At just 22 years old, Mame Yacine Cissé is building a business rooted in culture, identity, and care. As the founder of Yass’Afro Hair, a natural haircare brand based in Senegal, Cissé is on a mission to transform how afro-textured hair is treated and celebrated.
Using ingredients such as okra, aloe vera, shea butter, and hibiscus, Yass’Afro Hair offers handcrafted, plant-based products that are designed specifically for kinky, curly, and loc’d hair types. The brand draws on local knowledge, African heritage, and a deep personal connection to the work.
“I’ve always been passionate about natural beauty and self-love,” says Cissé. “Growing up, I noticed a lack of products that truly catered to our hair type and embraced its beauty. I started formulating products for myself, then for friends, and soon it turned into a full brand.”
Cissé’s motivation to start the business came from a desire to empower others to embrace their natural hair and feel confident in their identity. What began as a personal experiment quickly became a product line and then a business with real traction.
“Our goal is to celebrate and care for afro-textured hair, especially kinky, curly, and loc’d hair, using natural, effective and culturally rooted formulas.”
This mission aligned closely with the goals of the Kosmos Innovation Challenge. Cissé joined the programme with strong values, a clear idea, and a desire to grow.
“The most valuable lesson I learned from the Kosmos Innovation Challenge was how important it is to stay rooted in your mission while being flexible in your strategy. The mentorship, market validation exercises, and continuous feedback helped me understand my customers deeply and refine my value proposition.”
As with many entrepreneurial journeys, Cissé’s path wasn’t without obstacles. One major challenge came when a key partner left the project during the programme.
“During the programme, I lost my teammate — my original partner — for personal reasons. It was a tough moment for me emotionally and logistically. I felt discouraged and almost gave up.”
That moment could have derailed everything. But instead, it became a turning point. Cissé credits the team at the Kosmos Innovation Challenge for helping him push forward.
“Thanks to the support and encouragement of my coach and the Kosmos Innovation Challenge team, I found the strength to keep going. I eventually found another teammate who believed in the project as much as I did — and together, we pushed through all the way to victory.”
“It taught me that resilience and surrounding yourself with the right people can truly change everything.”
Winning and Expanding
Cissé’s perseverance paid off. After months of hard work, learning, and adapting, Yass’Afro Hair was awarded first place in the Kosmos Innovation Challenge — a major milestone for both the founder and the brand.
“Winning first place at the Kosmos Innovation Challenge is one of my proudest moments. It was a moment of recognition, validation, and joy after months of hard work, doubt, and resilience.”
But Cissé didn’t stop there. Since completing the programme, the business has grown in several key areas — including product development, branding, and long-term planning.
“Since completing the programme, I’ve expanded my range of products, improved branding, and developed a clearer vision for the future. I’m also in the process of launching a beauty institute that will provide care and education around natural hair, while also serving as a retail point for Yass’Afro Hair.”
This next phase — the creation of a natural hair institute — is set to bring even more visibility and structure to Cissé’s mission.
“I’m currently working on opening my own natural hair institute — a physical space fully dedicated to afro haircare, beauty, and empowerment. At the same time, I’m expanding my product range to offer more natural and locally inspired treatments for different hair needs. Big things are coming!”
Cissé has gained a lot of insight from the journey so far — both from the highs and the challenges — and is eager to share encouragement with others who are starting out.
“Start, even if it’s small. You don’t need to have everything figured out — just begin. Be consistent and connected to your purpose. Passion will drive you, but discipline will keep you moving.”
Where to Follow
You can follow and support Yass’Afro Hair here:
📱 Instagram: @yass_afro_hair
👻 Snapchat: yass_afrohair
🌐 Website: Coming soon