In recent years, the brand ‘Her Majesty’ has grown to become associated with only the crème de la crème of cosmetics in Rwanda. Initially known as ‘Her Majesty Vanessa,’ the brand’s original name was inspired by its former owner, Vanessa Raissa Uwase who made her debut in the Rwandan beauty scene in 2015 when she was crowned 1st runner-up in the Miss Rwanda pageant.
This platform allowed her to explore various entrepreneurial ventures, among them, a café, restaurant, bar, and eventually cosmetics. As the saying goes, “the higher you go, the cooler it becomes,” Vanessa’s new role as a beauty queen demanded that she always looked her best, which posed a challenge for her, she says, due to her sensitive skin.
“As a black woman based in Rwanda, finding products that match my skin tone without giving me a breakout was always a hassle” she explained. That, coupled with her enterprising spirit, and passion for beauty and makeup, compelled her to devise means of inventing a cosmetic line that will supply fixes to her nodus.
Using the prominence garnered from the Miss Rwanda Beauty Pageant, Vanessa thumped numerous investment doors for funding to implement her dream. While the majority didn’t buy her idea, Catchyz Holdings Limited granted the beauty queen a leap of faith.
To get started, they linked Vanessa to skilled cosmetic factories around the globe that sent her a wide range of products to test and approve. In September 2021, following successful trials and branding, the cosmetic line dubbed ‘Her Majesty Vanessa’ made its public debut.
“The phrase ‘Her Majesty’ is derived from my Miss Rwanda crown, and Vanessa, my real name. I chose that name because I am a queen, and I want everyone who uses the products to feel like one too,” she remarked. Primarily online, the brand received a cordial welcome from the audience, prompting the opening of a physical store–barely two months down the road.
Rebranding to Her Majesty Cosmetics:
Following a successful debut on the Rwandan market, Catchyz Holdings Ltd —the venture capitalists behind ‘Her Majesty Vanessa’—sought to spread their wings beyond cosmetics to body care and fragrances. They also wanted the target audience to cater to all genders and cut across borders, thus the transition from ‘Vanessa’ to ‘Cosmetics’ in 2023—utterly taking over the brand from Vanessa Uwase.
RWF 10,000 $10
According to Farouq Faddha, the Managing Director of Her Majesty Cosmetics, their major challenge in the market was the ‘mistrust’ clients had for their products because of its localized branding.
“All Her Majesty products are internationally manufactured under the guidance of professional skin care specialists,” he said, stressing that the only element that makes them ‘Rwandan’ is the fact they are specifically curated for African skin.
Mohammad Hammad, one of the investors from Catchyz Holdings Ltd. also explained that although the Rwandan market was welcoming—a thing they’re grateful for, given the audience’s diversity, there was a need to tap into all corners.
“Our products are made in countries like Korea–the leading cosmetics manufacturers—it justifies making ‘Her Majesty Cosmetics’ an international brand to resonate with a broader audience,” Hammad added.
Why use Her Majesty Cosmetics:
Since its inception, Her Majesty Cosmetics has not only endured but thrived through innovation, quality, and a commitment to beauty, becoming synonymous with elegance and excellence. The brand, already revolutionizing the beauty scene in Rwanda and beyond, offers a wide range of carefully curated, high-quality and affordable cosmetics.
“Much as everyone is naturally beautiful, there’s always a need to enhance that beauty and that’s where Her Majesty Cosmetics comes in. Our goal is to offer elite yet cost-effective products because we believe everyone should create their own beauty,” explained Hammad. Each Her Majesty product is meticulously crafted using the finest ingredients sourced from botanicals around the world known for their skincare benefits.
“I still recall the first time I used Her Majesty Cosmetics, the aesthetic petals in the shower gel and the blossom scent of the body scrub, left me mesmerized and smelling amazing,” said Darina Kayumba, Miss Rwanda 2022 2nd runner up and Her Majesty Cosmetics brand ambassador.
The makeup line for instance, includes, among others, long-lasting foundations for flawless coverage, vibrant lip colors that make a statement, shimmering eyeshadows designed to enhance one’s facial features.
Naomie Ishimwe, Miss Rwanda 2020 and another brand ambassador Her Majesty Cosmetics, says that she adores the brand because of how it cuts across all skin tones.
“As a brown skinned girl, it was nev – er easy to find the right foundation to match my skin tone, until Her Majesty came on board,” she told SENS.
The brand’s luxurious scents (deodorants and perfumes) even go further to capture the essence of elegance, offering a sensory experience that complements the brand’s commitment to beauty.
But more than anything, what truly sets Her Majesty Cosmetics apart on the market is the dedication to customer satisfaction.
“Her Majesty Cosmetics focuses on its customers’ needs and preferences, building a loyal community of beauty enthusiasts,” said Vanessa, who is now acting as one of the brand’s ambassadors.
She recounted a scenario when Her Majesty had just opened its doors to their first store, and the customers requested they make the eyeliner thicker, feedback they embraced and now it’s the most sold product in all stores.
At all their stores, is an expert makeup artist and skin care specialist providing personalized beauty consultations and demonstrations, to help clients discover their signature look and unleash their inner diva.
Where to buy Her Majesty Cosmetics:
In May 2024, Her Majesty Cosmetics went all out to establish stores at: KABC (Kigali Alliance Business Center) – 2nd floor, Nyarutarama Deco Center – KG 9 Ave, and at UTC KN 4 Ave – 2nd floor, operating from 9:00am to 9:00pm, all week.
This African tailored makeup and cosmetic brand’s products can be availed with convenience to anyone within and outside Rwanda. Notably, on orders above 50,000 Rwf, delivery is free of charge, and for as low as 2,000 Rwf on standard shipping for those in Rwanda.
As for buyers around the globe, if you place your order before 9:00 am, be assured of a reliable delivery, whether you choose express or standard shipping.
Looking Ahead
As Her Majesty Cosmetics continues to expand its footprint beyond the land of a thousand hills, the future looks promising.
According to Hammad, before the end of this year, the brand will be expanding its skincare line with exciting products.
Additionally, for those within the East African region, get ready to shop all your favorite Her Majesty Cosmetics from the best malls in your city.
“We are yet to decide the country we will be going to next—still studying their markets and making comparisons, but just so you know, we are crossing borders soon,” said Hammad, adding that: “Her Majesty Cosmetics is proof that beauty can change lives, helping both men and women to embrace their uniqueness and feel confident in every part of their lives.
