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Ameera Olufunmilayo Abraham (born November 11, 1988) is a Nigerian beauty industry leader, entrepreneur, author, spa director, and career development coach. She is the founder of The Nail Bar, Nigeria’s first dedicated nail spa, and Amali Cosmetics, a pioneering clean beauty brand known for its non-toxic nail care products. With her contributions to the beauty and wellness industry, Abraham has established herself as a key figure in Nigeria's beauty sector, advocating for professional standards and healthier product options.
Early Life & Education
Ameera Abraham was born into a dynamic Nigerian family, with parents Kaye and Aisha Abraham and a brother, Suleiman. She grew up between Lagos, Jos, and Kaduna, attending Greenwood House School in Lagos, Plateau Private School in Jos, and Kaduna International School in Kaduna. She later moved to the United Kingdom, where she attended Farringtons School and Stratford House in Kent, before returning to Nigeria to complete her secondary education at Atlantic Hall School in Lagos.
From an early age, Ameera was captivated by beauty and aesthetics, drawing inspiration from the glamorous styles of her grandmother, mother, and aunt, Zainab. Her interest in beauty began to deepen at the age of twelve after her cousin Samira introduced her to grooming practices with her first waxing experience. Her early exposure to beauty routines included her first nail salon visit at the age of three alongside her mother, and her first set of nail extensions and pedicure at thirteen. She chose short, squoval French tips with a shiny finish and painted her toes a classic red, a memory that sparked her lifelong fascination with nail and skincare treatments. By fifteen, Ameera had her first facial, further fueling her passion for self-care and the art of aesthetics.
Ameera pursued her higher education in Politics and International Relations at Royal Holloway, University of London, where she graduated in 2010. During her final year, a challenging personal experience led her to embrace spa treatments as a therapeutic outlet, sparking her interest in the spa and beauty industry on a professional level. Seeking to deepen her knowledge, she enrolled in a short beauty therapy course, which soon became a passionate hobby. She often practiced on friends, offering them facials and manicures, and by the time she graduated, she had also completed a certification in Beauty Therapy from The Beauty Academy in London.
Becoming a Beautypreneur
After completing her studies in the UK, Ameera Abraham returned to Nigeria in 2010 for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. She was posted to work with ECOWAS, where she enjoyed the experience but soon realized that her passion lay elsewhere. Her deep-rooted love for beauty and wellness led her to conclude that a traditional office career wasn’t for her, and she knew she wanted to build something of her own rather than navigate corporate office dynamics.
Determined to pursue her true calling, Ameera began researching the beauty and wellness industry in Abuja, particularly focusing on the city’s market for high-quality nail and spa services. Armed with her findings, she put together a business plan and shared her vision with her family, receiving their support to move forward. In October 2010, she officially registered The Nail Bar Ltd with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission, and by March 19, 2011, she opened the doors to The Nail Bar, Abuja’s first dedicated nail spa.
In its early days, The Nail Bar quickly garnered attention and established a reputation for offering premium nail and beauty services. A feature on BellaNaija’s Making It series brought further recognition, and Ameera soon landed her own beauty column on BellaNaija.com titled Beauty Nest with Ameera. Through her writing and insights, she began establishing herself as a trusted beauty expert and connoisseur, building her personal brand within the industry.
Impact on the Nigerian Beauty Industry
Ameera Abraham has played a significant role in elevating standards and advancing the beauty and wellness industry in Nigeria. Through The Nail Bar, she established a new benchmark for service quality, hygiene, and client care, setting the tone for other beauty businesses in the country. Her commitment to professionalizing the industry was further demonstrated through her work with the Spa and Wellness Association of Africa (SWAA), where she served as Executive Committee Chair from 2010 to 2015, followed by a two-year tenure as Director of Communications. In these roles, Ameera was a vocal advocate for industry recognition, working with the FCT Ministry and collaborating with the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria to promote awareness and professional standards in beauty and wellness.
Ameera also focused on community building within the industry. She organized quarterly networking and educational seminars for SWAA, held in Lagos and Abuja, where beauty professionals could connect, share knowledge, and discuss industry advancements. These events provided valuable opportunities for both established practitioners and newcomers to deepen their expertise and build stronger industry connections.
In 2020 she collaborated on the Global Spa Round Table Session for the creation of policies and protocols for the effective management of Covid19 in the spa and wellness industry, offering valuable insights and contributions that were subsequently incorporated into the published body of work.
In 2024, Ameera's influence and dedication to industry standards were further recognized when she joined the Standards Organization of Nigeria's Committee for Beautycare Services. In this role, she continues her work advocating for best practices, ensuring that the beauty industry in Nigeria adheres to internationally recognized standards and protocols. Through her leadership, Ameera has established herself as a pioneering force, transforming the Nigerian beauty industry into a more professional and respected sector.
Founder of Amali Cosmetics and Clean Beauty Advocacy
Ameera Abraham's journey into the clean beauty space was shaped by her personal health experiences. At sixteen, she was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition that sparked her interest in understanding how hormone-disrupting chemicals in everyday cosmetics could affect health. Years of research led Ameera to realize the need for safer, toxin-free beauty products in the Nigerian market. This insight became the foundation of Amali Cosmetics, which she launched in 2016 as Nigeria's first professional clean beauty brand. Amali Cosmetics began with a line of “10-free” nail polishes—free of ten common toxic chemicals found in many conventional nail products, such as formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates. As Ameera’s understanding of clean beauty grew, she expanded the product range to include creams, serums, and treatment solutions designed for hands, feet, and nails. Each product embodies Amali’s commitment to eliminating harmful ingredients, prioritizing health without compromising on quality or performance.
