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You and Yours: Gap Finders - Rachael Twumasi-Corson

Gap Finders - Rachael Twumasi-Corson

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, Gap Finders - Rachael Twumasi-Corson

How Rachael Twumasi-Corson, founder and CEO of Afrocenchix, found a gap in the market.

How Rachael Twumasi-Corson, founder and CEO of Afrocenchix, found a gap in the market to provide healthy products for black and afro hair.

Today's Gap Finder is Rachael Twumasi-Corson, the CEO and co-founder of Afrocenchix, a UK based brand of products for black and curly hair, whose mission is to put health first in haircare.

Last year Oxford University published a study which showed that long-term use of hair relaxers containing lye, the same toxic chemical used to unblock drains, was connected to a 30% increased risk of breast cancer. It's a shocking statistic which helped inspire Rachel's business.

Afrocenchix began in 2008 when Rachel had an eczema flare up triggered by relaxer, a chemical solution used to straighten black and afro hair. From mixing up solutions in her university kitchen, the business has grown - Rachel now has a team of 12, selling direct to customers and via two major high street chains, with an upcoming launch in Selfridges. 

Last year Rachel and her team made history, becoming the first black hair care product to have a UK TV advert. 

Shari Vahl hears about Rachel's early start in business, securing funding and her ambitions for the future of the company. 

PRESENTER: Shari Vahl
PRODUCER: Linda Walker

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