Lifestyle

25 Black UK Women You Can't Ignore

By
Bibiana Obahor
October 9, 2024
left to right - jayde pierce, eva apio, adeola patronne
Whether they've caught our eye on an episode or two of Love Island, while scrolling through TikTok for makeup inspo or their unmissable entrepreneurial presence, they are a constant source of inspiration and motivation. We've sifted through the ever-buzzing world of influencers, entrepreneurs, and creatives you frequently see on your feeds, and narrowed it down to a list you simply can't scroll past. Meet the UK women who have us hitting that 'follow' button, without a second thought.
Editor's Note Box
Editor's Note: This piece was first published on Oct. 25, 2023 and amended on Oct. 9, 2024 to add the following women: Felicia Pennant, Abisola Omole, Felicia Gyamfi-Brown, Yas On The Internet and Priya Ahluwalia.

1/ Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe

A name synonymous with fashion-forward styling and sartorial insight, Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe is an authority in the UK fashion scene. Renowned for styling British rapper Stormzy and driving her blog It's A Lifestyle Hun, Melissa's got the Midas touch. With a rolodex that includes Dior and Chanel, plus over a quarter-million Instagram followers hanging on her every #MelMadeMeDoIt recommendation, she's not just setting trends; she's crafting lifestyles.

2/ Uche Natori

When scrolling through our feeds, Uche Natori is a face we can't help but pause for. With her gorgeous makeup tutorials and relatable YouTube vlogs, she's our go-to for everything beauty and then some.

3/ Patricia Bright

If there's an OG in the YouTube scene we've got all eyes on, it's Patricia Bright. Commanding an audience of millions, she's redefining what it means to be an influencer by empowering her followers to be their best selves, both financially and aesthetically. Her powerhouse of a podcast, The Break Social, keeps us dialled in on everything from career climbs to self-love.

4/ Fisayo Longe

Fisayo Longe lights up our fashion radar like no other. Founder of Kai Collective, she's the mind behind those bold, statement-making pieces we can't help but add to cart. If you're not wearing Kai, then you're missing out.

5/ Whitney Adebayo

It's giving... Bad B. Bursting onto the scene in Love Island 2023, Whitney Adebayo became an instant fan favourite. She had us all tuned in, and now she's taking things to new heights with her new show, What’s it Giving?! And let’s be honest, we’re all eager to see what it's giving!

6/ Tendai Moyo

Founder of Ruka Hair, Tendai Moyo is revolutionising the haircare industry, one strand at a time. Moyo is committed to making luxury accessible, breaking down barriers, and dispelling myths about hair extensions along the way. Ruka Hair has found a home on Selfridges' shelves and even grabbed a mention in Forbes. With her guiding Ruka Hair's vision, the brand is undeniably on the fast track to becoming a household name.

7/ Bolu Babalola

"Honey and Spice" had us all in our feels, and Bolu Babalola is the creative genius behind it, that we can't get enough of. With her pen, she's rewriting the narrative of romance, infusing it with diversity and complexity that reflects the world we live in today. If you're in need of a narrative that grips you and doesn't let go, Bolu should be at the top of your reading list.

8/ Yvonne Victoria

Yvonne Victoria is the epitome of #softlife. With a quarter million followers hanging on her every post, her YouTube channel serves up the aesthetic life we all aspire to live—while still diving deep into themes of empowerment and self-expression. She's more than just a pretty feed; she's a voice to pay attention to.

9/ Toni Tone

Toni Tone is like that wise friend who always knows just what to say. If you're on Twitter, you've undoubtedly stumbled upon @t0nit0ne dropping gems that make you stop scrolling and start thinking. Not only is she a Sunday Times Bestselling Author and an award-winning podcaster, but she manages to make complex issues relatable and easy to digest. Trust us; her life lessons are game-changing.

10/ Eva Apio

Who doesn't love Eva Apio? At 23, the model is already more than just a fresh face on the runway; she's setting the pace for what it means to be a model with a mission. Her philanthropic spirit shines through her Apio Foundation, aimed at giving Ugandan kids a leg up. More than a pretty face; her blend of fashion acumen and activism makes her a role model, proving that style and substance can coexist effortlessly, inspiring the next generation to break barriers and dream big.

11/ Zeze Millz

In a landscape often cluttered with safe takes, we can't help but listen out for what Zeze Millz has to say next. The outspoken cultural commentator who's taking the British media scene by storm is known for her candid interviews and fearless approach to tackling societal issues. Millz is the voice many turn to for unfiltered perspectives and we eat it up every time!

12/ Wunmi Bello

Originally hailing from Nigeria, Wunmi Bello blends fashion and beauty with unvarnished storytelling, focusing on the vibrant tapestry of young British culture with her show, 'The Wunmi Bello Show,' which has garnered a community of 40,000+ subscribers. If you're not following her, you're missing out on some serious life inspiration—and let's not forget those head-turning looks she's always serving.

