The beauty world was shocked to learn the news of the death of Sharon Chuter, founder of Uoma Beauty. The 38-year-old beauty executive was found dead on a patio on August 14, 2025. Originally ruled an accident, the mysterious circumstances surrounding Chuter’s untimely death have been under investigation for more than a month. Now, a new report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office is shedding a little more light on the circumstances and lists Chuter’s cause of death as blunt traumatic injuries.
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Chuter, whose experience in the beauty industry included work with well-known brands, including L’Oreal and Revlon, founded Uoma in 2019 and grew the brand into a nationally recognized entity sold at Ulta Beauty stores across the country. Uoma quickly became a fan favorite for its inclusive shades, including its Say What!? Foundation, which launched with a rainbow of 51 hues.`
“I’m here to start a movement [and] to encourage people and make them know that they have a voice,” she told Allure in an interview.
Chuter stepped down from her position at Uoma Beauty in December 2023 and the company was later acquired by MacArthur Beauty, BrainTrust Fund and Settle Funding. But Chuter filed a lawsuit against the company, calling the transaction an unauthorized sale, accusing the new owners of forcing her out of her position when she was on medical leave.
But she wasn’t just about representation in the beauty industry, Chuter was also a tireless activist for Black economic empowerment, founding Pull Up For Change – an organization that promotes equitable Black representation in corporate America and “work environments where Black talent can flourish,” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd.
Chuter’s friends in the beauty industry reacted to the news of her passing by posting touching tributes on social media.
“Rest Well. Thank you for your courage and strength,” CEO and founder of The Lip Bar, Melissa Butler wrote on one of Chuter’s last Instagram posts.
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