About Authentik Shapes
Authentik Shapes was born out of a profound conviction: that Black beauty—and specifically the rich, diverse spectrum of African beauty—deserves more than just a passing glance in the global media landscape. Too often overlooked, understated, or confined to narrow stereotypes, we believe this beauty carries stories, strength, and an undeniable heritage. We exist to celebrate, amplify, and honour it in all its vibrant forms, creating a space where authenticity meets elegance.
Our Mission
Authentik Shapes is a digital magazine fully dedicated to the multi-faceted world of Black women. We go beyond the surface to explore the realities of their daily lives: their social conditions, the unique triumphs and constraints linked to their morphology, and their journey toward unapologetic self-confidence.
We act as a curated canvas, showcasing the brilliance of Black women from all walks of life. Whether they are globally recognized singers and African actresses, trendsetting Instagram influencers, inspiring businesswomen redefining industries, or local leaders driving change in their communities, we honor their impact and their unique essence.
Our Artistic Vision
What truly sets Authentik Shapes apart is our visual soul. Moving away from conventional, fast-paced digital media, our editorial philosophy privileges highly curated, illustrated, and artistic imagery. We believe that storytelling is visual as much as it is written. By treating every article as a piece of art, we invite our readers into an immersive, aesthetic experience that celebrates Black women not just as subjects, but as masterpieces.
Authenticity
We celebrate real stories of real women, without filters or conformity to standards that were never made for us.
Empowerment
Every article, every portrait is an act of recognition and a tool for empowerment for Black women worldwide.
Artistry
We believe journalism can be beautiful. Our illustrated approach brings a unique artistic dimension to storytelling.
Our Editorial Team
Based across Africa and the African diaspora, our journalists, photographers and illustrators share one passion: telling the stories mainstream media ignores, with the depth and artistry they deserve.
Beauty & Style · Health & Wellness
Shayla Masango
Shayla Masango is a journalist and skincare specialist based in Johannesburg. She covers the intersection of African beauty traditions and modern cosmetic science — with a particular focus on melanated skin, natural hair, and wellness practices rooted in African cultures. Her work appears regularly in Authentik Shapes' Beauty & Style and Health & Wellness sections.
Culture & Society · Lifestyle
Rehema Olivia
Rehema Olivia is a cultural journalist and essayist originally from Nairobi, now writing from Lagos. She specialises in the social and political dimensions of Black womanhood — from cinema and portraits of inspiring figures to lifestyle and the invisible weight carried by women across the continent. Her prose is known for its sharpness and empathy in equal measure.
Travel & Discovery · Business & Empowerment
Stella Jones
Stella Jones is a journalist and entrepreneur based between Accra and London. She explores how Black women are rewriting the rules of business, travel, and economic power — on the continent and in the diaspora. From the legacy of the Nana Benz to the rise of new-generation African entrepreneurs, Stella illuminates stories of ambition and resilience.
Home & Interior
Jacquie Ntoko
Jacquie Ntoko is an interior design journalist and architect based in Yaoundé. She writes about how African women design and inhabit their homes — blending tradition, climate, and contemporary aesthetics. Her work celebrates domestic spaces as expressions of cultural identity, challenging the dominance of Western design standards in African interiors.