PerfectFaces is a diaspora based venture inspired by real-life experiences. The venture name PerfectFaces came from the challenges People of Colour face.
The name PerfectFaces is an encouragement to that person of Colour who’s self-esteem is low or shaken because of society’s ideologies. The name is a visible stamp of who we are; a protruding forehead, high cheekbones, thick lips, a broad nose, every face shape – we’re perfect.
Stephen Duncan
PerfectFaces has created a range of cosmetic make-up that bridges the gap between suitable, affordable, and durable foundations and powders for Dark Skin. Europe has a very large Dark-Skinned migrant population (approx. 12 billion), and even though the Cosmetic Market is worth €79.8 billion, it still lacks suitability, choice, and affordability for People of Colour.
The skin needs of people of Colour (POCs) vary from that of Caucasians. The PerfectFaces’ range addresses these needs by supplying make-up that provides immaculate coverage without being heavyweight. With colour specific formulations to even skin ones, paraben-free & eco-friendly to protect health and the environment. Making available both matte (not dry) and dewy (not oily) formulations while ensuring availability and easy accessibility.
PerfectFaces founder, Stephan Duncan, is a trained professional make-up artist with a degree in International Business Management. His immense passion for Dark Skin fuels his drive to enhance the beauty of POCs. Having worked in the cosmetic make-up industry for big brand names and indie brands, he constantly had to offer ‘the next best thing’ to his clients, and that was a pain point. It pained him to see the same observations he had as a child growing up in the 80s in Trinidad and Tobago were still affecting POC in Europe in the 90s and now in the 2000s.
“I got sick of saying, ‘yes this looks nice on you!’ Every time I tested a foundation or powder on a person of Colour to meet my sales targets, and I repeated this lie. My passion and love for POC would no longer allow me to do so. Determination to do something about it, listen and continuously improve for our POC is why we’re here today”.
Stephen Duncan
In 2013 he began working with a chemical engineer to formulate and create a brand by POC for POC.
With an aim to growth FaceFirst and reach more POCs who need the brand, Stephan Duncan, joined the Zidi Circle Entrepreneurship Diaspora Bootcamp 2020. A programme aimed at supporting business growth for diaspora led ventures through business coaching, mentorship and investment readiness.
I joined the Bootcamp wanting to learn how to improve PerfectFaces and get it from where it is to amazing. I’ve learnt a lot from the programme, but the main things that stuck are I must know every part of my business, even if getting help to understand it is needed. There is more to being investor ready than having a business plan and a product.
I’ve also learnt the importance of aligning the business strategy with what one wants to attract. I continue to apply these learnt lessons by readjusting and updating PerfectFaces’ Business Model and Strategies.
Of course!!! I would encourage other entrepreneurs to take part in this programme. Where else does one receive such a gift of knowledge, guidance and a boost to move their business from A to Z!!!? This is an opportunity that must be shared.
Stephen Duncan
Stephen Duncan’s 3 key pieces of advice from his journey to fellow entrepreneurs.
- Don’t sit on your idea(s). Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Just get up and do it! Try it.
- Entrepreneurship is a constant learning journey. Be open to fall down and get up, listen, take critique and feedback, learn and improve.
- Your belief in your vision must be known/seen/felt for others to believe in it too. That responsibility is yours.
His Advice to entrepreneurs in the diaspora
Their intention to hold us down comes from the fear that we’ll succeed. Our emancipation can ONLY be achieved by our unity. Hold each other’s hand, support each other, trust each other, build each other. Emancipate our community!
The team at PerfectFaces are working relentlessly in order to see their vision come true, to see PerfectFaces in every Afro Hair Supply Store on the European mainland. We are delighted to be part of this journey.
Find out more about the Entrepreneurship Diaspora Bootcamp.