Joycee Awosika, founder and CEO of ORÍKÌ Group, has introduced a structured model to Nigeria’s luxury wellness space. She has carved out a unique space in Nigeria’s beauty and wellness industry by establishing the country’s first luxury wellness spa franchise.
Founding Oríkì Group
Before launching ORÍKÌ in 2014, she built a successful career in the energy sector, including a role with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. Her transition into wellness was driven by a recognition of untapped opportunities in Nigeria’s self-care industry, particularly the absence of standardised, high-end wellness brands with African roots.
“I thought to myself that I would create a product range that could compete globally. A lot of the companies and enterprises outside of Nigeria come here and utilise our resources. They utilise our shea, our cocoa, and hibiscus, and they create these products, and yet, we didn’t have representation abroad, so that is why I made the transition,” Joycee Awosika told Transcorp Hotels
The ORÍKÌ Brand
Named after the Yoruba word translating to “your crown, your heritage, your praise,” ORÍKÌ reflects a strong commitment to African identity. The brand operates a growing chain of premium spas and a skincare product line incorporating over 39 botanically-based formulations. These products are developed using ingredients sourced from across the African continent, supporting local suppliers and promoting sustainability.
The company’s farm-to-skin philosophy is central to its operations, combining wellness with community impact. ORÍKÌ’s business model emphasises luxury and authenticity, which resonates with a global audience increasingly interested in ethical and culturally relevant beauty solutions.
Headquartered in Lagos, ORÍKÌ has grown beyond its flagship location to a franchised network of wellness spas across Nigeria. The franchise model allows entrepreneurs to operate under the ORÍKÌ brand while maintaining the company’s quality standards and customer experience. This has helped expand the company’s footprint while nurturing a community of wellness-focused business owners. The brand’s skincare line has also extended its reach internationally, gaining recognition in markets where African beauty products are gaining traction.
Oríkì Group champions youth empowerment
Awosika is also championing skill development and entrepreneurship with Oríkì Group. According to the Guardian News, ORÍKÌ Group secured an $85,000 grant from the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), in partnership with the Lagos State Government and with technical support from Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI). The funding supported the launch of the ORÍKÌ Wellness Entrepreneurship Hub in Lagos.
The hub is designed to address skill and capacity gaps in the industry by offering training programs in spa management, skincare formulation, and business development. Focusing on youth and women, the initiative aims to create jobs and support emerging wellness entrepreneurs in building viable enterprises.
Over the years, Joycee Awosika has become a prominent voice in Nigeria’s wellness and entrepreneurial space. Her work through ORÍKÌ reflects a broader effort to elevate African heritage through modern wellness practices while contributing to economic empowerment.
