In a vibrant celebration of a decade-long journey, the luxury wellness brand ORÍKÌ has not only reflected on its profound impact but has also ushered in a new era with the birth of The ORÍKÌ Foundation. The event, held at The Jewel Aeida in Lagos, served as a powerful testament to the vision of its founder and the growing movement to redefine self-care on the continent.
A Decade of Redefining Wellness in Africa
The tenth-anniversary gathering was more than a party; it was the culmination of a story that began with a single, powerful question from Founder and CEO Joycee Awosika. She questioned why Africans often viewed wellness as a luxury rather than a fundamental part of a fulfilling life. "How can Africans see wellness not as indulgence, but as essential to life?" This query sparked a mission that, over ten years, has grown into a brand touching thousands of lives, from working mothers and young professionals to survivors seeking a fresh start.
Addressing the guests, Awosika shared her conviction. "This is not just a celebration of our birth but of our journey. We are redefining wellness in a continent where people often see it as a luxury," she stated. "I believe wellness is essential to how we live, work, and grow. As we enter this new era, our mission is to export excellence, scale access, and build an ecosystem that places African beauty and wellness at the center of global conversations."
The ORÍKÌ Foundation: Taking Wellness Beyond the Spa
A central and defining moment of the evening was the official launch of The ORÍKÌ Foundation. This new non-profit arm marks a strategic shift to extend the brand's reach far beyond the walls of luxury spas and into the heart of everyday African communities.
Mrs. Abiodun Williams, the Head of Operations at ORÍKÌ, detailed the Foundation's ambitious goals. She explained that it was established to empower, restore, and uplift communities through targeted initiatives. These programs will focus on several critical, yet often overlooked, areas in Africa's social development landscape:
- Restoring caregivers who often neglect their own well-being.
- Dignifying the elderly and ensuring they are cared for with respect.
- Empowering survivors by providing them with vocational training and opportunities.
- Advancing mental wellness and breaking the stigma surrounding it.
Williams described the Foundation as a natural extension of ORÍKÌ's long-standing mission to build a global wellness ecosystem powered by African excellence. She emphasized that "every person supported by the Foundation represents an opportunity to rebuild hope and self-worth."
A United Front for a People-Centered Wellness Movement
The human impact of ORÍKÌ's work was palpable throughout the venue, reflected in the presence of influential figures who share a commitment to empowerment and community development. The guest list included stalwarts like Mrs. Ibukun Awosika and Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye, both renowned for championing women's causes.
Adding significant weight to the Foundation's future, Her Excellency Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun was in attendance and pledged the partnership of the Ajose Foundation to advance youth wellness initiatives. This collective presence underscored a shared belief that for Africa's wellness story to be truly transformative, it must be deeply people-centered.
Reflecting on the brand's impressive trajectory, Dr. Tola Awosika highlighted the core values that fueled its success: discipline, vision, and consistency. He remarked on the founder's impactful work, noting, "Joycee’s work shows that wellness begins within, in how we think, how we treat others, and how we show up for our communities." This sentiment perfectly captured the evening's spirit, pointing towards a future where wellness is woven into the very fabric of African society.
