A visionary who built space for the unseen, but her sudden death leaves us with truths yet untold.
Sharon Chuter was more than a beauty entrepreneur; she was a trailblazer who reshaped the global cosmetics industry. As the founder of Uoma Beauty, she introduced a brand that celebrated inclusivity and individuality at a time when diversity in beauty products was still rare. Her launch in 2019 with 51 foundationshades was not just innovative it was revolutionary, setting new benchmarks for representation and accessibility in makeup. Beyond her products, she used her platform to call for accountability in corporate spaces, amplifying conversations around race, equity, and opportunity
From Nigeria to the Global Beauty Stage
Born in Nigeria, Chuter drew inspiration from her roots and her multicultural experiences. She recalled the vibrant memories of her childhood: “That kaleidoscope of colors takes me back to when we would go to church on Sunday… I grew up eating fruit off of a tree… I still rub pure shea butter on my body.” Her early life shaped her deep sense of authenticity and creativity.
Before establishing her own company, Chuter worked with global giants including PepsiCo, Benefit, L’Oréal, and LVMH. She also played a pivotal role in helping Revlon expand into the Nigerian market. These experiences honed her skills and reinforced her belief in ethical leadership, once remarking on the tension between business gains and values: “I was intrigued by the concept of sacrificing profit to do what’s ethical.”
Uoma Beauty, derived from the Igbo word umu-oma meaning “beautiful people,” became her bold act of representation. From its first launch, Uoma made cultural statements through product names such as "Stay Woke" concealer and lipsticks inspired by icons like Diana Ross and Nina Simone. Within months, her products were stocked at Ulta, Nordstrom, Harvey Nichols, J.C. Penney, CVS, and Walmart under the Uoma by Sharon C. line.
Uoma Beauty: A Vibrant Act of Representation
Her influence extended beyond makeup. In 2020, she founded Pull Up for Change and initiated the #PullUpOrShutUp campaign, which pushed beauty brands to publicly disclose the number of Black employees in leadership roles within 72 hours. The movement drew global attention, with brands like Glossier, e.l.f. Cosmetics, and MAC participating. In 2022, reflecting on the campaign during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, she emphasized that silence in the face of inequality was never an option for her.
Activist CEO: Pull Up For Change and Beyond
Despite these remarkable strides, the beauty industry was shaken in August 2025 when news broke of Chuter’s sudden passing at the age of 38. Her body was discovered on a patio, and investigations into the cause of death remain ongoing.
The loss reverberated across communities, especially among Black women who saw her as a symbol of empowerment and representation. On TikTok, protests and calls for boycotts of UomaBeauty began to spread, with supporters demanding justice for what they allege was the hijacking of her business during her illness. Under a viral post by Milan | Cosmetic Chemist, one commenter wrote: “This sounds familiar!! There was another Black entrepreneur who something similar happened to! This life is insane.” Another added: “I'm positive her husband signed some documents to steal the company from under her. Sold it to the company and acted like he didn’t know what was going on…”
Chuter had previously opened up about a health scare in January 2023 that left her hospitalized. Speaking candidly in May of that year, she described the incident as a wake-up call that led her to prioritize her health and well-being. In response, she stepped down from her leadership role at Uoma Beauty, though she remained a shareholder in the company.
In February 2025, just months before her passing, Chuter filed a lawsuit against MacArthur Beauty, BrainTrust, and Settle Funding. She alleged that Uoma Beauty’s assets were sold without her knowledge to cover a loan and that BrainTrust unlawfully forced her out of her leadership position. According to court documents, the brand; valued at $50 million was sold at a price far below its worth.
The timing of the lawsuit and the subsequent sale of Uoma Beauty has fueled public speculation, especially as her death came so soon after these legal battles.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Inclusion, Integrity and Impact
Sharon Chuter’s story is one of resilience, courage, and vision. She redefined inclusivity in the beauty industry, championed the visibility of Black professionals, and built a brand that resonated across cultures and continents. Her death leaves behind unanswered questions, but her legacy remains undeniable.
As investigations continue and protests gain momentum, the world reflects not only on the circumstances of her passing but also on the remarkable contributions she made in her short but impactful life. Sharon Chuter will be remembered not just for creating beauty products, but for creating space; space for voices, identities, and stories that had long been ignored.
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