13/ Jayde Pierce

Jayde Pierce has us hooked, and not just because of her style and beauty wisdom. As a mum, she's redefining modern womanhood and making it look effortless. With her unique blend of relatability and luxury, Jayde is a distinct voice in the fashion and beauty spheres.

14/ Rochelle Hume

Rochelle Humes is a modern-day Renaissance woman, excelling in music, TV, and entrepreneurship. From her roots in The Saturdays to hosting TV hits like 'This Morning,' she's a master of pivoting without losing her core audience. We're here for her every move, whether she's gracing our TV screens, dropping must-have fashion collaborations, or sharing snippets of her picture-perfect family life. She manages to juggle it all with finesse, making her a constant on our 'people to watch' list. Seriously, what can't Rochelle do?

15/ Indiyah Polack

Indiyah Polack is absolutely our 'It Girl' for life. Stealing scenes and hearts on Love Island 2022, she's seamlessly transitioned into a burgeoning social media career. With a dedicated following hanging on her every post, we're all eager to see what she'll do next. And let's not forget her relationship with Dami Hope – if they aren't couple goals, we don't know what is.

16/ FLO

We didn't know how much we missed the '90s girl band era until FLO hit the scene. This London trio of Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer is serving us modern Destiny’s Child vibes in a world that's been thirsting for it. Not ones to shy away from speaking their minds or breaking musical norms, they're the contemporary answer to our '90s nostalgia. With their hit "Cardboard Box," they're not just taking over London—they're setting their sights on the world stage.

17/ Adeola Patronne

You just can't hate Adeola Patronne. An internet personality (and heavy on the personality because Adeola has tons of it), she's the magnetic force we all gravitate towards when scrolling through our feeds. Known for giving us her unfiltered take, Adeola keeps it authentic 24/7. It's this unapologetic persona that landed her a co-hosting gig on BBC's 'Pressed Podcast' alongside Mariam Musa. With Adeola, what you see is what you get, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

18/ Mowalola Ogunlesi

Nigerian-born Mowalola Ogunlesi is far from your typical fashion sweetheart, and we're here for it. With a portfolio that boasts of designing for YZY and Gap and killer collaborations with Bratz, New Balance, Timberlands, and more, Ogunlesi channels her Nigerian heritage into an audacious, subversive aesthetic. If you're not already following Mowalola, consider this your cue.

19/ Nella Rose

Nella Rose, the "people's favourite," is a multi-talented powerhouse we can't ignore. With nearly a million followers on both YouTube and Instagram, she keeps us laughing and inspired. Whether interviewing A-listers like Idris Elba or co-hosting the BRIT Awards 2022, Nella is a force in the entertainment world.

20/ Charlotte Mensah

Charlotte Mensah is a trailblazer in natural haircare, owning the esteemed Hair Lounge salon in Notting Hill and an award-winning product line. A three-time Afro Hairdresser of the Year, her brand stands as a testament to craftsmanship, business acumen, and a genuine respect for natural hair.

21/ Abisola Omole

Abisola Omole brings elegance to everything she touches. From styling for Loewe and Carolina Herrerato her lifestyle platform @abimarvel, she’s got a flair for luxury and a knack for creating spaces that inspire. Abisola’s world is one we all want to live in.

22/ Felicia Gyamfi-Brown

Felicia Gyamfi-Brown is the stylist shaking up luxury fashion. From Nike to Wizkid, her collaborations are iconic, but it's her platform OUR that’s turning heads. By elevating Afro-Caribbean designers, she’s redefining fashion’s future.

23/ Yas On The Internet

Yas On The Internet is the content queen we can’t stop watching. With her high street fashion tips and viral Reels, she’s the digital creator whose edits we’re all copying.

24/ Priya Ahluwalia

Priya Ahluwalia is fashion’s multi-hyphenate. Winning the LVMH Prize is just the start for this trailblazer, whose label Ahluwalia is redefining menswear and beyond. And with a short film under her belt, she’s not just designing clothes – she’s telling stories.

25/ Felicia Pennant

Felicia Pennant is shaking up the fashion world. As the creative force behind Season Zine, she’s blending football with high fashion in ways we never imagined. Now at Matches Fashion, her editorials are as fresh as her approach to inclusivity.

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Lifestyle

25 Black UK Women You Can't Ignore

Whether they've caught our eye on an episode or two of Love Island, while scrolling through TikTok for makeup inspo or their unmissable entrepreneurial presence, they are a constant source of inspiration and motivation. We've sifted through the ever-buzzing world of influencers, entrepreneurs, and creatives you frequently see on your feeds, and narrowed it down to a list you simply can't scroll past. Meet the UK women who have us hitting that 'follow' button, without a second thought.

