From Obscurity to African Leader:

Revitalizing a Togolese Cosmetic Factory

Our journey

Our journey with a cosmetic factory in Togo, Africa, is a testament to the power of integrated design, cutting-edge technology, and strategic media engagement. What began as a venture to elevate a struggling manufacturing plant blossomed into a resounding success story, propelling the factory into the top ten cosmetic producers across Africa with products dominating markets throughout the continent.

The Challenge:

A Factory with Untapped Potential

When I was commissioned as a creative consultant by the Togolese cosmetic factory, it faced significant hurdles. Despite a foundational infrastructure, it lacked the integrated creative and technical capabilities needed to compete in a rapidly evolving market. Product development cycles were slow, branding was inconsistent, and market reach was limited. The factory needed a comprehensive overhaul, from initial product conceptualization to final consumer engagement.

My Solution:

A Holistic Approach to Innovation

I embarked on a mission to transform the factory by establishing a dynamic, in-house design and media ecosystem. My strategy was multi-faceted, focusing on efficiency, creativity, and direct consumer connection:

Building the Dream Team

My initial task involved recruiting top-tier talent across various disciplines. I personally founded and structured a design and media team, bringing in experts in cosmetic product development, 3D artistry, product design, copywriting, social media, and web development.

I was responsible for acquiring the necessary gear and hardware to power our ambitions. This included setting up a dedicated lab for cosmetic product development, procuring advanced 3D printers, and equipping a small studio for live video production.

A cornerstone of our success was the meticulous development of innovative workflows. I personally engineered and rigorously tested a proprietary workflow that seamlessly connected multiple design software, enabling the rapid production of high-fidelity product previews. This system allowed our design team to deliver results with unprecedented speed.

Once the teams and technologies were in place, I focused on training and supervising the staff. This ensured that every team member was proficient in the new systems and workflows, and that they consistently delivered high-quality output. From formulating custom cosmetic products to creating unique packaging designs with 3D printing technology, and from crafting compelling brand narratives to executing engaging live broadcasts, I guided every step of the creative and technical process.

To foster direct engagement with consumers, we utilized my custom-built software, Akgo. This powerful tool enabled us to stream live YouTube videos, adding dynamic graphics and interactive elements in real-time. This live broadcast capability transformed how the factory connected with its audience, building a vibrant community around its brands.

The Result:

A Pan-African Powerhouse

The impact of these integrated efforts was transformative. The factory, once struggling, experienced exponential growth. Its product portfolio expanded to cover a vast array of cosmetic needs, reaching consumers across the African market. This strategic infusion of design, technology, and direct customer engagement didn’t just improve efficiency; it propelled the factory from relative obscurity to a position among the top ten cosmetic factories in Africa.

My commission as a creative consultant, from recruiting personnel and acquiring gear to developing and testing workflows and finally training and supervising the staff, was instrumental in transforming this Togolese cosmetic factory into a pan-African powerhouse.