By Yemisi Suleiman

Juliet Esiri is a professional makeup artist, a UK-based certified mental health nurse, and, most recently, the founder of the Pad A Girl Initiative under the Okin Arewa Help Initiative (OAHI), a humanitarian organisation founded in 2020 and dedicated to restoring dignity to vulnerable girls by tackling period poverty and promoting menstrual health education.
Always ready with a smile, Juliet Esiri is a woman driven by purpose, compassion, and resilience. Behind her warm smile lies an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
In this inspiring conversation with Vanguard Allure, Esiri reflects on her journey from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, the challenges and sacrifices that shaped her career, her passion for humanitarian work, and how she balances life as a nurse, entrepreneur, mother, and changemaker. She also shares the values that continue to guide her and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

Lets start from the beginning, what inspired the Pad a Girl Initiative?
The initiative was born out of a simple but heartbreaking reality: many young girls in rural communities miss school every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads. The Pad A Girl Outreach came from my own experiences while growing up. As a school girl, I witnessed firsthand how some girls struggled to afford sanitary pads and as a result, missed classes during their menstrual periods.

It was heart breaking to see bright young girls fall behind in their education because of something as basic as a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. Those experiences stayed with me and motivated me to take action.
Now, as a woman, a mother, and a healthcare professional, I understand the importance of menstrual hygiene, dignity, and education. We believe that no girl should have to choose between her education and her period. Through the initiative, we provide free sanitary pads, educate girls about menstrual health, and help remove the stigma surrounding menstruation.

You recently held an empowerment program in Nigeria, what was the focus?

Our recent programme in Nigeria focused on supporting young girls and vulnerable families within the community. For me, this project is about more than giving out pads; it is about restoring dignity, supporting education, and empowering girls to reach their full potential.
As part of the initiative, we carried out a ‘Pad A Girl’ Outreach, where we distributed over 400 sanitary pads to school girls. The aim was to promote menstrual hygiene, boost confidence, and help ensure that girls do not miss school because they lack access to basic menstrual products.

We also provided education and awareness on menstrual health and wellbeing. In addition, during the Eid al-Adha (Salah) period, we organised a food outreach programme, where we distributed food items and groceries to families in the community.

Any reason for choosing the schools you chose for the Pad A Girl Outreach?

We selected Bashorun Ogunmola High School, Ring Road, Ibadan, as part of our commitment to reaching young girls with menstrual hygiene support and education but our vision is to expand the programme to many more schools and communities in the future.
A total of 400 girls participated in the outreach, with each girl receiving a pack of sanitary pads. The response from the students was overwhelmingly positive.

They were excited, appreciative, and actively engaged throughout the session. Many of them asked thoughtful questions about menstrual health and hygiene, which gave us the opportunity to educate and encourage them.

Seeing the girls’ enthusiasm and confidence during the programme was very rewarding. It reaffirmed the importance of providing both menstrual products and education, ensuring that girls can manage their periods with dignity and continue their education without unnecessary barriers.

Why is this Initiative so close to your heart?

I grew up understanding that a little act of kindness can completely change someone’s life. Menstrual health is not just about hygiene; it’s about dignity, confidence, education, and opportunity.
Every girl deserves to feel confident enough to attend school without fear or embarrassment. If we can help one girl remain in school and believe in herself, then we are helping to build a stronger future for our communities.

What impact has the initiative made so far?
The impact has been truly encouraging. We have distributed hundreds of sanitary pads to schoolgirls, educated them on menstrual hygiene, and reached communities where these conversations are often considered taboo.
Beyond the donations, we’ve restored confidence and started important conversations. Seeing the smiles on the girls’ faces reminds us why this work matters. Our vision is to reach thousands more girls across Nigeria in the coming years.

What was growing up like for you and how did it shape the woman you are today?

I had a beautiful childhood growing up in Nigeria. My late father joined the Nigeria Police Force and, through hard work, dedication, and integrity, rose through the ranks to become a Commissioner of Police. Growing up, we were privileged to have housemaids, drivers, and an orderly attached to my father. Our home was always filled with love, laughter, delicious food, music, and dancing. It was a happy home where family, friends, and visitors were always welcome.
Despite the privileges we enjoyed, my parents raised us with strong values. They taught us humility, discipline, respect, and compassion. My late father was known for his generosity and his willingness to help people, regardless of who they were or where they came from. He believed that true success was measured by the lives you touched, and he lived by that example every day.
Looking back, I realise that my passion for humanitarian work didn’t begin as an adult, it was nurtured in that loving home. Watching my parents give so freely inspired my own desire to serve others. The values they instilled in me continue to shape my life as a mental health nurse, entrepreneur, and founder of the Okin Arewa Help Initiative. They taught me that kindness, service, and integrity are the greatest legacies anyone can leave behind.

What inspired your decision to relocate to London over two decades ago, what were your expectations at the time?

Like many immigrants, I came to the UK seeking better opportunities for myself and my family. I wanted to build a stable future through education, hard work, and determination.
I knew the journey wouldn’t be easy, but I believed that every sacrifice would eventually open new doors. Looking back, it has been a journey filled with lessons, growth, and countless blessings.

The early years abroad can be challenging. What were some of the biggest obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Starting over in a new country was not easy. There were financial challenges, adapting to a different culture, balancing work with raising my children, and moments when I questioned whether I could keep going.
But I have always believed that difficult seasons don’t last forever. My faith, my children, and my determination kept me focused. I chose to see every challenge as an opportunity to grow rather than a reason to give up.

