Hello, Essence.

I was beyond honored to be chosen as a featured product for the 17th annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards in March. The celebration of black women, especially by black women, in any room or industry is one of the most impactful forces of joy and empowerment we can experience. As a one-woman show representing black women, Nigerians and members of the West African diaspora, micro-enterprises & small business owners, and entrepreneurs as a whole, it’s an honor to see my product and work alongside the likes of TELFAR , SOKO , Cécred , Danessa Myricks Beauty, Topicals and more.

Having the Trademark candle featured is also particularly special. I was initially hesitant to name this business “Usu” because I knew it wasn’t an English word and I’d have to explain the meaning and origin. But I didn’t hesitate for long because teaching people about my tribe and country became an honor, not a task. It is part of the story that I’ve chosen to tell through these candles and the backbone of why I do it. And to see Usu Company front and center, while laid on top of a piece of our Tiv tribe’s traditional fabric only makes this moment sweeter.

The bittersweet spot is that these are moments that I wish my sister, Ember, could be here with me to see. Nobody was more loud and proud about our culture than she was. She believed in what Usu Company could be and in the possibility of opportunities like this. Today and always, I miss her and hope that this is only the beginning making her proud and taking her story as far and wide as it can go. I’m lucky to have the best parents and sister Rossie on the planet to continue to support, encourage, and uplift me, and a community of loved ones and friends who do the same.

https://www.essence.com/commerce/black-women-hollywood-2024-gift-bag/#1444395

Thanks to Essence for seeing, uplifting, and opening doors for growing businesses and women in business. You’re building legacies of change. 🖤