In celebration of Black excellence, VIOLET GREY spotlights the creatives, brand founders, and entrepreneurs making an immeasurable impact on The Industry.

The first thing you notice upon meeting Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye is her glow, which is, in more ways the one, of her own making. After years spent in The Industry, the entrepreneur created, secured funding for, and brought to market Ami Colé—a first-of-its-kind brand that celebrates and enhances melanin-rich skin with nourishing formulas and breathable, natural finishes. Here, the self-admitted product junkie and tenacious founder answers VIOLET GREY’s burning questions.