GTCO Fashion Weekend: Anthony Tegbe Reflects on His Daughter Christina’s Impact in African Beauty
By Arikawe Femi
Speaking at the GTCO Fashion Weekend in Lagos in an interview with Arikawe Femi of The People’s Voice Nigeria News, Anthony Tegbe, father of Christina Funke Tegbe, praised the masterclass sessions facilitated by his daughter, describing them as “great” and highlighting the focus on Black Beauty finally receiving the attention it deserves.
Reflecting on Christina’s decision to leave the corporate world and build her brand, 54 Thrones, Anthony shared how he initially didn’t understand her choice to “retire” from her corporate job. “At that time, she was not happy in the corporate sector. She took the leap at the right time,” he said. Today, he looks back with pride at her determination and the success she has achieved over the past decade.
Anthony Tegbe, father of Christina Funke Tegbe
Christina’s masterclass emphasized the intersection of heritage, science, and innovation in African beauty. She shared how her travels across Africa from Nigeria to Ghana, Morocco, and Egypt shaped her understanding of traditional beauty rituals and the potent ingredients rooted in African culture. Ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and the resurrection plant are not only natural but clinically effective, capable of moisturizing, repairing, and protecting the skin.
Central to her message was the importance of focus and community. Christina advised aspiring beauty entrepreneurs to start small, focus on one product or problem, and build deep engagement with their audience through both virtual and in-person events. She also highlighted strategic partnerships, emphasizing trade over aid, empowering African artisans to own their intellectual property and capture the full value of their work.
Anthony Tegbe’s perspective adds a compelling layer to the story. He spoke about the pride and reassurance he felt seeing his daughter transform her vision into a thriving business, and how family support can be a critical factor in empowering African founders.
“Seeing her take risks, innovate, and claim her place on the global stage has been inspiring not just for me, but for other young people watching,” he said.
Together, Christina and her father illustrate a story of heritage, resilience, and entrepreneurial grit. While Christina provides the vision, innovation, and hands-on expertise, Anthony represents the encouragement, perspective, and confidence that family support can bring underscoring that African beauty is not only about products but about the people, stories, and communities that nurture it.
From the masterclass session to this candid interview, one thing is clear: Christina Tegbe is not just building a brand, she is reshaping the narrative around African beauty, with her family firmly supporting her journey.
