The UK’s Leading Multicultural Beauty Conference

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Shalom is an award-winning, senior business professional, with over 28 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry.  A British-Nigerian with a BSc and MSc in Pharmacy from the Ukrainian Academy of Pharmacy and an MBA from the University of Liverpool, resulting in a cross-cultural background which has enabled her to push for diversity and cultural awareness in the global business place at every opportunity for herself and others.

Shalom is the Founder of Naturally Tiwa Skincare – a natural, sustainable, synthetic chemical-free skincare company built on valuing healthy, ethical, and sustainable living whilst empowering African women.

Shalom is also the Chief Strategy Officer at Emerging Markets Quality Trials (eMQT), an organisation focused on diversity in Clinical Trials providing the global pharmaceutical industry access to patients in Africa. Additionally, she is the Business Development and Sales Director at JE Oils Nigeria, a company determined to put Nigeria’s shea industry on the map.  

A mother of five amazing children, she held a NED position on the Milton Keynes & Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and was a Governor at Milton Keynes College. Shalom is a TEDx Speaker, a World Trader Freeman, Honorary Professor of Professional Practice at the University of Buckingham, a Department of Business and Trade Export Champion, a Mentor and a strong believer in the fact that anything is possible!

Shalom was recognised in The King’s New Year Honours List 2024 and awarded an MBE for services to International Trade and Women in Business.

Connect: www.linkedin.com/in/shalom-ijeoma-lloyd-mbe-25980b6/

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Arieta Mujay is a seasoned brand strategist and marketing expert with over two decades of experience in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. As Brand Director, she spearheaded Sephora’s successful return to the UK after a 17-year hiatus, demonstrating her ability to drive impactful brand revitalization. Known for her innovative approach and strategic agility, Arieta excels in navigating dynamic markets and fostering cross-functional collaboration to deliver transformative growth.

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Dr Vanita Rattan is a cosmetic formulator and a doctor in Medicine (MBBS) and Physiology/Pharmacology (BSc). She has treated 40,000 cases of hyperpigmentation globally with a 95% success rate, and was also awarded The BMA Book Award for outstanding contribution to medical literature. Dr Vanita Rattan has become the go-to voice for skincare, with 3.5+ million followers across YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. She is passionate about sharing her science-based wisdom to all, leading her to formulating her own doctor-backed Skincare and Haircare ranges formulated for skin of colour, under ‘Dr. Vanita Rattan’. At Tones of Beauty, Dr. Vanita Rattan will be launching ‘The Skin of Colour Glow Facial (For Professionals)’, featuring The Complete Daily Range, Glow Chemical Peel and Glow Serum.

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Vanessa Fernandes is a multi-award winning entrepreneur. Born in Lisbon to parents from Guiné-Bissau, Vanessa moved to London in her early teens. After obtaining a degree in Fashion Journalism, Public relation and Marketing at London College of Fashion part of the University of the Arts London, she went on to study a Masters in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship. After a brief time working in Fashion and in the corporate world she soon realized it did not align with her life objectives. The mother of 2 is the Director of NAYA LONDON Ltd a business she started at the age of 19, she has been awarded, Young entrepreneur of the year in 2014, Rising Start of the Year in 2018 and also Highly commended in the Health & Beauty category of Women in trade awards (Wintrade) in 2019, the same year she won Entrepreneur of the year at the Black Women in Business Awards.

As an advocate for supporting women in Business, she has twice been invited to talk at the House of commons, BBC radio, her brands featured, in various printed and digital publications such as, ELLE.com, DAZED magazine, Pop Sugar, Forbes and recently the industry leader Beauty Independent published her interview with LA based journalist Rachel Brown.

Through partnerships and a collaborative effort her work with NAYA LONDON alongside her global partners is using the business of beauty as a medium to empower women worldwide, supporting women from Ghana as far as the Amazon forest in Brazil and Suriname to earn a living beyond aid.

She has been an advocate for education for young women across the world, helping support a free school for girls in Guiné-Bissau and joining the leadership team of Strong Women Strong World an education program funded by the International women and children charity WorldVision.

Vanessa’s passion, dedication and desire to break boundaries led her to establish the first black owned, black led Luxury Aesthetics clinic in Knightsbridge, London,  one of the most expensive postcodes in the British Capital. Her resilience and commitment have not gone unnoticed and in July 2024 Vanessa received the Freedom of the City a commendation also known as the key to the city, awarded by the Lord Mayor of London, this recognition is the highest honour the city can bestow upon a person, an 800 years old tradition with Vanessa being the first recipient of Luso African Descent to ever receive it.

