Building Beauty from Adversity
The Story of MarieBeautyHub
At Jumpstart Refugee Talent, our Refugee Marketplace isn’t just about products—it’s about people. It’s about the determination, resilience, and creativity that refugee entrepreneurs bring to their new communities. Today, we’re honored to share the journey of one of our newest vendors: Maria Namayengo, the founder of MarieBeautyHub, a beauty and wellness business based in Toronto.
Maria’s story is one of strength in the face of uncertainty, and purpose born from pain.
Originally from Uganda, Maria arrived in Canada in 2023, filled with hope, ambition, and over five years of professional experience in the beauty industry—including time at Bath & Body Works. Despite her background, she found herself facing a reality that many newcomers know all too well: being overlooked.
“I searched for a job for over six months—with no success—even though I had over five years of experience working at Bath & Body Works. I felt invisible and defeated.,” Maria reflects.
During this time of uncertainty, Maria found herself not only grappling with the challenges of starting over in a new country but also struggling with self-worth. Still, in the depths of that discouragement, something sparked. She remembered a close friend who had long battled body image issues and low self-esteem. That friend eventually found transformation—physically and emotionally—through a natural slimming tea that helped her feel more confident and healthier.
The memory stuck with Maria.
“We are here to remind people that no matter where you come from, you deserve to feel beautiful, worthy, and confident,” she says. It’s not just about looking good, it “helps others feel seen and beautiful again”.
That insight became the foundation of MarieBeautyHub, her own line of natural beauty and wellness products, launched in Toronto in 2023. Her first two offerings—a slimming tea and a herbal teeth-whitening toothpaste—were more than just products. They were a statement: that beauty is for everyone, that confidence can be reclaimed, and that healing is possible.
MarieBeautyHub quickly became more than just a side project; it was a source of empowerment, not only for Maria herself but for her customers. She began receiving messages from clients who felt more confident, lighter, and healthier after using her tea. Others shared how her toothpaste helped reduce plaque, remove stains, and ease sensitivity—especially for people who smoke or have had difficulty with conventional products.
For Maria, this kind of feedback is more than validation—it’s motivation.
“Seeing returning customers and positive feedback motivates me to keep growing.,” she says. “You deserve to feel beautiful, worthy, and confident.”
Her approach to wellness is deeply personal. MarieBeautyHub reflects Maria’s belief in natural, holistic care—products that work with the body rather than against it, and that are accessible to people of all backgrounds. Her vision is also tied closely to her own identity as an immigrant and refugee. She wants to use her business to inspire others in similar situations.
Maria says that it is hard to come to a new country and feel like you are starting from zero. However, she believes newcomers carry so much with them—experience, culture, resilience. She wanted to show that it’s possible to build something meaningful, even if you’re new, even if you feel like no one sees you.
Running MarieBeautyHub has not been without challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, Maria has had to learn through experience—experimenting, adjusting, and often figuring things out on her own. But she’s never let the obstacles stop her. Instead, she’s drawn strength from her growing community of supporters, including fellow vendors, mentors, and customers who’ve encouraged her to keep going.
Now, as part of Jumpstart’s Refugee Marketplace, Maria is expanding her reach and joining a network of entrepreneurs who, like her, are rewriting their stories through business.
We are so excited to welcome MarieBeautyHub to our marketplace. Maria’s passion, authenticity, and commitment to wellness are inspiring. Her journey is exactly what the Refugee Marketplace is all about—uplifting refugee-led ventures and creating space for them to thrive.
Looking ahead, Maria hopes to grow MarieBeautyHub into a full-service wellness brand, offering more products and possibly opening a physical storefront one day. But for now, she remains focused on what matters most: helping people feel good in their skin and sharing her message of healing and hope.
To those thinking of starting their own business or taking a leap of faith, Maria has this to say:
“Start with what you have and don’t wait for perfect conditions. Your story, your struggle—it’s your strength. Let it fuel your vision.”
You can support Maria and explore her products through the Jumpstart Refugee Marketplace, where we proudly feature refugee-led businesses that are changing lives—one idea, one product, and one story at a time.
Visit our Refugee Marketplace today and support entrepreneurs like Maria Namayengo of MarieBeautyHub.