Growing up in Kenya, Evelyne was surrounded by stark gender inequalities, which reinforced the notion that expectations and privileges differed dramatically between men and women. Nevertheless, she was inspired by the strength and grace of the women in her community, particularly their quiet resilience and natural beauty. This admiration fueled her desire to create something impactful for women everywhere.
A pivotal force in Evelyne’s life was her father, who invested in her education by instilling strong study values in her from a young age. He would personally tutor her in math and sciences, ensuring that she grasped complex concepts and achieved the best marks possible. His unwavering support and encouragement helped to nurture her curiosity and passion for science, ultimately guiding her to pursue a degree in biology. Motivated by her father’s belief in her potential, Evelyne was determined to excel.
Inspired by her daughter Eliana, her cultural heritage, and her passion for environmental sustainability, Evelyne embarked on a mission to build a brand that not only celebrates beauty but also empowers women. With over 15 years of experience in Environmental and Social Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement, Evelyne has built genuine connections with producers across Africa, Europe, and North America, allowing her to source the highest quality ingredients for her skincare line.
A Vision for Empowerment and Sustainability
Evelyne founded Ellie Bianca to create a positive social impact while addressing the beauty needs of women. Inspired by her own experiences, she recognized the potential of eco-friendly and sustainable skincare, particularly the raw shea harvested by women in Africa. Her brand reflects a commitment to not just quality skincare products but also to uplifting the communities from which the ingredients are sourced. Ellie Bianca stands out as a proudly Canadian, all-natural, and socially conscious skincare line with a mission encapsulated in its slogan: “Kind to Your Skin. Kind to the Earth. Kind to Women.”
Her dedication to community empowerment is evident in the way Ellie Bianca operates. Evelyne ensures that her supply chains prioritize women-run co-ops and companies, fostering economic growth and opportunity for women in those communities. Furthermore, through the Ellie Bianca Woman Scholarship, she supports single mothers pursuing post-secondary education, illustrating her belief in the power of education as a transformative force.
Innovative Business Models for Growth
Evelyne has successfully established a multifaceted approach to growing Ellie Bianca. Employing a business-to-consumer model alongside a business-to-business model, she effectively drives sales both online and in retail environments, such as on Costco’s shelves. The introduction of a private label further diversifies her offerings, with hand creams, soaps, and hand sanitizers capturing additional market segments.
Her ambition extends far beyond mere sales volumes. Evelyne envisions a billion-dollar brand that inspires a generation of women to dream big and pursue their passions. “If your dreams are not scaring you, they’re not big enough,” she often says, and she believes that, with perseverance, women can break barriers and achieve greatness.
A Role Model for Future Generations
Evelyne’s contributions to the beauty industry have garnered recognition, including the 2021 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub Micro-Business Award. Her appearance on CBC’s Dragons’ Den further demonstrates her commitment to showcasing Black women in Canada who are making waves in entrepreneurship.
Now, as she works towards her Ph.D. in Strategy and Innovation, she continues to explore ways to leverage technology to advance her brand and support other women in business. Evelyne lives by the principles that have defined her brand: kindness to the skin, the earth, and to women. It’s this unwavering commitment to empowerment and sustainability that makes her a standout leader in the Canadian beauty landscape.
In a time when supporting homegrown, woman-led brands has never been more crucial, Evelyne Nyairo is not just creating quality skincare products but is also building a legacy that uplifts and empowers women across the globe. For those seeking to experience her vision, Ellie Bianca products can be found online and at select locations like Costco, ensuring that more women can connect with this heart-driven brand.
Evelyne Nyairo inspires us to aspire for greatness while empowering those around us, proving that with passion and determination, we can all make a remarkable impact.