By
Bibiana Obahor
October 9, 2024
left to right - jayde pierce, eva apio, adeola patronne
Editor's Note Box
Editor's Note: This piece was first published on Oct. 25, 2023 and amended on Oct. 9, 2024 to add the following women: Felicia Pennant, Abisola Omole, Felicia Gyamfi-Brown, Yas On The Internet and Priya Ahluwalia.

1/ Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe

A name synonymous with fashion-forward styling and sartorial insight, Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe is an authority in the UK fashion scene. Renowned for styling British rapper Stormzy and driving her blog It's A Lifestyle Hun, Melissa's got the Midas touch. With a rolodex that includes Dior and Chanel, plus over a quarter-million Instagram followers hanging on her every #MelMadeMeDoIt recommendation, she's not just setting trends; she's crafting lifestyles.

2/ Uche Natori

When scrolling through our feeds, Uche Natori is a face we can't help but pause for. With her gorgeous makeup tutorials and relatable YouTube vlogs, she's our go-to for everything beauty and then some.

3/ Patricia Bright

If there's an OG in the YouTube scene we've got all eyes on, it's Patricia Bright. Commanding an audience of millions, she's redefining what it means to be an influencer by empowering her followers to be their best selves, both financially and aesthetically. Her powerhouse of a podcast, The Break Social, keeps us dialled in on everything from career climbs to self-love.

4/ Fisayo Longe

Fisayo Longe lights up our fashion radar like no other. Founder of Kai Collective, she's the mind behind those bold, statement-making pieces we can't help but add to cart. If you're not wearing Kai, then you're missing out.

5/ Whitney Adebayo

It's giving... Bad B. Bursting onto the scene in Love Island 2023, Whitney Adebayo became an instant fan favourite. She had us all tuned in, and now she's taking things to new heights with her new show, What’s it Giving?! And let’s be honest, we’re all eager to see what it's giving!

6/ Tendai Moyo

Founder of Ruka Hair, Tendai Moyo is revolutionising the haircare industry, one strand at a time. Moyo is committed to making luxury accessible, breaking down barriers, and dispelling myths about hair extensions along the way. Ruka Hair has found a home on Selfridges' shelves and even grabbed a mention in Forbes. With her guiding Ruka Hair's vision, the brand is undeniably on the fast track to becoming a household name.

7/ Bolu Babalola

"Honey and Spice" had us all in our feels, and Bolu Babalola is the creative genius behind it, that we can't get enough of. With her pen, she's rewriting the narrative of romance, infusing it with diversity and complexity that reflects the world we live in today. If you're in need of a narrative that grips you and doesn't let go, Bolu should be at the top of your reading list.

8/ Yvonne Victoria

Yvonne Victoria is the epitome of #softlife. With a quarter million followers hanging on her every post, her YouTube channel serves up the aesthetic life we all aspire to live—while still diving deep into themes of empowerment and self-expression. She's more than just a pretty feed; she's a voice to pay attention to.

9/ Toni Tone

Toni Tone is like that wise friend who always knows just what to say. If you're on Twitter, you've undoubtedly stumbled upon @t0nit0ne dropping gems that make you stop scrolling and start thinking. Not only is she a Sunday Times Bestselling Author and an award-winning podcaster, but she manages to make complex issues relatable and easy to digest. Trust us; her life lessons are game-changing.

10/ Eva Apio

Who doesn't love Eva Apio? At 23, the model is already more than just a fresh face on the runway; she's setting the pace for what it means to be a model with a mission. Her philanthropic spirit shines through her Apio Foundation, aimed at giving Ugandan kids a leg up. More than a pretty face; her blend of fashion acumen and activism makes her a role model, proving that style and substance can coexist effortlessly, inspiring the next generation to break barriers and dream big.

11/ Zeze Millz

In a landscape often cluttered with safe takes, we can't help but listen out for what Zeze Millz has to say next. The outspoken cultural commentator who's taking the British media scene by storm is known for her candid interviews and fearless approach to tackling societal issues. Millz is the voice many turn to for unfiltered perspectives and we eat it up every time!

12/ Wunmi Bello

Originally hailing from Nigeria, Wunmi Bello blends fashion and beauty with unvarnished storytelling, focusing on the vibrant tapestry of young British culture with her show, 'The Wunmi Bello Show,' which has garnered a community of 40,000+ subscribers. If you're not following her, you're missing out on some serious life inspiration—and let's not forget those head-turning looks she's always serving.

13/ Jayde Pierce

Jayde Pierce has us hooked, and not just because of her style and beauty wisdom. As a mum, she's redefining modern womanhood and making it look effortless. With her unique blend of relatability and luxury, Jayde is a distinct voice in the fashion and beauty spheres.

