Written by media consultant and writer, Lawrencia Nelson

Meet the creator of skincare brand ‘Fante Gold’. The Los Angeles native better known as Bridgette Forson founded her authentic skincare brand a few years ago after her daughter developed extreme case of eczema. Determined to find a cure and finding the everyday skincare products did not work the entrepreneur took things into her own hands, suddenly this birthed Fante Gold. Bridgette is the epitome of superwoman from balancing motherhood to a career in education and public and health. She simply describes her unconventional journey towards business; ‘I am learning to navigate the landscape of an entrepreneur’. We discuss why shea butter matters and how her culture has shaped her growing brand…

Can you tell me a bit about your brand and where did the name come from?

Fante Gold is a line of natural skincare products such as body butters, creams, and body washes that incorporates the use of organic ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter and African black soap from Ghana, West Africa.

I am a first-generation Ghanaian, born and raised in Los Angeles California. My parents are both of the Fante ethnic group and as a proud Fante girl, I incorporated that into my brand name. Since Ghana was formally known as the Gold Coast, and is known for producing the most gold on the continent of Africa, I thought it would be fitting to also incorporate that into my brand name. Hence the name Fante Gold; paying homage to both my heritage.

What inspired you to create Fante Gold?

Fante Gold arose from an immediate need in my family. My husband and I have two children, both of whom developed eczema during infancy. However, our daughters were considered a severe case. I tried various over-the-counter creams and ointments all to no avail. My mother suggested giving shea butter a try, and I did. I mixed shea butter from our mother country Ghana with different skin nourishing oils to obtain a product that helped ease the discomfort my children were experiencing. Eventually I started experimenting with different natural fragrances and that is how I developed a line of uniquely whipped body butters.

Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I never thought being an entrepreneur was an option for me. In fact, I am still getting used to being called that. My parents held successful, yet traditional roles in the work force and I believed that was also my destiny. I have a master’s degree in early childhood education and in public health, so I believed that I would be working in one of those fields, either making a difference in the educational industry or working to improve health care management systems. I am learning to navigate the landscape of an entrepreneur and though it is challenging, I’m enjoying the journey so far.

You are an American Ghanaian who grew up in LA, how has your heritage played a part when it comes to your brand?

My Ghanaian heritage plays a major role in my brand. The major ingredients of the products are either shea or cocoa butter, both ethically sourced from Ghana. My brand is exposing people in the United States to the richness of resources found in Ghana and that resources such as shea and cocoa butter have many beneficial skin and health uses.

Can you tell me a bit about the products and what distinguishes you from other skincare products at the moment?

Fante Gold continues to expand the number of products available to consumers. Currently we offer whipped shea body butters in a variety of tantalising fragrances, shea and cocoa butter body lotions and face creams, African black soap, West African exfoliating sponges and  lip balm. Fante Gold products help the skin maintain long lasting moisture and improve the long-term elasticity of the skin.

Our products are unique in that they are safe for even babies to use and are free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, formaldehydes and phthalates. A range of organic and natural oils are used to develop our unique line of skincare products.

Where do you see Fante Gold in the next five years?

In the next five years, Fante Gold will be an international brand, with customers from all over the world. Fante Gold will have several store fronts in the United States and abroad and become a household name. It will be recognized for producing high quality, safe and luxurious skin care products for women, men and children.

What advice would you give to other women who strive to be entrepreneurs?

I would encourage other women who are interested in being entrepreneurs to dream big. When I started Fante Gold, I had small dreams for myself. I guess I never thought that I could compete with big brands. Although, I still have a lot of work to accomplish and to learn, I no longer limit myself to small goals and aspirations for my company. I would encourage other women to believe that they are capable and deserving of taking their businesses to great heights.

Lastly, who would your dream customer be and why?

My ideal customers are people who care about what they put on and in their bodies. As well as people who appreciate natural ingredients, while seeing the value in using them to heal and treat our bodies.  The wave of natural, organic and cruelty-free products has hit the cosmetic and skincare industry hard. I believe it’s important that we value these attributes in our products, to ensure that we are holding ourselves accountable by striving for safe and effective products for ourselves and future generations.

You can visit the Fante Gold Website https://www.fantegold.com/ and follow the brand on Instagram Fante_Gold.