IN CONVERSATION WITH MARVELLA AKIOJANO

interview by JANA LETONJA

Marvella Akiojano is  a leading beauty and fashion content creator, and the CEO of Marviano Cosmetics. Earlier this year, she launched a line of high-quality smudge proof lip liners that are designed to last up to 4 hours with minimal reapplication and a non-transferrable application. Through her content and entrepreneurial ventures, Marvella created a platform that celebrates individuality, inspires confidence, and encourages her audience to chase their dreams. 

What inspired you to launch your brand, Marviano Cosmetics, and what vision did you have for it from the beginning?

What inspired me to start Marviano Cosmetics was turning frustration into innovation. As a beauty creator, I noticed my lip liner would disappear by the end of filming, and my gloss applicators kept getting stained. Even my friends were constantly reapplying theirs at every function, so I knew it wasn’t just me.

I wanted to create products that actually move with you, not off your face. From the start, the vision was simple: solve real beauty problems without compromising on quality or performance.

Your Brick Mocha #3 lip liner and gloss sold out within the first week. Did you anticipate that level of demand, and how did it feel watching your product go viral?

Brick Mocha #3 selling out in the first week was surreal, but not surprising. It’s that perfect mix of rich red and mocha brown that looks different, but sexy on everyone. It became a go-to lip combo because it’s bold, wearable, and actually lasts.

Tell us about your new shade Espresso Martini. What was the inspiration behind it, and how important was it for you to create a product specifically designed for darker skin tones?

Our newest shade, Espresso Martini, was created with intention, and a whole lot of love. As soon as I had the resources to invest in deeper shade research, I made it a priority. Some of my most amazing friends are darker-skinned, and it meant so much to me to create a shade that represents and compliments them the way they deserve.

Their beauty and presence have always inspired me, so having a shade like Espresso Martini that celebrates that richness and depth felt long overdue and deeply personal.

You’ve collaborated with your friend Golloria George on product development. What was that process like, and how did it shape the final product?

Working with Golloria was so special. She gave me the darkest shade of lip liner she personally used every day, and I bought it, took it to my manufacturer, along with beautiful reference photos of her and we got to work. They sent a few samples, and after testing, we found the one. Her input helped shape a shade that’s rich, flattering, and made with deeper skin tones in mind. It was a full-circle moment built on real friendship and representation.

Can you share any hints on anything new you're working on?  

We can expect something for the men and the ladies that enjoy wearing a full face of makeup for long hours, throughout the day.

Your content blends fashion, beauty, and lifestyle so seamlessly. How do you stay creatively inspired while running a fast-growing business?

Juggling the business and creative sides can definitely be overwhelming, but my passion for what I do keeps me grounded. When things get heavy, I pause, reconnect with what feels authentic, and remind myself why I started. I stay inspired by my community, my roots, and the impact I want to make seeing people feel confident in my products keeps the fire going. It’s not easy, but I’m building a strong team to support both my vision and the growth of my brand.

Relatability and authenticity are key to your brand. How do you maintain that while scaling and working with larger partners?

I stay true to myself because, honestly, I can’t keep up with the Joneses, and I don’t want to. What’s kept me grounded is knowing that authenticity is my superpower. As I grow and work with bigger partners, I just hope and pray they see the light in me and align with that. I’d rather build slow and real than fast and forced.

What has been the most rewarding feedback you’ve received from someone who’s used your products or followed your journey?

One of the most rewarding things has been seeing the reviews, people not only love the products, but they feel seen. It added a whole community aspect to our website that I didn’t expect but deeply appreciate. Knowing that something I created made someone feel confident or represented is the kind of feedback that reminds me why I started.

As a Nigerian-born creator now based in Dallas, how does your heritage influence your aesthetic, brand decisions, and storytelling?

Being Nigerian-born has shaped everything about how I move, from my aesthetic to how I tell stories through my brand. There’s a boldness, richness, and creativity that’s deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, and I carry that with me in everything I create. Whether it’s the colors, the confidence, or the way I show up authentically, my heritage is always present. Even now, being based in Dallas, I still pull from those roots. It’s what keeps Marviano unique and grounded in real, meaningful storytelling.

What’s your definition of beauty—and how do you hope Marviano Cosmetics redefines that for the next generation?

To me, beauty is about confidence, individuality, and feeling seen, no matter your skin tone, background, or budget. It’s not about fitting into a standard, it’s about embracing what makes you you.

With Marviano, I want to redefine beauty for the next generation by creating products that don’t just enhance features, but empower people to show up fully and unapologetically. It’s about representation, realness, and making sure everyone feels like there’s space for them in this industry.

You’ve emphasized the importance of inclusivity in beauty. What does true inclusivity look like to you, and how are you pushing for that in the industry?

True inclusivity goes beyond shade ranges. It’s about intention, representation, and accessibility at every level. It means seeing all skin tones, backgrounds, and identities reflected not just in the products, but in the campaigns, the leadership, and the decision-making.

With Marviano, I’m pushing for that by being hands-on in every step, from product development to casting models to storytelling. I make sure our shades work for deeper skin tones, our visuals feel relatable, and our brand speaks to the people who are often overlooked. Inclusivity isn’t a trend, it’s the standard we’re setting.

What’s next for you, both as a CEO and as a creator?

As a CEO, I’m focused on expanding the Marviano line with products that not only keep our current dolls happy, but also bring more people into the community. We’re building something timeless, and every new launch is a step toward that.

As a creator, I’m looking forward to collaborating with top-tier beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands that align with my vision and values. Whether it’s through content or partnerships, I want everything I do to reflect purpose, quality, and the Marviano standard. This is just the beginning.

CREDITS

photography TOLULOPE GANGBO