Fatima Garba Obanikoro is a beauty therapist who is passionate about making people look beautiful. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about what inspired her to start Mahnoush (a Northern Arabian spa), the skin-care sector, home remedies and her life as an entrepreneur.
What or who inspired you to go into running a spa?
My inspiration to run a spa was a spur of the moment decision that stemmed from a discussion I was having with my sister-in-law. At the time, we were discussing about my passion for northern beauty and therapy aesthetics, especially the fact that we do not have anything of such in the Southwest of Nigeria, Lagos precisely. So I thought why not start something along that line? And that was how the idea of Mahnoush Beauty Place was berthed and here we are today.
What makes yours different from others?
First of all, Mahnoush Beauty Place is a Northern/ Arabian spa and that makes a huge difference from other regular spas. Our services run on organic products, hence that makes us strictly anti- chemicals because by using organic products, we assure our clients that we are practicing the safest therapy techniques which are the best suited for their skin with minimal or no records of any side effects.
How would you assess the sector in Nigeria today?
The Nigerian beauty and skin sector has grown over the years and people are now much more aware of so many ways you can care for your body and skin, especially with the different options available. In the past, only western methods were acceptable and these services were only made available to a certain set of people. Today, there are more DIY and home practices which has brought beauty and care back home and that has made our services more relatable because now you walk into a spa. Other than see bottled chemical compositions, you find staples like honey, tigernuts, rice, etc. These are items everyone is familiar with, hence making methods and practices easier and this has brought more awareness to skin, hair care and beauty in general.
What are the other things that occupy your time?
Asides, from being an entrepreneur, sourcing for materials for the spa, researching, travelling for my spa ingredients and materials, I am a very family-oriented person. Just being with my family members, both nuclear and extended, gives me joy. Also, my primary duties as a wife and mother come first and that joyfully does occupy my time.
Can we talk about some memorable moments in your life and career?
So far, I have had a lot of memorable moments in my life and career. I must say that meeting different people, from different fields in life while I was working, was quite memorable. This also helped me rise quite fast in my career at the time. Starting my own business has also been quite memorable and now I get to see things from another perspective. Getting married, becoming a mom is one memorable milestone as well in my life. Motherhood does come with its own gifts and every day I am so grateful for it. All of life’s events to me are quite memorable and I don’t take any of it for granted. As the saying goes – We live and we learn. In fact, there are much more memorable moments that will be too much to mention now.
Did you encounter some challenges?
In life, especially when running a business especially here in Nigeria, there are always challenges. Sometimes the Nigerian system can be slow and this can get quite frustrating. Every business owner can tell you that easily. In our beauty sector, the case is quite the same: manpower, business space, expertise, easy access to raw materials, etc, are some of the challenges. It is a whole lot but we are determined and quite resilient; we always find a way to deliver premium service against all odds.
How do you cope with them?
As I said earlier – determination and resilience. I do not give up as I believe that in life you need to go through these challenges to get tested and better at your craft. As we aim to always strive to give our clients the best in all situations favourable and unfavourable. We aim to be the best in the northern spa sector in Nigeria as a whole, hence the journey is not expected to be smooth sailing at all times. So we have to roll with the tide when it comes because we hope to stay winning.
Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life and career?
My husband. My husband is the greatest influence in my life and career because he is ever so supportive and encouraging. At every stage of my business, be it in the house or when invited to present a talk at a beauty seminar or event, he is always at the background. He always pushes me to do better; he is both my cheerleader and critic. Just knowing he is interested in seeing Mahnoush become a success keeps me going because the positive energy you get when someone else (especially your spouse) believes in you, and keeps rooting for you, is very invigorating.
Let’s compare when you started doing this and now; what has changed?
A lot has changed over time; a whole lot. We started off not knowing if we would be accepted; if we would make it this far. We had our own doubts as we just started and hit the road running at the time. As we stayed open, my brand has become bigger and better. I have more clients and people are more aware of the brand. The spa has also grown to cater to every need for every woman both in Lagos and outside Lagos.
In what ways has this changed your lifestyle?
My lifestyle has not changed that much. Asides from the fact that I am now interacting with different women from different walks of life, different challenges of clients, being exposed to different backgrounds etc . So, I won’t say my lifestyle has changed 360 but I can say I have grown. In the midst of it all, I still have time to do the things I have always done. I have time for myself, I have time for my family and friends.
What is your definition of style?
My definition if style is in-born. For me, style is simple, elegant and chic. I doubt if any of these can be bought off the shelf, hence I mentioned that style is something unique and natural.
What are some of the things that you treasure most in life?
The truth is that anyone who knows me will tell you that it isn’t material stuff or acquisition. My life’s treasure is my family.
How do you relax?
Funny as it may sound, I enjoy going to the spa to get pampered and luckily for me I own one.
What are some of the principles that you hold onto?
My life principles are built on the simple things of life. And my mantra is – If you can think it, you can do it!
Let’s talk about the people you admire and role models.
I mentioned earlier how my husband is my influencer. Now, I would say that my parents and my husband are my role models. I value my family circle a whole lot.
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