Welcome to this week’s ‘My Beauty and Wellbeing’ story… this week we’re sharing our interview with Dr Yvette Ankrah MBE.

Yvette is passionate about helping women who are busy pushing themselves to the brink, to find another way to achieve success without burning out. She has worked across several sectors before moving into coaching and mentoring and has over 20 years of experience in business development and marketing.

We’re all about holistic beauty and wellbeing and we love hearing about how other people are managing there’s – for this series we’re reaching out to some inspiring women and men to find out about their favourite products and practices- you know …the things that enable them to be their best selves.

There’s a new story every Wednesday so watch this space and don’t be shy to comment or volunteer to share your stories!

Yvette, first of all, tell us a little bit about your relationship with your beauty

It’s been a journey! I really did not feel beautiful as a pre-teen and teenager and truly became comfortable with my appearance in my twenties. Now that I’m in my forties – I’m happier than ever, even after childbirth and surgeries.

You are a big advocate for self-care… why is it so important to you?

It is at the heart of ensuring we thrive. Self-care is about the things we do daily to maintain our wellbeing, mind, body and soul. It is about a connection with others, maintaining our minds and bodies and being connected with something more than ourselves. So often as women we take care of others first and leave ourselves last or out of the equation entirely. It is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Self-care for me enables me to stay well and to give to others – you cannot give from an empty cup. I give talks on self-care, teach it to my clients and run workshops.

What are your favourite skincare ingredients? Or your fave haircare ingredients?

I am a huge fan of retinol and use a retinol-based product daily. My hair is natural, and I use Jamaican Castor oil regularly on my locs.

What are your must-have skincare products? and what is the last product that you purchased that you’re loving?

I use Environ and am a huge fan of Elemis. My last purchase was the Elemis Cleansing Balm – it’s like a mini spa facial everything I take off my make-up. I’ve also just discovered LBB products and the Mood Rescue oil is brilliant.

As you know Wow Beauty is committed to encouraging self-care, what are some of your non-negotiable self-care rituals?

Every day before I open my eyes I say ‘thank you’ – each day is not guaranteed so I’m thankful every morning. I do a morning stocktake of the previous day and complete a gratitude list. In the evening I list three things I am grateful for that day. Gratitude practice regularly actually changes how your brain works and changes your perspective; it is the biggest change you can make. Exercise and meditation are also part of my routine.

Have you made any changes to your wellbeing toolkit since the pandemic? What items have become your lockdown/ wellbeing must haves?

I have exercised a lot more and increased my walking so good sports bras have been needed and lots more gym shorts! I love candles and have used them for meditation, relaxing bath and moments of remembrance.

What is your typical morning skincare routine like? And your nighttime routine? Has anything changed since lockdown?

I keep it simple and do not wear make-up every day – face wash, Environ AVST, then moisturiser in the morning, Elemis balm in the evening with a hot cloth, cold water or toner, Environ AVST solo or with an Elemis night cream. I’ve worn much less make-up during lockdown and mask-wearing has meant no lipstick.

What changes would you like to see and the beauty industry over the next year or so?

More products that cater to those stuck in front of screens, ranges that support the skin that means zero or less make-up and more products aimed at mature Black skins.

Thank you, Yvette.

Find out more about Yvette