Black Aesthetics Advisory Board launches to push for better black representation

Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, Dr Tijion Esho, Dr Amiee Vyas and Dija Ayodele have formed the Black Aesthetics Advisory Board (BAAB), a panel that will investigate the experiences of black practitioners within aesthetics, as well as those of black and minority ethnic patients and consumers.

BAAB was encouraged by the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement to send out an initial survey which found that black practitioners face higher levels of discrimination and less progression opportunities within aesthetics.

From a patient point of view, the survey also reported that black consumers experience difficulties in accessing practitioners confident in treating their concern safely and effectively.

BAAB aims to produce a report from the findings to provide guidance to brands and professionals in the aesthetics industry. The board’s work going forward will focus on increasing representation for black practitioners and driving a positive change in opportunities and discrimination across the board in the sector.

BAAB said in a statement: “Given the worldwide re-emergence of the Black Lives Matter campaign and the poorexperience voiced by black and minority ethnic professionals as well as consumers, we wereshocked at the silence from many quarters of the aesthetic industry.

“Coupled with ourknowledge of BME patient experience, we want to investigate and inform change; fromensuring all practitioners understand the needs of black skin to increased representation ofblack professionals at all industry levels. Through this, we are also able to positively impactthe experience of black patients and professionals within aesthetics.”

Contact hello@dijaayodele for further information on BAAB or to get involved with the board's work.