Meet Erica Atsegbua of Ajara Beauty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Atsegbua.

Hi Erica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to founding Ajara Beauty is deeply rooted in my healthcare background. I’ve spent over a decade in nursing, specializing in advanced heart failure, which I truly loved. But everything shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. I witnessed more loss in a few short months than I had throughout my entire career. Patients weren’t just passing, they were dying alone and disproportionately in people of color. The emotional toll and the health disparities shook me to my core.

At the time, I was nearing completion of my Master’s degree to become a family nurse practitioner. During clinical, one of my NP preceptors had a women’s health and aesthetics practice, and that’s when aesthetics first caught my attention. It wasn’t something I ever considered before, but the seed was planted.

Now, I continue to work as a nurse practitioner, caring for those with chronic illnesses, but I’ve also created my own space— Ajara Beauty. It’s a medspa and wellness studio rooted in care, intention and empowerment— especially for women. I build Ajara Beauty to be a healing space where beauty and wellness meet; a place that uplifts others the way I needed during those difficult times.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest struggles has been learning to navigate entrepreneurship while still being a full-time healthcare provider. As an NP, I’m used to structure with clear protocols, charting systems, teams. But running a business, especially in aesthetics, is a whole different world. I’m building the protocols, charting system, and teams. I have to wear all the hats, as well— branding, marketing, finances, legal compliance- none of which I learned in nursing or NP school.

There’s also the emotional struggle such as dealing with imposter syndrome. I’ve questioned whether I belonged in this space, especially as a Black woman in an industry that hasn’t always been inclusive or representative to women who look like me. But I’ve had to remind myself that I’m not looking to fit in but to serve, to make people feel seen, safe, and beautiful; to create something bigger than me.

Financially, bootstrapping a business without investors or major backing has also been challenging. Every win feels well- earned, but it’s also made me appreciate this journey even more.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ajara Beauty is a boutique medical spa and wellness studio based in downtown Los Angeles. We specialize in enhancing natural beauty through results- driven aesthetics. From vitamin therapy (IV hydration and vitamin shots) to neurotoxin treatments, our goal is to help clients look and feel their best—inside and out.

What sets us apart is our intentional focus on creating a safe, inclusive space, especially for women of color who are often overlooked in the aesthetics world. I’ve built Ajara Beauty to feel more than just a medspa— it’s a place where clients are seen, heard and cared for. Every treatment is personalized, and we take the time to educate and empower clients throughout their wellness journey.

Brand-wise, I’d have to say I’m most proud of the community we’re building. So many of our clients come because a friend or family member referred them— not just because of how they look, but also because of how they feel after leaving the studio. That speaks volumes.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I highly recommend seeking out a mentor, whether you’re stepping into entrepreneurship, pivoting careers, or simply trying to grow in your field. Mentorship can provide the guidance, accountability, and perspective you need to stay focused and aligned.

I actually found my mentor through instagram. From there, I became part of a supportive network of medspa owners across California and the US. We lean on each her, share resources, ven when we need to, and celebrate each other’s wins.

What’s worked for me is being open— open to asking questions, to learning, and open to vulnerability. I’ve learned that community will take you further than competition ever will.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ajarabeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajarabeauty
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568207901505&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ajara-beauty-los-angeles?uid=zzFfyV7eHp1fYANy2x0srw&utm_source=ishare
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ajara_beauty?_t=ZS-8v1f5LLKSeN&_r=1

Image Credits
Jerel Smith