A GLOWING SUCCESS
In 2021, Dr Wedu Tose Somolekae took a huge leap into the unknown, quitting her secured position as a Medical Officer in Masunga to start the country’s first full-time medical aesthetics practice.
It proved an inspired decision.
Two years later, Dr Somolekae has been listed among the newest self-made young innovators and leaders scripting a new vision for Africa: the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30.
The 29-year-old entrepreneur is the first Motswana female to be listed and to be featured on the cover of the Forbes Africa magazine.
Here, Dr Somolekae tells the fascinating tale of how she turned what at first felt like a pipedream into a beautiful reality.
Kindly introduce yourself.
My name is Dr Wedu Somolekae, Medical Doctor and Founder of Medi-glow Aesthetics Botswana, also a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 lister and cover star. I’m the first Motswana female to be featured on the list and be on the cover of Forbes Africa magazine.
That’s pretty impressive, you must be on Cloud 9?
It is a complete honour to be considered as part of the young innovators and wave makers on the African continent. I feel encouraged and affirmed about the path I’ve chosen, which is not often taken. The recognition gives our field credibility, amazing exposure and has introduced me to a global network of people that I would have otherwise had difficulty accessing.
You took a huge leap of faith in 2021, resigning from a permanent post to start your own practice in the midst of a pandemic that shutdown many industries and businesses.
What inspired that bold move?
I am extremely passionate about aesthetic medicine. I love what I do and I had to find a way to do it every day. Even though it is an industry that’s in its infancy in Botswana, I looked to a lot of aesthetic doctors that I’ve met in South Africa, who gave me a bit of guidance. I had resolved that if it didn’t work out for me here, I would go and seek out opportunities elsewhere, but I was never going to give up.
Have you always wanted to go into aesthetics medicine?
Not at all! My initial dream going into medical school was to be a pediatrician. On a trip to Johannesburg with my friends, we visited a medical aesthetics clinic and I was introduced to aesthetics medicines; after much research, my head was turned away from pediatrics.