In today’s fast-changing beauty industry, digital marketing and AI are more important than ever for brands looking to grow, attract customers, and scale successfully. Osita Chikere is a digital marketer and AI business consultant who specializes in helping beauty brands maximize visibility, increase sales, and leverage cutting-edge tools to stand out in a competitive market.
With a background in economics, beauty formulation, and business consulting, Osita brings a unique blend of strategic insight and technical expertise. As the CEO of AhiaJara Organic and Biz Tech World, he has helped countless beauty entrepreneurs harness AI-powered strategies to grow their businesses efficiently.
In this exclusive interview, Osita shares expert insights on digital marketing, AI-driven business growth, and the essential tools every beauty brand should use in 2025. Whether you're a founder, formulator, or beauty professional, these insights will help you position your brand for success.
1. Your Journey & Expertise
- What inspired your transition into digital marketing and AI consulting for beauty brands?
Answer: what inspired me to go into digital marketing and AI consulting was when I was running my Beauty brand AhiaJara Organic 80% only around 2018, this was before I went to study with Formula Botanica, meaning I practically sold and operated mostly online and only carried out operations off-line from my home mini lab. At a point I realized that all that have been helping my business came from my online operations. This triggered the idea for me to also help my fellow businesspeople succeed online by showing them the way.
Also, at this time I have developed running digital ads on social media platforms on my own by self-taught this led me to study furthermore about digital marketing from Aleph an international digital marketing brand based in Dubai, studying with them was the much needed lift I need to boost the passion of digital marketing that I already have in me. Along the line while doing digital marketing
I stumbled on how AI can aid digital marketing and businesses to do tedious task in a very simple way, this triggered my interest in AI and I went into studying it and how AI software tools can assist businesses in their day to day running of business and also help them in successfully carrying out digital marketing activities.
- You have experience in both economics and formulation, how does that unique combination shape your approach to beauty business growth?
Answer: My background in economics has exposed me to handle tough situations while been very calculative and meticulous in all my dealings in life, while my experience as a formulator broadened my mind to see things in their various forms, colors and shape then imagine them to be combined together to form a totally unique thing that can be used.
The combination of these two unique attributes has helped me to know how to position a beauty brand to be widely accepted for the unique products they produce while keeping a competitive edge to be the preferred cosmetics brand by applying the tactics that I refer to as the “Know, Like and Trust (KLT)” tactics which has proven over time to be a successful one.
- Many beauty founders struggle with marketing, what’s the biggest mistake you see brands making online today?
Answer: The biggest mistakes I see brands doing online is not knowing who their target audience are, no having a convincing story line for their ads, not having an easy customers journey through their ads, not running enough profitable sponsored ads by this I mean running ads that can get you your desired goal for your marketing purpose, and finally not building enough KLT factor.
2. AI & Digital Marketing for Beauty Brands
- AI is transforming the beauty industry. What are the top AI tools you recommend for founders looking to scale efficiently?
Answer: The beauty industry is no longer just about great products; it’s about smart, data-driven decisions powered by AI. Founders who leverage AI can scale faster, personalize experiences, and optimize marketing with precision. Thus, I recommend the following AI tools:
1. Persado (www.persado.com) – AI-Powered Copywriting for Marketing
Persado takes the guesswork out of marketing copy by using AI to craft high-converting messages. Beauty brands can use it for ad creatives, email marketing, and product descriptions that resonate emotionally with customers.
- Revieve (www.revieve.com) – AI Skincare and Virtual Try-On
Revieve offers AI-powered skin analysis and virtual try-on experiences that help customers find the perfect beauty products based on their skin type, concerns, and preferences. Ideal for e-commerce brands looking to reduce return rates and boost customer confidence.
- Vue.ai (www.vue.ai) – AI for Visual Merchandising & Personalized Shopping
Vue.ai helps beauty brands create AI-driven product recommendations and personalized shopping experiences. It studies customer behavior and tailors product suggestions to increase conversions.
- ChatGPT (www.openai.com/chatgpt) – AI Customer Support & Content Creation
AI chatbots are the future of customer support. ChatGPT can handle customer inquiries 24/7, generate blog content, product descriptions, and even suggest personalized beauty routines.
- Canva AI (www.canva.com/canva-ai ) – AI-Driven Content Creation for Social Media
For beauty founders managing their social media presence, Canva’s AI tools generate stunning graphics, captions, and even video edits with ease. It’s a game-changer for non-designers.
