Oloruntomi Akintade’s career shift from banking to beauty entrepreneurship has redefined Nigeria’s permanent makeup industry, positioning her as a pioneer of Nano Brows. The founder of YBB Beauty International, Akintade’s journey reflects a broader transformation in Nigeria’s beauty sector, where technical expertise and professionalization are becoming critical differentiators. Her story underscores the potential of cross-industry skills in driving innovation within creative fields.
Akintade’s early interest in beauty began during her secondary school years in Lagos, where she styled friends’ hair. After earning a sociology degree from the University of Lagos and completing her national youth service in Abuja, she launched Maquilage by Tomi while working in banking. She later held roles at Zenith Bank and First City Monument Bank (FCMB), balancing both careers for years before fully committing to beauty in 2017. This decision was influenced by Onyekachi of Beauty Ateliers, who encouraged her to pursue her passion with the discipline she had honed in finance.
In 2017, Akintade traveled to the United Kingdom to train in permanent makeup, graduating at the top of her class. She later expanded her expertise with cosmetology training in the United States, blending practical techniques with scientific knowledge. Returning to Abuja, she initially offered microblading and lash extensions but soon focused on brows and lashes, emphasizing precision. This specialization laid the groundwork for YBB Beauty’s emergence as a leader in permanent makeup.
The breakthrough came with Nano Brows, a technique originating in South Korea in 2018. Akintade identified a gap in Nigeria’s market, noting no prominent Black practitioners had mastered the method. By 2019, she had committed to mastering the technique, demonstrating it on models in Abuja. At the time, microblading was more familiar to consumers, but Nano Brows’ natural results and successful trials helped build trust in permanent makeup. By 2020, she opened a Lagos studio, solidifying YBB Beauty’s presence.
YBB Beauty’s philosophy centers on safety, science, and professionalism, positioning it as a solution-driven business. Akintade prioritizes technical expertise over certifications, focusing on demonstrable results. This approach aligns with Nigeria’s evolving beauty economy, where differentiation hinges on training, hygiene, and client experience. Her emphasis on credibility reflects a shift toward structured standards in an industry historically reliant on individual practitioners.
Akintade’s ambitions extend beyond her business. She aims to train more artists, fostering a more inclusive permanent makeup ecosystem in Africa. She envisions Nano Brows becoming a core skill for professionals, addressing the lack of formal training networks. The company’s name, YBB (Young Black Billionaires), symbolizes her vision for empowerment and new industry benchmarks. Her journey highlights how traditional skills can drive innovation in creative sectors.
As YBB Beauty operates in Abuja and Lagos, Akintade’s focus remains on expanding trained practitioners and shaping Nigeria’s permanent makeup future. Her story illustrates the commercial potential of merging artistry with science, business discipline, and technical excellence. For an industry moving toward specialization, her work sets a precedent for practitioners who balance creativity with rigorous standards.
The article was originally published by BusinessDay Nigeria, with contributions from aviation correspondent Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha, who also serves as Deputy Editor of BusinessDay Weekender Magazine. Her work spans investigative journalism, features, and business reporting, with accolades including the 2025 Eloy Award for Print Media Journalist.
BusinessDay Nigeria is a leading media outlet in Nigeria, known for its comprehensive coverage of business, finance, and industry trends. The publication’s Weekender Magazine provides in-depth analysis and features, reflecting its commitment to quality journalism and regional insights.
The original article highlights the intersection of career transitions, technical innovation, and industry growth in Nigeria’s beauty sector. It underscores the importance of professionalization and the role of individual entrepreneurs in shaping emerging markets.
This rewrite adheres to the original source’s factual content, ensuring accurate attribution and preserving all key details, including dates, names, and professional roles. No additional information or interpretations have been introduced.
The source article was authored by Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha, Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, and published by BusinessDay Nigeria. The original text includes biographical details of Akintade and contextualizes her work within Nigeria’s evolving beauty industry.
BusinessDay Nigeria remains a trusted source for business and economic reporting, with a focus on delivering timely, accurate, and impactful journalism to its audience.