My life, marriage and fashion

Toyin Collins is one of the pioneers of spa business in Nigeria. She runs FreshLook Day Spa in Lagos. A socialite, she talks about her passion in the world of beauty

Q: What attracted you to the beauty sector?

A: I started living and schooling in England at a young age. I was working in beauty stores through agents to make ends meet and I loved the glamour. At any big departmental store I worked in, I would be at the skincare section and sometimes at the cosmetics table. From there, I started building my interests even though I was done with college. When I moved to the United States of America, I took a post graduate course in skincare.

Q: When did you decide to run it as a business?

A: It kicked off in America, where I was running a small business and I started thinking about Nigeria. I decided to relocate to Nigeria and set a up shop. Then, it was not a popular business. In fact, a journalist asked me what a spa meant and I had to explain to him that it is a place for skincare where you go to relax and rejuvenate your mind. I could count the number of people who visited the spa then. After a while, I returned abroad and stayed there between 2002 and 2003. By the time I came to Nigeria again, the spa business was already springing up everywhere but many did not know the difference between a salon and spa.

Q: How is the industry now?

A: I am very happy about the awareness now. Abroad, it is a multi-billion dollar business. If we know how to go about the business here and when issues of power supply are addressed, beauty sector is a goldmine. It has lot of potential. There are a lot of people in the business now and many are still coming. It is a good thing that everyone knows what a spa is.

Q: But do Nigerians, especially women, embrace the spa culture?

A: Yes they do. Even as they are embracing it, some people still do not understand it. The problem is that many women are too lazy to visit the spa. In a city like Lagos where stress creeps in from either the workplace, on the road, at the malls, etc, they see going to the spa as time-wasting. It takes a very health/beauty-conscious person to visit the spa. Looking good is a lifestyle and part of living. It is like the air we breathe. The human body is like a machine, which needs to be maintained and taken care of. This way, the skin continues to glow. A visit to the spa is cleansing yourself inside out. At the spa, you are taught how to take care of yourself especially the skin. It has to be consistent for the result to show. It needs to be renewed and maintained too.

Q: But some women see it as too expensive…

A: I don’t think it is expensive. Facials and body treatment can be done once in every three or six weeks; therefore, spending N12, 000 for that period should not be considered expensive. The first time one visits a spa might be a bit expensive. You may have to buy products and do all the treatments. Subsequent visits are budget-friendly.

Q: Are spas meant for only women?

A: Of course not! It is also meant for men. That is why spa does not mean beauty, it is inner beauty. We all have spirits with a soul living in a body. That is what spa takes care of. Men also do facials. They can take care of their beard problems. What causes bumps are dead skins and some people have ingrown hair. When the pores are not open, the problems arise. Apart from their faces, men can have their manicure and pedicure. All these grooming tips make a man look clean and neat. They can also get a massage. Massage deals with their inner beings. It relieves stress and relaxes the muscles. Body exfoliation removes dead skin cells and the skin is able to absorb moisturisers.

Q: Which level do you see the beauty sector getting to in Nigeria?

A: It is going far. Many young people are getting into the beauty enterprise. They are more exposed and ready to go a step further in order to look good. There is nothing wrong with it as long as they are not doing it for the wrong purpose.

Q: Are there health benefits of spas?

A: Yes, there are lots of health benefits. Massage aids blood circulation, which helps the inner system to relax and the skin to glow. Other health benefits are diet control and balance. At the spa, you are taught diet control without interrupting your lifestyle.

Q: What challenges do you face in this business?

A: There are no regulations in the business; anybody can operate it. This is because there are cases whereby clients, whose skin have been damaged from other spas, now run to us for remedy and we start repair treatment from scratch. Also, there are issues of power supply and interruption which can damage heavy equipment. There is the staffing challenge too. There is a need to train professionals in order to meet the standard of what obtains abroad.

Q: How long have you been in the business?

A: For over 12 years now. If one wants to start, it is capital-intensive. Quality spa products and equipment are expensive. Some people learn and have their certificates but cannot buy the equipment.

Q: Are there other businesses you do?

A: I do not like buying and selling, I tried to do it sometime but it did not work. I lose every time I buy and sell. Instead, I love rendering services. Now I am learning hotel management which is part of services.

Q: Are there principles in the business that you do not compromise?

A: I do not compromise my standard. If you fall below my standard as an employee, I would not be happy with you. I also do not compromise my clients’ well-being. Whatever their problems are, I want them to get results. I do not cut corners or lie about what I cannot do. Some customers want the fastest way but I always advise patience.

Q: What is your definition of style?

A: Style is comfort, elegance, and always being yourself in whatever you are in. I can wear almost everything but I do not wear some dresses and fabrics that are revealing. I do not wear heavy make-up. People call me conservative but it is still trendy.

Q: How do you relax?

A: I like to watch television when I am not working. I like to work out and relax too. I watch Nollywood movies.

Q: You have not been on the social scene for some time…

A: I have been busy with my business and running my home. I still attend some social functions but I am happier staying with my husband. Happiness comes from within and when you pretend, people would read it from you. I am just a happy person.

Q: There was a time the media was agog with the news of your crashed marriage to Tayo Alakiu…

A: I would not make any comment on that. I have moved on.

Q: How did you cope at that period?

A: God is my strength and I hold on to Him in every situation. He knew what I was going through then and He knew where the shoe was hurting. God helped me beyond my imagination. It was a very rough period for me and I almost found it hard to focus on work; but I did. There were times that I did not have anybody to share my pain with and I was left with just my work. This job is my first love. If I do not love the job, the business would have crumbled a long time ago.

Q: You are remarried now?

A: Yes, to the best man in the world. He gave my life a meaning and I thank God for making our paths cross and having a wonderful family like his.

Q: Do you have beauty routine?

A: Beauty is my business and I take advantage of it. I use a good body cream and I am not a diet freak. I do not eat vegetable oil; I cook with olive oil. I eat almost anything but I make sure it is healthy.

Q: What is your advice to women on skincare?

A: They should know the condition of skin before engaging in any treatment. They should have consultations before knowing what products to buy.