Roger Dupé founded Melyon for darker skin tones
Written by: Deepa Somasunderam
@mrdupe
Meet one of Sweden’s most successful models.
Welcome to our new series, the Foundery. Cult ingredients, beauty rituals, ancient medical systems: so much of the beauty industry is rooted in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean but usually when it comes to branding, entrepreneurship and mainstream industry recognition, we are left out of the conversation. So we spotlight innovative founders in and from these regions to build your brand awareness.
Roger Dupé is the first black model from Sweden to build an international career. After eleven years in the modelling industry, he launched Melyon, an inclusive skincare brand in 2020 to address the inequity he saw in the beauty industry when it came to products for darker skin tones.
His beauty products are minimal, easy to use and the star ingredient is baobab, reflecting his roots in Ghana and Togo.
`Here he takes us behind the scenes of launching this brand and gives us all the details: how he travelled to Africa before launching the brand, why he chose to centre his brand around baobab and his plans for Melyon’s future.
How did your modeling career shape your view of the beauty industry?
As a professional black model, my modelling career has given me a unique perspective on the beauty industry. While there has been progressing in terms of diversity and inclusion in recent years, there is still a long way to go. I have experienced firsthand the lack of representation and opportunities for models of color in the industry, and it has motivated me to use my platform to push for change.
Through my work, I have also realized the power and influence of the beauty industry on society's perception of beauty. It is important for the industry to not only showcase diverse models but also to celebrate and embrace a wider range of beauty standards. We must recognize that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and skin tones, and promoting and amplifying that message is crucial.
Overall, my modelling career has made me more aware of the beauty industry's impact on society and the importance of using my voice to advocate for inclusivity and diversity.
What inspired you to launch Melyon?
As the founder of Melyon, I launched the brand to address the gap in the beauty industry for products catering to darker skin tones. I wanted to create a unique and powerful brand that would stand out. Melyon represents a fusion of my African and Swedish heritage and aims to bridge the gap between them.
Skincare is not just a daily ritual in Western Africa but also a form of self-love and a symbol of status. Our goal at Melyon is to create a sophisticated brand that reflects this cultural significance and provides high-quality products for all skin tones.
Why did you travel to Africa when you first developed Melyon?
Travelling to Africa was an important step in the development of our brand. Africa has a rich history of skincare practices that have been passed down through generations. I wanted to incorporate this knowledge into our products, as it had not been fully explored in the mainstream beauty industry.
During my travels, I connected with local artisans and experts who shared their traditional skincare methods. Combined with modern scientific research, these techniques allowed us to develop unique formulas that cater to a wide range of skin types and tones.
Tell us about the scientific research that went into developing skincare products for darker skin?
We conducted research to develop skincare products that cater to darker skin tones. We wanted to create a brand that celebrates diversity and inclusivity and starts with understanding the unique needs and concerns of different skin types and tones.
We collaborated with leading skincare experts and dermatologists to ensure our products were safe and effective for all skin types. We also conducted in-depth research on the specific challenges that people with darker skin may face, such as hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Our formulas are crafted with high-quality ingredients that have been proven to address these concerns, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. We also considered traditional African skincare practices, which have been used for centuries to maintain healthy, glowing skin.
Overall, our scientific research was a crucial part of developing products that are not only effective but also safe and inclusive for all. At Melyon, we are committed to creating a brand that promotes diversity and celebrates the beauty of all skin tones
@officialmelyon
What inspired you to make baobab a base ingredient in your products?
I was inspired to make baobab a base ingredient in our products due to its incredible skincare benefits. Baobab is a nutrient-rich fruit that is native to Africa, and has been used for centuries for its healing properties.
Baobab is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for healthy skin. It contains high levels of vitamin C, which boosts collagen production and brightens the skin. Baobab also has high levels of vitamin A, which helps to repair damaged skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, baobab is also an excellent moisturizer. It contains fatty acids that help to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated and supple. Baobab oil is also non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin, making it an ideal base ingredient for our products.
What inspired the name Melyon?
The name was inspired by a combination of two words: "Melanin" and "Enyonam". "Melanin" is the pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes, and is a symbol of diversity and inclusivity. "Enyonam" is a name from the Ewe language in Ghana/Togo that means "it's good for me".
The combination of these two words represents our brand's mission to create high-quality skincare products that celebrate diversity and promote self-love.
What are your plans for Melyon’s future?
Our plans for the future are focused on expanding our reach and continuing to provide innovative skincare solutions for all skin types and tones. We believe that self-care is an essential part of overall well-being, and we want to make our products accessible to everyone who wants to take care of their skin.
In the short term, we plan to expand our product line and offer more targeted solutions for specific skin concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and ingrown hair. We plan to expand our distribution and reach new markets in the long term. We want to make our products available in more countries and work with local communities to promote sustainable and ethical practices in the beauty industry.
We want to know more about you. Do you have any childhood anecdotes you can share with us?
Growing up, my mother was always very particular about skincare and emphasized the importance of keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. She often told me that being dry was a no-no and encouraged me to use moisturizing products, like cocoa butter.
But in the school pictures, I look so shiny because she but a lot of cocoa butter on my face because of the cold weather in Sweden, so in all of my school pictures, you can see how shiny I was (laughs).
What are your personal favourite skincare products?
I try to use as few products as possible while ensuring that my skin is well-nourished and protected.
I am using only my own line of skincare products because I have complete confidence in the formulations and ingredients. I believe that taking a minimalist approach to skincare can be beneficial for the skin and can also simplify your daily routine.
