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Dr May Ikeora who holds the Miss West Africa title also has a PhD in Law, is an entrepreneur, human rights and women empowerment advocate. She is also a trained author and researcher. May started her own natural skincare line called L’Avyanna Skin Naturals which is based in London and Lagos, Nigeria. Apart from producing and retailing skincare products for men and women, May also offers natural and organic skin care making training workshops in Nigeria.
Dear Self,
If I told you that you should be happy right now and that everything that brings you joy is right here for the taking, you would not believe me. You’re probably taking one of those long walks through Borough market, along the Thames towards Tate Modern lost in your thoughts and wallowing in self pity… just focusing on the things that have not worked, the heartbreaks, the rejections, and the sheer struggles that comes with being a migrant in Britain.
If I told you that you are a blessed child and that all the experiences you had as a child was not as sorrowful as you may think but rather, had to happen for you to have a better storyline because of where you are about to get to in life… you would probably not believe me.
If I told you that anytime your heart is broken, the name your mother gave you is ignited ‘Nkiruka’ (What comes next is greater)… you would not believe me. Actually, this is your story…. it gets better, it gets brighter and it gets more beautiful everyday.
Baby girl, you are one blessed and lucky munchkin. You get to live your dreams, getting to the pinnacle of your education and helping women and girls with it. You get to run that beauty business you never had the time to pursue because you’re too busy with your 9 to 5 job. Tip! Don’t undermine that file that has been gathering dust on your bookshelf titled (L’Avyanna). It will become bigger than you expect and will shield you when you need it the most.
You will soon learn that happiness is a choice, forgiveness is for your own peace and that gratitude, faith and love is everything. I truly hope you start practicing them now because when you figure this out, you’d wish you started sooner. Gratitude will bring you so many miracles because your faith is always ignited by it. Please darling, do not believe or entertain your cynical voice… it's like an old friend that never wants to see you grow… ditch her now!
Be careful about the things you say because they always come to pass. So always make positive affirmations, think good of others and be observant to the fact that God always answers your prayers. Regarding prayer, you will soon learn that an honest prayer is better than being religious.
Your biggest regret will be the things you never tried, some mistakes you did not make and the word ‘No’ that you’re never afraid to use. It's nice to be a good girl but live a little. Go on that date, take that risk, express yourself and never feed your fears. All of these contribute to finding your passion, your experiences and the relationships you will build along the way.
Always follow your heart no matter what anyone says… it might be the long route, it might be hard and sometimes you might feel like giving up but as long as you believe deep in your heart that you are doing the right thing, you will reap the benefit beyond your expectations. So, be patient.
May Nkiru Ikeora, I write your name in full because you are your name… a beautiful lady with a bright future and power. Believe me darling, all road…no matter how crooked… leads to success. BE HAPPY NOW!