Renowned Nigerian beauty entrepreneur Chineye Otabil, founder of Chiniella Beauty and Varda Beauty, delivered a masterclass at this year’s Aegis Global Women’s Retreat, held from October 29 to November 1, 2025, at The Tawny United Kingdom.
Aegis Global Women’s Retreat is a transformative gathering designed to empower women to lead, serve, and thrive at the highest levels. The retreat brings together visionary women from across sectors for boardroom readiness training, leadership and governance workshops, global networking opportunities, cultural and diplomatic engagements
Addressing an audience of women leaders, innovators, and changemakers, Otabil shared practical insights on simple, effective skincare routines for busy professionals, quick makeup looks suitable for both the boardroom and evening events, and product recommendations tailored to diverse skin types.
Otabil emphasized that presence is a critical leadership tool, arguing that skincare and makeup, when done with intention, go far beyond aesthetics. She stated, “Presence is not just about what you say in the room, it’s also about how you show up in the room.”
“When you invest a few minutes each day to care for your skin, highlight your features, and step into your day with confidence, you are reinforcing your leadership,” she said.
For over a decade, Otabil has worked with senior executives, creatives, and public figures, helping them look and feel their best. Her session at Aegis showcased not only her technical expertise but also her expanding role in defining what leadership presence means for African women.
The Aegis Global Women’s Retreat featured several distinguished women leaders as facilitators, including Ambassador Prof. (Mrs.) Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State and Board Chair of Aegis Global Advisory, Dineo Mathlako, the Deputy High Commissioner of South Africa to the United Kingdom, Elizabeth Johnson, Founder, Medical Tourism Africa, and Abiola Adelana, Head, Tourism Business, Sterling Bank.
The masterclass was sponsored by Eloise Beauty, a UK-based beauty brand, and Varda Beauty products.
