Spurred by the Black Lives Matter movement, a collective of experts in the beauty industry have formed the Black Aesthetics Advisory Board (BAAB) to investigate the experiences of black practitioners within aesthetics as well as those of black and minority ethnic patients and consumers.
An initial survey found that black practitioners are facing higher levels of discrimination and less progression opportunities in the speciality and that black consumers have been found to experience difficulties in accessing practitioners confident in treating their aesthetic concerns.
Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, a member of the board, says, “Given the worldwide re-emergence of the Black Lives Matter campaign and the poor experience voiced by black and minority ethnic professionals as well as consumers, we were shocked at the silence from many quarters of the aesthetic industry. Coupled with our knowledge of BME patient experience, we want to investigate and inform change; from ensuring all practitioners understand the needs of black skin to increased representation of black professionals at all industry levels. Through this, we are also able to positively impact the experience of black patients and professionals within aesthetics.”
The board aims to produce a report which will provide guidance to brands and professionals, inform training and improve access to aesthetics for black patients. Likewise, the board will engage with all levels of the speciality with a purpose driven survey launching in early July and will form an advisory panel to effect change in the industry.
The board comprises:
Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme: Medical Consultant UCLH, Senior Aesthetics Lecturer at QMUL and Founder of award-winning Adonia Medical Clinic
Dr Tijion Esho: Founderand Director of award winning Esho Clinic and TheEsho initiative. Resident doctor on Body Fixers and This Morning
Dr Amiee Vyas: Founder andDirector of Doctor Amiee Facial Aesthetics& Skin, Key Opinion Leader in cosmetic dermatology and ExpertAesthetic trainer
Dija Ayodele: ExpertAesthetician, Founder of award winning Black Skin Directory
