That’s a Wrap! Celebrating the First Pour Moi Uplifting Women Awards

At Pour Moi we believe that all women deserve to be celebrated. That’s why we made the decision at the start of 2022 to launch the Pour Moi Uplifting Women Awards. In its first year we were unsure on how the response would be. To say we were overwhelmed by the number of amazing entries we received is an understatement. Over 300 of you nominated either yourselves or a loved one deserving of recognition. Whether it was an inspiring individual who champions a cause, a trail blazer in business or the unsung hero that has overcome adversity we were honoured that you chose to share your story with us.  

On 19th May 2022, we hosted the 2022 Pour Moi Uplifting Women Awards with 100 of the most amazing women and men attending the evening. These included the category finalists and their guests, the judges of the awards, employees, influencers, and celebrities including our Pour Moi babe, India Reynolds. The AllBright Club in Mayfair provided the perfect location for the awards. More than just a member's club, AllBright is a community built up of brilliant and smart-minded women, dedicated to connecting, creating, and collaborating with other women. After a much-needed catch-up and a stunning champagne and canapé reception, it was time for the awards. Out of the 25 finalists for one winner was chosen from each category. Take a look at our fabulous winners below and for most information on our amazing finalists head to the Uplifting Women Awards page. 

Sandie Roberts, disability campaigner and Pour Moi ambassador, presented the Charity Champion award to Veronica Kumeta. Veronica founded the charity Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer in 2000 to support those dealing with the life-changing breast cancer diagnosis. Since then, £1.5 million has been raised for life saving equipment at the Queen Elisabeth Hospital Birmingham for breast cancer, including the UK’s only pink mobile mammogram. Its ‘hug-in-a-bag' scheme was established to gift women fighting breast cancer useful and thoughtful goodies, designed to help them attending their first chemotherapy or radiotherapy sessions. 

Amanda Akokhia, photographer and women's advocate, presented the Extraordinary Entrepreneur award to Chamiah Dewey. She is the first person in the UK to develop a sustainable, adaptive clothing brand for people with Dwarfism, a community of people often underrepresented by the fashion industry. With a mission to disrupt the fashion industry, Chamiah uses her platform to promote acceptance, education, and awareness for people with disabilities and Dwarfism. Her brand Chamiah Dewey Fashion supports local craftmanship and women in business by working with independent, female-owned and run manufacturers within the UK. 

Tinea Taylor, KISS FM DJ and female empowerment advocate, presented the Activist Achiever award to Christina Walker. Following Christina’s son, Louis’ diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis (CF), she has campaigned tirelessly to create a life unlimited, not just for her son, but for all those with CF. Working with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and a group of CF parents, Christina negotiated with the NHS and a pharmaceutical company, to secure access to drugs with life changing potential for the CF community. It took four years of campaigning to get access to the drugs on the NHS and Christina continues to fight for access to this drug for others who need across the world. 

Sarah Willingham, business mogul and former Dragon, presented the Innovator in Business award to Keira O’Mara. Starting from an idea on maternity leave, Keria used the idea to launch a discreet breastfeeding cover after she was made redundant. With no prior experience of setting up a business but with a desire to succeed, Mama Designs has a range of award winning eco, baby and period products all designed in the UK. During the pandemic Mama Designs hosted four ‘Baby Event’s, to support mums to be and parents who were isolated. 

Michael Thomson, founder and CEO of Pour Moi, presented the Pour Moi Loves award to Leanne Pero. Entrepreneur, speaker, cancer survivor and plus size model, Leanne has had an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. At the age of 15 years old, Leane founded dance company The Movement Factor (TMF). She has since raised over £250,000 in funding for TMF and engaged with over half a million young people. At the age of 30 years old, Leane was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Overwhelmed with stories echoing her own, Leanne created the Black Woman Rising support group to provide a free, safe space for Black women to come together. Leanne has also founded ‘The Leanne Pero Foundation’ and the ‘Black Women Rising’ cancer support project. 

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the Pour Moi Uplifting Women Awards.