Shiela Ekwo is the visionary founder of Laser & Beauty Aesthetics by Shiela, a cutting-edge clinic redefining skincare and beauty in Ikoyi, Lagos. With a bold approach to advanced aesthetics, she has positioned herself as a leading force in Nigeria’s beauty industry, seamlessly blending science, technology, and artistry to deliver exceptional skin solutions.
Shiela’s career began with her first degree in engineering, where she excelled on major infrastructural projects such as the Great Sea Wall at Eko Atlantic and various developments across Nigeria and beyond. However, her passion for beauty and transformative skincare started over a decade ago. This led her back to school, after which she further pursued intensive training at the prestigious London Institute of Aesthetics, pivoting her career toward a purpose-driven journey of enhancing confidence through medical aesthetics.
At Laser & Beauty Aesthetics by Shiela, she has curated a state-of-the-art clinic equipped with the latest laser and RF technology, offering specialized treatments such as skin resurfacing and rejuvenation, laser hair removal, tattoo removal, and targeted solutions for complex skin conditions. With a commitment to innovation, Shiela has partnered with leading global brands, including Quanta Systems, Sylfirm X, and PFB Vanish.
Her clinic proudly holds the distinction of being the first in Nigeria to introduce groundbreaking Pico laser treatments, setting a new benchmark for skin health and beauty solutions. Since establishing her practice, Shiela has revolutionized Nigeria’s beauty and skincare industry, consistently raising standards and championing results-driven, personalized care. Her expertise and dedication have earned her a reputation as a trusted name among those seeking radiant, youthful, and healthy skin.
Beyond her work in aesthetics, Shiela Ekwo is fueled by a deep passion for continuous learning and empowerment, inspiring individuals to embrace confidence and transformation through science-backed skincare solutions. As a thought leader shaping the future of medical aesthetics, she remains steadfast in her mission to bring innovation, excellence, and self-care to the forefront of the industry.
Shiela, Your journey from engineering major infrastructure to pioneering aesthetic treatments is fascinating. Tell us a little bit about your engineering background and how you transitioned to beauty aesthetic practice.
I’ve always had a knack for making things look good—whether it’s buildings, landscapes, or skin—so the transition into aesthetics felt very natural. I chose to study engineering because it sounded challenging, and I’ve always loved a good challenge.
Over time, I realized that what truly excites me is transforming things from mediocre to “Oh wow, that looks amazing!” Whether it’s a space or a person, there’s unmatched joy in seeing something evolve into its best version. And anyone who knows me knows I’m a bit of a perfectionist—so of course, I had to go about this journey the right way. That meant going back to school to get the proper education and training. I love solving problems, and in aesthetics, I get to do that every day—while helping people look and feel their best.
Your clinic, Laser & Beauty Aesthetics by Shiela, is at the forefront of cutting-edge treatments. What sets it apart in Nigeria’s evolving beauty and wellness industry?
At Laser & Beauty Aesthetics by Shiela, what truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, personalized care, and continuous innovation. We don’t just follow global standards—we elevate them, curating world-class treatments specifically tailored to African skin and the diverse beauty needs of our clients.
As pioneers in introducing advanced technologies like Pico lasers, Sylfirm X, to Nigeria, we are proud to offer solutions that are not only effective and results-driven but also safe and inclusive. However, it’s our client-first philosophy that truly defines us—we prioritize education, transparency, and holistic care, empowering every individual to feel confident and informed throughout their skincare journey.
In a fast-evolving industry, we lead by blending science with soul—offering services that don’t just enhance appearance but also heal, uplift, and inspire from the inside out.
As the first in Nigeria to introduce Pico laser treatments, how do you see this technology transforming skincare for clients?
