Adenike Erinkitola is a young entrepreneur. She is a graduate of Computer engineering from Lead University. She is presently the founder of Kiki’s Beauty Place. In this chat with GLOBAL EXCELLENCE magazine, Nike explains why she delved into beauty treatments and its future in Nigeria. Enjoy…
Please, tell us about yourself.
My name is Erinkitola Adenike, I am a native of Lagos State. I graduated from Lead City University, Ibadan in 2012.
Why are you in beauty business instead of the computer engineering you studied?
I studied Computer Science in University of Benin between 2007-2010, later went to Lead City University to study the same course from 2010-2012. I am the indoor type, love reading and surfing the internet. I discovered after my graduation from the University that I had a flair for beauty. Later on, I began to read articles on beauty and related issues and I found out I could turn that passion into a business for living. I decided to go for trainings, within here and outside Lagos.
When did you discover it’s what you were called to do?
After getting trained severally on Skincare and beauty products, I discovered it was more interesting than I thought. I was using it myself. But shortly after, I started getting comments and request to help with their skin related problems. I was recommending and some of their skin problems were being solved. The more I attended to this set of people, the more I got more people, asking for one assistance and the other. So, if I could do that within the community, I thought I could as well make it a proper source of livelihood. And since then, there is no regret whatsoever. The experience, so far, has been encouraging. The response rate has been very great. We have loyal customers all over the world. And the simple reason for that, I guess is because, most of the time, we do a lot of follow up during and after usage. Only last month, two of our clients in Gambia whom we dispatched the products to were surprised at the efficacy of the products such that they had to introduce us to other prospective clients. So, follow up is essential for us here. In fact, it is more important than the products.
Why do you think people bleach?
Complex is one of the several reasons why people bleach. However, everyone, regardless of being a male or female wants to have a flawless, even and smooth skin tone. Skin lightening is a good option to get rid of the black spots or any other type of skin issues But, skin whitening options have become very complicated these days resulting in excessive use of bleaching products which can cause permanent damage to the skin such as Skin cancer, thinning of the skin, discoloration, heavy sunburn etc. It is therefore advised to either maintain the skintone or slightly lighten up the skin once in a while and totally avoid bleaching.
Do you think this aspect of beauty has future here on Nigeria?
Yes it does. Over time, Nigerians will begin to realize how taking care of the skin is essential. We believe you don’t have to bleach to look good, you can as well have a dark radiant and glowing skin without changing your skin colour. Nigerians will know the essence of skin therapist and appreciate us as time goes on. Everyone, regardless of being a male or female wants to have a flawless, even and smooth skin tone. Skin lightening is a good option to get rid of the black spots or any other type of skin issues But, skin whitening options have become very complicated these days resulting in excessive use of bleaching products which can cause permanent damage to the skin such as Skin cancer, thinning of the skin, discoloration, heavy sunburn etc. It is therefore advised to either maintain the skintone or slightly lighten up the skin once in a while and totally avoid bleaching. We train on Skincare (ie combining 2 or more skincare products to achieve a particular result) which is a very flexible for new and experienced trainees. We also train on Makeup(bridal and engagement makeup, gele tying etc). We train on spa services which includes pedicure and manicure, body massage , facial treatment etc. Presently, we have developed a range of products that is readily available such that instead of coming to our office, it can be bought over the shelve. Over time, we have developed some products to the extent that it has now become popular among its users. We have Kiki’s range of products which includes Kiki facial treatment. Exfoliating and Whitening body wash. Skin glow body scrub. Skin glow night cream. Glowing oil. Kiddies maintenance cream. Hot chocolate cream. Whitening body scrub. Dark knuckles fader. Lightening Day and Night facial cream. Dark feet fader. Mega whitener. Lightening body milk
Our website address is www.kikisbeautyplace.com.ng.
