Building with Intention: Lessons from Sikoja's Founder on Starting a Values-Driven Brand
- Bethany Sharp
- Apr 28
- 5 min read
Updated: May 1
Have you ever felt a deep-seated need for something that simply doesn't exist? Perhaps a gap in the market that resonates with your own experiences? For the founder of Sikoja, that gap wasn't just a business opportunity – it was a personal necessity born from the daily realities of living with sickle cell anaemia and granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Imagine navigating life with severe skin sensitivity, constant inflammation, and relentless dryness, only to find that existing skincare solutions offered little relief. This is where Temilola's (CEO & Founder of Sikoja) story begins, not in a boardroom, but in a personal quest for gentle yet effective care. Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey behind Sikoja, a plant-based, results-driven brand built on the very foundations of care, transparency, and the unwavering belief that healthy skin shouldn't be a luxury, but a right. Discover how a personal struggle ignited a powerful vision, and the intentional steps taken to build a brand that truly embodies its values, from carefully selected suppliers to the deeply personal touch of in-house creation.
Could you share the story behind Sikoja? Where did the initial spark for your business come from?
The spark for Sikoja came from a deeply personal place, born not just out of passion, but necessity. Living with sickle cell anaemia and granulomatosis with polyangiitis, I experienced severe skin sensitivity, inflammation, and dryness due to ongoing treatments and medication. My skin was in constant distress, and I struggled to find products that were both gentle enough for my condition and effective enough to restore balance and radiance.
When I couldn’t find anything that truly worked, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I began diying my own skincare and studying cosmetic formulation, driven by a desire to create skincare that respected my skin’s needs instead of working against them. That’s how Sikoja was born a plant-based, results-driven brand built on care, transparency, and the belief that skin health shouldn't be a compromise.
When you began the process of working with suppliers and manufacturers, what key criteria did you use to ensure they were the right fit for Sikoja's values and quality standards?
From day one, I was deeply intentional about who we worked with. I wasn’t just sourcing ingredients, I was sourcing integrity. For Sikoja, it was essential that every partner aligned with our core principles: clean, plant-based ingredients, no animal testing, and full transparency about ingredient origins.
I looked for suppliers who could deliver high-quality botanicals and extracts without compromise no fillers, no additives and absolutely no chemicals. It was also vital that they could support small-batch production to preserve freshness and ensure quality at every step.
This wasn’t just about creating a “natural” product. It was about formulating plant-based skincare that works, while respecting both people and the planet.
Was finding the ideal manufacturer a straightforward process, or did you have to undertake a significant search to find the perfect partner?
At Sikoja, we don’t use any external manufacturers, all our products are made in-house. That decision was intentional. By keeping production within our own hands, we’re able to craft each batch with the level of care and precision our community deserves.
Working this way allows us to produce in small batches, which means our customers receive skincare that’s fresh, effective, and made with integrity. It also gives us full control over ingredient sourcing, formulation consistency, and quality assurance at every stage. For me, it’s not just about having a product, it’s about having a process that reflects our values: craft, transparency, and excellence.
Can you describe the feeling of seeing your first set of samples? Was it the magical and satisfying moment one might imagine?
Because all our products are made in-house, that “first sample” wasn’t something I received, it was something I created with my own hands. And yes, it was magical, but not in a glossy, perfect way. It was the kind of magic that comes from persistence, trial and error, and finally seeing something you dreamed of take shape in real life.
I remember the moment blending the formula, testing textures, tweaking ingredients until it felt just right. It was emotional, because this wasn’t just a product. It was a form of healing, a response to everything my skin had endured. Holding that finished sample in my palm, I felt pride, peace, and a quiet confidence that I had made something truly honest.
Sikoja's branding is so striking – clean, luxurious, and refreshing. Could you walk us through the story of how you developed this aesthetic and the logo design? Did you collaborate with a designer, and if so, how did that partnership come about?
The branding was deeply intentional. I wanted Sikoja to feel like a breath of fresh air: clean, rooted in nature, but elevated in a way that felt luxurious and modern. When you look at the packaging I chose a clear glass very deliberately. It allows the natural beauty of the products to shine through, but it’s also easily recyclable, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. For me, transparency isn’t just visual it’s a value. I wanted the Sikoja community to see what they’re putting on their skin and know that every layer of the product from ingredients to packaging was designed with meaning.
I did work with a designer, but only after searching for someone who really understood the heart of the brand. It wasn’t just about looking pretty. I needed someone who could translate emotion and ethos into design. We worked collaboratively from mood boards and colour theory to typography. The logo, especially, was designed to feel both soft and strong just like the people I’m creating for.
Your website beautifully reflects the Sikoja brand. Can you share your experience of setting up your products on an e-commerce system? Was it a challenging process to achieve such a seamless integration of your brand and online store?
Building the e-commerce site was a huge learning curve especially since I don’t come from a tech background. I had to quickly get familiar with digital platforms, integrations, and user experience principles to make sure every part of the journey from homepage to checkout felt intuitive, calm, and user-friendly.
The biggest challenge was balancing visual storytelling with functionality. I wanted the website to reflect the same care and clarity as the products themselves clean, trustworthy, and empowering. It took a lot of trial and error (and quite a few late nights), but in the end, I built something that truly feels like an extension of the Sikoja experience. I’m proud that it doesn’t just sell skincare it tells a story and welcomes people into the world of Sikoja with ease and intention.
For individuals looking to launch their own fashion or beauty brand, what are your top pieces of advice based on your journey with Sikoja?
Fall in love with every part of your business, being a small brand there were aspects of the business that were challenging but I invested in my skills from studying cosmetic formulation to enrolling in business courses.
Also, build a brand that means something to you. When things get hard your purpose will carry you through.
The story of Sikoja is a testament to the power of turning personal experience into a thriving enterprise, where authenticity and values are woven into every step. From a heartfelt need to a tangible brand, the journey underscores the significance of intentional choices and unwavering commitment. As you navigate your own entrepreneurial path, consider this: What deeply held belief or personal experience could be the powerful, authentic spark that ignites your own unique business story?
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