BIOGRAPHY

Born in Cameroon and raised in Normandy, France, Noelly struggled to find the right solutions for her skin – searching for answers while moving across Europe and the USA. She discovered a skincare gap for highly effective products that meet the specific needs of darker skin tones. So, Noelly went backwards – she found out why and substantiated that feeling with science. Instead of focussing on speed to market like so many startups today, Noelly partnered with skin tone scientists to create the world’s first Skin Tone Research Lab, leveraging decades of leading global expertise. She dreamed of a physiology-led skincare brand with formulations that are safe and effective for darker skin tones - that dream came true with 4.5.6 Skin.

BIOGRAPHY

With her obvious ambition for progressing in the aesthetic industry matched by her natural aptitude, Sadaf has been mentored by the best doctors and aesthetic experts in the industry and is trained to Level 7. Sadaf also gained extensive knowledge of skin, pharmaceutical products and skincare ingredients to serve the particular concerns of her clients. Sadaf also offers a customised approach to each patient she meets and knows which technologies will work perfectly for each individual to deliver amazing results every time. With the rise in demand for body sculpting treatments, Sadaf has tailored her practice and now offers bespoke body transformation treatment plans using a combination of treatments.

BIOGRAPHY

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/

BIOGRAPHY

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/

BIOGRAPHY

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/

BIOGRAPHY

Famida Pathan is a leading hair and makeup artist & experienced lecturer with 2 decades of industry experience. Inclusive beauty is one of the values at the heart of Famida’s work, whether she is working with VIP clients, creating looks for the red carpet, on luxury brand shows during fashion weeks or working behind the scenes on TV/Film sets. Famida has extensive experience in working on all skin tones, and is known for creating classic beauty looks and high end glamour. Her clients have included global talents such as; Eva Longoria & Aja Naomi King, Bollywood talents Manushi Chillar, Kanika Kapoor & Mahira Khan & models such as Farida Khelfa, Jourdan Dunn & Neelam Gill to name a few. With further credits of working on productions such as Baby Reindeer, Napoleon & Ant Man & Wasp - Quantumania. 

http://instagram.com/FamidaMua

http://www.tiktok.com/@famidamua

BIOGRAPHY

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.

BIOGRAPHY

Imen Jerbi has a PhD in Pharmaceuticals and 15-years of experience as a skin researcher – formulating prescriptive skincare, haircare and nutraceuticals for the unique needs of darker skin tones. Imen is recognized as one of the foremost skincare researchers in France, making zero compromises when it comes to skin health and physiological skincare inclusivity.

BIOGRAPHY

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.

BIOGRAPHY

Jessica is the founder of Shedid & Parrish, the award winning premium quality hair range for curly and textured hair. With over 20 years experience, delivering international business strategy across the food and property sector, Jessica launched Shedid & Parrish as a brand that champions hair inclusivity, empowers all curl patterns and makes them a pleasure to look after. 

Jessica has an Executive MBA specializing in Leadership & Entrepreneurship from Cranfield University and a strong track record of spotting consumer trends and developing destination dining spaces. She has extensive International experience developing concepts, growing brands and driving commercial success having been the Commercial Director for Time Our Market and founder of J.P. Riverside, an International Consultancy operating within the leisure and property sector.

With a heritage and background that truly drives her passions, Jessica is an adopted mixed race woman who’s culture and identity are at the heart of everything she does. With biological parents from Sudan, Italy, Congo & Belgium and adopted British, Canadian family she has been living diversity and ethnicity her entire life. This has led her to a passion for food, languages and cultures and she now often speaks about her experiences of adoption, being mixed race and identity in todays world. 

Connect: www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaparrishuk/

BIOGRAPHY

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.

BIOGRAPHY

Samantha Elizabeth Russell, originally hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, and now residing in Southeast London, is the visionary co-founder of Last Looks Beauty. Alongside her business partner, Pereko Makgothi, who brings her South African roots and London experience to the table, Samantha spearheads the dynamic agency that champions Afro hair and makeup. Their agency caters to the film, TV, stage, and commercial industries, blending artistry with inclusivity to address the unique needs of Afro hair and skin tones.

The name “Last Looks” reflects their commitment to perfecting the final touches on actors before the cameras roll, ensuring every detail of Afro beauty is flawlessly showcased. Beyond providing top-notch hair and makeup services, Last Looks Beauty is dedicated to education, offering workshops that elevate the understanding and appreciation of Afro hair care and styling.

Samantha’s acting career is marked by significant accomplishments, including winning the BroadwayWorld Award for Best Performer in 2022 for her compelling one-woman stage performance, "I Shall Not Be Moved." Appearing recently in the film "Hauntology," sharing the screen with notable actors like Jaidyn Triplett. Her personal journey and the challenges she faced as a Black actress led to the founding of Last Looks Beauty, aiming to fill the gap in professional Afro hair and makeup expertise.

Today, Samantha navigates the vibrant world of beauty and entertainment, celebrated for their innovative approach and commitment to diversity. Their agency’s achievements include winning the Best Small Business award at the UK Black Talent Awards and receiving multiple nominations, including for the MBCC Outstanding Business Award.

BIOGRAPHY

Abuakwa Siaw-Misa is a Creative Director and Brand Strategist with twenty years of experience in design and communication. Throughout his career, his focus has been on helping brands and businesses create memorable experiences that deepen engagement and connect them to their target audience through thoughtful and meaningful design. 

His extensive background includes developing and executing brand strategies for luxury brands, startups, and large organisations worldwide.

Before co-founding The Siaw Misa Project, an independent design and branding agency with clients in Europe, Africa and the Middle East , Abuakwa held prominent positions such as Creative Director at AKQA and served as a branding consultant for renowned clients, including Sephora, Rolls Royce, Volvo, and Ozwald Boateng. 

His proven track record in the industry highlights his expertise in creating impactful brand narratives across diverse markets.

BIOGRAPHY

Leonie is the founder of The Self-Centred Hub a community she created to support females to embrace self-care habits and improve their well-being. As a breathwork and meditation coach Leonie provides workshops, talks, and retreats for people to come together and unwind as well as supporting corporate clients to improve wellness within the workplace.

Leonie is passionate about self-care and empowering the workforce to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve their overall wellbeing. As a dedicated wellness expert specialising in self-care, she provides support, advice, tools and strategies helping employees and employers towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle through personalised mentoring.

Leonie offers wellness in the workplace workshops to corporate companies and organisations. Her workshops are designed to help manage stress, enhance wellbeing, and boost productivity through health education, breathwork + meditation practices. By creating a culture of wellness, companies can foster a more positive and efficient work environment.

Leonie was awarded a British Empire Medal for her Services towards Education in 2021.