6. Syte (www.syte.ai) – AI Visual Search for Beauty & Fashion
Syte allows customers to search for beauty products using images instead of words. This is perfect for beauty brands selling cosmetics, allowing users to upload a photo and find a matching lipstick or foundation shade.
- Brandwatch (www.brandwatch.com) – AI Social Listening & Trend Analysis
This tool helps beauty brands monitor online conversations, track trends, and analyze competitors. Founders can stay ahead by understanding what customers love (or dislike) in real time.
8. Lumen5 (www.lumen5.com) – AI Video Creation for Beauty Marketing
Lumen5 turns blog posts, product guides, or social media content into engaging AI-generated videos. Video marketing is king in beauty, and this tool makes it effortless.
- Cortex (www.meetcortex.com) – AI-Driven Social Media Optimization
Cortex analyzes social media trends and suggests the best types of content, colors, and posting times for maximum engagement. Beauty brands can optimize their social media strategy based on AI insights.
- Tangent AI (www.tangent.ai) – AI-Powered Influencer Marketing
Tangent AI helps brands find the right beauty influencers based on data, not just follower count. It ensures collaborations are authentic and deliver real ROI.
One thing to note is that beauty founders who integrate AI into their businesses gain a competitive edge, automate repetitive tasks, and deliver hyper-personalized experiences. Whether it's AI-powered copywriting, virtual try-ons, influencer marketing, or social listening, the right tools can transform a beauty brand from a startup to an industry leader.
- How can indie beauty brands compete with big players using smart digital strategies?
Answer: The beauty industry is dominated by giants with deep pockets, but indie beauty brands are proving that innovation, agility, and smart digital strategies can level the playing field. The key isn’t to outspend but to outsmart, out-market, and out-connect. Here’s how it can be done:
1. Leverage AI for Hyper-Personalization
Big brands rely on mass marketing, but indie brands can win by delivering deeply personalized experiences using AI tools.
Use AI-driven product recommendations (e.g., Vue.ai) to create customized skincare/makeup suggestions.
Implement AI chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT, ManyChat) for 24/7 customer support and beauty advice.
AI-generated email sequences (e.g., Persado, Klaviyo AI) ensure every customer feels seen.
Why it works: Customers today expect tailored experiences. AI allows small brands to offer concierge-level service without a massive team.
2. Nail the 'Brand Story' – Sell a Movement, Not Just Products
Indie beauty brands thrive when they connect emotionally with customers. Your brand should stand for something beyond beauty.
Example: Glow Recipe markets “fruit-powered skincare” with a fun, youthful energy, this makes them distinct.
Action Step: Highlight your mission (sustainability, cruelty-free, skin positivity) across social media and content.
AI Tool: Brandwatch – Analyze audience sentiment and refine your brand storytelling.
Why it works: People buy from brands that feel personal and align with their values.
3. Master Social Media & Short-Form Video (TikTok, IG Reels, YouTube Shorts)
Big brands have TV commercials; indie brands have viral social media content.
Go heavy on short-form videos. Show transformations, hacks, ingredient breakdowns.
Engage influencers & micro-creators (e.g., using Tangent AI to find the right ones).
Use AI video editors (e.g., Lumen5, Descript) to create stunning content without a full production team.
Why it works: Authenticity beats polished ads. Raw, real, and engaging videos drive more sales than traditional marketing.
4. Community-Led Growth & User-Generated Content (UGC)
Loyal customers are your strongest salesforce. Encourage real users to create content and showcase it.
Feature real customer testimonials in your ads & social feeds.
Launch hashtag challenges to encourage UGC.
Use AI tools like Cortex to analyze what UGC performs best.
Why it works: Consumers trust other consumers more than paid ads. A strong community = brand loyalty + word-of-mouth marketing.
5. Smart Paid Ads: Laser-Focused Targeting Over Big Budgets
You don’t need millions for ads, you need precision.
Use AI ad tools (e.g., Adzooma, Smartly.io) to automate and optimize Meta & Google ads.
Focus on retargeting ads (showing products to people who engaged but didn’t buy).
Run lookalike audience campaigns based on your best customers.
Why it works: Indie brands can be highly strategic and spend smarter, ensuring every dollar brings ROI.
6. Sell Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) & Own Your Customer Data
Selling in Sephora is great, but owning your website and customer data is even better.
