“Losing my brother to COVID woke me up,” said Chikodiri Gibson, of her brother, Chidi Ndukwe. “I was procrastinating since 2013 to open a medical spa and wellness center. So when my brother died, I said to myself, ‘I don’t even know if I’m going to wake up tomorrow. I might as well do it.’” (Courtesy of VivianPisano Photography)Courtesy of VivianPisano Photography
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Just four days after being diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) in January 2021, Chikodiri Gibson’s 36-year-old brother, Chidi Ndukwe, died.
“He had no co-morbidities, no underlying illnesses. He was a pharmacist and healthy, and he just passed away,” said Gibson, who is an advanced practice nurse with more than 20 years of experience.
“Losing my brother to COVID woke me up,” recalled Gibson. “I was procrastinating since 2013 to open a medical spa and wellness center. So when my brother died, I said to myself, ‘I don’t even know if I’m going to wake up tomorrow. I might as well do it.’”
Heart-broken over his death, Gibson -- a native of Nigeria, who immigrated to the United States when she was 18 years old -- got the push she needed to open Chi Aesthetics MedSpa and Wellness Center in West Brighton in December.
Chi Aesthetics MedSpa and Wellness Center opened in West Brighton in December. (Courtesy of VivianPisano Photography)Courtesy of VivianPisano Photography
Gibson said she is “an expert aesthetics provider with unique expertise and understanding of non-surgical cosmetic enhancement of the face and body.”
“I have performed tens of thousands of cosmetic treatments for patients,” said Gibson, who holds a Doctorate in Nurse Practice degree (DNP). She also earned a master of science degree in nursing and is board-certified as family nurse practitioner. In addition, she holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in health systems management.
And Gibson is a “certified nurse injector” in neurotoxins, including Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Jeaveau, as well as collagen stimulators Sculptra and Radiesse. She also is experienced in soft tissue fillers, such as Juvéderm, Restylane and Bellafill, and is certified in Mesotherapy and Kybella® treatments.
Gibson said she uses her “artistic eye and advanced skills” to determine the process or procedure for each patient. (Courtesy of VivianPisano Photography)Courtesy of VivianPisano Photography
Gibson said she uses her “artistic eye and advanced skills” to determine the process or procedure for each patient.
“My approach to beauty and wellness begins with a holistic plan tailored to the unique needs of my patients,” said Gibson. “When I consult with patients, I let them tell me what their problem is. I don’t tell them what the issue is. I find out what they’re looking for, and we discuss, and then I give them options.”
“My approach to beauty and wellness begins with a holistic plan tailored to the unique needs of my patients,” said Gibson. (Courtesy of VivianPisano Photography)Courtesy of VivianPisano Photography
Gibson also uses a cutting-edge laser hair removal machine that utilizes ablative and non-ablative lasers and radiofrequency.
“As an African-American woman going to get my hair lasered and being told, ‘I won’t touch you with a long pole,’ because they didn’t want to damage my skin due too the amount of melatonin in my skin, I needed to find a way to help women get the laser hair removal they desired,” said Gibson. “I use the Fotona Laser machine and other advanced modalities to ensure my patients receive an unprecedented level of comprehensive care.”
And satisfied customers are what makes Gibson’s job most enjoyable.
“I went into this field because I just enjoy making people happy. ...When I see the smile on their face because they are happy with how they look, it’s overwhelming,” added Gibson.
For this reason, all of her procedures are focused on creating a “natural look.”
“Everyone is beautiful, you just have to enhance it,” said Gibson, noting her most popular services are Fotona 4D Face lift, Hydrafacial Deluxe, laser hair removal and laser liplase (lip plumping).
Gibson also offers IV drips for a variety of conditions, from anti-aging and fat burning, to acne and pain relief.
“I am a people person. I have a lot of energy and am always happy, especially when doing what I love. I don’t consider what I do a job; it is a hobby, and I am living my dreams,” she said.
CHI AESTHETICS MEDSPA AND WELLNESS CENTER At A GLANCE
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Chi-Aesthetics-MedSpa-and-wellness-center
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New Businesses in Focus is a weekly column that relates the stories of new Staten Island business owners. If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com.
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