Award-winning cosmetics company Ilotu Cosmetics continues to grow, by having secured a significant investment from the Namibia Business Angel Network (Naban).
Naban supports entrepreneurship and economic growth in the country.
Ilotu Cosmetics was founded in 2017 to create skincare and haircare products for individuals with various skin and hair conditions.
The company’s product line includes face and body creams, exfoliating scrubs and masks, shampoos and conditioners, scalp ointments and oils, and organic and natural make-up.
Founder Lilly Masule says she was driven by a deep-rooted passion for promoting good health and well-being.
She says her entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 16 when she started preparing skincare products for her own sensitive skin, because she could not find many organic options at shops.
“This early exposure sparked my interest in creating a brand suitable for longevity, happiness and overall wellness,” she says.
Masule was further motivated by a family tragedy after a relative succumbed to skin cancer, which inspired her to research various skin and hair disorders to develop solutions for them.
Masule says she used her knowledge to create products for her own skin, which led to the founding of Ilotu Cosmetics.
Ilotu uses essential oils and plant extracts as key ingredients.
“These natural components provide a range of benefits, including anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-stringent, anti-fungal and natural SPF properties,” Masule says.
Ilotu’s products address issues such as acne, dry and brittle hair, insect bites and fungal infections.
The company also caters for individuals with albinism, babies, toddlers and organic make-up enthusiasts.
To help others explore their talents, Ilotu hosts an internship programme offering students the opportunity to build skills, gain valuable working experience and contribute to the company’s growth.
Ilotu products can be found through ZeroWaste Namibia, Saturday Green Market exhibitions in Klein Windhoek, Tulande online store for nationwide delivery, Windhoek West Pharmacy, Tsumeb Mall pop-up shop, and Desert Hills Swakopmund.
“We are grateful to have received this investment through Naban to diversify our revenue streams, and to enhance our sales channels, consultation and wellness services, product documentation to meet international export standards, packaging, marketing, and public relations,” says Masule.
Naban investor Asteria Pirola, the chief executive at Billet, which has now become a strategic partner of Ilotu Cosmetics, says: “It is an honour to invest in Ilotu and to support and advise Lilly as she continues to steward her business towards success.
“Lilly and Ilotu Cosmetics are the embodiment of innovation, resilience and dedication to promoting well-being through organic and natural products.”
Pirola brings extensive experience to Ilotu in terms of strategy formulation, risk management, brand positioning and access to European-based networks.
Since its inception Ilotu Cosmetics has achieved significant milestones, including winning the Sanlam x NBII Innovation Works 2018, and the Business Finance Solutions x GreenTec Capital 2019.
Ilotu was one of four winners of the Women’s Innovation Pitch 2021, securing seed capital for business operations and expansion.
– email: matthew@namibian.com.na