Connect: www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-fernandes-36240778/

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MG Skincare is a UK-based cosmeceutical brand founded by Manuel Guerra, a professional skincare therapist who, after battling severe acne in his teen years, trained in facial techniques and ingredient chemistry. Since 2003, Manuel has developed an innovative, results-driven skincare line designed to treat all skin conditions and types. Each product is lab-tested and formulated with high concentrations of vitamins, resurfacing acids, peptides, and soothing botanicals, ensuring exceptional performance.

MG Skincare products are trusted by professional therapists and aestheticians, offering a comprehensive range tailored for use in salons, clinics, and independent practices. The brand's dedication to quality and ongoing therapist training sets it apart as a leader in the skincare industry.

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Smita is an award-winning facialist with over 25 years’ experience in the world of skin.

Founder and owner of the boutique skin clinic Smita London, she specialises in advanced technologies using medical-grade ingredients combining them holistic therapies in a single treatment to achieve the best results. And her skills do not stand still – She is dedicated to continually improving and updating her treatments to ensure that her clients can enjoy the benefits of all the latest research in new advanced technologies. 

Smita and her team only use the most cutting-edge equipment and products in their treatments. Smita loves people and is passionate about her work and her business has built up purely through word of mouth. Because of her desire to remain hands on in her business, she has retained loyal clients for many years, from all over London and the home counties.

Each treatment is bespoke to the client’s needs, Smita tailors her treatments to each individual client, so there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach, and she shares her expertise through conference talks, social media channels and training courses covering skin conditions and skin tones and how to design the best bespoke treatment for each person’s unique profile.

Connect: www.linkedin.com/in/smita-ahluwalia-b5003517/

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Dionne Smith is a globally renowned Celebrity Hairstylist and visionary in the beauty industry, known for her award-winning work, elite clientele, and recent role as a Freelance Contributing Expert for Cosmopolitan UK. Her portfolio includes high-profile events like the BAFTAs and Emmys, collaborations with brands like Dyson, Loreal and iconic styling for stars such as Golda Rosheuvel and Wunmi Mosaku to name a few...

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Tumi Siwoku has 15 years Research & Development experience in the personal care realm. She has worked across toiletries, haircare, skincare, colour cosmetics and sun-care for a number of Global brands and Manufacturers since 2011 whilst living away in the West Country ! Returning home to the big smoke, London in 2019 and continuing her work in a freelance capacity She has developed products for Daimon Barber, Manuka Doctor, Dr Organics, Orla Kiely, Liz Earle, Waitrose, The Body Shop & more A forward thinking chemist who values innovation, sustainability and inclusivity.

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Lola Dansu is the founder and passionate advocate for ASME Collective, a social enterprise committed to inspiring and equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and exposure to build meaningful careers in the beauty and wellness industry. Seeing the lack of accessible and aspirational career pathways for young people—especially in beauty and well-being—Lola launched ASME to bridge that gap through education, mentoring, and hands-on opportunities in schools and colleges.   With a background in corporate leadership, Lola previously served as Chief of Staff for Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank in South Africa. Her strategic expertise in business development and operations now fuels her ability to lead impactful ventures with clarity, excellence, and measurable results.   She is the founder of Skin Facialist, a trusted skincare clinic known for its results-driven treatments and consistent 5-star client reviews, and the creator of ASME Beauty, a skincare line rooted in science, experience, and trust. In recognition of her contributions to the industry, she was awarded BABTAC's Advanced Aesthetician of the Year in 2022.   Lola also serves as an ITEC examiner, shaping and assessing the next generation of beauty professionals. Across all her work, she champions a future where beauty and wellness are recognised as powerful, strategic career pathways that transform lives and communities.

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Eleasha is an accomplished beauty educator, makeup artist, and industry professional dedicated to empowering aspiring beauty professionals. With a strong background in beauty education, she has played a pivotal role in developing and delivering high-quality training programs that equip students with the skills and confidence to excel in the beauty industry. As an educator and course developer, Eleasha is passionate about bridging the gap between technical expertise and real-world application, ensuring that students not only master their craft but also thrive in their careers. Through her work with OM Makeup Artistry & Beauty Education, she continues to shape the future of beauty education, fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence.

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Kim Ford has worked in the beauty and education industry for over 30 years, in over 40 countries in the areas of beauty, spa, sports, nails, holistic therapy, and aesthetics across private and public education establishments and large and small spas, salons and retail businesses.

Kim has extensive knowledge and experience as an international examination officer, EPA and IQA for awarding organisations. Has been a chairman for BABTAC and CIBTAC and as the Vice President of CIDESCO GB, sits on many industry boards globally as a director or trustee and has won awards for education and business in the UK and internationally. She is a speaker at many industry events globally and is a business volunteer for students in colleges.

Kim owns Beauty Enterprise Solutions, Consultancy, and Training, specialising in aiding industry education establishments to gain accreditation or endorsement, by awarding organisations, and helping businesses in areas such as aiding teaching students with a second language in the industry, Kim also has a degree in business and enterprise and supports business in mentoring, business turn around, analysis, legal compliance document creation and is an expert witness for the industry. as well as running an Aesthetic and beauty business called Just Entre – Nous.

