Iyanu Okusanya, a beauty therapist, in this interview by SEGUN ADEEKO, discusses her line of business, why some people bleach their skins, and how the government can help reduce unemployment by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs. Excerpts:
What is beauty therapy all about?
I’ll start with what the words “beauty” and “therapy” mean first, to enable you grasp the essence of what the term “Beauty Therapy” means.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines beauty as a combination of qualities such as shape, colour, or form that please aesthetic senses, especially the sight.
Aesthetic sense informs us about what is beautiful; what we see, what we feel, what we can touch or even taste that is pleasing to us.
Therapy is a treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
In other words, beauty therapy is the treatment of hair, skin and nails. Its purpose is to enhance appearance and to repair the damage of skin cells, hair follicles, manipulate muscle tissue to help improve posture,range of motion, and so on. The treatments can include massages, body relaxation exercises, lymphatic drainage, body contouring and sculpting, facial treatments, hand and foot care, waxing, reflexology, aromatherapy, and other alternative and complementary therapies.
What are the causes of acute acne and how best can it be taken care of?
First of all, I would like to make it clear that there are different types of acne conditions, the most common one being acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is the medical name for common acne which is characterised by comedones, that is blackheads, whiteheads and other types of spots. The most common areas for breakouts are the face, chest, shoulders and back. Mild acne may improve with OTC (over-the-counter) treatments. More severe forms should be treated by dermatologists or beauty therapists who are trained in treating such skin conditions.
How do you distinguish between organic skincare products and chemically-produced skincare products?
Natural products can contain chemicals but that is not the case with organic products.
The term “organic” refers to how an ingredient is farmed, that is, it must be prepared and grown without pesticides, chemical fertilisers, GMOs, sulphates/parabens or antibiotics. However, just because the product is labelled “organic” doesn’t mean it is 100% organic.
“Natural” products are products that are derived from plant, mineral or animal by-product.
Checking the ingredients of products is the best way to clear doubt. Ingredients are listed in order of percentage from highest to lowest, so all the synthetic/chemical ingredients are listed towards the bottom, but even certain stamps for natural, organic or even chemical free cosmetics cannot fully guarantee the veracity of those claims.
What is your take on the craze for bleaching among African women?
You know, as humans, we are always desirous of what we do not possess. So often times, you find that you want to be like or look like a certain person or wish you were of a certain race, and that rejection of self and not accepting your own beauty is what drives the woman of colour to take extreme measures in changing how they look and how they are perceived by others.
Would you say your line of business is financially rewarding?
Oh yes, of course!
It is not only financially rewarding, but I get so much satisfaction from making people look good, feel better about themselves, and guiding them in leading a healthy lifestyle which transforms their general well-being.
You state on your website; www.essentialblissnigeria.com that hustle and bustle of life sometimes make the African woman forget to take care of her body. What is your advice for the African woman in this regard?
It’s not just the woman, it’s every individual. man, woman, boy and girl.
We have perfected our treatments to meet the needs of every individual living and dealing with the stressors of everyday life. Even children can be stressed, and no one can perform at their optimum when they are stressed. Taking time out of one’s busy schedule to take care of oneself cannot be overemphasised. There is something I say always; “Someone busier than you is getting a massage right now… create time for yourself,” so you don’t burn out.
You also say it is your great passion to bring healing to many people and give them a great sense of wellbeing. How?
Healing is brought through our many alternative and complementary therapies like Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Thermal Auricular Therapy, Hot Stone Massage, Himalayan Salt Rock Massage, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Marine Miracle Firm & Detox Treatment, Black Mud Body Envelopment, Tropical Coconut Cocoon, Algi-wrap Target & Tone Treatment and our customised Facial Treatments that targets an individual’s skin’s need and skin condition.
I do a thorough consultation with my clients to enable me determine which treatment or set of treatments that would be suitable for their skin or body’s need and I put them on a course of treatments for a few months to help us achieve the desired goal. I also give after -care advice to help them in their wellness journey and put them on an exercise, diet and change of lifestyle plan, so they are also accountable and keep a diary/record of their progress. That record encourages them to stay committed because of the progress made over a period of time.
As a young pretty woman with a lot of exposure, how do you cope with advances from the opposite sex?
You know, being very likable comes with its intricacies.
So I draw the line and make it clear from day one that I am not interested. If you want to be friends, then we can be friends. If you have ulterior motives and can’t deal with it, then take a walk. I’m blunt and the people who are close to me would attest to my blunt but firm and accommodating nature.
What do you think the Nigerian government should do to assist people in this line of business?
There is a need for sanitisation and better regulation in our industry.
There is actually a National Innovation Diploma in Cosmetology & Beauty Therapy offered by the National Board for Technical Education (NABTEB) but I am not certain if enough awareness is created about this course. More people would apply for it because I receive a lot of inquiry from many people seeking to do a Beauty Therapy course and wanting to know where these courses are offered.
I also wasn’t aware of this course when I went to study Beauty Therapy in England.
So I would like to advise the government to set up a board or a committee that regularly informs the general public that such courses are available. Many young people are unemployed and are willing to learn a trade and work hard but you find they don’t have the information to guide them in the right direction.
What is your advice for aspiring beauty therapists?
My advice to aspiring beauty therapists is; never give up on your dreams.
You may not be there yet, but keep pushing.
You may not even have started beauty therapy, or you are not able to afford doing the course now.
Be diligent in whatever you find yourself doing now, because it will go a long way in helping you when your dream becomes a reality.
After secondary school, I obtained a Teachers’ Grade II Certificate at the National Teachers’ Institute because I didn’t make the cut-off mark for the JAMB Examination that year. I decided to be productive with my time, instead of waiting a whole year to take the examination again. Most of my classmates at the time had already gotten admission into the university to study their desired courses and it looked to everyone at the time that I would only become a primary school teacher.
Look at me today. I am a proof that hard work and diligence pays off. It’s only a question of time.
As a woman of many parts, how would you describe yourself?
First of all, I am a wife to a very loving and understanding man who supports my dreams and encourages me to achieve my goals. What more could a woman ask for? So, it’s easy for me to be me and express myself without fear of judgment or condemnation. Whenever I have an idea, we talk about it and he encourages me to carry it out even if I’m hesitant. He sometimes let me make my own mistakes so I can learn from them. As the saying goes, experience is the best teacher.
I am also a mother to two beautiful boys who I learn from every day. They have taught me how to love unconditionally, how to be selfless and empathic. They have also taught me patience and self-control which in turn affects the way I relate with people around me.
I am an entrepreneur who is driven by passion for what I love and I will choose to be a beauty therapist over and over again. It is a very rewarding and fulfilling career. I love my job.
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