Hello!
My name is Louisa, I’m a Ugandan currently living in London and the creator and voice behind Afroblush, an online extension of my cultural experiences and interests. Since 2010, I’ve been nurturing this blog as a platform to celebrate, share and explore African culture, innovation and its growing potential.
Behind the blog, I work in brand and consumer research, consulting for businesses and brands expanding into Sub-Sahara Africa. I also contribute to Impact Magazine, Arise News, Dazed and Confused, BBC Radio 2, BBC Three and Cosmopolitan Magazine, among others.
My tales as an Afropean
I often described myself as an Afropean, as I was born in Uganda, brought up in London and travel to countries in both Africa and Europe quite frequently.
I have a strong connection with my African heritage, and even through my accent, disposition and even banter is dominantly English by nature. I will always describe myself as Ugandan, even though a large part of me is British too.
Creativity and culture, in around Sub-Saharan Africa
African fashion and design is creating its own mainstream, setting its own standards, opening its own doors and is no longer being influenced, but is now the influence.
Afroblush continuously promotes Africa as having provided one of the richest sources of imagery for designers. Going as far back as the 19th century and remaining a source of traditional and new age style and inspiration, expressive in the vitality of modern life within both urban and rural environments.
It goes without saying that Africa is truly rising, and alongside rising incomes, confidence and pride is rising too. It’s exciting to see both domestic businesses and global brands creating products for global Pan-African communities region-specific features, elements and quirks as possible.
A spotlight on women of colour
The range of cosmetics for women (and men) of colour has grown tremendously in the last decade but is still inadequate, by comparison to the offerings of other ethnicities. Therefore, the products, tools and education on maintaining skin and hair care are still respectively limited, and somehow, in the war against variety, women of colour are seemingly becoming a nation divided by our choices.
Black British women spend six times more than white women on hair products that cater to their needs, pointing to incredible profit potential. As brands marketing their products to women of colour grow, we encourage them to cater to our and concerns rather than capitalising on our differences.
It’s time to tell our own stories
I pride my blog in providing entertaining and insightful updates and interviews from leaders of FABA (For Us By Us), a concept that promotes innovation entrepreneurship and thought leadership in the form of fashion, music, design, technology, travel,business and community engagement.
If you have a story to tell or would like to get in touch, please don’t hesitate.
Otherwise, for all editorial matters, submissions and contributions, or if you would just like to say hello, please drop me an email or tweet:
Louisa Kiwana
Creator
Email: louisa@afroblush.com , tweet me: @afroblush
