Iyanu's story
From training to working as a spa therapist
Iyanu Okusanya graduated from OICB with a CIDESCO Beauty & Body Therapy qualification. She now works as an aesthetician at Six Senses Southern Dunes, a world-leading wellness resort.
Why did you choose OICB for your beauty training?
I chose OICB first of all, because of the prompt response I got for my Inquiry Email, and the way OICB kept following up with me with advice and support through the visa application phase. Heidi was just a phone call or an email away, always ready to answer any questions or query I had. I had tried to get in touch with other Beauty Schools across the globe, but none responded as swiftly as OICB did.
I was in awe of the ambience of the college when I visited to have a tour before I was admitted. The pristine nature of how everything was organised, the equipment they had to teach their students with, and not forgetting the experienced and dedicated staff I met. This made me even more convinced that this was the Beauty College for me.
What you thought of your training and support/guidance received?
I didn't do many science subjects while in Secondary School asides Biology, and by the time I got to University, I completely forgot about Biology as I studied Business Administration. After working a few years and had to go to Beauty School, and realised I had to study Anatomy and Physiology, Cosmetic Science and the likes, I was at first overwhelmed but the tutors kept encouraging, supporting and giving me tips and tricks on how to study and retain the new knowledge I was acquiring. It was fun, and I would say it was the first time in my life I would be learning in a fun way. No wonder the knowledge stayed with me. The standards kept in the school are extremely high and I greatly benefited, not only from the practical sessions we had in class during the week, but from the real life clients we did treatments on in the Student Salon, sometimes performing the role of a Beauty Therapist for treatments, being assigned for Reception Duties, which I learnt a lot from, from taking phone calls to booking or rescheduling appointments, to receiving clients and sometimes playing the role of Salon Manager. This experience prepares you, and gets you "Industry Ready" as soon as you graduate.
OICB best prepares you for the prestigious CIDESCO Diploma Exams which is the highest qualification one can gain in the Aesthetic and Body Therapy industry. You also get the OICB Beauty and Body Therapy Diploma which is highly sought after.
At graduation, I received the CIBTAC Student of the Year Award, the DERMALOGICA Student of the Year Award, and the CIBTAC Special Achievement Award as a result of hard work and excellence. OICB sure rewards one's dedication and hard work.
How did you feel after graduating?
After graduating at OICB, I felt very confident because of all the knowledge I had gained. I kept being called up to different Radio Stations back home in Nigeria for interviews where I educated listeners of the stations on Skin Care, Beauty and Body Therapy, Reflexology and giving tips on how to stay healthy and beautiful in a hustling and bustling city like Lagos. I was invited to a Beauty School on a few occasions to speak to their students about Beauty Therapy, Work Ethics, Hygiene, the potential career opportunities available for people who study Aesthetics and Beauty and Body Therapy. I also, did presentations on Reflexology. I later had a full page interview on a National Nigerian Newspaper called the Nigerian Tribune, where I talked about why some women take extreme measures in changing how they look.
After working in Nigeria for some years, I was able to secure a position as a Skin Specialist in a 5 Star Resort in the Maldives.
What you are doing now and how has your training supported your growth in your career?
I currently work as an Aesthetician at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia.
Six Senses Hotels Resorts and Spas is the World's Leading Wellness Hospitality Brand, and I would not have been able to secure this position without the kind of educational foundation and training I recieved at OICB. OICB graduates are known to adhere to the highest international standards and are very knowledgeable, hence, being highly sought after. This in turn helps in their career trajectory, if they choose to remain in the Beauty industry.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future as I keep growing in the industry is to eventually be able to share the knowledge I have gained over the years by getting involved in training and education of the next generation of Aestheticians and Beauty and Body Therapists.
What advise would you give someone starting out and looking to study?
The advise I would give to anyone starting out and looking to study is to remain resilient and never give up, no matter how hard it may seem. The hardest part is making up your mind to study. Once you're in, you would fall in love with what you do. Passion is key.
Being a Beauty Therapist is a very rewarding, exciting and fulfilling career, with endless opportunities in your path.