Introducing Discovery Pico laser technology to Nigeria has been a game-changer, and we are proud to lead that innovation. The Discovery Pico laser is the latest laser technology with Pico seconds emission, meaning faster, more precise, and safer laser emission. That is why it covers a lot of treatment options, from anti-aging, various skin tightening modalities, hyper pigmentary disorders of different kinds (post acne, nevus of Ota, Ito, other dark birthmarks, tribal marks, dark lips, dark under eyes, etc.), tattoo removal, exogenous ochronosis, dark knuckles, and all sorts of scars (acne scars, stretchmarks, surgical scars, hypertrophic, keloidal, and atrophic scars, etc.)
So with this versatile scope of applications, our goal is to help in improving the quality of skincare management our people deserve. Unlike traditional lasers, Pico delivers ultra-short pulses that target skin concerns with unmatched precision and minimal downtime, making it ideal for our diverse clients and skin types.
This technology is transforming skincare by offering safer, faster, and more effective solutions to conditions that were previously harder to treat in all types of skin tones. More importantly, it empowers clients with visible results and renewed confidence, often in fewer sessions.
Pico laser treatment is not just a treatment; it’s a shift toward personalized, high-performance skincare in Africa.
Many people view aesthetics as purely cosmetic, but your work focuses on transformation and confidence-building. What’s your approach to balancing science with self-care?
Aesthetics is often seen as purely cosmetic, our approach goes much deeper. We view every treatment as a fusion of science, precision, and purpose. Cosmetics is one of the components in aesthetic approach, e.g. you want your house to look better, painting it is only one of the components, and even at that, you will need the right paint and colour, aesthetics is the holistic approach to the whole project resulting in a transformed finished, and improved outlook.
By grounding our practice in evidence-based technology and medical expertise, we ensure that every procedure is safe, effective, and tailored to the individual. At the same time, we never lose sight of the emotional impact—how a client feels about their appearance directly affects their confidence and overall well-being.
Your partnerships with global brands like Quanta Systems and Sylfirm X are impressive. What would you say makes collaborations successful?
Collaboration is super successful when built on some of these factors; Common goal, transparency, integrity, and so much more. Our partnership with global brands like Quanta Systems and Sylfirm X is rooted in a shared commitment to innovation, safety, and delivering real results.
Partnering with Quanta Systems, a leader in laser technology for 40 years, allows us to bring cutting-edge devices into our practice—offering treatments that are precise, science-backed, and transformative. These collaborations enable us to stay at the forefront of the industry while remaining true to our mission: providing world-class care, grounded in expertise and delivered with heart.
With Sylfirm X, we’re proud to offer advanced, clinically proven skin rejuvenation solutions that help us raise the bar for non-invasive aesthetic care in Nigeria – Innovating world-class technology.
In your opinion, what are three skincare myths that people need to stop believing immediately?
1. That skincare works overnight and change is expected overnight like magic.
2. That they can get proper diagnosis or recommendations by sending pictures and videos
3. Anybody can be an expert in skincare management.
If you could redefine the future of skincare and aesthetics in Africa, what would that vision look like?
The future of skincare and aesthetics can’t be redefined, it’s skincare and aesthetics that are redefining the future. A typical example is the way aging is viewed and modified.
Our vision, however, will be to ensure that every aspect of the aesthetics industry in Africa is grounded in proper education, global exposure, and a high level of professionalism. Skincare and aesthetics redefining the future means raising standards, building trust, and empowering practitioners to deliver safe, ethical, and transformative care.
Most importantly, it’s about making quality skincare and aesthetic treatments accessible to people across all backgrounds, not just a privileged few.
Finally, after witnessing a lot of beauty transformations, what does ‘beauty’ truly mean to you?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what we try to do is to bring the magic to the fore. Looking good is good business.
Beauty to me is about the freedom to choose—to step out confidently without the excessive need to cover up with makeup because you feel good in your own skin. I believe makeup should be an expression, not a cover-up. True beauty is about comfort, confidence, and authenticity.
| Connect With Shiela Ekwo |
| Instagram – @LaserandAestheticsByShiela |
| X – @LBAbyShiela |
| LinkedIn – Shiela Ekwo |
