When three sisters from Ghana weren’t able to find a moisturizer that came remotely close to the raw shea butter they grew up using, they set out to create their own—and Karité was born! This was no easy feat, and on this International Women’s Day we celebrate the incredibly smart, inspiring and kind women who transformed their idea into a successful reality—while maintaining “day jobs” and growing their beautiful families.
Co-founder (and middle sister, center) Abena Slowe is Karité's Chief Operating Officer, and she focuses on the brand's global operations and partnership contracts. With more than 15 years of legal experience in both law firms and corporate settings, Abena studied Economics and Political Science from Columbia University and has a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. She is also a member of the Bar in New York and New Jersey. She currently lives with her husband and two children in New York. Fun fact: Abena ran the New York City marathon in November 2021!
Co-founder (and youngest sister, on left) Akua Okunseinde is Karité’s Chief Creative Officer and she leads partnerships and marketing strategy. Akua has 15 years of sales and digital marketing experience in financial services and tech. She studied Economics and Political Science at Tufts University, and has her M.B.A. in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Columbia Business School. She currently lives with her husband and two little boys in New Jersey. Fun fact: Akua has traveled to almost 40 countries!
Co-founder (and eldest sister, on right) Naana Boakye, MD, MPH is Karité’s Chief Executive Officer. She leads product formulation and is the medical liaison for the Karité team. As a board-certified dermatologist with almost 15 years of experience who’s treated more than 18,000 patients, Naana’s daily experiences inspire and contribute to the brand. She obtained a degree in Biochemistry from Wellesley College and also earned her Masters in Public Health at George Washington University in Epidemiology. After completing her studies, Naana received her medical degree from Temple University. She lives with her husband and two kids in New Jersey. Fun fact: Naana enjoys cooking healthy meals for her family.
