Recently there has been a plethora of women of colour doing extraordinary things from mumpreneurs and editors to fertility advocates. The following women are passionate trailblazers with a cause and most importantly fulfilling their God-given purpose. Celebrating womanhood and greatness, let’s take a look at their individual stories.
Ruth Afolabi, Founder & CEO of Magnify Collective
The British Nigerian is the founder of the Christian women’s magazine Magnify. The glossy magazine delivers ‘faith, feminism and fashion’ all rolled into one. Ruth Afolabi started Magnify 10 years ago and has never looked back. Magnify was birthed from her time at university and created from personal experience. A decade later Magnify has graced newsagent’s across London and featured Black Panther actress Letitia Wright in Issue 4. Pretty epic! The print publication has established Ruth as a passionate and business-savvy entrepreneur, from her compelling events and sharing the space with other inspirational leaders. Ruth delivers masterclasses and has recently opened a grand showroom in London. Her pearls of wisdom about career, business and love has set Ruth apart and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for her. Learn more about Magnify: www.magnifycollective.com
Vanessa Haye, Health Advocate
Vanessa Haye first caught our attention regarding her compelling fertility journey. As women, certain issues are deemed as sensitive, such as the topic of infertility, and at times it can be seen as a taboo. Vanessa’s personal struggle has become public – her story was featured in the British newspaper Metro, and she recently participated as a panel member on BBC Radio 5 Live. There is something powerful about women sharing and coming together to discuss a topic that affects many. Vanessa is the epitome of women empowerment and sheer perseverance. Her tear-jerking blog posts highlight the stigma surrounding black women when it comes to fertility issues; with women such as actress Gabrielle Union and Vanessa Haye being open about their struggles more women are coming forward. Thank you, Vanessa, for being a voice in our community. You can read Vanessa’s posts on her blog: www.vanessahaye.com
Valerie Obaze, Skincare Entrepreneur
Forbes has hailed Valerie Obaze as the ‘African skincare trailblazer’ – not a bad accolade to hold. The entrepreneur created the award-winning plant-powered beauty brand, R&R Luxury. I interviewed Valerie Obaze last year and her passion for skincare and public relations has created a genius brand. I have personally purchased an item from the collection and it delivers what it promises. The luscious range of beauty formulations includes oils for the face, body and hair, and your skin will thank you for it. The skincare range boasts an impressive selection. This mumpreneur is continually growing and evolving her brand from her first store in Nigeria to now opening an outlet in Accra airport. One of the best skincare brands in Africa, we cannot wait to see what is in store for the brand. Learn more about the brand: www.randrluxury.com
Lexy Owusu-Boahene, Founder of LX HR Solutions
The human resources (HR) genius set up the consultancy back in 2010 to cater for women to enhance their personal, professional and social development. Lexy Owusu-Boahene has graced shows such as BBC News Africa and featured on panels such as ‘From talk to action: contributing your skills and time for Ghana’s development’ at the British House of Commons. The hardworking entrepreneur has become a strong voice in the world for the African diaspora. We love the fact that she is extremely passionate about diaspora and entrepreneurship. The future is looking very bright for Lexy Owusu-Boahene. You can follow her journey on lexy_boahene (Instagram).
Dara Olagbami, Self-Published Author and Editor of Grace Magazine
The woman of many talents – editor in chief, graphic designer and mumpreneur – how can one be so gifted? Grace Magazine is a Christian publication which launched last year and has become the ‘online destination for faith, fashion and lifestyle without the compromise’. With lifestyle articles incorporating Bible scriptures, Grace is refreshing and certainly lives by the name. The magazine in its second issue featured positive female influencers such as Dior Bediako, and might I add, all women of colour. The magazine has also gained popularity due to its authentic and relatable content. When you meet Dara, not only is she striking in looks and could easily pass off as a model, her personal story will leave you humbled. Her self-published book, SEVENTY: A Work in Progress, is worth checking out. Learn more about her: www.beingdara.com
Lavinya Royes, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger
The fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger began her blogging journey back in 2013. Her well put together ensembles, perfect skin and most importantly her transparency and wearing her heart on her sleeve has made Lavinya a personal favourite. We live in a world where influencers like to create a perfect world and ‘living their best life’. If life could be as simple as taking pretty pictures outside idyllic houses in Notting Hill and getting paid for just wearing nice clothes! Lavinya’s blog posts are relatable and you can’t help and think to yourself ‘I have been in this exact place’. Recently striking a lucrative partnership with Dior Makeup, she is the embodiment of how persistence and hard work can take you very far. We are super excited for the beautiful blogger.
Written by Lawrencia Amfo-Asiedu, Writer and Media Consultant, www.crownoflaurelsdot.wordpress.com