My motto is,” keep learning”! Update or learn a new skill every year and remember you can learn from the newly qualified to the most established person.

I strive to share my knowledge and skills with everyone across all areas of our industry helping them to reach their education and career goals with the highest level of professional skills, knowledge and standards, so continuing our industry at its best into the future.

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Neshah Hines is an experienced senior leader with a 12-year track record in sales and marketing within the luxury and FMCG retail cosmetics industry, spanning both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce sectors. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in business development—leading the creation and execution of retail strategies, driving commercial change, and overseeing the recruitment, training, and development of high-performing teams to deliver strong sales growth. In addition to her commercial expertise, Neshah has been an active contributor to diversity and inclusion initiatives within her organisations. She is passionate about embedding inclusive practices into all areas of business operations and culture. Her background in professional acting has also contributed to her success, equipping her with outstanding communication, confidence, and presentation skills that enhance her leadership and stakeholder engagement.

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Joan is a Beauty and Spa expert, a skills consultant, and an award-winning educationalist. Her last senior leadership role in the further education sector was Assistant Principal at Trafford College Group (TCG) leading strategically on apprenticeships and adult learning. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the post 16 education sector.   As CEO and Chair of the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) Joan leads the team to develop national standards, apprenticeships, endorse high quality CPD courses and promote standards, education, excellence and professionalism.  As host of Habia’s ‘Education Forums’ she helps to keep educators aware of current challenges and opportunities. Joan promotes the achievement of Government regulated qualifications for those entering the sector and advises continually that CPD courses are for qualified professionals.   Joan is author of The Official Guide to Spa Therapy and co-author of Beauty and the Best and Fit for purpose Leadership. In March 2024 she published Leading from the Heart, a book where she and her co-authors share how they create profitable enterprises by putting their people and relationships at the heart of the business. In May 2025 she launched SHINE, a book about reaching for the sun; what fuels that desire to play at a high level,  or show up in a way that inspires others to stretch and grow.   Joan is a Brand Ambassador for WorldSkills UK, a world-class skills network that embeds world-class training standards across the UK.  She is passionate about the pursuit of technical excellence and the impact of skill competitions in creating more opportunities for young people and delivering the high-quality skills that employers need. Joan supports organisations who want to focus on technical excellence and work closer with WorldSkills UK.

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Titi Bello is the founder of Ori Lifestyle, a leading hair brand dedicated to the Afro textured hair community. With a Law degree, a Masters in Public Policy, and certification as a nutritionist, Titi combines her expertise in health, policy education, and entrepreneurship to create innovative, high-quality hair care products and courses. Her brand empowers individuals to embrace natural hair and adopt healthy hair practices, blending science and nature for exceptional results. Beyond Ori Lifestyle, Titi founded Path to Possibilities in 2009, a charity improving access to quality education in Nigeria. A passionate advocate for self-development and empowerment, she is also an amateur bodybuilder and a devoted wife and mother of two. Titi’s mission is to inspire Black women to enjoy their hair more.

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Pavan Dhanjal, a visionary entrepreneur and pioneering force in the beauty industry, was born and raised in East London, where her parents instilled in her a potent blend of ambition and entrepreneurial spirit. At the tender age of fifteen, Pavan discovered her passion for henna artistry at a family wedding. From that moment, she was captivated, dedicating herself to mastering the craft and cultivating a distinctive style that set her apart in the industry. Determined to make henna art accessible to all, she embarked on a journey to revolutionize the beauty landscape. Pavan's talent and dedication quickly garnered attention, culminating in two Guinness World Records in 2012 for completing an astonishing 512 unique armbands in just one hour. This feat catapulted her into the spotlight, leading to the invitation to open a pop-up henna bar in Topshop's iconic Oxford Circus Store—a venture that proved to be a resounding success. Building on this momentum, Pavan established her flagship Henna Bar in Selfridges, Oxford Street, a milestone that marked the beginning of a decade-long partnership with the renowned retailer. Driven by a commitment to sustainability and excellence, Pavan launched her own line of specially-sourced henna products, earning accolades such as the prestigious British Empire Medal for Services to Beauty in June 2018. Renowned for her innovative collaborations, Pavan has left an indelible mark on the industry, from captivating window displays at Harrods to bold partnerships with Formula One teams and high-profile celebrities. Her influence extends beyond the realm of beauty, with bespoke designs gracing the runways of renowned fashion houses. In 2024, Pavan's entrepreneurial journey reached new heights as she secured investment from a Dragon on the acclaimed television series Dragons' Den, propelling her brand to even greater prominence. Today, Pavan serves as an Advisory Board Member for the British Beauty Council, championing inclusivity and cultural diversity within the industry. Her vision extends globally, with The Henna Bar expanding its presence across major cities worldwide, from London to Los Angeles, Dubai to Milan. As a published author of the best-selling guide "Part-Time Ink," Pavan empowers enthusiasts to explore the art of modern henna design from the comfort of their homes. With her unwavering passion and commitment to making henna artistry a mainstay of the beauty landscape, Pavan Dhanjal continues to inspire and innovate, bringing culture to the masses one intricate design at a time.

