A Kenyan skincare retailer, The Ivy League Beauty Shop, has introduced a unique payment platform called the "Skincare Wallet" to overcome customer purchasing barriers related to upfront costs.

• The platform, launched in April 2026, allows customers to spread payments for premium skincare products over time, a strategy inspired by Kenya's 'lipa pole pole' (pay slowly slowly) culture.
• Joseph Sosi, the founder of The Ivy League Beauty Shop, noticed customers delaying purchases due to price, leading to the implementation of this embedded finance solution.
• The Skincare Wallet has attracted over 130 users and integrates payments through mobile money, with plans to add Visa and credit card options, offering interest-free instalments.