Savage of the Sunkissed Mari

Mariatu Savage of the Sunkissed Mari Brand

An interview with Mariatu Savage, founder of Savage of Sunkissed Mari, a Skincare health and beauty lifestyle brand established in 2018 . The brand is focused on uplifting and empowering black women and girls to embrace, love and celebrate their melanin power.

Mariatu Savage is a Sierra Leonean-American woman currently residing in Maryland where she works as a legal assistant and an entrepreneur. She launched her skincare line under the Sunkissed Mari (SKM) brand which she founded in 2018. Mariatu has a passion for uplifting and empowering black women and girls globally to embrace their melanin. She has also worked as a girls empowerment facilitator and activities leader with various organizations at home and abroad.

Tell us about Sun Kissed Mari?

The SKM brand is a health and beauty lifestyle brand established in 2018. It is focused on uplifting and empowering black women and girls to embrace, love and celebrate their melanin power. The brand is specifically focused on empowering black women to love their skin complexion, inspiring black women to share positive stories of loving their skin whilst embracing their true selves, and providing spaces to uplift black girls to build self confidence by sharing skin positive stories.

What inspired you to go into the beauty industry ?

In 2011, I visited Sierra Leone on holidays with my mother. During my visit to the local markets, I noticed that many of the market women were selling bleaching creams. This caused me to feel dismayed about how African women viewed their own beauty. I felt we were ruined because of a certain image we wanted to attain. We have so much inside of us that can be powerful and we don’t want to embrace it. From that defining moment, I began reading about melanin and dark skin and in college my transformation to using strictly natural products occurred.

What is one thing you want little black girls to know about their beauty?

Everyone was created uniquely by God. Your beauty is one feature that you have the most power over; never alter it. You are beautiful no matter what shade you are.

Who is your ideal client?

My ideal clients are black girls, boys, women and men.

What are your future plans?

I plan to expand the skin brand line by adding more products and having them sold globally. I will be offering different skincare services such as facials, skincare workshops, and partnerships with other beauty brands.

Tell us your favorite beauty product ?

My favorite product from the Sunkissed Mari Skin Care Line is the Lemongrass Lavender Whipped Body Butter. I love the fresh scent of the lemongrass and the everlasting glow from the Shea Butter on my skin.

What advise would you give young women interested in this industry?

The black beauty industry is something that has been missing for years. Let your brand speak for itself through your compassion. Remember that we are all aiming to embrace the black community worldwide.

Follow Mariatu’s work via instagram @sunkissedmari

By Moiyattu Banya Keister www.moiyattubanya.com Photocredit Images: Photographer Ishmail Alghali IA FIlms| Creative Direction WCA Creatives