From Cancer Survivor to Mrs. Universe Finalist: Ngozi Onwuchekwa’s Inspiring Journey to Wellness and Success
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- May 10, 2024
Ngozi Onwuchekwa’s journey from battling a rare and deadly Sarcoma to becoming a finalist at the prestigious 2023 Mrs. Universe competition is nothing short of remarkable. Just a year prior, she was fighting for her life, undergoing gruelling treatments to combat the disease. However, her resilience and determination saw her through, and today she not only stands as a beacon of hope but also as a testament to the transformative power of prioritising one’s health and well-being.
In an exclusive interview, Ngozi shares insights into her journey, emphasising the importance of holistic self-care encompassing physical, mental, and emotional aspects. From utilising no-nonsense apps to maintain a healthy lifestyle to championing a balanced work-life dynamic by disconnecting from the digital realm, Ngozi exemplifies how small, consistent efforts can yield profound results. Moreover, her commitment to self-care extends beyond personal endeavours, as she recognizes its significance in fostering a thriving work environment.
As the founder of a successful business, she underscores the correlation between employee well-being and organisational success, advocating for a culture that prioritises health and happiness. Through her experiences, Ngozi not only inspires but also educates, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of well-being and the invaluable role it plays in shaping a fulfilling life.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that inspired you to start your journey in the health and wellbeing?
After undergoing a long and challenging treatment for cancer, I felt grateful to finally be in remission. To regain my health and muscle mass that I had lost during the treatment, and to reduce the risk of the cancer returning, I embarked on a better health and fitness journey. This journey taught me the importance of taking care of our bodies and minds not only during a health crisis but also as a lifelong commitment to ourselves. I strongly believe that staying active, eating well, and practising self-care can significantly improve one’s overall well-being and help prevent many health issues.
How do you prioritise your own wellbeing while running a business?
I use some great no-nonsense apps that send me daily reminders to read my affirmations, take those vitamin supplements, have 6-7 hours of sleep, and go for a run. These reminders help me stay focused on my health and wellness journey. To maintain a good work-life balance, I switch my phone to silent at 9 pm to avoid getting distracted by emails, texts, DMs, and WhatsApp messages. Spending quality time with my family and friends is a priority for me, and I take it much more seriously now.” Switching off my mobile or turning on silent mode enables me to be present when I’m with them.
Building a business can be challenging. What role has your personal wellness played in overcoming obstacles?
Prioritising self-care is crucial for me to combat stress, anxiety, and brain fog, especially as a cancer survivor. This approach has helped me to boost my energy, improve my focus, increase clarity, and enhance my emotional intelligence. As a result, I’m better equipped to manage daily tasks and handle the stress of running a business.
How has your own health and wellbeing philosophy influenced the services you offer in your business?
As a business owner, I have come to realise that investing in the well-being of my team is crucial for achieving positive outcomes. By ensuring that they’re happy and healthy, I have seen better engagement, lower rates of sickness absence, higher performance, and productivity. Additionally, when they’re more content and satisfied, they have less conflicts with colleagues and are more effective at work.
Can you share a specific self-care practice that has had a significant impact on your overall wellbeing
Yesterday, I checked my Garmin and saw that I had run 126.2 km between March 21st and April 17th, averaging 4.5 km per day. Since I decided to include running as part of my self-care routine, I have noticed a significant improvement in my mental health, conflict resolution skills, self-confidence, and stress management abilities. This has also helped me in my business as I now have a more positive and proactive attitude, increased patience with demanding clients and better mental clarity and focus.
How do you stay updated on the latest trends and ensure your business aligns with current wellness practices?
I do this by being very proactive when it comes to health and wellness. I search for thought leaders, authors, and content creators in this field, and follow their podcasts, interviews, and social media accounts. Some of these gurus include Charlotte Gerson, Morton Walker, Dr. Jason Fung, Mo Gawdat and Lalah Delia.
Have there been moments where you had to make choices that challenged your personal values for the sake of business growth?
As I strive to grow my business, I, like many entrepreneurs, hold certain core values in high regard, such as integrity, accountability, diligence and discipline. However, I understand that these values may be tested or challenged at times. In such situations, I hope to remain open-minded and consider different perspectives, seek advice and support if necessary, and be resilient in order to ensure that my business continues to thrive.
Looking back at your journey, is there a particular mistake or setback that taught you valuable lessons about the importance of wellbeing?
During the year I underwent chemotherapy, my mental health was negatively impacted. The inability to engage in any physical activity, loss of appetite, and increasing isolation due to COVID-19 restrictions made things worse. In hindsight, I now realise the extent to which my mental and emotional health suffered during those 12 months. This experience taught me that ‘wellbeing’ is one’s physical, mental, emotional, and social health combined and should be looked at more holistically. It is complex, critical and absolutely pivotal to the quality of your life.
As you plan for the future of your business, do you have any projects you are currently working on?
I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities that I have been presented with, as well as the ones that I have personally created. I’m looking forward to finishing my book, engaging in more speaking engagements, collaborating with aspiring female-owned brands, assisting them in their marketing efforts and working closely with cancer charities like Sarcoma UK to bring attention to cancer research and early detection.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your business?
In today’s fast-paced digital world, it goes without saying that companies need to market their products and services effectively to stay ahead. That’s where my business comes in. I have a small team of dedicated people who work hard to provide data and insights to help companies make informed decisions. Our aim is to empower businesses with knowledge so they succeed in the marketplace. I believe in creating a healthy and positive work culture that encourages the team to give their very best. I hope that my legacy will be one of honesty, kindness, integrity and strength.
