Meet a Burundian Beauty Lioness - Ines Nabitangaro, founder of Nabira Cosmetics

Ines Nabitangaro was born in Burundi into a family of 5 girls. Ines is 24 years old, married, and mom of a 3 year old beautiful little girl. Today she is based in London and is a talented makeup artist, beauty blogger and YouTuber. Ines founded Nabira Cosmetics, a well-known beauty brand in Burundi, the rest of Africa, and all around the world. She also owns Prettymumumshop, a hijab line. I spoke to her this month to find out more about her entrepreneurial journey and her businesses and brands.

What is Nabira Cosmetics?
Nabira Cosmetics is a cosmetic brand and, for now, we have two products: City Girls eyeshadow palette, a makeup palette with Bujumbura districts’ names as eyeshadow shade names. We also we have long-lasting, matte liquid lipsticks.

How did you start your company?

It was my biggest dream to open my own cosmetic line. I started doing research and I knew how to start. I was in the process when I had an idea to include my best friend as I knew she wanted to do a similar business.

Tell us more about your entrepreneurial background

In 2018, I launched a hijab line that went viral and I sold 200 hijab within 2 weeks. It was a huge step for a small business, and that was the moment I discovered my ability to sell.

In Kirundi, they say “Ntiharyoha inzoga haryoha ijambo.” How was people’s feedback after the launch of Nabira Cosmetics?

The feedback was so positive. My satisfaction is the reaction of our customers when they see our palette for the first time. I always cry. They always thank me for making them feel proud of their identity.

Any challenges?

The biggest challenge was getting access to the right manufacturers, the right products, and addressing the shipping difficulties to Burundi. This setback has negative consequences on businesses as it makes the product not as affordable and widely available as we wished.

Any opportunities?

As a diaspora entrepreneur, it is easier to ship worldwide from London which is a hindrance for entrepreneurs operating in Burundi.

You have mentored women in starting their own businesses. What are the pieces of advice you give them?

Start a business where there is a missing gap in the market and prioritise uniqueness rather than following existing business ideas. Be confident and work hard. Burundians are very supportive; you just have to find your niche. Do your research and take risks!

Find out more

Contact Nabira Cosmetics at:
Email: nabira.cosmetics@gmail.com
Ines’ email: inesbukuru30@gmail.com

Visit us on social media and online:

Instagram: @nabiracosmetics
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nabiracosmetics/
Website: www.nabiracosmetics.com/

Meet a Burundian Accessory Designer Lioness - Gisele Shabani, founder of Giselle Q Accessories

Gisele Shabani is sister to Ines Nabitangaro and was born and raised in Burundi. She currently resides in Nyakabiga and is a creative artist and stylist. Her business Giselle Q Accessories makes traditional necklaces, bags, and shoes from pearls, all handmade. She says her whole life revolves around creativity. She took some time away from the creative process this month to share more about her entrepreneurial journey and her very personal creative business

What is Gisele Q Accessories?

My company produces handmade necklaces, mainly alongside shoes and bags, all created from pearls. People should use my products because they represent an aspect of culture, art, and high quality. All the products created are made with extreme care for our clients. My aspirations for my business are to create a renowned brand in my country and in the world.

How did you start your business?

My business started with passion-oriented projects. Preparation and reflection on one’s capacity and drive to start something creative do not suffice. I had to ask myself the right questions and devise a solid plan. The start of my business took me a great amount of time, personal, and financial investment. For instance, I had to learn the logistics of coordinating photo shoots and hiring models.

You take great pride in your job, tell us more.

I must admit that making necklaces for my clients who are brides is one of the most fulfilling moments. Seeing brides shining with joy and wearing my accessories is a source of great pride for me, to be able to participate in someone’s best day in a creative way.

Surely, “imisi irasa ariko ntingana.” Do you face any challenges?

The procurement of different form of beads and the lack of financial investment to access more markets.

Opportunities?

As Ines mentioned, Burundians are very supportive of one another. I receive top models who volunteer for my photo shoots. I also get opportunities to network and make my brand visible abroad in DRC, USA, Canada, Netherlands, France, and the UK.

Any advice to fellow Burundian women entrepreneurs?

Do not be scared to take risks to start your own enterprise. Business comes from an idea, but you must take the next step which is execution of the plan step by step. From there, prepare to be confident, work hard, and communicate your passion with an open mind.

Anything to add on about the support from Ines?

I started working anonymously when my sister started her hijab line. One of the major lessons I learned from her is how to harness the power of marketing. From her inspiration, I can see the results since I receive orders from different parts of the world.

Find out more

Contact Gisele at
Email: giselequeen0@gmail.com
Instagram: @necklace_accessories_by_gisele
Facebook: @giselequeen
Telephone Number: +25761390042

In conclusion, if you were to remember one thing from this article, take this: “there is always room for another LioneSIS”. Female entrepreneurs should not be threatened by the success of the others but rather support each other. In entrepreneurship, sisterhood should be religion.

I could not find any other way to end this article without giving credit to the source of its inspiration: Sister In Success (SIS), founded by one of my dearest friends, Belyse Inamahoro. SIS is an organisation based in Burundi aiming to create a network of lionesses and sisters who empower each other to conquer success together.

About the author
Martine Irakoze is a Burundian student at the University of Edinburgh in International Relations & International Law. She is a serial entrepreneur, passionate about African youth empowerment. One of her favourite activities in Burundi is to walk around the streets of the slums, where it is common to see young people sitting inactive and unemployed. This sight fuels her drive to break this cycle of wasted youth potential. She envisions an Africa where every young person has the opportunity to fulfil their full potential. She believes that, by investing in young people and involving them in the development of their communities, we are not only rising nations but a whole continent. At university, Martine co-founded Linda, which is a student-led social enterprise aiming to spark conversations around sexual health related issues affecting young people in Kenya and Africa. She was also awarded the Resolution Fellowship and the MasterCard Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh.