Sharon Chuter, the trailblazing founder of UOMA Beauty, has died at the age of 38.
The Nigerian-born entrepreneur was found unresponsive in the outdoor area of a Los Angeles residence on 14 August, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The cause of death has been deferred pending further investigation.
Chuter made her mark in the beauty industry with the launch of UOMA Beauty in 2019, followed by UOMA by Sharon C in 2021. Her brands quickly gained recognition for championing inclusivity, offering foundation in 51 shades and challenging long-held industry norms.
Before building her own empire, Chuter worked with global powerhouses including L’Oréal, LVMH, and Revlon, famously convincing the latter to distribute products in Nigeria.
Beyond beauty, she was a fearless advocate for diversity. In 2020, she spearheaded the Pull Up For Change campaign, demanding companies disclose the percentage of Black employees in leadership roles. The movement shook the corporate world, urging consumers to hold brands accountable. A year later, she launched the Make It BLACK campaign, pushing dictionaries to redefine “Black” with positive connotations.
In 2023, Chuter stepped down as CEO of UOMA, citing health challenges and the struggle to maintain balance.
Her legacy as a fearless innovator and outspoken voice for change has left an indelible mark on the beauty industry worldwide.
