Abimbola Sonde is the Founder and CEO of CQ Beauty Haven, a natural skincare brand with a global customer base and worldwide distribution, serving clients across multiple continents. Built on a foundation of results-driven formulations and personalised skincare solutions, the brand has grown steadily with operational roots in Lagos and Manchester.
Recognised for her strategic leadership and commitment to excellence, Abimbola brings deep industry expertise alongside a clear vision focused on confidence, care, and consistency in skincare. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects resilience, innovation, and a hands-on approach to building a trusted global brand.
In this interview, Abimbola discusses the evolution of CQ Beauty Haven, her approach to leadership and brand growth, international expansion, and how key personal milestones continue to influence her perspective, priorities, and long-term vision.
What inspired you to start CQ Beauty Haven, and at what point did you realize this would become more than just a passion project?
CQ Beauty Haven was born from a very personal place. I saw firsthand how many people struggled with skin concerns and felt frustrated by products that promised results but didn’t deliver. I began researching, formulating, and testing solutions that actually worked, and once I started seeing consistent results and repeat customers, I realised this was more than a passion — it was a purpose-driven business with real impact.
CQ Beauty Haven operates across Lagos and Manchester, how has building a brand across two different markets shaped your business approach?
While our operational roots are in Lagos and Manchester, CQ Beauty Haven has always been built with a global audience in mind. Serving customers across different continents has shaped my approach to be adaptable, culturally aware, and systems-driven. I’ve learned to think beyond location and focus on universal skincare needs while remaining sensitive to regional differences in climate, lifestyle, and expectations. This global mindset has strengthened the brand and ensured consistency no matter where our customers are based.
As a founder deeply involved in formulation, how did your understanding of skin physiology influence the early development of your products?
Understanding skin physiology allowed me to formulate with intention rather than trends. I focused on how the skin heals, regenerates, and responds to natural ingredients over time. That knowledge helped me create products that support the skin’s natural processes, rather than offering quick fixes that don’t address the root cause.
You emphasize that skincare is not one size fits all. Why is personalisation so important in today’s beauty industry?
Everyone’s skin is different — influenced by genetics, environment, lifestyle, and hormones. Personalisation is important because it respects those differences. At CQ Beauty Haven, we prioritise education and tailored solutions so customers can choose products that truly meet their individual skin needs.
CQ Beauty Haven focuses on natural and herbal formulations. What challenges did you face ensuring purity while still delivering visible, results-driven outcomes?
One of the biggest challenges was balancing purity with performance. Natural ingredients require patience, precision, and extensive testing to ensure they deliver results without compromising safety. It took time to perfect formulations that were both gentle and effective, but the long-term results made it worthwhile.
Many of your products target concerns like pigmentation, stretch marks, and acne scars. Which result or customer transformation has been most fulfilling for you personally?
The most fulfilling transformations are when customers regain confidence. Seeing someone who once hid their skin proudly share before-and-after photos, or hearing that they finally feel comfortable without makeup, reminds me why I started. Those moments make all the hard work meaningful.
What differences do you notice in skincare needs or consumer behavior between customers in Nigeria and the UK?
While skincare needs can vary by region due to climate, lifestyle, and environmental factors, many skin concerns are universal. Across our global customer base, issues such as hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, sensitivity, and uneven tone remain common. Consumer behaviour also differs internationally — some customers are more ingredient-focused, others are results-driven — but this diversity has helped us refine our education, communication, and product development to serve customers worldwide more effectively.
Shipping worldwide comes with its own challenges. How have you managed quality control and brand consistency across borders?
Shipping worldwide requires strong structure and attention to detail. We maintain strict quality control at every stage — from formulation and sourcing to packaging and fulfilment — ensuring every customer receives the same standard of excellence regardless of location. Clear brand guidelines, consistent processes, and ongoing monitoring help us maintain brand integrity while serving a truly global customer base.
As a woman leading a growing skincare brand, what leadership lessons have been most critical to your journey so far?
One key lesson has been learning to trust my instincts while remaining open to growth. Leadership requires resilience, adaptability, and the ability to make difficult decisions. I’ve also learned the importance of boundaries, delegation, and leading with integrity, especially in a fast-growing business.
How do you stay innovative in an industry that is constantly evolving and highly competitive?
I stay innovative by listening — to customers, industry shifts, and my own curiosity. Continuous learning, research, and staying grounded in my brand’s core values help me evolve without losing identity. Innovation comes from purpose, not pressure.
You recently welcomed a baby boy—congratulations. How has becoming a mother influenced your perspective on self-care and wellness?
Motherhood has deepened my understanding of self-care as a necessity, not a luxury. It’s taught me to prioritise balance, rest, and intentional living. Wellness now feels more holistic — it’s about physical health, emotional wellbeing, and presence.
Has motherhood changed the way you approach work-life balance or even inspired future product ideas for CQ Beauty Haven?
Absolutely. Motherhood has reshaped how I manage time and energy, making me more intentional about what truly matters. It has also sparked ideas around gentler formulations, family-focused wellness, and products that support long-term skin health.
What’s next for CQ Beauty Haven in terms of product expansion or new markets?
The focus is on refining our existing range while exploring thoughtful expansion into complementary products and new global markets. Growth for me is about sustainability, quality, and impact — not rushing into trends.
How do you balance the idea of luxury skincare with accessibility for a global audience?
For me, luxury is defined by quality, experience, and results — not exclusivity. I focus on creating products that feel premium while remaining accessible to customers across different regions. By prioritising value, education, and long-term skin health, CQ Beauty Haven is able to serve a global audience without compromising on standards or brand identity.
Where do you see the brand in the next five years, and what legacy do you hope to build through CQ Beauty Haven?
In five years, I see CQ Beauty Haven as a globally trusted skincare brand known for integrity, results, and personalised care. The legacy I hope to build is one of confidence, empowerment, and solutions that truly change how people feel about their skin.
