Do yourself a favor and get familiar with the striking and colorful work of Kenyan fashion and beauty photographer, Thandiwe Muriu.

Muriu's work is a breath of fresh air in the international beauty photography sphere. Her photos challenge the domination of Eurocentric beauty ideals, by unapologetically showcasing the blackness. The artist's work celebrates Kenyan stories, and glorifies melanin.

"I realized that I needed to start celebrating the beauty of my people, so more and more of my work has shifted towards only shooting dark skinned models and just celebrating the beauty of the African woman," says the artist.

"I'd love to become known as the woman who photographs dark skinned people best."

Watch the video below to learn more about the photographer, her journey, and her mission to create a space where African beauty is celebrated in the fashion and beauty scenes.

PERSPECTIVE - THANDIWE MURIU from African Speakers and Artists on Vimeo.