Dare to… use all your gifts

We were thrilled to listen to the impressive Clare Anyiam-Osigwe at our latest Pearls of Wisdom event – this month’s theme was “Dare to use all your gifts”, something that Clare has certainly been doing.

Clare founded PremaeUK, the world’s first freefrom beauty brand, before having her own private practice at No.1 Harley Street, specialising in vegan facials and skin/ diet consultations. Peamae skincare has been awarded a number of awards – including an honour from the Queen for her services to dermatology. Clare has also been named by Forbes Africa as one of the most influential women in West Africa. As if these achievements weren’t enough, Clare has turned her hand to film-making, using other gifts and talents to create her first feature film, “No Shade” – which premiers this Summer.

Clare’s skincare brand, PremaeUK was born following her personal struggles with skincare issues. PremaeUK grew from a small stall in Spitalfields market before growing to a pop-up shop in Carnaby Street, developing to a flagship store in Whiteleys before calling #1 Harley Street home. After working tirelessly to successfully grow PremaeUK,Clare decided that she wanted to make use of her other gifts, addressing her passion for film by deciding that now was the time to write her first feature film, “No Shade.” Clare’s advice is that “if you want to try something different – don’t be afraid. Start to think about the skills and the gifts that you have. There are always options, and you are never going to fall completely flat on your face, and if you do, you get back up”

In order to really focus, Clare decided to delete the social media apps that she felt she spent too long on and hone in on what the message was that she wanted to convey through “No Shade.” Clare discussed with us that film is a powerful medium for social change, highlighting that in the industry, there has only been one type of rhetoric shown since the 1980’s. Through “No Shade,” Clare hopes to begin conversation around colourism and misogyny, as these are issues that need to be addressed. We need to embrace diversity, it is good for everybody in every industry, and is something that we should be talking about.

Clare discussed with us the importance of leading by example, but acknowledged that big risk comes with big responsibility. Taking responsibility for your actions is important – however it is also important to give people the chance to change.

Though using all your gifts and trying new things is something we could all aim to try, it is also important to practice self-care, and admitting that you need a moment isn’t weak, nor does it mean you are failing.

Thanks to all who came along, keep your eyes peeled for an invite to our May Pearls of Wisdom event, where we will be joined by Julia Immonen, who will be sharing her story of rowing the Atlantic in a quest to help tackle modern day slavery. You can check the “coming up” section for more details and a link to register for your tickets. Hope to see you there!