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Dr. Ateh Jewel, Hon D media,  is an award-winning journalist, producer, broadcaster, and beauty entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience redefining the beauty industry. As the founder of Ateh Jewel Beauty, a pioneering beauty brand renowned for its inclusivity and innovation, Ateh has made it her mission to champion diversity and create luxurious, high-performance products for all skin tones.

A highly respected beauty expert, Ateh is a regular columnist for Marie Claire and Hello Magazine, where she shares her insights on beauty, culture, and well-being. Her expertise has also made her a sought-after presenter and broadcaster. Ateh has appeared on This Morning, Good Morning Britain (GMB), and Netflix’s Glow Up, where her passion for inclusivity and representation shines through. Her engaging presence and relatable storytelling have cemented her as a trusted voice in the beauty and lifestyle space.

Throughout her career, Ateh has been celebrated for her contributions to the industry, receiving numerous awards for her advocacy of diversity and representation. She’s a British Beauty Council Ambassador, CEW Board member, CEW Achievement Award winner, Dr Ateh Jewel Education Foundation offering financial support and scholarships for black and mixed heritage students in higher education at Oxford, London College Fashion, UAL, Solent University and more. She’s also UK Diabetes Ambassador. She is committed to empowering others by challenging outdated beauty standards and sparking meaningful conversations about inclusivity, sustainability, and self-empowerment.

In addition to her work in beauty, Ateh is an advocate for mental health and neurodiversity awareness, openly sharing her experiences with ADHD and resilience. As a mother of 13 year old twin daughters, she inspires others by balancing her dynamic career with motherhood, proving that success and authenticity go hand in hand. Dr. Ateh Jewel’s impact extends beyond journalism and beauty, as she continues to use her platform to uplift and empower people worldwide, encouraging them to embrace their unique beauty and authentic selves.

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Deborah Falconer is a professional makeup artist, beauty and fashion Influencer with over 70k followers, who studied and graduated from Glauca Rossi School of makeup. Deborah is renowned in the fashion industry for creating the most eye-catching, impactful, living works of art that will electrify any catwalk or photo-shoot. She also runs make-up and beauty road-shows where future makeup artists can gain knowledge and inspiration, as well as the artistic and technical skills to forge a career of their own in this field.

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Rachel Marcelin is the founder of CURLiD, a forward-thinking company dedicated to textured hair and scalp health. With a science-driven approach, CURLiD works with top trichologists to provide expert-led education for hairstylists and innovative workplace well-being clinics. Their latest clients include John Lewis and Linklaters, companies that recognise the link between employee well-being and hair health. Rachel’s journey began with a deeply personal mission. Growing up, she often felt pressured to straighten her curls to fit in—an experience she never wanted her five children to go through. As she embraced her natural hair, she realised how much misinformation flooded the industry. Determined to change that, she built CURLiD on the principle that ‘if it’s not backed by an expert, it’s not CURLiD.’ Beyond CURLiD Rachel is passionate about community, mentorship, and supporting entrepreneurs, often championing brands that align with her values. A service-minded leader, wife, and mother of five, Rachel balances the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship with a strong faith and resilience. She believes in progress over perfection, grabbing opportunities with both hands, and staying grounded—whether her business soars or stumbles. She’s not just changing hair education. She’s redefining textured hair care in professional spaces—one workplace and one stylist at a time.

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Shanice is the dynamic founder of Kallure, a boutique PR and Communications agency known for its impact on culture, lifestyle, and technology. Named as one of the "9 Founders to Watch in 2023" by the UK Black Comms Network, Shanice is a dynamic speaker on social inclusivity, race, and mental health, contributing her expertise to major media outlets like BBC Radio London and ITV News. Her journey is one of resilience and authenticity, driving impactful DE&I and sustainability initiatives.

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Dabota Lawson is a luminary whose expertise in entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and leadership shines brightly on the global stage. With an impressive academic foundation—a professional management accounting qualification from The London School of Business and Finance, and a bachelor's degree in financial economics from the University of Leicester—she commands a wealth of knowledge and insight that underpins every venture she embarks upon. As the visionary founder of Dabota House of Beauty and Dabota Cosmetics, she has redefined the standards of excellence in the beauty industry. Her brands have earned international acclaim for their groundbreaking makeup and skincare products, reflecting a relentless commitment to innovation, quality, and the art of beauty.