The application of technology comes in different shades, asides from the very common use in finance, medicine and health, the power of technology has also proven its usefulness in reshaping the beauty ecosystem.
Kenyan-based lifestyle startup, Urembo Hub is leveraging technology to reshape the African beauty ecosystem.
Founded by Fatuma Dabassa who is highly passionate about beauty, health and fashion, Urembo Hub is bridging the gap between consumers and suppliers of beauty products and services in Kenya.
Urembo which means beauty in Swahili was built around an e-commerce mobile and web application to serve the beauty industry.
“We seek to provide the most convenient way for consumers of beauty products and services to buy and the most convenient platform for suppliers to access the market”, a statement reads on its website.
As explained by Fatuma, it all started with a passion to run and manage a beauty Spa that had a complete store for beauty services operations compared to the likes of barbershops, massage parlours, gyms, salons amongst many.
In her daily interactions with clients and daily management of the business, she was conceptualizing on the transformation of the whole beauty ecosystem by listening and engaging with clients with the kind of challenges they go through to find a one-stop shop where they can find a variety of beauty products and services while moving away from the traditional ways of getting their services done.
Thus the birth of Urembo hub an innovative beauty platform that brings together beauty professionals, beauty hubs and merchants to sell products and services across Kenya and with time Africa.
UremboHub’s mission and vision
As a digital platform providing beauty services, Urembohub is constantly offering innovative digital marketing, data-centric and calendar management tools to the whole beauty ecosystem.
Franchising with international beauty companies as agents, offering white labelling product on its platform, listing vetted beauty service providers stores and beauty products.
UremboHub offers seamless digital payment and settlement to the store vendors and a last-mile logistic solution in its delivery system.
The platform engages in corporate social responsibility activities by giving back to the rural African women behind the collection and production of beauty raw materials in different parts of the continent.
UremboHub is building a safe and trusted brand that will be the first choice for consumers of beauty products and services across Africa.
How Urembo works
Depending on what users prefer, UrmboHub has a wide range of product search by categories with all offering full e-commerce check-out cart tracking process.
The platform also has an integrated card and mobile payment options.
Beauticians’ profiles and beauty toggles are also available on the platform while also providing data analytics for tailored customer offerings.
Challenges and milestones
As stated by Fatuma, a lack of enough resources to launch the product and carry out aggressive marketing to create awareness, setting up a full Inbound Logistics system, warehouse and research centre to constantly improve on the first version of the product have been the main challenges.
According to Fatuma, Urembo Hub’s product development, digital payment, logistic integration and onboarding of beauty merchants are some of its earliest achievements.
Stating further, Fatuma highlighted the signing of forty contracts, onboarding beauty stores as proof of market acceptance for beauty product and service merchants stores as proof of its continuous effort.
Founder Institute experience
Passing through Founder Institute, Fatuma has interacted with mentors and partners who have pushed and encouraged her to become a better version of herself.
“Founder Institute guided me to build a digital company based on best practices in the modern edge with social impact.”, she added
Fatuma sees UremboHub penetrating the whole of Africa and beyond in the nearest future.
“We pride ourselves as the first of its kind technology company that offers solutions to beauty industry ecosystem.”, Fatuma concluded
Featured Image: Urembo Hub Team Members
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