OUR FOUNDER
Eunice Cofie-Obeng
Eunice Cofie-Obeng is the visionary Founder, CEO, and Chief Cosmetic Chemist of Nuekie, a science-driven skincare company dedicated to meeting the unique needs of people of color. She has spent years researching the science of skin of color. She saw an opportunity to fuse that science with the power of African traditional medicine to address common skin disorders suffered by people of color. Through Nuekie, she blends rigorous science, cultural heritage, and innovation to redefine skincare for people of color.
Her journey into beauty and science began from a deeply personal place. Growing up, Eunice was often bullied for her dark skin and tightly coiled hair. But instead of allowing those experiences to define her, she found strength and confidence through the encouragement of her father, who nurtured her love for science. Together, they spent hours conducting experiments, eventually leading to her first science fair win and igniting a lifelong passion that would shape her future.
While studying chemistry and molecular biology at Florida A&M University, Eunice had a defining moment in an organic chemistry lab, where her professor taught students how to formulate lotions and hair relaxers. That hands-on experience, combined with her realization that the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries lacked products tailored for melanin-rich skin, inspired her to build Nuekie.
Eunice holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Molecular Biology from Florida A&M University and a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a specialization in Cosmetic Science from the University of Cincinnati. She further expanded her leadership and policy expertise by completing executive training in Global Leadership and Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Awards and Recognition
As one of the most respected cosmetic chemists and skincare innovators of our time, Eunice Cofie-Obeng has amassed a distinguished array of awards and accolades. Among her key recognitions:
- World Economic Forum Young Global Leader
- NASDAQ Milestone Maker
- Aveeno Skin Health Startup Accelerator Finalist
- Johnson and Johnson Innovation Black Innovators in Skin Health Finalist
- Glossier Grant Recipient
- BeyGood Foundation Grant Recipient
- 757 Accelerate Grant Recipient
- MillerCoors Tap the Future Business Competition Finalist
- Golden ACE Award in Science
- NewU/Ford Foundation Entrepreneurs Fellow and Grant Recipient
- Startup of the Year
- Florida Achievement Award
- Forbes 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa
- Tallahassee/Leon County Technology Commercialization Grant Awardee