Sharon Chuter, the Nigerian-born founder of Uoma Beauty and the pioneering advocate behind Pull Up For Change, has died at age 38. She was discovered unresponsive on a patio in Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has listed her cause of death as “deferred,” pending further investigation.
Born in Nigeria, Chuter emerged as a dynamic force in the global beauty industry after building nearly two decades of experience with beauty powerhouses such as L’Oréal and LVMH. In 2019, she launched Uoma Beauty—a Los Angeles–based brand that unapologetically centered inclusive beauty. The brand debuted with 51 foundation shades across diverse skin tones and bold lipsticks celebrating icons like Diana Ross and Nina Simone, embodying her commitment to representation.
Chuter’s influence transcended makeup counters. In 2020, amid global demands for racial equity, she launched Pull Up for Change and the viral #PullUpOrShutUp initiative—calling on beauty brands to disclose their Black leadership representation within 72 hours. Major names like Glossier, e.l.f., and MAC responded. She followed with Make It BLACK, a campaign redefining the cultural narrative of the word “black” and redirecting proceeds to support Black entrepreneurs.
In May 2023, Chuter stepped down as CEO of Uoma Beauty, citing a harrowing health scare—including a 10‑kg weight loss and hospital stay—that forced her to reckon with career burnout. By December of that year, Uoma’s assets were acquired by MacArthur Beauty LLC. In February 2025, Chuter filed a lawsuit alleging fraudulent asset transfer and wrongful ousting during her medical leave; the case remained unresolved at her passing.
Her death was met with a wave of tributes across the industry. Vogue mourned her as a “visionary and fearless changemaker” whose legacy of joy and authenticity reshaped beauty norms.
A loss beyond beauty
Sharon Chuter’s death is more than a tragedy—it’s the silencing of a voice that redefined beauty as inclusive, political, and powerful. Her work sparked a reckoning in an industry built on exclusivity, and her campaigns catalyzed lasting change.
Though she’s gone too soon, her blueprint endures: a world where beauty is limitless, voices are loud, and representation is non-negotiable.
Rest in power, Sharon Chuter.
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