Akuba Torvikey, Angel Investor

With 10+ years in beauty product development, I’ve launched 200+ hair, skin, and wellness products for legacy, celebrity, and emerging brands. My work has led to award-winning launches, top-performing SKUs, and scalable systems that drive speed and innovation. I’ve been honored for my behind-the-scenes leadership and impact in the beauty industry. In 2023/2024, I was selected as a BeautyUnited Fellow, recognized among the top BIPOC and Latinx changemakers shaping the future of beauty. Byrdie named me one of its "BTS Beauty Icons Making the Industry Better." I also received the Industry Elite Award for Excellence in Product Development and Manufacturing from Multicultural Beauty Insider. As the founder of BeautyWise—a professional community for Black product developers—and the Breedlove Accelerator, which scales Black-owned beauty and wellness brands, I remain committed to equity, mentorship, and transforming the beauty industry from the inside out. In addition to my work as a builder and operator, I am also an Angel Investor, backing visionary founders and culture-shifting ventures across beauty and wellness categories.