Beauty On The Rise

The beauty industry is quite possibly the most secure and rapidly growing industry in Africa. This year we will launch REMBA, meaning “to make beautiful; to beautify; to decorate” in Swahili. We will provide resources, competitions and ongoing education for Africa’s aspiring hair stylists. Our purpose is to create sustainable careers and inspire unity within the beauty industry. REMBA exists to empower and promote African stylists as teachers, mentors and esteemed members of society.

This project is the brain child of Rachel Burney, a Paul Mitchell stylist and long time KEZA intern who has assembled an outstanding team that will join us in Kigali for REMBA’s launch this spring. Rachel’s passion for Africa, and specifically African women sent her our way at the beginning of 2008 and she is now living her dream heading up REMBA.

Another exciting addition is the new Fashion Team, that includes a Fashion Director (candidates are currently being interviewed) and talented students from the highly acclaimed Rhode Island School of Design (www.risd.edu). Lindsay Perkins and Jenny Lai from RISD have been working on some innovative new designs this year and will join us in June to work hands-on with the women of BURANGA. The fashion team will bridge the gap between the international fashion stage in the West and the culturally influenced creations of Africa. This year KEZA will bring to you a whole new world of high end African fashion.
Yours Truly,
Ilea