Morgan Angelique Owens
Chief Creative Beauty Consultant
Name: Manny Addo
Title: CEO/Founder
Business Name: True Shea
Social Media Handles: @true.shea.butter
Website: www.naturalsheacare.com
What made you start your business?
My vision was to bridge the connection between the United States and Ghana, which is my home country in Africa. I am able to source our shea butter from a small village of economically and socially disadvantaged women there. We pay above fair market value to the women and have a community fund for them. One of the proudest moments of my career is when True Shea was able to sponsor a clean drinking well for this village in February 2022.

How does it empower you as a Black Man in the Beauty Field?
Beauty Care has not always been inclusive of all genders and races. We live in a time where that is slowly being corrected, and True Shea is excited to be part of that effort. Our products are all natural and able to be used on all skin types. We also try to have branding and marketing that is inclusive for all genders.

What are 3 of your favorite beauty items you can’t live without?
I, of course, prefer natural products which is part of the reason for starting True Shea. Three things I use daily are shea butter (usually True Shea/ sometimes raw), coconut oil, and jojoba oil.

Anything else our beauty readers should know about you?
I really care about the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Cincinnati and have made it my goal to share any knowledge that I’ve gained along the way with other entrepreneurs. I’m often invited to share my journey at entrepreneur focused conferences and events. However, I like to meet with entrepreneurs on a more personal-level and am always willing to grab a cup of coffee. I think we all need to support each other as we chase our dreams.