Melanin-Focused Beauty Brand Ami Colé Shuts Down

Ami Colé, a Black-owned beauty brand founded by Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye in 2021, is set to close operations this September. Despite significant growth and partnerships, including one with Sephora, N’Diaye-Mbaye cited the challenge of competing with larger corporate brands as a key reason for the closure. The brand had attracted investments from L’Oréal’s Bold, True Beauty Ventures, and others, and experienced notable revenue growth. The founder expressed gratitude to fans and investors, reflecting on the brand’s journey and impact in creating beauty products for melanin-rich skin. Industry changes, including workforce reductions by major companies like Estée Lauder and Shiseido, highlight broader challenges in the beauty sector.