By Chesa Chesa
The Chief Executive Officer of Beauty Secrets MedSpa, Mrs. Deborah Omale, has advised young Nigerians seeking to venture into the beauty and wellness industry to acquire adequate training and understand the regulatory requirements of the business before setting up.
Omale, who spoke on the growth of the industry and the operations of her company, said knowledge and practical experience were critical for anyone seeking to succeed in what she described as a highly competitive sector.
She urged prospective entrepreneurs not to be driven into the business simply because it appeared popular or profitable, stressing that many businesses had failed because their owners lacked adequate knowledge of the industry.
“Don’t be in a hurry. Learn it,” Omale said, advising young people to attend reputable beauty schools and gain practical experience by working with established practitioners.
She said prospective operators should also familiarise themselves with statutory and regulatory requirements before commencing operations to avoid difficulties after opening their businesses.
According to her, entrepreneurs who fail to understand the obligations associated with running a beauty business could find themselves facing regulatory demands they were unaware of.
“Get all the information about the field and understand all the statutory requirements. Get that knowledge so that you can confidently set up your business,” she said.
Omale said Beauty Secrets had continued to expand its services, including body scrubs and treatments using products sourced locally and internationally.
She noted that many of the materials used by the company were sourced organically in Nigeria, including leaves, black soap and other locally available ingredients, while some cosmetic products were imported.
The CEO said she had no regrets about choosing the beauty business, adding that she was fulfilled by her career and hoped her children would eventually continue the business.
She said gender should not determine who succeeds the company, stressing that passion and commitment were more important.
“Everything is so simple now that it doesn’t matter whether you are a boy or a girl. What matters is who has the passion to do it,” she said.
Omale expressed the hope that at least one of her children would eventually carry on the Beauty Secrets vision, adding that the company should continue to exist and grow beyond her generation.
Speaking on her personal beauty routine, Omale said she undergoes a Moroccan hammam treatment, facial treatment and massage every month.
She said she also takes supplements and emphasised that massage should not be viewed merely as a form of relaxation, but as part of personal wellness.
“People think it is just enjoyment, but we know it is not just enjoyment,” she said, noting that massage also has health and wellness benefits.
Omale also cautioned consumers against counterfeit beauty products, saying she personally oversees a significant proportion of the products brought into Beauty Secrets because of the importance of protecting customers and the company’s reputation.
She said she preferred sourcing products directly from manufacturers or authorised suppliers where possible to reduce the risk of counterfeit goods entering the business.
According to her, products suspected to be fake or questionable are removed from the company’s shelves, regardless of how much was paid for them.
“I am not afraid to say that if something looks suspicious, no matter how much I paid for it, I will put it aside,” she said.
“My brand reputation is more important to me.”
Omale further advised consumers to exercise caution when buying cheap or unbranded organic beauty products, warning that attractive skin or appearance should not automatically be taken as evidence that a particular product is responsible for the result.
She said consumers could easily be misled into purchasing products promoted by people who naturally had good skin, without knowing whether the products had actually produced the results being advertised.
Omale therefore urged consumers to be more discerning about what they apply to their bodies and to seek appropriate information before using beauty products.
