Over the years, the Nigerian beauty industry has birthed beauty brands that now stand tall on the global stage, with House of Tara being one of the most iconic. Founded by the visionary Tara Fela-Durotoye, the brand has been at the forefront of Africa’s beauty revolution for 27 years, turning a bold idea into an industry-shaping empire. Now, as she hands over the reins to Rosemary Layode, a new chapter begins – one rooted in legacy, driven by trust, and defined by the fearless pursuit of continued growth. 

As House of Tara enters a new era, Glazia sat down with Founder Tara Fela-Durotoye and new Managing Director, Rosemary Layode, to discuss this pivotal moment. What follows is an inspiring conversation about legacy, leadership, and the future of African beauty, told in their own words. 

Glazia: After building House of Tara into a pioneering force in African beauty, the decision to transition leadership is undoubtedly profound. What specific qualities, vision, or past experiences in Rosemary Layode convinced you that she was the woman for the job?

Tara: What stood out about Rosemary was her remarkable ability to lead with both heart and structure. Her track record in brand management and leadership development, coupled with her deep understanding of values-driven businesses, made her a natural fit. More importantly, she shared a strong alignment with the soul of House of Tara—the belief that beauty can be a platform for purpose, empowerment, and economic transformation. She’s not just here to fill a role; she carries the vision with conviction, clarity, and courage.

Glazia: You’ve worn both hats as Founder and CEO for 27 years. What’s the hardest lesson about letting go of day-to-day control?

Tara: The hardest lesson was learning to release control while still holding on to vision. As founders, we often mistake presence for impact, but true leadership is about building people and systems that thrive in your absence. I had to embrace the discomfort of watching decisions being made differently, trusting that different doesn’t mean wrong. Letting go required emotional maturity, but it also gave me the gift of watching the business grow beyond my limitations.

Glazia: House of Tara is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s beauty industry and a symbol of entrepreneurial success. As you embark on this next chapter, what is the overarching vision for your legacy’s continued evolution and impact?

Tara: My vision is to see House of Tara become a case study for generational entrepreneurship in Africa—a business that outlives its founder because it was built on strong foundations. Through SEEP Africa, I am also committed to equipping one million sales professionals and entrepreneurs with the tools, values, and systems to build sustainable businesses. My legacy is not only in what I’ve built, but in who I’ve helped build. I want to be remembered as someone who planted institutions and people.

Glazia: What has been the most insightful or surprising piece of feedback you’ve received from your community, customers, partners, and team regarding Rosemary’s appointment?

Tara: One that deeply moved me was someone saying, “This isn’t just a leadership transition; it’s a sign of hope for entrepreneurs who want to build lasting businesses.” It affirmed for me that this moment isn’t just personal—it’s collective. Internally, the team has expressed excitement about a fresh chapter, and externally, many see it as proof that African brands can successfully institutionalize. That encouragement has made me even more confident in the road ahead.

Now stepping into the conversation, Rosemary Layode shares her vision as the new Managing Director of House of Tara. 

Glazia: You’re stepping into the Managing Director role at House of Tara, a brand synonymous with Tara Fela Durotoye’s legacy. What’s your first move to honor this legacy?

Rosemary: To honor that legacy, my move will be to build upon it with intention. I will grow what she started by deepening the brand’s impact, expanding its reach, and evolving its relevance for a new generation. This is not a reinvention, but a continuation rooted in the same values, driven by the same excellence, and propelled by fresh energy, strategy, and innovation. Her legacy is the platform. My role is to scale it. This is my way to truly honor her legacy. 

Glazia: Today’s beauty landscape is a dynamic interplay between fleeting trends like the ‘glazed skin’ phenomenon and the enduring allure of ‘timeless glam.’ How will House of Tara strategically navigate this duality under your direction?  What innovative approaches will bridge this gap?

Rosemary: Relevance means embracing both the now and the future. At House of Tara, we recognize the importance of staying attuned to evolving beauty trends, especially as a brand so many look up to for leadership and inspiration.

This year, we’re engaging with trends not as followers, but as authoritative voices in the beauty space. Our strategy is rooted in thoughtful innovation: we will respond to global movements by introducing cutting-edge products and services that speak to the moment and stand the test of time. We will also make these products and services available to all willing to take advantage and grow with us. We’re not just bridging the gap between fleeting and timeless—we’re owning the intersection.

Glazia:  House of Tara has proudly championed its Nigerian heritage, becoming a symbol of indigenous beauty and innovation. Looking towards 2030, under your leadership, what bold new horizons will House of Tara explore?

Rosemary: Tara Fela-Durotoye, as the founder, laid a strong and visionary foundation. She built not just a brand but a movement empowering beauty, purpose, and excellence. We will always be proudly rooted in Nigerian heritage. However, as we look toward 2030, our vision expands beyond borders. House of Tara will audaciously step into pan-African and global markets, exporting not just products, but our perspective. We’ll be involved in sustainable practices that speak to the future of beauty worldwide. We will be the most admired African beauty brand globally because we will be innovative, inclusive, and unapologetically original.

As the torch passes from Tara Fela-Durotoye to Rosemary Layode, House of Tara is an example of what’s possible when purpose, vision, and bold leadership align. This moment is more than a transition, it is a transformation. One that celebrates the foundation laid by a pioneer and the promise of progress under a new leader committed to building a future that is innovative, inclusive, and undeniably African. 

For entrepreneurs, this transition is a powerful reminder that true success lies in creating something that thrives beyond you. For beauty enthusiasts, it’s an exciting promise—House of Tara is just getting started, and the world is next.

The foundation is set. The vision is alive. The future is bold, beautiful, and unstoppable.