About Jovia
Jovia is a 21-year-old entrepreneur from Kampala, Uganda. She is currently in a second year at Makerere University studying Industrial and Fine arts. She aims to encourage men and women to embrace and love their natural African hair and not use any chemicals to tame it.
Transition into Entrepreneurship
Jovia’s first venture at business and entrepreneurship was in February 2020 when she hosted a fashion show and art exhibition. Jovia utilized the lockdown time during COVID-19 to invest in producing chemical-free hair products for women. Jovia currently balances being a university student and managing a business with the support of her parent and friends.
Business Profile
Jovia is the founder of Kia Cosmetics, which manufactures affordable organic shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products to provide women with an alternative to chemical haircare products. Her motivation comes from her struggle with burns from using chemicals to maintain and handle her hair when she was still in school. While serving a primarily Ugandan client base, during Covid-19, Jovia managed to get two more online shopping platforms (CarteHub and Affiato) where Kia products can be featured making it easier for customers to order her products. Through Kia Cosmetics, she has created several job opportunities for young people. In the next 5 years, Jovia envisions Kia Cosmetics to be the leading cosmetics company in Uganda, and in East Africa that makes quality products that women and men use and work effectively. Jovia also is looking to open products lines for kids and men.
