Here’s a detailed overview of Sharon Chuter, a visionary beauty entrepreneur and trailblazer whose impact continues to reverberate—even after her untimely passing:
Sharon Chuter (– 2025)
Early Beginnings in Nigeria
- Raised in Nigeria, Sharon Chuter initially pursued dreams of engineering, accounting, and even music before finding her calling in the beauty industry.
- As a fearless teenager, she became the first to successfully bring Revlon into Nigeria, navigating complex regulations that had stalled the brand’s entry for years.
Ascent in the Corporate Beauty World
- To strengthen her expertise, Chuter built a corporate career across global beauty giants—L’Oréal, Benefit Cosmetics, LVMH, and even a stint at Pepsi.
Founding UOMA Beauty
- In 2019, she launched UOMA Beauty, named after the Igbo word for “beautiful,” as an Afropolitan and inclusive beauty brand. The brand debuted at Ulta with 51 shades of foundation, across six formulations—setting a new standard for diversity in the beauty industry. (
Advocacy and Social Impact
- Chuter’s influence extended beyond beauty products:
- She spearheaded the #PullUpForChange campaign in 2020, calling on beauty companies to disclose their employment of Black individuals at all levels.
- She also launched the Make It BLACK initiative, which supported Black founders and reframed the societal narrative around the word “Black.”
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Later Career & Controversy
- In May 2023, Chuter stepped down as CEO and left UOMA’s board to focus on her health, though she remained a shareholder.
- The brand was sold in late 2023 to MacArthur Beauty (The MacArthur Companies), triggering a legal dispute—Chuter filed a lawsuit in February 2024 alleging the sale had been unauthorized and undervalued
Passing at 38
- On August 14, 2025, Sharon Chuter passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 38. The cause of death remains under investigation.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Nigerian-born beauty entrepreneur |
| Career Beginnings | Brought Revlon into Nigeria as a teen |
| Corporate Track | Held roles at L’Oréal, Benefit, LVMH, Pepsi |
| UOMA Beauty Founded | 2019, with 51 inclusive foundation shades |
| Advocacy Work | #PullUpForChange, Make It BLACK |
| Stepped Down | 2023 due to health issues |
| Legal Dispute | Ongoing suit over sale of UOMA in 2024 |
| Death | August 14, 2025, age 38 |
Legacy
Sharon Chuter was more than a beauty founder—she was a cultural liberator, advocating for representation, equity, and authenticity in an industry often slow to change. Through bold campaigns and an unapologetically inclusive aesthetic, she paved a path for Black brands and voices to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
