Myavana Launches First Retail Store in Kampala

Kampala, October 10, 2025

News Summary

Myavana, a beauty tech company specializing in AI-driven hair care, has opened its inaugural retail store, the Myavana Hair Lab, in Kampala, Uganda. This expansion follows a successful $5.9 million investment round involving major players like Ulta Beauty and Amazon. Myavana offers personalized product recommendations through innovative technology and aims to scale its services in South Africa and Senegal through a franchise model. Founded by Candace Mitchell, the company focuses on catering to diverse hair types and enhancing consumer experiences in the beauty industry.

Kampala — Myavana opens first physical retail store, expands AI-driven hair care globally

Myavana, a beauty tech company focused on data-driven, personalized hair care, opened its first physical retail store, the Myavana Hair Lab, in Kampala, Uganda, in early 2024 and is using artificial intelligence to provide tailored product recommendations and salon services. The company has secured a $5.9 million investment round, including contributions from major players like Ulta Beauty and Amazon, and plans further expansion through a franchise model in South Africa and Senegal.

Key facts

• Myavana is a beauty tech company that specializes in AI-driven personalized hair care solutions.
• The company was founded by Candace Mitchell, who has a background in computer science and experienced challenges finding suitable products for her natural hair.
• Myavana utilizes a data-driven ecosystem to provide hyper-personalized product recommendations for consumers.
• The business model combines beauty and technology, creating an innovative approach to hair care.
• Myavana offers three primary consumer engagement methods:
  • HairAI on its website for tailored product recommendations based on user-submitted hair photos.
  • AI-powered HairScopes offered in select salons for detailed scalp and hair analysis.
  • Retail partnerships that provide on-the-spot consultations and product recommendations through integrated technology.
• Myavana opened its first physical retail store, the Myavana Hair Lab, in Kampala, Uganda, in early 2024.
• The Ugandan launch was inspired by Mitchell’s previous experience in the country and the demand for tailored hair care products.
• Myavana aims to contribute to the beauty industry in Uganda as it sees the country as a rising economy.
• Further expansion plans include South Africa and Senegal within the franchise model.
• The company has secured a $5.9 million investment round, including contributions from major players like Ulta Beauty and Amazon.
• Myavana’s AI technology analyzes individual hair types, conditions, and textures, providing personalized insights and recommendations.
• The company focuses on intimate consumer experiences and retail efficiency.
• Myavana is committed to innovation and aims to scale its subscription-based model to reach a larger audience.
• The company is also exploring new digital marketing strategies to enhance its consumer engagement.
• Myavana is described as a Black woman-led company in a tech-driven industry that has historically lacked diversity.
• The company combines science, beauty, and social impact in its operations.

How the technology and services operate

The company uses artificial intelligence to analyze individual hair types, conditions, and textures and transform those insights into personalized product recommendations and treatment plans. The core technology is presented through three consumer touchpoints: HairAI on its website for tailored product recommendations based on user-submitted hair photos, AI-powered HairScopes offered in select salons for detailed scalp and hair analysis, and retail partnerships that provide on-the-spot consultations and product recommendations through integrated technology. These combined channels create a data-driven ecosystem intended to improve retail efficiency and deliver more intimate consumer experiences.

Retail expansion and strategy

The company opened the Myavana Hair Lab in Kampala in early 2024, a move inspired by the founder’s prior connections to the country and the observed demand for products matched to diverse hair types. Myavana aims to contribute to the beauty industry in Uganda as it sees the country as a rising economy. The Kampala location functions as both a consumer-facing retail lab and a testing ground for in-person integration of AI diagnostics and subscription-based services. The company plans further expansion through a franchise model, targeting markets in South Africa and Senegal.

Funding, business model and future plans

The company has secured a $5.9 million investment round, including contributions from major players like Ulta Beauty and Amazon. Myavana intends to scale a subscription-based model that bundles ongoing diagnostics, personalized product shipments, and digital engagement. The firm is also exploring new digital marketing strategies to broaden reach and improve consumer retention. The funding and strategic partnerships aim to support technological development, retail rollouts, and franchise expansion.

Background and leadership

The company was founded by Candace Mitchell, who has a background in computer science and experienced challenges finding suitable products for her natural hair. Myavana is described as a Black woman-led company in a tech-driven industry that has historically lacked diversity. The enterprise positions itself at the intersection of science, beauty, and social impact, emphasizing personalized care and broader industry representation.

Implications for consumers and industry

By marrying AI diagnostics with physical retail and salon integrations, Myavana aims to reduce the trial-and-error cycle in hair care purchases and streamline product selection. The Kampala launch represents a deliberate move into a market viewed as a growth opportunity, while planned franchises in South Africa and Senegal indicate a regional expansion strategy. Continued investment and partnerships are intended to accelerate technology development and increase the company’s consumer base.

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Additional Resources

• Naples News: Helping Haircare Brands Launch with Confidence
• Beauty Matter: Myavana and the Business of Personalized Haircare
• PR Newswire: Myavana Announces $5.9M Investment
• Google Search: Personalized Haircare
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hair Care

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