You began your journey in the UK as a health worker before becoming a qualified nurse. What motivated you to pursue nursing?

Working as a healthcare assistant allowed me to see firsthand the difference compassionate care makes in people’s lives. It inspired me to develop my skills so I could contribute even more.
I returned to university as a mature student, earned my Mental Health Nursing degree, and later completed a Master’s in Addiction and Mental Health. It wasn’t easy balancing studies, work, and family life, but every late night and every sacrifice was worth it.

Looking back, what were some of the sacrifices you had to make to build the life and career you have today?

There were many sacrifices; missing family occasions, working long hours, studying while raising children, and putting my own needs aside at times.
There were also personal challenges that tested my strength. But every sacrifice became an investment in the future I wanted to build for myself and my children.

What has your nursing career taught you about compassion, resilience, and caring for others?

Mental health nursing has taught me that everyone has a story. Behind every diagnosis is a human being deserving of dignity, respect, and hope.
It has strengthened my compassion, deepened my resilience, and reminded me daily that kindness costs nothing but can change everything.

Alongside nursing, you’ve built a successful career as a makeup artist and businesswoman. How did entrepreneurship become part of your journey?

I’ve always loved beauty and creativity. Makeup became more than a business; it became a way of helping women feel confident about themselves.
Entrepreneurship has allowed me to combine my passion with purpose while creating additional opportunities to support my humanitarian work.

How do you balance your demanding roles as a nurse, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and family woman?

Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about priorities. I plan carefully, manage my time well, and know when to rest.
Most importantly, I remember why I do what I do. Every role reflects my desire to serve, empower, and make a positive difference.

You mentioned that giving back has become a significant part of your life. What drives your passion for humanitarian work beyond the Pad a Girl Initiative?

Giving is part of who I am. Beyond the Pad a Girl Initiative, OAHI supports widows, vulnerable families, and rural communities through food distribution and health outreach programmes.
I believe that when God blesses us, we’re called to become a blessing to others.

Were there moments when you wanted to give up? What kept you going during your most difficult seasons?

Absolutely. There were moments of disappointment, heartbreak, and uncertainty.
But every challenge strengthened my faith. My children gave me purpose, my dreams gave me direction, and my belief in God reminded me that every difficult chapter eventually comes to an end.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently on your journey?

Every experience whether joyful or painful has shaped who I am today.
Rather than regret my past, I choose to appreciate the lessons because they prepared me for the opportunities I have today.

How would you describe your personal style?

Elegant, confident, and timeless.
I enjoy dressing well because I believe presentation reflects self respect. Whether I’m wearing nursing scrubs, traditional Nigerian attire, or evening wear, I like to carry myself with confidence and grace.

What role do fashion and beauty play in your everyday life?

Fashion and beauty are forms of self expression. They don’t define who we are, but they can boost confidence and celebrate individuality.
As a makeup artist, I enjoy helping people discover the beauty they already possess.

What does success mean to you today?

Success is no longer measured by titles or possessions.
Success means making a meaningful impact, raising successful children, helping others fulfil their potential, and leaving every place better than I found it.

Who would you say has been your greatest source of inspiration throughout your journey?

Above all, my greatest source of strength is God. But after God, my mother has been my greatest inspiration.
She dedicated her life, her time, and her energy to shaping the woman I have become. Some of my fondest memories are of her waking me up in the middle of the night as a teenager, encouraging me to study hard. She would smile and say, “You are a beautiful girl, but don’t let your beauty distract you or allow men to distract you. Focus on your education and your future.” At the time, I would laugh, but today I understand the wisdom behind those words.
My mother believed in me long before I fully believed in myself. She instilled in me the values of hard work, discipline, integrity, humility, and compassion. Those lessons have guided me through every stage of my life.
Today, as an adult, I have the privilege of having her live with me in the UK. Even now, she remains one of my biggest supporters. She celebrates every milestone, encourages me through every challenge, helps care for my children, and has passed on our family values, traditions, and culture to them. Watching the love and wisdom she pours into my children is one of the greatest blessings of my life.
If there is anything I have achieved, it is because I stand on the shoulders of a woman who never stopped believing in me. She is, and will always be, one of my greatest inspirations.

What are some of the most important life lessons you’ve learned from living and working in the UK for more than 20 years?

I have learned that consistency beats talent when talent isn’t disciplined. I have learned to respect diversity, embrace lifelong learning, and understand that success comes through patience, perseverance, and integrity.

What advice would you give Nigerian women and young immigrants hoping to build successful careers abroad?

Never underestimate the power of education, hard work, and resilience. Don’t compare your journey with anyone else’s.
Build your skills, maintain your integrity, and never stop believing in yourself. Success may take time, but persistence always pays off.

What legacy do you hope to leave through your career, and your humanitarian work?

I want to be remembered as a woman who genuinely changed lives.
Whether through nursing, business, mentoring, or humanitarian work, I hope my legacy will inspire others to believe that kindness, compassion, and service have the power to transform communities.

Finally, when people hear your story, what is the one message you hope they take away from it?

I hope people understand that your circumstances do not define your future.
No matter where you start, with faith, resilience, education, and a heart willing to serve others, you can rebuild, rise again, and become the person God created you to be. My story is proof that setbacks can become the foundation for an even greater purpose.