Pride magazine Nigeria UK Operations Manager and Beauty consultant Dr. Clare Eluka were among the “inspirational” entrepreneurs honoured at the Black British Business Awards.
The ceremony at the Hilton in Park Lane celebrated the vital contribution of black professionals to the economy. Skincare specialist Dr Clare Eluka won the rising star award of 2015.
She was among a dozen finalists recognised by the awards, which are backed by the Evening Standard newspaper and global accountancy firm EY.
Dr Clare Eluka, 30, a graduate of Brunel University also holds a doctorate in biochemistry. She spent several years teaching English before deciding to found Premae Skincare, an allergy-free skincare brand. She has also set up a programme teaching vulnerable young people in inner-city London how to manufacture their own products and help them emulate her success.
Dr Eluka who is from Islington, London, lost her father at a very young age: “Losing my father at such a young age made me realise life is short. It made me determined not to waste time. I was driven to get a better life and encourage other people too.”
Describing the award as “amazing”, she said: “If I’m visible then others may think ‘Clare came from my background — she’s doing it so I can do it too’.”