Resilience, preparation, and strategic vision were at the heart of an inspiring presentation delivered by Etombra Aderemi, Founder of DammyTee Aesthetics, during the UK-Africa Business Growth & Innovation Summit hosted by The Diaspora Code.

The summit, held on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, at the Leonardo Hotel, Middlesbrough, brought together entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators and aspiring business owners from across the United Kingdom and Africa to discuss opportunities for growth, innovation and cross-border collaboration.

As a featured guest speaker, Aderemi delivered a compelling session on “Breaking into the UK Beauty Industry”, sharing the personal and professional journey that led to the establishment of her thriving aesthetics business in Darlington.

Addressing an engaged audience, she spoke candidly about the challenges she faced and the determination that fuelled her entrepreneurial ambitions. Rather than waiting until the completion of her studies to begin planning her business, Aderemi strategically used her time as a master’s degree student to prepare for the future she envisioned.

She explained how she invested in her personal and professional development by undertaking multiple specialist training courses and securing the necessary licences and certifications required to operate within the UK’s highly regulated beauty industry.

“I knew that if I wanted to succeed, I had to be fully prepared,” she told attendees. “While studying for my master’s degree, I was simultaneously equipping myself with the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to launch my business immediately after graduation.”

Her foresight proved invaluable. Upon completing her degree, she was ready to move forward without delay, having already laid the groundwork for her venture.

A key turning point in her entrepreneurial journey came when she identified a significant gap in the local market. Living in Darlington, Aderemi recognised that the town lacked a dedicated beauty clinic offering specialised aesthetics services.

Rather than viewing the absence as a challenge, she saw it as an opportunity.

By carefully studying the market, positioning herself strategically and investing in her vision, she established DammyTee Aesthetics to meet a growing demand within the community.

Her decision required courage and calculated risk-taking, but it was a risk she was willing to embrace.

“I saw the gap and understood the potential,” she explained. “Sometimes opportunities exist where others see limitations. The key is being prepared when those opportunities present themselves.”

Aderemi also highlighted the importance of family support in entrepreneurship, paying tribute to her husband for his unwavering encouragement throughout her journey. She described their relationship as a partnership built on shared goals, teamwork and mutual belief.

“My husband has been incredibly supportive,” she said. “We worked as a team, and that support made a significant difference throughout the process of building the business.”

Beyond the formal presentation, Aderemi demonstrated her commitment to empowering others by remaining highly accessible throughout the summit. During networking and refreshment breaks, she engaged directly with attendees, answering questions and sharing practical advice with aspiring entrepreneurs and beauty professionals.

Participants praised her openness and willingness to share insights from her experiences. Rather than withholding information, she provided detailed guidance on business preparation, industry requirements and the realities of launching a beauty enterprise in the UK.

Many attendees took advantage of the opportunity to seek one-on-one advice, with Aderemi ensuring that each conversation was both informative and encouraging.

Her presentation served as a powerful reminder that success is often built long before a business officially opens its doors. Through careful planning, continuous learning, strategic positioning and perseverance, Aderemi transformed a vision into a successful reality.

As the UK-Africa Business Growth & Innovation Summit concluded, her story stood out as one of determination, preparation and entrepreneurial excellence, an inspiring example for anyone seeking to turn ambition into achievement.

For many in attendance, Etombra Aderemi’s journey was more than a business success story; it was a testament to the power of recognising opportunities, investing in oneself and remaining steadfast in the pursuit of one’s goals.