Tara Fela-Durotoye

Tara Fela-Durotoye (born March 6, 1977, in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria) is a highly prominent Nigerian beauty entrepreneur, lawyer, and corporate leader. She is widely recognized as the pioneer of the professional bridal makeup and beauty industry in Nigeria, establishing the foundation for modern beauty retail and education in the country.Early Life and Education Tara Fela-Durotoye graduated from the Lagos State University with a degree in Law. Following her legal education, she proceeded to establish her beauty brand. She is an alumna of several globally renowned institutions, having completed programs at the Lagos Business School Chief Executive Programme, INSEAD Abu Dhabi, Yale University, the Stanford SEED Transformation Programme, and the Harvard Kennedy School (Global Leadership and Public Policy in the 21st century).Career Progression and Notable Works Fela-Durotoye launched House of Tara International in 1998, pioneering the bridal makeup profession in Nigeria. Her entrepreneurial journey introduced several firsts to the Nigerian market, including launching the country's first bridal directory in 1999, establishing international standard makeup studios, and setting up the first formal makeup school in Nigeria. Under her leadership, House of Tara International expanded significantly. The brand created and marketed its own product ranges specifically for African women, including the Tara Orekelewa Beauty range, Inspired Perfume, and the H.I.P Beauty range. As of 2019, House of Tara boasted 23 stores, 14 beauty schools, 270 products, and a network of 10,000 representatives across Africa, positioning itself as a major vehicle for economic empowerment for women entrepreneurs on the continent.Major Achievements and Recognition Fela-Durotoye has received widespread national and international recognition for her innovative work and leadership. She was named one of Forbes' 20 Young Power Women in Africa in 2013 and subsequently recognized as one of Africa's 50 Most Powerful Women in 2020. The World Economic Forum recognized her as a Young Global Leader in 2013, and in 2014, the Choiseul Institute of France listed her among the Top 100 Young African Business Leaders under 40. She has also received the African Makeup Icon Award (2018) from the Ghana Makeup Awards and the Most Outstanding Business Woman of the Year (2018) from the African Economy Builders Awards.Current Status As of the present, Tara Fela-Durotoye continues to serve as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of House of Tara International. She remains an active advocate for women's entrepreneurship and leadership development. She is also a member of the France/Nigeria Investment Club, established to foster economic collaboration and bilateral investment. She is married to Fela Durotoye, a business strategist, and they have three sons.