The Socratic method suggests questioning everything. While sitting in sukhasana on a Beauty Hut-branded yoga mat, I’m confronted with a new but not mutually exclusive method of thinking— finding gratitude in the small things too. It is the Nay Living method and its founder, Angel Anosike, sitting in a sukhasana, says, “Let’s take out our gratitude journals. If you open it, you’ll see two segments on each page. The upper part says what you’re hoping for. The lower or evening part is to discuss how your day really went. Life doesn’t always go smoothly but it is important to approach each day with a level of hope and gratitude.”
It is the second day of the Beauty Hut Takes Lakowe Lake Galentine Getaway– a trip to commemorate the beauty retailer’s first anniversary. The trip ran from the 7th to the 9th of February. The first program of today reads yoga and wellness. After complex stretches and calming breathing techniques, it is time for the wellness sector. Anosike steps in, carrying a black tote bag with the words Nay Living on it since we got her. At the first meet, she is soft-spoken and optimistic, discussing the importance of defining situations and making connections.
After yoga, she gets down and crosses her legs into an easy pose– a sukhasana. She leads the wellness aspect and speaks extensively on gratitude.
Truth be told, we’ve all heard variations of this speech, especially from billionaires. Elon Musk once famously said, “The first step is to establish that something is possible; then probability will occur.” But it feels different when Angel says it; perhaps it is because she is Nigerian and is truly aware of how devastating situations can get or maybe an overcorrection from the yoga exercises we had just done. But when Anosike spoke, everyone listened, and when she requested we try a gratitude exercise, we participated in accordance.
The session felt so intimate and refreshing. At the farewell dinner, when asked, “What was your favourite moment of the BHTakesLakowe trip?” Many responded, “I loved the yoga and wellness activity.” The brand’s journals were motivational on their own, and many pledged to try the Nay Living method.
Nay Living was a stand-out for many, nevertheless, the Beauty Hut Getaway was a celebration in partnership with several brands that they work with. The rooms and bathrooms of the Beauty Hut guests were decorated with haircare, skincare, activewear, loungewear, and beauty products. So here are exciting African brands I learnt about on the Beauty Hut Galentine Getaway at Lakowe Lake.
Nay Living
The Gratitude Journals of Nay Living is a marvel that instantly caught the attention of everyone. No one had a pen to write in them but they each took turns saying what they were grateful for. Psychologists have been raising awareness of how journaling is beneficial to health. If you want to boost your well-being and reduce stress, you might check out the wellness brand, Nay Living.
Jemvaris Wellness
On the wellness topic, our affirmation flash cards and yoga instructor were provided courtesy of Jemvaris Wellness. Movement, mindfulness, and healing are the brand’s ethos, even as a yoga veteran, her breathing techniques taught me secrets I had missed out on from cyber-yoga. In one morning, Jemvaris had everyone doing the splits and a pindasana.
Jbottoms
Famously known for its green and white bikini— an ode to the Nigerian flag— which has been worn on public figures like Saweetie, Rubi Rose, and Deela.
For its Galentine’s trip, Beauty Hut teamed up with the swimwear brand Jbottoms to create custom pieces. Guests could select between a one-piece and a bikini. The swimsuits were as functional as they were beautiful. A fact I discovered after swimming multiple laps.
Wallflower Beauty
The Beauty Hut trip came with the gift of surprise. Beauty content creator, The Wallflower, at the red-themed dinner, launched a beauty brand, Wallflower Beauty. She revealed that the brand is exclusively launching at Beauty Hut, stating, “Beauty Hut is our official retailer.”
Each guest was allocated products from Wallpaper Beauty. I got the ‘cheeky cheeks’ red blush. I was drawn to its design; its heart shape makes it stand out in the Nigerian market. I also tried the ‘Send Nudes’ lipgloss, and sorry, Fenty, we have gloss bombs at home.
Uncover
Uncover has built a reputation for its nonwhite-cast sunscreen. However, it turns out that’s just one item in its revitalizing arsenal. With a moisturizer and toner to match, Beauty Hut proved that like good things, the Uncover skincare products should be purchased in threes.
Cape and Coco
The yoga and wellness program included a variety of products: a gratitude journal, affirmation cards from Jemvaris, a water bottle, a tote bag, and a spray sunscreen. Reapplying sunscreen has always been a challenge for me. It feels counterintuitive to put sunscreen on my hands and then my face after being outside for a couple of hours. However, a spray-on sunscreen has definitely caught my attention. Cape and Coco’s Sunflexx is a brilliant idea.
Skinneeds
Another genius brand that understands that spray trumps balm is Skinneeds. The hydrating mist was to rehydrate our skins after the rigorous activities of the day. Skinneeds is a wellness and holistic brand aiming to reshape our relationship with our skin.
Topicals
Like a 1800s family sigil, a topical eye mask would constantly be spotted under our eyes. Mornings were taken for granted, no one wanted puffy eyes. But these eye masks became an identifier. The Lakowe Lakes are home to a number of people, but it was easy to tell who was a member of our posse, thanks to the bright pink masks.
While the eye masks are becoming a staple in the Nigerian closet, the deep cut is ‘Clearly’. An anti-acne mist that shows results in 24 hours. Trust me, I tried it.
R and R Skincare
Throw out your body care products , R&R skincare is the only lotion, body oil, and bath wash you need. Proudly Ghanaian, R&R uses African botanical ingredients that have been proven to be quite effective on the skin. Perfect for the dry and hot weather conditions.
Olori Cosmetics
Olori Cosmetics is a comprehensive solution for all your hair needs. With a focus on aesthetics, functionality, and restoration, Olori Cosmetics offers a wide range of products, including the aptly named “Damage Be Gone,” to help you achieve your hair goals.
Vive Hair Care
When you have over 20 girls on a trip, hair care services are a must. From sew-ins to braids, the girls were styled to the nines. The Vive Hair Mist is an all-in-one solution for conditioning. Perfect for every hair type: locs, relaxed, and natural. It is also ideal for braided styles.
ÀȘÀBÍ
When it came to details, the Beauty Hut team did not play. Down to the sleepwear, they had the girls covered. Àșàbí’s nightwear was cozy, soft, and sexy. The red and white ‘dreamy and ditsy’ set was the dress code for the game and movie night.
SAPPHIRE BY O
Guests also experienced Sapphire by O’s activewear line, designed for activities like yoga and wellness. The functional, comfortable, and breathable gym wear proved its versatility during our stretches and splits, supporting every pose.
LAKOWE LAKE
The Beauty Hut Galentine Getaway was hosted at Lakowe Lakes, an exclusive 308-hectare residential golf estate in Lagos, Nigeria. The estate boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, which was the perfect venue for our Golf Day, and over 14 man-made lakes, ideal for boating and fishing.
