Onyeka Michael-Ugwu: Women need to own their narrative without seeking validation

Onyeka Michael-Ugwu is a visionary in medical aesthetics, business, and innovation. With a career built on expertise, strategy, she is a licensed Medical Aesthetician and Senior Laser Technician with a decade’s experience across three continents. With her vast knowledge and entrepreneurial mindset, she founded Hello Perfect. In this interview, she speaks on shaping the future of skincare, championing inclusivity, and redefining what is possible for African entrepreneurs in the global beauty and wellness space.

You are a licensed medical aesthetician. Take us through your career path.
My career has been a journey of transformation both personal and professional, driven by a passion for impact, innovation, and empowerment at the intersection of health and beauty. But if you had told me years ago that I’d be at the forefront of medical aesthetics in Nigeria, I might not have believed you. I actually started in the world of finance, working with the start-up team of Heritage Bank, a newly launched financial institution in Nigeria at the time. It was a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where I honed my skills in business strategy, corporate structuring, and stakeholder engagement. Those years gave me a rock-solid foundation in financial literacy and strategic growth skills that would later prove invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey.

Finance alone wasn’t fulfilling enough. I knew I wanted to build something bigger something that fused business acumen with real, tangible impact. That realisation led me to pursue a Master’s in Business Innovation at Queen Mary University of London. It was there that I sharpened my ability to scale purpose-driven businesses and develop innovative healthcare solutions. After my time in London, I returned to Nigeria and found myself immersed in business development, where I played a crucial role in a major charity initiative a partnership between Fifth Chukker, Access Bank, and UNICEF. Through high-profile fundraising events, including polo tournaments, we raised money to build schools and provide scholarships for underserved children in Northern Nigeria. Seeing first-hand how structured initiatives could drive meaningful change deepened my passion for purpose-led work.

But my true calling came when I discovered the transformative power of medical aesthetics. I had always been deeply interested in skincare science and wellness, but I also recognised a glaring gap, there simply weren’t enough specialised treatments designed for diverse skin types, especially in Africa. Determined to change that, I dived headfirst into the field, undergoing extensive training across Europe and the United States. I earned certifications in medical aesthetics, laser technology, injectables, non-surgical skin rejuvenation, and advanced skincare science, equipping myself with the expertise to bridge the gap between science, beauty, and wellness. I founded Hello Perfect Aesthetic and Laser Clinic in 2017 a medical aesthetics brand committed to delivering science-backed, high-performance skincare solutions. What started as a single clinic has now expanded into a multi-location across three major Nigerian cities, making premium aesthetic treatments more accessible.

Our next big leap is in.skin science, a groundbreaking skincare line born from years of clinical research and product innovation. Designed with an inclusive approach, it’s set to redefine how skincare works for all skin types, especially for Black and Brown skin, which has historically been underserved in the industry. From finance to philanthropy to aesthetics, my career has always been about pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and creating solutions that truly matter. Whether it’s in business, beauty, or healthcare, my mission remains the same: to innovate, to empower, and to create lasting change.

What do you consider a major concern for women and their well-being, and how are you solving this need?
One of the biggest concerns for women today is the impact of skin conditions on self-esteem and mental well-being. Many women suffer from hormonal acne, hyperpigmentation, and PCOS-related skin conditions that affect their confidence. Misinformation and the lack of targeted solutions for Black and Brown skin have only worsened these struggles. At Hello Perfect, we take a holistic approach to skincare, focusing on both treatment and education. We help women understand their skin concerns, hormonal skincare related concerns, and how to make informed skincare choices. Through our CSR initiatives, we offer free treatments to women who cannot afford them, ensuring that skincare is not just a luxury but an accessible solution for all.

What is your take on wellness and care for women? How should this be approached to create a balance?
Wellness for women should be holistic it’s not just about self-care, but also self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-investment. Many women believe that wellness is about pampering, but it’s deeper than that. Balance is intentional, and it starts with prioritising oneself without guilt.

You experienced any difficult periods in your career and how did you pull through?
Yes, absolutely. Running a business in the healthcare and beauty industry in Nigeria comes with unique challenges—from funding constraints, industry misconceptions, and regulatory hurdles to the pressure of scaling a business while maintaining high-quality standards. What has kept me going is purpose. I reminded myself that every woman who walks into my clinic needs me to show up for them. I have learned that burnout is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that we need to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. I now prioritise rest, delegation, and intentional self-care.

How can we get more women to become successful and rise to the top as you have done? What tips do you have for younger women?
Women need to own their narrative, don’t wait for validation; create opportunities. Be financially literate—Understand money, investments, and wealth creation. Seek mentorship and community – the right support system can accelerate success. Keep learning, Industries evolve, and so should we. My biggest advice to younger women is; believe that you deserve the life you dream of, and then work towards it with unwavering focus.

How do you get inspiration and stay motivated?
I stay motivated by focusing on impact. Seeing how women regain their confidence through my work keeps me going. I also draw inspiration from mentorship, learning from other trailblazers, and setting new goals that challenge me to evolve.

A key part of my motivation comes from continuous learning and international exposure. I actively attend global aesthetics and dermatology conferences, where I gain insights into new techniques, technologies, and medical advancements. Staying updated allows me to innovate and bring world-class solutions to Africa. I also network with industry leaders, researchers, and top practitioners, ensuring that I am always at the forefront of the evolving medical aesthetics space. Investing in education and professional development is what keeps me ahead, ensuring that I can offer the best to my clients and community.

What key lessons have you learned in your years of practice and impact?
Consistency is the real game-changer. Talent is great, but showing up every day matters more. People are your biggest investment. From clients to staff, relationships matter. Fear is part of the process. Growth is uncomfortable, and that’s okay.

What do you hope to see Nigerian women do differently?
I hope to see more Nigerian women step into power boldly. Too many women second-guess themselves. I want to see women take up space, demand what they deserve, and invest in their futures without apology.

What is your life mantra?
“You are not limited by the spaces that weren’t designed for you, create your own table, set your own rules, and own your journey unapologetically.”