones product line, working closely with the women-run cooperatives and entrepreneurs and meeting each artisan, cooperative member, and business that the brand works with.