#MEETher: Ore Runsewe of Arami Essentials
Arami Essentials arguably has the best branding from a home-grown beauty brand in Nigeria. The 3+-year-old brand — which directly translates to “my body’s essentials” in the brand owner’s local dialect, Yoruba — was designed to create an indulging experience that aligns with their slogan, “your body is a temple”. Paying homage to Africa in more ways than one, the ingredients are sourced directly from the “Lushlands” and are based on local wellness traditions.
We spoke to their founder, Ore Runsewe about skincare and self-love.
How long have you had an interest in skincare?
Skin and hair have been an integral part of my life since I was child. I had severe eczema for a long time so keeping my skin moisturised was so central to my life! As I got older, I began to really love experimenting with different ingredients on my skin and natural hair.
What appeals to you about the industry?
The beauty industry is ever-evolving yet built on principles and fundamentals which have stood the test of time. It’s exciting to be building something that will hopefully outlive me.
Can you explain the importance of the Arami slogan?
Your Body Is A Temple — we believe that we need to be purposeful with how we treat our bodies. The body is a sacred place to be treated mindfully and what touches our skin, seeps within, restoring serenity, purity and balance to the centre of our world.
What does it mean to you personally?
‘Your Body Is A Temple’ was taken from a bible verse and reminds me to treat my body with respect which flows into what I put on my skin & hair, what I wear, what I eat, what I think about and even how I spend my time. It’s a continuous reminder that I need to be conscious and intentional because all these things will end up affecting the course of my life.
As the founder of a skincare brand, what advice can you share when it comes to self-love?
For me, what I’ve realised is that loving yourself really isn’t just about remembering my skincare routine before I go to bed or getting a massage. These are important things, which I do love doing (a lot).
But I think what has really helped me, is becoming more patient with myself. Slowing down. Trying to actually understand my actions and my emotions.
And it’s making me love who I really am more and learning why God created me. Yes, there’s moments of self-correction but there are also moments of appreciation.
Gratitude for the growth and just enjoying the process of who I am becoming. So I’d encourage anyone on a self-love journey to spend time getting to know who they are. Asking hard questions and picking up thoughts you’ve pushed to the back of your mind. The art of quieting your soul & connecting, it’s a beautiful journey.
