Big wins for the diaspora! The Black-owned business ecosystem just witnessed a major move—and it’s one that Nigerians in the UK will want to watch closely. The Cost of Doing Business (CODB), a dynamic holding company co-led by Nigerian-American entrepreneur Olamide Olowe and Sochi Mbadugha, has officially acquired Bread Beauty Supply, a US-based haircare brand known for championing natural and textured hair.
This strategic acquisition is not just a headline—it’s a blueprint for how Nigerians abroad are shaping global beauty standards and building economic power through intentional ownership.
🧴 What’s Bread Beauty Supply?
Founded in 2020 by Australian-Ghanaian entrepreneur Maeva Heim, Bread Beauty Supply has quickly risen to prominence as a go-to brand for textured hair products. Specialising in clean, minimal, and effective haircare for curly, coily, and kinky hair, Bread gained massive traction after securing shelf space in Sephora—a beauty retailer that’s notoriously selective with its brand partnerships.
With a product range that includes hair oils, masks, and wash kits, Bread has become a household name for many Black women seeking quality and authenticity in haircare.
🤝 The Power Behind the Deal
The acquisition by CODB, led by Olamide Olowe—also the founder of Topicals, the fastest-growing skincare brand at Sephora—and business partner Sochi Mbadugha, represents a key milestone. It’s a deal powered by vision, cultural relevance, and smart investing.
Notably, CODB is backed by influential figures like Krept and Konan, the British rap duo known not only for their music but also for their deep investment in Black entrepreneurship. Their involvement signals a UK-Nigeria-US connection rooted in empowerment, representation, and business growth.
🌍 Why This Matters to Nigerians in the UK
For Nigerians living in the UK, especially those involved in or aspiring to enter the beauty, business, or investment space, this acquisition is full of key takeaways:
- Diaspora Excellence: The deal reflects how Nigerians in the diaspora are creating cross-continental impact. Olamide and Sochi are setting an example of what’s possible when talent, capital, and cultural knowledge intersect.
- Beauty Industry Access: With CODB planning to scale Bread across Sephora and Ulta stores, expect even more access to high-quality, Black-owned beauty products that actually understand our hair textures—whether you’re in Lagos, London, or LA.
- Investment Inspiration: From music to beauty, the involvement of Krept + Konan highlights the growing interest of UK-based Nigerians and Black Brits in funding our own. It’s a reminder that we need to invest in each other if we want to build wealth that lasts.
- Representation That Matters: For many Black Brits—especially women—the beauty aisle hasn’t always been welcoming. With Bread’s expansion, more shelves will reflect the needs and stories of people who look like us.
🚀 What’s Next?
CODB’s goal is to supercharge Bread’s retail presence, especially in major stores like Sephora and Ulta, while continuing to uplift and invest in Black-owned beauty brands. With Olowe’s track record of scaling Topicals and Sochi’s strategic leadership, Bread is positioned to become an even bigger force in the beauty industry.
For Nigerians in the UK, this is more than just good news—it’s an open door. Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast, a business owner, or simply proud of Naija success stories, this move signals that the time to build globally is now.
Naija UK Connect will continue to spotlight stories like these—where Nigerian heritage meets international success. 🟢⚪🟢
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