Use Shopify with AI-driven personalization (e.g., Nosto, Syte).
Implement AI-powered email marketing & automation (e.g., Klaviyo AI, Omnisend).
Offer subscriptions or exclusive VIP experiences for recurring revenue.
Why it works: Big retailers take a cut. A strong DTC model ensures higher profits & deeper customer relationships.
Be Small but Mighty
Indie beauty brands don’t need billion-dollar budgets to win. They need:
✯ AI-powered personalization
✯ Strong brand storytelling
✯Engaging, viral content
✯ Community-driven marketing
✯ Laser-focused ad strategies
✯ DTC sales for full control
It’s not about being the biggest—it’s about being the smartest.
- If a beauty entrepreneur could only focus on one digital marketing channel, what would it be and why?
Answer:
If I have to choose one digital marketing channel for a beauty entrepreneur to focus on, it would be TikTok.
Why TikTok?
The beauty industry thrives on visual appeal, transformation, and engagement, and TikTok is the perfect platform for that. Unlike other channels, TikTok allows brands to grow fast, reach millions organically, and create viral moments that translate into sales.
1. Organic Virality = Explosive Growth (Without Big Budgets)
TikTok’s algorithm favors small creators as much as big brands—meaning anyone can go viral.
Hashtag challenges, tutorials, and before-and-after videos get massive engagement.
Unlike Instagram or Facebook, you don’t need to spend heavily on ads to reach millions.
Example: A small brand like Spiffy Beauty Plus exploded because of TikTok skincare trends, without traditional ad spend.
2. Short-Form Video Dominates Beauty Content
✯ Beauty thrives on visual storytelling. TikTok’s short-form format is perfect for:
✯ Makeup transformations
✯ Skincare routines
✯ Before & after results
✯Product application tips
People trust UGC (user-generated content) more than branded ads, making TikTok the ideal platform for authenticity.
Example: #CleanLook, #GlazedDonutSkin, and #Underpainting became viral trends that sold out entire product lines.
3. AI-Powered Discovery & Personalized Reach
TikTok’s For You Page (FYP) algorithm pushes content to the right audience based on interests.
AI tools like TrendTok (www.trendtokanalytics.com) help brands track viral trends before they peak.
Influencer collaborations (even with micro-creators) can drive massive sales overnight.
Example: One TikTok video turned Drunk Elephant’s Bronzing Drops into a must-have, leading to months-long sellouts.
4. TikTok Shop = Direct Sales Inside the App
Unlike Instagram, where users often leave the app to shop, TikTok Shop allows direct purchases.
Brands can partner with creators to showcase products via TikTok Live shopping events.
TikTok’s AI-driven ad system ensures products reach highly targeted potential buyers.
Example: Smaller brands like Youthforia and Beauty Pie have seen huge revenue spikes by leveraging TikTok Shop.
TikTok is the #1 Digital Marketing Channel for Beauty Entrepreneurs
If a beauty entrepreneur had to bet on one platform, TikTok is the fastest, most organic, and most engaging way to build a brand, attract customers, and generate sales.
How to Win on TikTok Today:
✯ Post 3-5x per week (consistency matters).
✯ Follow viral trends but make them unique to your brand.
✯ Collaborate with micro-influencers (they convert better than big celebrities).
✯ Use TikTok Shop to drive direct sales.
✯ Leverage AI tools like TrendTok & Cortex for smart content strategy.
3. Scaling & Visibility for Beauty Entrepreneurs
- You wrote about 10 essential tools for beauty brand growth—which one do you think is the most underutilized?
Answer: Syte (www.syte.ai) – AI Visual Search & Recommendations
Why?
Most beauty brands focus on social media and influencer marketing but neglect AI-powered visual search. With Syte, customers can upload a photo and instantly find matching makeup or skincare products—just like fashion brands do with clothes.
The Missed Opportunity:
✯ Reduces decision fatigue (customers find products faster).
✯ Increases conversions (shoppers buy what they see).
✯ Creates a high-end shopping experience without the need for a massive customer support team.
Brands investing in visual search now will dominate e-commerce personalization in beauty.
- What content strategies should beauty founders use to increase visibility and attract their ideal customers?
Answer: To enhance visibility and attract ideal customers, beauty founders should implement the following content strategies
*Educational Content – Share tutorials, skincare tips, and beauty hacks.