14/ Rochelle Hume

Rochelle Humes is a modern-day Renaissance woman, excelling in music, TV, and entrepreneurship. From her roots in The Saturdays to hosting TV hits like 'This Morning,' she's a master of pivoting without losing her core audience. We're here for her every move, whether she's gracing our TV screens, dropping must-have fashion collaborations, or sharing snippets of her picture-perfect family life. She manages to juggle it all with finesse, making her a constant on our 'people to watch' list. Seriously, what can't Rochelle do?

15/ Indiyah Polack

Indiyah Polack is absolutely our 'It Girl' for life. Stealing scenes and hearts on Love Island 2022, she's seamlessly transitioned into a burgeoning social media career. With a dedicated following hanging on her every post, we're all eager to see what she'll do next. And let's not forget her relationship with Dami Hope – if they aren't couple goals, we don't know what is.

16/ FLO

We didn't know how much we missed the '90s girl band era until FLO hit the scene. This London trio of Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer is serving us modern Destiny’s Child vibes in a world that's been thirsting for it. Not ones to shy away from speaking their minds or breaking musical norms, they're the contemporary answer to our '90s nostalgia. With their hit "Cardboard Box," they're not just taking over London—they're setting their sights on the world stage.

17/ Adeola Patronne

You just can't hate Adeola Patronne. An internet personality (and heavy on the personality because Adeola has tons of it), she's the magnetic force we all gravitate towards when scrolling through our feeds. Known for giving us her unfiltered take, Adeola keeps it authentic 24/7. It's this unapologetic persona that landed her a co-hosting gig on BBC's 'Pressed Podcast' alongside Mariam Musa. With Adeola, what you see is what you get, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

18/ Mowalola Ogunlesi

Nigerian-born Mowalola Ogunlesi is far from your typical fashion sweetheart, and we're here for it. With a portfolio that boasts of designing for YZY and Gap and killer collaborations with Bratz, New Balance, Timberlands, and more, Ogunlesi channels her Nigerian heritage into an audacious, subversive aesthetic. If you're not already following Mowalola, consider this your cue.

19/ Nella Rose

Nella Rose, the "people's favourite," is a multi-talented powerhouse we can't ignore. With nearly a million followers on both YouTube and Instagram, she keeps us laughing and inspired. Whether interviewing A-listers like Idris Elba or co-hosting the BRIT Awards 2022, Nella is a force in the entertainment world.

20/ Charlotte Mensah

Charlotte Mensah is a trailblazer in natural haircare, owning the esteemed Hair Lounge salon in Notting Hill and an award-winning product line. A three-time Afro Hairdresser of the Year, her brand stands as a testament to craftsmanship, business acumen, and a genuine respect for natural hair.

21/ Abisola Omole

Abisola Omole brings elegance to everything she touches. From styling for Loewe and Carolina Herrerato her lifestyle platform @abimarvel, she’s got a flair for luxury and a knack for creating spaces that inspire. Abisola’s world is one we all want to live in.

22/ Felicia Gyamfi-Brown

Felicia Gyamfi-Brown is the stylist shaking up luxury fashion. From Nike to Wizkid, her collaborations are iconic, but it's her platform OUR that’s turning heads. By elevating Afro-Caribbean designers, she’s redefining fashion’s future.

23/ Yas On The Internet

Yas On The Internet is the content queen we can’t stop watching. With her high street fashion tips and viral Reels, she’s the digital creator whose edits we’re all copying.

24/ Priya Ahluwalia

Priya Ahluwalia is fashion’s multi-hyphenate. Winning the LVMH Prize is just the start for this trailblazer, whose label Ahluwalia is redefining menswear and beyond. And with a short film under her belt, she’s not just designing clothes – she’s telling stories.

25/ Felicia Pennant

Felicia Pennant is shaking up the fashion world. As the creative force behind Season Zine, she’s blending football with high fashion in ways we never imagined. Now at Matches Fashion, her editorials are as fresh as her approach to inclusivity.

Share button
linkedinpinterestmail
Lifestyle

25 Black UK Women You Can't Ignore

By
Bibiana Obahor
October 9, 2024
left to right - jayde pierce, eva apio, adeola patronne
Whether they've caught our eye on an episode or two of Love Island, while scrolling through TikTok for makeup inspo or their unmissable entrepreneurial presence, they are a constant source of inspiration and motivation. We've sifted through the ever-buzzing world of influencers, entrepreneurs, and creatives you frequently see on your feeds, and narrowed it down to a list you simply can't scroll past. Meet the UK women who have us hitting that 'follow' button, without a second thought.

While the brands mentioned are not sponsored or paid advertisements, some of the products highlighted may earn us a commission.

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