Rhianne Hogan
Oshun Skin
Rhianne Hogan Oshun Skin
As the founder of a natural skincare brand Oshun Skin, Rhianne focuses on natural products, sustainable practices, and simple yet effective beauty routines.
Rhianne’s journey into skincare didn’t start as a business idea. Like many entrepreneurs, her path began with a personal challenge. “I struggled with combination skin and hyperpigmentation,” Rhianne recalls, talking about how she was prone to both dryness and acne. Treating this involved several different products which was a hassle, and a financial burden.
Photos by By Haych
From Personal Need to Business Creation
Trying to solve her skin problems, Rhianne was left with mixed results and decided to relook at her approach. “It started to concern me what I was putting on my skin, there were so many unnecessary ingredients on the back, and I was using so many products.” Part of this led to thinking about her lifestyle and the impact it can have on skin. “I started incorporating exercise and diet into my routine, and thought, if I’m doing this for my health inside, I need to do something for the outside too.” It was at this point she came across sea moss, a nutrient-rich seaweed farmed in the Irish and Caribbean Sea is known for its benefits to both skin and hair.
Soon, she realized that she could create something meaningful. But as sea moss is a natural product and has a relatively short shelf life, she set out to create a product that could last. After lots of research and trials, she created her first cleanser. Then in September of last year, she officially launched Oshun Skin, offering products that blend simplicity and nature.
“I just wanted to solve my own skin problems, but my friends saw how much better my skin looked and encouraged me to make products for them.”
Rhianne incorporated it into her diet, skincare and hair care routine and saw the benefits very quickly. At first, she didn’t think of turning her homemade remedies into a business.
Sustainability at the Core
One of the defining features of Rhianne’s brand is her commitment to sustainability. In an era when many beauty products are mass-produced with little regard for their environmental impact, she makes it a point to ensure her products are as eco-friendly as possible. “I use recycled materials for my packaging, and the products themselves are all natural,” she explains. “I’m not fully there yet with sustainability, but I’m transparent about the progress.”
This commitment stems from a genuine desire to create products that are good for both people and the planet. All of Rhianne’s ingredients, including sea moss, are sourced with sustainability in mind. Her products are made in small batches to avoid waste, and she uses recycled and biodegradable materials in packaging whenever possible. “It’s important to me that my products don’t just feel good on the skin, but that they also leave a positive impact on the earth,” she says.
“I want to grow, but I want to grow responsibly”
Navigating the Legal and Financial Landscape
While Rhianne’s passion for skincare and sustainability guided her early product development, starting a business in the skincare industry comes with a host of legal and financial challenges. As she learned, creating the product is just the first step, certifying that product to meet safety standards is a complex process. “The legal side is heavy, especially with natural skincare,” Rhianne admits. “You need to certify your formulations with a chemist. There’s a cost to it, but it makes sense that you have to do it.”
Rhianne has self-funded her business to date, carefully balancing her budget to get her products to market. “I spent money over time,” she says. “So if I had gotten funding early on, it would have been more rapid, but I took my time to get things going.” Her slow and steady approach has paid off, and she’s now interested in funding to help support her marketing so that she can focus on new product development.
Family and Community Support
One of the most significant influences on Rhianne’s journey has been her family, particularly her uncles, both of whom are successful business owners. “I’d have to say my uncles,” she says when asked about her role models. “They’ve always been there as figures in my life, showing me that I can do this. They’ve pushed me to pursue my creative endeavours.”
Their guidance, combined with the support she’s received from her business groups and creative networks, has been instrumental in helping Rhianne navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. She’s been part of various business groups where members exchange advice and experiences, providing a valuable sense of community. “It’s been a lot of self-research,” she explains, “but I’ve also leaned on business groups and creative networks. It’s been helpful to have people to talk to about the challenges we face at different stages.”
Balancing Business Growth and Sustainability
While Oshun Skin is still in its early stages, she has big plans for the future. However, she’s determined to grow in a way that stays true to her commitment to sustainability. Right now, everything is made and sourced in the UK, except the sea moss which comes from St Lucia.
This thoughtful approach is reflective of Rhianne’s overall business philosophy, one that prioritizes quality and integrity over rapid growth. She’s already considering expansion to markets like the US, where there’s demand for natural and sustainable beauty products, but she’s clear that she doesn’t want to compromise her values in the process. “I want to grow, but I want to grow responsibly,” she says. “I don’t want to scale up so quickly that I lose control over the quality or sustainability of what I’m making.”
The future of Oshun Skin
As Rhianne looks to the future, she’s excited about the potential to expand her product line. She currently offers three core products, including a face cleanser, body bar, and face moisturiser, but she’s already thinking about what’s next. “I’d love to expand into serums and even hair care,” she says. “Sea moss has been amazing for my skin and my hair, so I’d love to create products that help others experience those benefits too.”
Shop Oshun Skin at Rhianne’s website here. You can also find her on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Facebook.