In an era where women are increasingly becoming change agents across various spheres of life, Dr. May Ikeora stands out as an African businesswoman and leader. As the CEO of L’Avyanna LTD, she has created a platform that not only addresses the skincare needs of customers but also empowers women, particularly women of color. This profile delves into Dr. May Ikeora’s journey, her vision for L’Avyanna, and her commitment to gender equality and feminism.
Path to L’Avyanna:
Dr. May Ikeora’s journey is marked by her commitment to advocating for African women, girls, and identity. With a Ph.D. in humanitarian law, she has worked extensively in Africa and Europe, advocating for women’s rights. Her career includes experience as a model and beauty queen, where she recognized the transformative power of beauty. In 2003, she was crowned Miss West Africa.
Driven by her advocacy for girls and the liberating nature of beauty, Dr. May founded L’Avyanna in 2014. L’Avyanna, which means “The Strong Beautiful Woman,” was created to bridge the worlds of beauty and empowerment. Over 70% of the company’s staff are female, and it is led by women. L’Avyanna not only employs women but also equips them with leadership skills through its Freelance Distribution Programme. The company actively supports initiatives that empower young women.
Distinguishing Factors: Women and Male Leaders:
Dr. May believes that societal perceptions of gender roles influence the leadership traits of men and women. Women are often seen as creators and multipliers with an inclusive and community-driven perspective. Men, on the other hand, are perceived as risk-takers. Dr. May emphasizes the importance of nurturing bravery in girls to cultivate the next generation of female leaders.
Challenges, Responsibilities, and Achievements:
The beauty industry is highly competitive and male-dominated, posing additional challenges for black female entrepreneurs with limited access to resources. Dr. May remains resilient and views challenges as opportunities for growth. Her primary responsibilities as a Licensed Formulator, artist, and businessperson involve product development, communication, and promoting the company’s goals. She finds fulfillment in changing her clients’ attitudes, especially through the success of the Melanin Glow product line.
Outlook towards Equality and Feminism:
Dr. May acknowledges the growing movement to increase women’s representation in corporate leadership roles. Beyond meeting gender quotas, there’s a need for greater diversity and inclusion, particularly for women of color. Feminism, to her, is about embodying the independence and dignity of being a woman without necessitating hatred or criticism of men. She believes that feminism should not emulate excessive masculinity.
Essential Qualities for Women Leaders:
Dr. May encourages women leaders to be courageous and recognize their worth. Once this mindset shift occurs, other leadership qualities naturally follow. Women should consciously develop their leadership and business skills, guided by real-world challenges and collaboration.
Keeping Work-Life Balance:
Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, Dr. May shares her experience of overcoming burnout. She emphasizes that women leaders should prioritize work-life balance, as being a business leader doesn’t preclude leadership in other aspects of life. Achieving harmony is vital for personal and professional prosperity. In conclusion, Dr. May Ikeora’s journey from advocating for women’s rights to empowering women of color in the beauty industry exemplifies her resilience and commitment to fostering change. Her vision for L’Avyanna extends beyond skincare products, aiming to uplift women and promote gender equality. Dr. May’s leadership qualities and dedication to work-life balance serve as an inspiration for aspiring women leaders.