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Naana, Abena & Akua | Ghana & USA | Cohesive Family Business

Founders | Dermatologist (Doctor) | Attorney: Legal Professional

Ex-Google Global Account Executive | Sickle Cell Disease Advocate | Entrepreneurs | Philanthropist



"How Three Sisters Launched Karité Skin Care Inspired by Their Childhood in Ghana" 🌿✨

In 2017, sisters Naana Boakye, Abena Slowe, and Akua Okunseinde embarked on a transformative journey, launching their skincare line, Karité, rooted in the natural wonders of shea butter from their childhood in Ghana. Based in the greater New York City area, these three Ghanaian sisters seamlessly blend their individual expertise into a cohesive family business.


Naana Boakye, M.D. - Co-founder & CEO: Board-certified dermatologist Naana Boakye leads Karité, infusing her passion for skin health into the brand. With a background in dermatology and a dedication to the skin's well-being, Dr. Boakye creates products backed by science to nurture and optimize skin health. She holds degrees from Wellesley College, George Washington University, and Temple University, with residency at SUNY Health Sciences Center in Brooklyn. LinkedIn: Naana Boakye, M.D


Abena Slowe - Co-founder & COO: As the Chief Operating Officer of Karité, Abena Slowe leverages over 15 years of legal experience to oversee operations, ensuring executional excellence. With a background in complex commercial litigation, she brings her expertise in managing relationships with retail partners, vendors, and logistics providers. Abena holds degrees from Columbia University and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. LinkedIn: Abena Slowe


Akua Okunseinde - Co-founder & CCO: Karité's Chief Creative Officer, Akua Okunseinde, contributes her 15+ years of sales and marketing experience with global brands to the business development and social media aspects of Karité. Holding an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a B.A. from Tufts University, Akua adds a creative flair to the brand's growth. LinkedIn: Akua Boakye Okunseinde


Karité - Natural Radiance from Ghana to the World: 

The trio's skincare line is born from their quest for a natural moisturizer reminiscent of the raw shea butter from their upbringing.


Unlike other products, Karité boasts high concentrations of sustainably sourced, unrefined shea butter and palm oil from Ghana.


Blended with organic coconut oil and botanicals, their hypoallergenic products are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic dyes, silicones, and parabens.


Karité invites you to experience the magic of their products — a celebration of natural beauty inspired by the rich cultural tapestry of Ghana. 🇬🇭


Lession Learned:

As seasoned entrepreneurs and co-founders of the transformative skincare line Karité, Naana Boakye, Abena Slowe, and Akua Okunseinde offer invaluable motivation to aspiring young professionals venturing into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and career-building:

Passion Ignites Purpose: Let your passion guide you. Align your venture with something you genuinely love and believe in, as passion fuels perseverance during the inevitable challenges.

Blend Expertise & Unity: Leverage individual strengths and expertise within your team. A cohesive and supportive team is the bedrock of a successful business.


Embrace the Learning Curve: Embrace the learning process. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. View setbacks as stepping stones toward success.

Nurture Professional Relationships: Cultivate meaningful relationships with mentors, industry peers, and collaborators. Networking can open doors to valuable insights, partnerships, and growth opportunities.

Quality Over Quantity: Prioritize quality over quantity. In a world inundated with options, delivering excellence sets you apart and fosters brand loyalty.


Stay Resilient: Entrepreneurship is a journey with peaks and valleys. Stay resilient in the face of adversity and celebrate victories, both big and small.

Authenticity Matters: Be authentic in your endeavors. Authenticity builds trust with customers and stakeholders, fostering long-term relationships.

Continuous Innovation: Embrace innovation. Stay attuned to industry trends, technological advancements, and consumer needs. Adaptability is a key driver of sustained success.


Balancing Act: Strive for a balance between work and personal life. Maintaining well-being enhances creativity and productivity.

Community Engagement: Actively engage with your community. Positive social impact not only enriches lives but also strengthens the foundation of your brand.


Naana, Abena, and Akua exemplify these principles through their journey with Karité, a brand deeply rooted in their Ghanaian heritage. As you embark on your professional odyssey, remember that resilience, passion, and a commitment to continuous improvement will be your compass. Here's to the exciting journey ahead!


Social Media Handles:

Facebook: mykarite

Instagram: @mykarite

TikTok: @mykarite




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