The brand has gained recognition for its non-toxic, eco-friendly, sustainable, and animal-friendly ethos with clean formulations that cater to all skin types without the risk of harmful additives. By implementing environmentally conscious practices and cruelty-free testing, Ameera ensures that Amali Cosmetics aligns with her vision of a more responsible beauty industry.
Beyond products, Ameera has used Amali Cosmetics as a platform to raise awareness about clean beauty standards in Nigeria. Her efforts have encouraged consumers and industry professionals alike to consider the long-term health impacts of conventional cosmetic ingredients, contributing to a growing movement for non-toxic beauty in Nigeria and beyond. Through Amali, Ameera has become a trailblazer for sustainable beauty in West Africa, challenging the industry to prioritize health-conscious choices and adopt more ethical practices.
The Full Set and Expansion into Business Education
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of The Nail Bar, Ameera Abraham published The Full Set, a memoir that offers a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of running a beauty business. Blending personal anecdotes with professional insights, The Full Set provides readers with a behind-the-scenes view of Ameera’s journey, from building Nigeria’s first dedicated nail spa to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship in the beauty industry. The memoir was widely praised for its honest, engaging style and its practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
As a prelude to the book’s launch, Ameera introduced a multi-episode educational resource for entrepreneurs titled Finger Foods with Ameera. Designed as a comprehensive guide, Finger Foods covers the full spectrum of business development—from the startup phase through expansion. Each episode addresses crucial aspects of the business lifecycle, providing digestible, actionable insights aimed at empowering entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. This educational series complements the lessons in The Full Set, making Ameera’s business expertise accessible to a wide audience.
Following the success of The Full Set, Ameera expanded her career into business education, development, and consulting. Recognizing the demand for her expertise, she launched workshops and an online course aimed at helping entrepreneurs succeed in the beauty industry and beyond. Through these programs, Ameera coaches business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs on essential topics such as product development, branding, marketing, and overall entrepreneurship. Her hands-on approach and industry knowledge have made her a sought-after mentor for those looking to build or strengthen their brands.
Ameera’s career as a coach and educator has allowed her to make an even broader impact, empowering a new generation of beauty entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of the industry with confidence and strategic insight. Her dedication to sharing her knowledge has positioned her as a thought leader in beauty entrepreneurship, inspiring others to pursue their dreams with the same passion and resilience that she brings to her own ventures.
Professional Expertise in Aesthetics
In addition to her entrepreneurial achievements, Ameera Abraham is a licensed medical aesthetician with extensive training in advanced skincare and beauty treatments. She holds certifications in HydraFacials, chemical peels, and laser hair removal, equipping her with the expertise to offer a wide range of medical-grade beauty services. Her in-depth knowledge of skin health and beauty treatments has allowed her to blend scientific understanding with her aesthetic vision, offering clients a comprehensive approach to skincare. Ameera's qualifications and hands-on experience in aesthetics further enhance her credibility as a beauty expert, complementing her role as a spa director and beauty brand founder. Her understanding of both the beauty and medical aspects of skincare has made her a trusted authority in the field, where she combines cutting-edge treatments with a holistic approach to beauty.
Advocacy and Empowerment
Ameera Abraham has long been dedicated to empowering women, especially within the beauty and entrepreneurship spaces. Throughout her career, she has actively participated in mentoring programs and initiatives aimed at supporting women’s personal and professional growth. Her commitment to women’s empowerment is evident in her involvement in numerous programs and her focus on fostering independence, confidence, and leadership among women.
In 2024, Ameera joined the Her Money Her Power campaign, an initiative focused on financial empowerment and independence for women. Through this campaign, she contributed her expertise on building sustainable businesses, navigating challenges in male-dominated spaces, and securing financial stability. Her involvement in Her Money Her Power aligns with her broader mission to equip women with the skills and confidence they need to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions and gain financial independence.
Ameera’s role in these initiatives has solidified her as an advocate for women’s empowerment, providing valuable resources and mentorship to help women thrive. Her work in this area continues to inspire countless women to pursue their goals and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Fashion Influence
Ameera Abraham has become a prominent figure in Nigeria's fashion scene, with her distinctive sense of style earning her recognition in numerous fashion publications. Known for her ability to blend classic elegance with modern trends, Ameera’s fashion choices have resonated with fashion enthusiasts, making her a style icon in her own right. She has been featured in high-profile fashion publications such as Bella Naija and GO Lifestyle Magazine, where her bold yet sophisticated looks have caught the attention of both industry professionals and fashion lovers.
Beyond her appearances in fashion media, Ameera has cultivated a cult following due to her impeccable taste and effortless ability to showcase a wide range of styles, from luxurious evening wear to chic, everyday looks. Her fashion influence extends beyond just clothing; it’s an embodiment of confidence, empowerment, and self-expression, inspiring many to embrace their individuality.
Through her personal style, Ameera has solidified herself as a tastemaker, with her influence extending to both beauty and fashion. Her fans and followers often look to her for inspiration, and her fashion choices continue to inspire trends within Nigeria and beyond.
Awards, Honors and Recognition
Beauty In The Motherland - Nail Care Brand of the Year (2023) Beauty Fest Africa - Nail Care Brand of the Year (2020) Leading Ladies Africa - 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria (2018) Abuja Young Entrepreneurs (AYE) - Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2013)