Black doctors form Advisory Board “To improve experiences of Black people” in the beauty industry
Spurred by the Black Lives Matter movement, a collective of award winning Medical Professionals and Aestheticians in the British 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. This theme is explored further in here.
“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. Survey findings will be published in the autumn.
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: Founder and Director of award winning Esho Clinic and The Esho initiative. Resident doctor on Body Fixers and This Morning, Dr Amiee Vyas: Founder and Director of Doctor Amiee Facial Aesthetics & Skin, Key Opinion Leader in cosmetic dermatology and Expert Aesthetic trainer Dija Ayodele: Expert Aesthetician, Founder of award winning Black Skin Directory.
