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By Christy Anyanwu
Juliet Esiri is a renowned UK-based beauty therapist and CEO of Okin Arewa, specialising in makeup and gele artistry. She’s known for her exceptional skills in tying signature head-ties that make her clients around the globe stand out at parties. The latest news about this astute beautician is her zeal to become a health practitioner. She went back to the University and today, she’s a mental health therapist.
Speaking with Sunday Sun, she went down memory lane about her life experiences, and lots more.
Tell us more about yourself
I am a mother of two and I come from an African aristocratic family in Delta State, originally from Abraka. I currently reside in the United Kingdom, where I returned fully after closing my spa and navigating a major transition in my personal life.
Professionally, I am a registered Mental Health Nurse with the NHS in the UK. Alongside my clinical work, I continue to express my creative roots through beauty—still offering makeup and gele services to a select clientele. Beauty has always been part of my identity, and mental health has become my calling.
Today, my life reflects a balance of purpose and passion – serving, healing, and creating, all rooted in experience, resilience and growth.
You are a celebrity beautician popularly known for unique gele styles and makeup artistry. What influenced your going back to the university and your course of study – mental health?
My decision to return to the university was born out of one of the most difficult seasons of my life. After the breakdown of my marriage, I was faced with deep disappointment, heartbreak, and emotional pain. I remember sitting alone in a dark room, crying myself to sleep for weeks. It was a very low point.
One day, I had a quiet but powerful conversation with myself. I said, “Juliet, you cannot end here. You cannot allow pain to define your story. You must return to the world and make something meaningful out of this.” That moment became a turning point.
I chose to channel my pain into purpose. I picked myself up and contacted Student Finance to see if returning to education was even possible, given my previous loans. When I was offered the opportunity, I saw it as God opening a door I had not imagined for myself.
Mental health felt like a calling, not just a course. My personal experiences gave me a deep empathy for emotional pain, healing, and resilience. I went on to study Mental Health Nursing and graduated with a First Class degree, something I remain profoundly grateful for. Encouraged by that journey, I returned to complete a Master’s degree in Addiction and Mental Health.
Looking back, I can confidently say that beauty may have introduced me to the world, but purpose redefined me. What started as pain became passion, and what felt like a setback became the foundation for a new chapter, one driven by service, healing, and grace. Above all, it has been God’s hand guiding every step.
What would you say are some of the most valuable lessons you have learnt throughout your career as a beautician, and how have you applied them to your personal and professional life?
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned as a beautician is that beauty goes far beyond appearance. It is deeply connected to confidence, identity, and emotional wellbeing. Over the years, I have realised that when a woman sits in my chair, she is not just coming for makeup or a gele; she is often carrying stories, pressures, insecurities, and sometimes silent pain. Learning to listen, to be patient, and to treat every client with dignity has been one of my greatest lessons.
My career also taught me discipline, consistency, and the importance of excellence. In an industry that is constantly evolving, I learned early that you must keep learning, stay humble, and respect your craft. Reputation is built not only on talent, but on integrity, punctuality, professionalism, and how you make people feel.
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On a personal level, being a beautician taught me resilience and self-belief. I learned how to stand confidently in my gifts, even when the journey was uncertain, and how to turn passion into purpose. Professionally, I have applied these lessons by building a brand rooted in authenticity, compassion, and service where clients feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Ultimately, the beauty industry shaped me to understand that true success is not just about recognition, but about impact. When people leave my presence feeling uplifted, confident, and whole, that is the real reward.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy researching and reading, as I’m naturally curious and committed to continuous learning. I also love going to the gym, as it helps me maintain both physical and mental balance. Music and dance are another source of joy for me. They allow me to unwind, express myself, and stay connected to positive energy.
What advice would you give younger ladies who eventually want to be where you are?
Believe in your gift, but don’t rush the process. Stay disciplined, keep learning, and never underestimate the value of character and consistency. Let your passion be guided by purpose, and remember your journey is unique, so grow at your own pace and trust God with the rest.
What’s your favourite travel destination?
I have been fortunate to visit many countries, but one destination that truly stands out for me is Bangkok, Thailand. The experience was unforgettable from playing with the tigers, which was absolutely amazing, to enjoying the vibrant street food and the thrill of great bargains while shopping. It was a beautiful mix of adventure, culture and unforgettable memories.
How does your work influence your fashion choice?
My work as both a beautician and a mental health nurse deeply influences my fashion choices. As a beautician, I love expressing creativity, elegance, and attention to detail through my style. It’s a reflection of the artistry I bring to my clients. At the same time, my nursing career requires practicality, professionalism, and comfort, so I balance bold, stylish pieces with functionality. Ultimately, my fashion is a blend of creativity, confidence, and purpose, allowing me to feel authentic and empowered in every space I occupy.
Tell us about your NGO and what inspired you to pursue that?
What inspired me to start this NGO was a deep-seated passion for giving and serving humanity. For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to helping widows, orphanages, street feeding initiatives, and families in need. I found myself supporting people quietly shipping clothes to the needy, sponsoring school fees, helping families settle hospital bills, and assisting individuals to acquire basic equipment to start small businesses.
Over time, these acts of kindness became consistent. People around me, including my staff, would often bring needs to my attention, sometimes a neighbour struggling to discharge his wife from the hospital, other times someone needing just a little support to get back on their feet. I honestly cannot count how many lives God has used me to touch along the way.
At a point, I felt a strong conviction that this work needed structure, accountability, and continuity. That was when I decided to formally register the NGO so the impact could be broader, more organised, and sustainable.
My vision is simple but powerful: to restore hope and dignity to the vulnerable. I want to build a platform that consistently supports widows, empowers families, feeds the hungry, and gives people the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Above all, my goal is to be a vessel through which compassion, love, and practical help reach those who need it most.
