MAKEDA
Founder: Leila Ali
Course: Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation
Graduation year: 2020
Location: Tanzania
Hero product: Nuru Repair & Even Nuru
Brand overview
Founded by Formula Botanica graduate, Leila Ali, Makeda is a gender-neutral skincare line dedicated to delivering gentle yet high-performance products. The brand is not here to redefine beauty or wellness, but to support a holistic, authentic approach to skincare. Makeda views skin as a canvas that reflects inner wellbeing, and aims to be a supportive presence in each customer’s journey.
Makeda embraces the power of nature-derived organic compounds and is committed to delivering their benefits through thoughtfully crafted formulations. The brand believes that informed choices lead to the best outcomes, and it provides its customers with the knowledge and tools to support their pursuit of healthy skin. With a strong focus on empowerment and self-love, Makeda strives to be a trusted companion, offering effective solutions and support through all stages of the skincare journey.
The founder credits Formula Botanica for providing the knowledge and skills to turn ideas into real skincare products. They say, “Formula Botanica gave me the know-how to turn my ideas into real skincare products. I learned everything I needed to create safe and effective products like our Nuru oil-serum that helps with hyperpigmentation and breakouts. I gained a solid understanding of how ingredients work together, which made it easier to choose the right ones for our products—ensuring everything we create is gentle yet effective. I also had the opportunity to connect with wonderful women and men in Formula Botanica’s East African community, where everyone is extremely supportive. Through this network, I was able to find reputable and ethical suppliers, which in turn helped me uphold my brand’s ethical standards.”
