In this episode, Clytie Tammy sits down with Rachael Twumasi-Corson, co-founder of Afrocenchix, to reflect on her journey from building one of the UK’s most recognisable natural haircare brands to exiting the business in 2023 and starting again with Ayaa Botanicals.

Rachael shares candid insights into the realities of entrepreneurship, the emotional weight of stepping away from something you built, the lessons learned from scaling Afrocenchix, and what legacy means when you move on from a brand you built from the ground up and starting a new one, Ayaa Botanicals.

The conversation explores community support for Black-owned businesses, the importance of proof of concept before scaling, and the discipline required to test ideas properly. Rachael also opens up about navigating motherhood alongside business, redefining success, and building differently this time around.

This episode is a powerful reflection on growth, reinvention, and what it truly means to start again with clarity.

Follow Rachael: IG, YouTube, website, Substack

Follow the host: @thatgirltammy_

Visit the podcast website: whomovedmybirkin.co.uk

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting After Years: A Journey of Change04:53 Navigating Business Challenges: Exiting Afrocenchix10:34 Reflecting on Afrocenchix’s Legacy16:35 Community Support and the Future of Black-Owned Businesses23:22 Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence31:53 Navigating the Startup Landscape36:42 The Importance of Proof of Concept41:36 Testing Ideas Before Scaling47:17 Personal Growth and Product Development52:49 Exploring Work-Life Harmony