Oke Maduewesi
“It is very important to us that we cater for all age groups, all skin types and most importantly, all skin colours,” says Oke Maduewesi, our WCW for today.
Oke Maduewesi is the founding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zaron Group of Companies, Africa’s leading global beauty brand comprising Zaron International Limited, Zaron Cosmetics Limited and Skin by Zaron; which are manufacturers, distributors and marketers of the Zaron beauty care product. Founded in 2011 with presence in over 7 African countries, Oke Maduewesi has through hard work and resilience developed Zaron into becoming a recognized brand in Africa. Oke Maduewesi’s passion for entrepreneurship was largely informed by her rich library of successful and remarkable entrepreneurs who created global brands with almost nothing, coupled with her zeal to impact African society.
Read Also: Adebola Deji-Kurunmi
Oke Maduewesi holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Edo State University, Ekpoma and a master’s degree in Business Administration, from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. Driven by passion to lead, Oke completed management courses in Strathmore Business School, Nairobi; Lagos Business School, Nigeria and IESE Business School, New York, USA.
Oke is one of many Nigerians who have taken strategic decisions to fulfil their dreams. Asides studying extensively on renowned entrepreneurs in the world, Oke’s MBA exposed her to a range of opportunities in the business world. She saw Nigeria as a growing market place and made a smart move to feature her business plan in her dissertation, the outcome of which built her confidence.
Having identified self-drive, resilience and hard work as key drivers of a successful business, Oke has built Zaron into one of the most reputable cosmetic brands in Africa. She founded Zaron with the aim to provide unmatchable satisfaction to African women and achieves this by delivering quality products at affordable prices to complement the beauty requirements of the African woman. Her brand has impacted the Nigerian economy through multiple job opportunities, enterprise development and social responsibilities.
Zaron sleek products which includes Finishing spray, liquid foundation, compact powder, eyebrow definer, eyeshadow, liner pencil, mascara, lip liner, lipstick, gloss and more was launched in North America earlier this year with an approach to cater for all skin colours.
Prior to founding Zaron, Oke Maduewesi worked at Zenith Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions where she was Senior Manager/Branch Manager. Under her leadership, she supervised the overall banking activities alongside driving market strategy to generate high revenue. Oke was an asset to the bank, initiating investment transactions for high net worth individuals and medium-sized corporates.
Oke has made remarkable contributions to the Nigerian society through the founding of two impactful annual events under Zaron. As a way to give back to the community, Oke started the Zaron Hunger Free Day in September 2013, an annual initiative organized in deprived communities to feed and celebrate Nigerians. Oke also founded Zaron Widow’s Day in February 2014 to empower widows and ignite their hope.
Being a successful entrepreneur and an inspiration to many women, Oke has received various awards including Business Woman of the Year 2014, awarded by City People Magazine, Award of Distinction for Entrepreneurial Savvy in the Beauty Industry, TW Magazine Anniversary Awards and Award for our Lady Who Inspires by ELOY in 2015.
Oke is an inspiration and we are so proud of her.