Nnenna grew up in a family where social standing and beauty were paramount to acceptance. Her younger sister, Adaeze, was frequently praised for her beauty and accomplishments, which starkly contrasted with how Nnenna was treated. This persistent comparison by their parents eroded Nnenna's self-esteem over time. Her parents, though well-meaning, often neglected Nnenna’s need for approval and love, focusing their praise on Adaeze and inadvertently making Nnenna feel inadequate and unloved.
Desperate to gain her parents' approval and to feel beautiful, Nnenna decided to work as an apprentice under Mama Nkechi, a local beautician renowned for her skills in enhancing natural beauty with intricate hairstyles and traditional body art. Nnenna hoped that mastering the art of beauty would help her feel better about herself and perhaps earn her the recognition she craved from her parents…