Dr. Princess Akawor Dolor is a Nigerian entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor, and fashion designer whose work continues to shape industries and communities across Africa. With a career rooted in creativity, resilience, and leadership, she has built an influential presence in both business and social impact.
A graduate of the University of Port Harcourt with a degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology (2012), she made the bold transition into fashion and business that same year, founding Luxe by Glamoholic. Through her innovation and strategic foresight, she transformed the brand into one of Nigeria’s foremost luxury fashion houses, establishing flagship stores in Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja, and catering to an elite clientele.
Beyond fashion, Dr. Dolor has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to philanthropy and empowerment. She is the founder of The Lachlan Foundation, an initiative inspired by her personal battle with hyperthyroidism, which led to surgery for a multinodular thyroid nodule. The foundation raises awareness about thyroid health, provides financial assistance, fosters support networks, and promotes post-education empowerment opportunities for its beneficiaries. Its mission is to foster knowledge, break stigmas, and help individuals and families affected by thyroid-related Conditions.
As a mentor, she has guided numerous young entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools, networks, and confidence to build sustainable ventures. Many of her mentees have gone on to establish thriving businesses both within and outside Nigeria, contributing to job creation and economic growth.
Her exceptional contributions have earned her widespread recognition, including an Honorary Doctorate Degree in 2024, her designation as Ambassador of Peace by UNIPGC, the CEO of the Year award at the Scream Awards in 2022, the Luxury Brand of the Year award for Luxe by Glamoholic in 2022, the Outstanding Young CEO (40 Under 40) award in 2022, the Aso Prestigious Award in 2025, and the Icon of Women Development Award in 2025 presented by the National Youth for Women Empowerment and Education in Nigeria.
Dr. Princess Akawor Dolor remains a source of inspiration through her relentless pursuit of excellence, her advocacy for women’s empowerment, and her commitment to transforming lives through business, mentorship, and philanthropy.
Dr. Princess, tell us about your background.
My journey began in 2012 with the official launch of my fashion house, Luxebyglamoholic. Like many young aspiring entrepreneurs, I was determined to make a meaningful impact in the fashion industry. I opened my first flagship store in GRA, Port Harcourt, and later expanded with two more locations in Lagos and Abuja. Luxebyglamoholic grew into a multi-brand luxury retail boutique, recognised for its unique pieces and distinctive offerings. Beyond retail, we also offered fashion styling and personal shopping services, which enabled me to share my expertise as a seasoned fashion connoisseur with a broader clientele.
Your personal journey with hyperthyroidism led to the birth of The Lachlan Foundation. Can you take us back to that moment—what emotions and realizations shaped your decision to turn pain into purpose?
My journey with hyperthyroidism was one of the most challenging seasons of my life. Living with a condition that was often misunderstood and misdiagnosed left me feeling vulnerable, frustrated, and at times, completely isolated. There were moments when I questioned not only my health but also my strength and identity as a woman who had always been driven and ambitious. But in the midst of that pain came a realisation: my struggle was not just about me. If I were facing these hurdles with access to information and resources, then many others—especially young women—would be silently suffering without a voice or a support system. That awareness sparked a profound sense of purpose within me. It was from this place of resilience and determination that The Lachlan Foundation was born. What started as my personal battle has now evolved into a mission—to educate, empower, and provide resources for others navigating thyroid health, while also championing the broader cause of women’s health and empowerment.
Thyroid health is often misunderstood or overlooked. What are some of the biggest misconceptions you’ve encountered, and how does your foundation work to correct them?
One of the biggest misconceptions about thyroid health is that it only affects weight or energy, when in reality it impacts nearly every system in the body. Many also believe thyroid disorders are rare, but they are far more common and often misdiagnosed. At The Lachlan Foundation, we work to change this by raising awareness, simplifying medical information, and encouraging early screening so people can better understand, manage, and take charge of their health.
Your foundation goes beyond health—it also champions post-education empowerment. What does that look like in practice, especially for young women?
At The Lachlan Foundation, we believe that empowerment extends beyond healing the body—it’s also about creating growth opportunities. For young women, post-education empowerment entails providing mentorship, entrepreneurship training, and access to resources that enable them to translate knowledge into action. We want them to see that their voices and skills matter, and with the proper support, they can build sustainable futures and become changemakers in their communities.
In a country where access to healthcare and education can be uneven, how do you navigate systemic challenges while driving grassroots change?
Navigating systemic challenges requires patience, collaboration, and a creative approach. At The Lachlan Foundation, we focus on grassroots solutions—taking health education and empowerment directly to communities, schools, and local groups rather than waiting for people to come to us. We also partner with healthcare professionals, educators, and organisations to bridge gaps in access. By starting small, building trust, and amplifying local voices, we’ve been able to create real impact despite broader systemic barriers.
What partnerships or collaborations have been most instrumental in scaling your foundation’s reach and effectiveness?
Partnerships have been central to our growth. Collaborating with healthcare professionals has helped us provide accurate information and screenings, while working with schools and community leaders has allowed us to reach young people directly. We’ve also partnered with women-focused organisations and entrepreneurs to expand our empowerment programs. In addition, our collaboration with international groups such as Men of Purpose, United Kingdom, has been instrumental in empowering rural communities. These partnerships not only extend our reach but also ensure that our initiatives are sustainable and rooted in real community needs.
You’ve mentored countless entrepreneurs. What qualities do you look for in a mentee, and how do you help them unlock their potential?
When I mentor, I look for qualities such as curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to learn. Skills and ideas can continually be developed, but a growth mindset is non-negotiable. I help my mentees unlock their potential by guiding them to see possibilities where others see limitations, connecting them to networks and resources, and encouraging them to take bold but strategic steps. My goal is to help them build confidence, clarity, and the discipline needed to thrive as entrepreneurs.
If you could fast-forward 10 years, what would you want The Lachlan Foundation to have achieved?
In 10 years, I envision The Lachlan Foundation as a leading voice for thyroid health and women’s empowerment across Africa and beyond. I want to see more people, especially those in rural communities, have access to early diagnosis, proper treatment, and accurate information about thyroid health. I also hope our empowerment programs will have nurtured a generation of confident young women who are economically independent and driving change in their communities. Ultimately, our goal is to break cycles of ignorance and limitation, replacing them with knowledge, opportunity, and hope.
What advice would you give to women who want to lead with both heart and strategy in today’s world? Lead with empathy and purpose, guided by a clear strategy. Stay authentic, communicate with clarity, and balance compassion with decisive action to inspire trust and drive meaningful results.
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