By Vivian Onyebukwa
Nwamaka Perpetual Okeke is the CEO/ Co-Founder of multi award-winning company known as Cyweventures International Limited.
She is a Microbiologist from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Anambra State, and an Alumni of Cornell University, USA with certificate in women entrepreneurship.
She equally went to Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) Pan Atlantic University, Lagos State where she had a certificate in entrepreneurship Management.
An entrepreneur per-excellence, Okeke is the Founder of Centre for Youths and Women Empowerment (CYWE), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) which is into skill acquisition and vocational training, helping women to become self dependent and eradicate poverty in Nigeria, Africa and across the world.
She spoke to VIVIAN ONYEBUKWA on cosmetics, skin and beauty generally.
How did you get into the cosmetics business?
As a microbiologist, I detest germs causing microorganisms in human beings which majorly infect man through contaminations such as through water, food, sweat, dust, gaseous aerosols suspension, sun radiation and radioactive emissions from computers and hospital gadgets usage coming in contact with our skin on daily basis. These can cause skin cancer, acne and pimples breakout, body odours, and rashes. Others are premature ageing, skin peelings, rough, tough dry skin texture, and blocked skin pores causing uncomfortable skin irritation on humans. I also observed that many women do bleach their skin in Africa using inorganic substances popularly used in cosmetics industry which also cause negative side effects mentioned above in addition to skin pigmentation.
Did you train for this?
I didn’t train for this but it comes by divine inspiration and constant request from clients.
How has it been?
It has been good to the glory of God
What is the difference between organic and natural?
The term ‘organic’ refers to how an ingredient is farmed. That is, it must be prepared and grown without pesticides, chemical fertilizers, GMOs, sulphates/parabens or antibiotics. However, just because the product is labelled ‘organic’ doesn’t mean it is 100 per cent organic.
Then ‘Natural’ product can be defined as something that is derived from plant, mineral or animal by-product. Brands can use this term on their product labels as a tactic because there is no governing body that has laid down the guidelines to specify a product as ‘natural’.
Can you tell us the causes of skin blemish?
Sunburn reaction with body sweat and environmental dust accumulation on the skin without proper exfoliation with good soap causes skin degeneration from light to dark.
Why do you think some people’s skin degenerates from light to black?
Bleaching products are the main causes of damaged skin, but it can be fixed with the use of natural skin products.
Can you give reasons why some people bleach?
People bleach to look beautiful but the side effects are more dangerous in the long run, especially at old age. It can cause pigmentation, body odour, premature ageing and cancer of the skin.
How can one maintain a natural fair skin?
Natural fair skin can be maintained by using natural cosmetics without chemical components that can react with the sun.
Can you name some common skin care myths
Eating chocolate or oily foods causes oily skin and acne. Hot water opens up your pores. Never wash your face too much. You are too young to use anti-ageing.
The truth is that an oily substance called sebum causes acne. It’s made and secreted by the skin. In fact, there’s no evidence that any specific food causes acne.
How can one know her skin type?
If your skin appears shiny throughout, you likely have oily skin. If it feels tight and is flaky or scaly, you likely have dry skin. If the shine is only in your T-zone, you probably have combination skin. If your skin feels hydrated and comfortable, but not oily, you likely have normal skin.
You know, our skin absorbs up to 60 per cent % of what we apply on it. While that’s a good thing, people suffer from severe skin infections because of the use of cosmetics that have a higher proportion of chemical constituents.
What’s your vision for Cyweventures Herbals?
My vision for Cywe Herbals is to build a resilient business that will succeed into generations and have impact on humanity.