You studied psychology at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife. Do you find the course lucrative, especially after graduation?
Psychology was actually a course I was genuinely interested in because I have always been fascinated by people – how we think, why we behave the way we do, and how our experiences influence our emotions and decisions. At the time I chose psychology, I did not necessarily have a very specific picture of what my career would look like after graduation, but I knew I wanted something that involved understanding and working with people.
After graduation, I realised that psychology is one of those degrees where the opportunities are quite broad, but you often have to be intentional about creating your own path. It may not immediately translate into a traditional job with the title ‘psychologist’, but the knowledge is useful in areas like communication, customer service, management, human resources, education, and wellness.
For me, psychology has become an important part of the way I interact with clients and manage my business.
Your social media posts show you more into physiotherapy work. What inspired this line of your work, and how long have you been doing it?
I would actually clarify that I am a massage therapist and wellness professional rather than a physiotherapist. My social media sometimes makes the distinction less obvious because the work overlaps in areas such as body care, mobility, relaxation, and general physical well-being.
What drew me to massage therapy was my interest in helping people feel better, physically and mentally. I started developing my skills through practical training and hands-on experience, and, over time, I became more interested in understanding different massage techniques, body tension, relaxation, and client care. I have been actively building my career in this space since 2021, and it has grown from something I was learning into a professional business that I manage today.
Which aspect(s) of massage therapy do you specialise in? And does your work involve the use of controlled diet, exercise, and massage?
I work with techniques such as relaxation and Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and other wellness-focused treatments.
Massage is a major part of my work, but I also believe that physical well-being is connected to lifestyle. Things like movement, stretching, adequate hydration, nutrition, and rest can all contribute to how a person feels. However, I do not prescribe medical diets or exercise programmes as a physiotherapist would. Where someone has a medical or musculoskeletal condition that requires clinical assessment, I believe they should see the appropriate healthcare professional.
Physiotherapy is not something most people know about, and a few who know about it do not really see a need for it. How can physiotherapy benefit the body and general health?
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession focused on helping people improve movement, function, and physical well-being, particularly when they have pain, injuries, disabilities, or conditions affecting their mobility. I think one reason people do not always appreciate it is that many Nigerians tend to wait until a problem becomes severe before seeking professional help.
From my own wellness work, I have seen how much tension, poor posture, inactivity, and stress can affect the body. Professional physiotherapy can help people recover from injuries, improve mobility and function, manage certain types of pain, and regain strength. Massage can complement wellness and relaxation, but it should not be presented as a replacement for medical or physiotherapy care.
In your work, do you think there is a relationship between psychology and massage therapy/physiotherapy?
Absolutely. The body and the mind are connected. Psychology has taught me that a person’s emotions, thoughts, stress levels, and experiences can influence how they perceive and respond to physical discomfort.
For example, someone who is constantly stressed may experience muscle tension, poor sleep, and fatigue. Likewise, someone living with chronic physical discomfort can become frustrated, anxious, or emotionally exhausted. Understanding the psychological side allows a wellness professional or healthcare provider to approach the person as a whole rather than focusing only on the physical symptom.
That is one thing my psychology background has given me: empathy and a better understanding of people. When clients come to me, I do not just see a body that needs a massage. I see a person who may have had a stressful week, is carrying emotional pressure, or simply needs a safe space to relax.
What is your advice to Nigerians who do not see any value in physiotherapy, especially those who see massage and spa services as something amoral or against their faith?
My advice would be to separate professional healthcare and wellness services from the misconceptions that sometimes surround them. Massage therapy, when practised professionally, is about the body, relaxation, wellness and appropriate therapeutic care. It is not inherently sexual or immoral.
I also encourage people to ask questions and understand what a service actually entails, rather than judging it based on stereotypes. Professional boundaries, client consent, appropriate draping, hygiene, and ethical conduct are extremely important to me.
At the same time, I respect people’s religious and personal beliefs. Nobody should be forced to participate in a service that conflicts with their convictions. However, I think people should make those decisions based on accurate information rather than misconceptions.
Your profile says you are the lead programme manager at Atispa Services. Tell us more about Atispa Services.
Atispa Services is a wellness and massage business that I have been building since 2021. What started as a service has grown into a brand focused on bringing professional massage and wellness experiences to clients, including through mobile and home-service options.
As the Lead Programme Manager, I am involved in the planning, coordination, and overall management of the business. I have had to learn how to manage clients, coordinate therapists, create content, market the brand, solve problems, and maintain service quality.
One of the impacts I am most proud of is helping people understand that wellness is not a luxury reserved for a particular class of people. People work long hours, deal with stress, and carry a lot physically and emotionally. I want Atispa to contribute to a culture where taking care of your body is seen as a legitimate part of living well.
You posted on your Instagram page about your recent Lagos dance festival experience. What kind of dance(s) do you like?
I am naturally quite sociable. I enjoy experiences that allow me to meet people, express myself, and simply have fun outside work. Dance is one of those things for me because it allows me to express myself without necessarily having to say anything.
I particularly enjoy salsa and kizomba dancing. I love the energy, the rhythm, and the culture behind them. I feel alive when I am dancing. It is an exercise for my body, mind, and soul.
Going to a dance festival in Lagos was also a reminder that life should not be entirely about work and responsibilities. Sometimes you need to step away, enjoy yourself and experience something new. I think that balance is important for me because wellness is actually something I practise in my own life, too. I encourage people to take care of themselves, and I believe I should also create room for enjoyment, movement, friendships, and experiences.
What are the challenges you face in your line of work, and how do you manage them?
One major challenge is changing people’s perception of massage and wellness, as many people believe massage therapy is a way to s3x, which they refer to as happy endings. Another is maintaining consistent service quality as my business grows. You are not only providing a service; you are managing people’s expectations, safety, comfort, and trust.
I deal with these challenges through education, good communication and clear professional boundaries. I also try not to see challenges as reasons to stop. I see them as feedback that helps me improve the business.
Where do you see your work and yourself in five years?
In five years, I see Atispa as a much bigger wellness brand, with a strong team and a reputation for professional service. I also want to expand my impact through education and training because I believe there is an opportunity to create more professionals in the wellness industry.
Personally, I see myself as an established entrepreneur and programme leader, while continuing to develop professionally and explore the intersection between wellness, technology, and people.
As a sociable person, what are the three qualities you admire in a man?
The three qualities I admire most in a man are kindness, emotional intelligence, and integrity. Kindness is important because it shows how someone treats people when they have nothing to gain from them. Emotional intelligence matters because communication and understanding are important in any relationship. And integrity is essential because I value someone whose words and actions align.
What three things do people not know about you that you want them to know?
First, I am much more ambitious than I may appear. I enjoy having fun and being social, but I am very serious about building something meaningful with my life. Second, I am someone who genuinely enjoys learning. When I become interested in something, I can become very invested in understanding it and figuring out how to apply it. And third, I am quite resilient. A lot of the things I have built did not happen overnight. There have been setbacks and moments when things were difficult, but I have learned to adapt, keep learning and keep moving forward. I think that resilience is probably one of the biggest things that has shaped who I am today.