*User-Generated Content (UGC) – Encourage customer reviews and testimonials.
*Influencer Collaborations – Partner with micro and macro influencers.
*SEO Optimization – Use relevant keywords to boost search rankings.
*Social Media Presence – Post consistently on TikTok, Instagram & YouTube Shorts.
Implementing these strategies can effectively increase brand visibility and attract their ideal customers.
- How does strategic PR and media exposure help beauty brands stand out?
Answer: Strategic PR boosts credibility and makes beauty brands more trustworthy through media features in top publications like Vogue and Allure. It expands reach by exposing brands to new audiences without heavy ad spending. PR also improves SEO, driving organic traffic through backlinks from reputable sites. Additionally, media coverage attracts influencers, retailers, and investors, positioning the brand as a rising industry leader. Finally, PR creates social proof, increasing customer confidence and sales.
The bottom-line PR helps beauty brands gain visibility, authority, and long-term success in a crowded market.
4. Thought Leadership & Industry Impact
- You’re involved in mentorship and entrepreneurship programs, how has this shaped your career?
Answer: Mentorship and entrepreneurship programs like the Tony Elumelu Foundation and some others i have been involved in have shaped my career by expanding my business acumen, leadership skills, and industry connections. Guiding startups and entrepreneurs has deepened my expertise in AI, digital marketing, and business growth strategies, while also reinforcing my ability to adapt, innovate, and stay ahead of market trends. These experiences have strengthened my problem-solving approach, making me more effective in building and scaling businesses.
- What role do platforms like IKONIK Magazine play in helping beauty founders gain credibility and opportunities?
Answer: Platforms like IKONIK Magazine play a crucial role in boosting credibility for beauty founders by featuring their stories, innovations, and expertise. Being highlighted in a respected indie beauty magazine enhances brand authority, attracts industry recognition, and builds trust with customers. It also creates opportunities for networking, collaborations, and potential investors, helping founders stand out in a competitive market.
- What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
Answer: The best business advice I’ve ever received as a digital marketer and AI business consultant is:
Leverage data but never ignore human psychology.
AI and automation can optimize strategies, but true marketing success comes from understanding human emotions, desires, and behaviors. Brands that blend AI-driven insights with authentic storytelling build deeper connections, drive engagement, and scale faster. Technology amplifies strategy, but emotion drives decisions.
5. Spotlight on OKOKO & Luxury Beauty Growth
- In your experience, what differentiates a premium beauty brand like OKOKO Cosmétiques from mass-market competitors?
Answer: For me A premium beauty brand like OKOKO Cosmétiques stands out from mass-market competitors through high-quality formulations, exclusivity, and brand storytelling. They use premium, science-backed ingredients, offer personalized experiences, and emphasize sustainability and luxury appeal. Their branding focuses on expertise, results, and a loyal community, positioning them as a trusted, high-value choice rather than just another beauty product.
- How can high-performance beauty brands leverage AI and digital strategies to elevate their positioning and attract a loyal customer base?
Answer: High-performance beauty brands can elevate their positioning and attract a loyal customer base by integrating AI and digital strategies into their business models. AI-powered personalization allows brands to offer customized skincare and makeup recommendations, enhancing customer trust and satisfaction. Tools like ModiFace and Perfect Corp provide virtual try-ons, creating an immersive shopping experience that reduces purchase hesitation.
Additionally, predictive analytics helps brands analyze consumer behavior, enabling smarter product launches and more effective marketing campaigns. AI-driven hyper-targeted advertising ensures that marketing efforts reach the right audience, maximizing ROI. Furthermore, leveraging AI to curate and amplify user-generated content (UGC) strengthens community engagement and social proof, making brands more relatable and aspirational.
By adopting these strategies, high-performance beauty brands enhance customer experience, build strong brand loyalty, and establish themselves as industry leaders in innovation.
6. Final Takeaways & Lead Generation
- For beauty brands looking to optimize their digital marketing, integrate AI, or scale effectively, how can they connect with you?
Answer: Beauty brands can connect with me through the following means:
With over six years of experience in the IT sector, Osita Chikere is a versatile and skilled professional who specializes in Digital marketing, Content creation, Social media management, Data entry and AI Graphic designing skills.
Email: alaribechikereosita@yahoo.com
Phone/whatsapp: +2347038237514
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Osita Chikere
Osita Chikere
