WIA Philanthropy Spotlight: Violet Awo Amoabeng
2026 Young Leader
Today, the spotlight is yours, Violet! We are thrilled to celebrate you!
Can you tell us briefly who you are and what you do?
I’m Violet, a former banker who traded spreadsheets for skincare you can eat. I founded Skin Gourmet with $45, and today we work with 40+ Ghanaian ingredients, from cocoa to baobab, to make skincare so pure it’s food-grade. All of it exists to create decent jobs and prosperity in Ghana.
What inspired you to start your journey or project?
A woman selling oranges in traffic and a lip problem nothing could fix, until Ghanaian shea butter did it in three days. I realised Ghana is sitting on treasure, yet the people who own these resources are often the poorest. They don’t lack talent; they lack systems that work for them. Skin Gourmet is how I’m building those systems, one ingredient at a time. We’re at 40 and counting.
What are the key achievements or milestones you’re most proud of?
My team, without question. 27 people, 68% women, every job full-time with healthcare and a pension. Together they’ve grown Skin Gourmet from $45 to 150,000+ customers, built supply chains across 40+ Ghanaian ingredients, doubled pay for the women who process our shea, and won Skincare Brand of the Year 2025. Their fingerprints are on every milestone. I just get to tell the story.
Can you share with us one personal quote or belief that guides you?
‘The way up is down.’ Derek Prince taught me that, and it’s proved true every time: when I humble myself and serve first, doors open that I could never have forced. My runner-up? ‘Do hard things.’
What advice would you give to other young women who want to create impact?
Just start. Seriously, start today.
What are you currently working on or planning next?
I could tell you, but then I’d have to swear you to secrecy and make you sign an NDA written in shea butter.
How can people support or follow your work?
Follow us on Instagram at @skingourmetgh, then shop at skingourmet.com. Discover what edible skincare is really like, and make an impact with every purchase. You will LOVE it.
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