We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ob Nwaogbe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

OB, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

If I were to start over today, knowing everything I’ve learned, I would have started sooner and been more confident in pursuing a career in esthetics without hesitation. My first career as a producer and news reporter was fulfilling, but after being laid off, I hesitated to embrace esthetics as a full-time pursuit because of cultural and societal expectations. Growing up in a Nigerian household, the emphasis on formal education often overshadowed the value of trades, which made me feel like pursuing esthetics might be seen as a failure, despite knowing it was something I was good at.

Even after earning my esthetics certification, I returned to graduate school and moved to NYC to further pursue media. While looking for work in media, I had to get a job as an esthetician to support myself. It wasn’t until the pandemic, when friends and family turned to me for skincare advice—particularly on maskne—that I realized the depth of my expertise and the potential to build a business around it. If I had embraced this realization earlier, without worrying about external perceptions, I could have carved my path in the beauty and esthetics industry much sooner. This experience has taught me that trusting my skills, regardless of societal norms, is key to building a fulfilling career.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is OB Nwaogbe, and I am the proud owner of Oh Be You Facial Bar and the founder of UDODI Skincare, both based in Brooklyn, NY. My journey into the beauty and esthetics industry began as a second career after spending years as a producer and news reporter. While media was fulfilling, I always believed in the importance of having a trade—a practical skill that could serve as a foundation for independence and growth. Despite cultural pressures growing up in a Nigerian household, where formal education often overshadowed the value of trades, I embraced esthetics as a passion and turned it into a career.

At Oh Be You Facial Bar, I provide customized corrective skincare treatments, including microchanneling, hydrodermabrasion, BioRepeel, dermaplaning, and more. My goal is to help clients achieve their skin goals, whether they are struggling with acne, hyperpigmentation, or signs of aging. With UDODI Skincare, I offer a curated line of products designed to cater to diverse skin types, addressing specific issues like hydration, uneven skin tone, and breakouts. Both ventures are rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to quality skincare solutions that work.

What sets me apart is my dual expertise as a licensed esthetician and esthetics instructor, combined with my years of experience in corrective skincare. I prioritize educating my clients, empowering them with the knowledge to care for their skin effectively. My work is also deeply personal—I understand the frustrations of dealing with challenging skin issues, and I strive to create a judgment-free space where clients feel heard and supported.

I am most proud of turning a moment of uncertainty during the pandemic into an opportunity to launch my businesses. When friends and family sought my advice for issues like maskne, I realized my expertise could help a larger audience. Since then, I’ve built a brand that reflects my commitment to making quality skincare accessible to everyone, regardless of background.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that my work is driven by passion, expertise, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Whether through personalized treatments or transformative products, my mission is to help people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. At the end of the day, my success is defined by the positive impact I have on my clients’ lives.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of personalized service, education, and leveraging word-of-mouth referrals. At Oh Be You Facial Bar, I focus on building trust with every client by providing tailored skincare solutions that address their specific needs and educating them on how to maintain their results at home. This approach not only empowers my clients but also fosters loyalty, leading them to recommend my services to friends and family.

Additionally, during the pandemic, I leaned heavily on social media to share skincare tips, showcase client transformations, and promote the launch of UDODI Skincare. Authentic engagement, such as responding to questions and providing free advice, helped me establish credibility and reach a broader audience. Attending community events like pop-up shops and collaborating with micro-influencers have also been instrumental in expanding my network. Ultimately, creating a results-driven, client-centered experience has been key to not only attracting new clients but retaining them over time.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Follow-Up Communication: After treatments, I check in with clients to ensure they’re happy with their results and to address any concerns.

Education and Empowerment: I share valuable skincare tips, tutorials, and insights through email newsletters, social media posts, and in-person consultations.

Exclusive Perks and Offers: I reward loyal clients with early access to new product launches, special discounts, and referral incentives. These gestures show appreciation and keep clients engaged with my business.

Building Relationships Through Social Media: I stay connected by engaging with clients on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where I share client transformations, answer questions, and highlight skincare success stories.

Customized Experiences: Whether it’s personalized product recommendations or tailoring a treatment plan to address a client’s unique skin concerns, I ensure every interaction feels thoughtful and tailored to their needs.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.udodiskincare.com, www.ohbeyoufacialbar.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohbeyoufacialbar
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohbeyoufacialbar
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obynwaogbe/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ohbeyoufacialbar

Image Credits

Clients in shot: Brittany Williams, Audy Esther Abreu Mejia, Kisha McCain