Laura Ikeji-Kanu is a Nigerian beauty entrepreneur, fashion influencer, and reality TV personality. She is the younger sister of renowned blogger Linda Ikeji and has carved out her own niche in Nigeria’s fashion and lifestyle industry.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Laura Ikeji-Kanu was born on March 15, 1988, in Lagos State, Nigeria. She hails from Nkwerre Local Government Area in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria. Laura is the younger sister of renowned Nigerian blogger Linda Ikeji. She was raised in a family that values education and hard work, which influenced her career path.
Laura began her educational journey at Lagos Anglican Girls Primary School in Surulere, Lagos. She continued her secondary education at Anglican Girls Grammar School in Lagos. After completing her basic education, she pursued higher studies at the University of Lagos (Unilag), where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Interestingly, she initially enrolled in a diploma program in Human Kinetics before transitioning to Psychology, completing her degree in 2011.
Career
Laura Ikeji-Kanu began her professional journey in 2010 with a strong focus on digital content creation. She launched her lifestyle blog, Hey! Laura, and a YouTube channel where she shared insights on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle trends. These early ventures allowed her to understand audience engagement and content marketing, providing the foundation for her future entrepreneurial pursuits. Between 2013 and 2014, Laura steadily grew her online presence, experimenting with Instagram content that showcased her fashion styling, lifestyle photography, and beauty tutorials. By the end of 2014, she had established a recognizable personal brand within Nigeria’s emerging influencer space.
Between 2015 and 2016, Laura’s Instagram account became her primary platform for influence. Her carefully curated posts highlighting fashion choices and lifestyle content attracted thousands of followers, positioning her as a rising fashion influencer. During this period, she began receiving offers for brand collaborations and partnerships, which further reinforced her credibility and visibility in Nigeria’s fashion and lifestyle industry.
In 2017, Laura officially entered the entrepreneurial space with the launch of Laura Ikeji Gang, a boutique located in Lekki, Lagos, which offered stylish and trendy clothing and accessories tailored for young women. That same year, she secured her first major corporate collaboration as a brand ambassador for BK Unique Hair Inc., working alongside renowned actress Rita Dominic. On a personal note, 2017 was also a significant year, as she married Christopher Ogbonna Kanu in January and welcomed their first child, Ryan Kanu, in July, marking the beginning of her journey as a mother.
The year 2018 marked significant expansion for Laura’s brand and influence. She launched her perfume line, Incomplete, which generated immense pre-release demand and sold out quickly. Laura also authored her first book, How to Make Money on Instagram, providing practical guidance for aspiring social media entrepreneurs. In addition, she signed endorsement deals with PayPorte, a major online retail platform, and Gtex Homes, a real estate company. Her contributions to entrepreneurship and digital influence were recognized when she was honored by the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) in Abuja.
From 2019 through 2021, Laura diversified her professional portfolio by entering the entertainment industry. She appeared in Nigerian films, including Sugar Rush in 2019, demonstrating her versatility beyond fashion and entrepreneurship. During this period, she continued to secure partnerships and endorsements with various lifestyle and beauty brands, such as HNK Interiors, Cmhairbyhills, Susan Chanel Beauty, and Diamond Breeze. Concurrently, her boutique and online retail operations expanded, further solidifying her position in Nigeria’s fashion and lifestyle sector.
In 2022, Laura reached a new level of public prominence by joining the cast of The Real Housewives of Lagos, a Showmax reality television series. The show offered audiences an in-depth look at her personal life, family, business ventures, and social engagements. Since then, Laura has continued to strengthen her influence on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), sharing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content with millions of followers. She has also publicly outlined her future goals, including establishing a fashion mall in Africa and founding a social welfare initiative for the elderly, reflecting her commitment to both business growth and community development.
Filmography
Film
- Undercover Lover (2015)
- Sugar Rush (2019)
Television
- The Real Housewives of Lagos (2022–2024)
Awards and Recognition
- Honored by the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA), Abuja (2018)
- Featured on the cover of the African Renaissance Edition of The Entrepreneur Africa magazine (2025)
- Recognized as one of Nigeria’s Top 100 Most Inspiring Women by Technext.ng (2025)
- Nominated for the Eloy Awards (Author category) for How to Make Money on Instagram (2025)
- Social Media Influencer of the Year at The Entrepreneur Africa Awards (2025)
Notable Collaborations / Endorsements
- BK Unique Hair Inc. – Brand Ambassador (2017)
Laura partnered with BK Unique Hair Inc. alongside actress Rita Dominic, promoting their premium hair extensions.
- PayPorte – Brand Ambassador (2018)
She collaborated with PayPorte, an online retail platform and sponsor of Big Brother Naija seasons 2 and 3, to promote their fashion and lifestyle products.
- Gtex Homes – Brand Ambassador (2018)
Laura endorsed Gtex Homes, a real estate company, alongside actress Mercy Aigbe Gentry, promoting their luxury real estate offerings.
- HNK Interiors – Brand Collaboration (2019)
She collaborated with HNK Interiors, a home decor brand, to promote stylish and functional home furnishings.
- Cmhairbyhills – Brand Collaboration (2019)
Laura partnered with Cmhairbyhills, a beauty brand, to promote their hair care products.
- Susan Chanel Beauty – Brand Collaboration (2019)
She collaborated with Susan Chanel Beauty, a cosmetics brand, to promote their beauty products.
- Diamond Breeze – Brand Collaboration (2019)
Laura partnered with Diamond Breeze, a lifestyle brand, to promote their products.
- Laura Beauty – Founder and Brand Ambassador (2020–Present)
She founded Laura Beauty, a cosmetics brand, offering her own products and collaborating with other brands to promote beauty and skincare products.
- Betty Harry – Brand Ambassador (2025)
Laura announced Betty Harry as the official brand ambassador for Laura Beauty, highlighting the collaboration on her Instagram platform.
Notable Collaborations with Individuals
- Rita Dominic – Collaborated with Laura Ikeji-Kanu in promoting BK Unique Hair Inc. as brand ambassadors in 2017.
- Mercy Aigbe Gentry – Partnered with Laura Ikeji-Kanu in endorsing Gtex Homes as brand ambassadors in 2018.
- Betty Harry – Featured as the official brand ambassador for Laura Beauty, as announced by Laura Ikeji-Kanu in 2025.
- Olivia – Collaborated with Laura Ikeji-Kanu in showcasing red carpet looks, as shared on Instagram in 2025.
- Erica Moore – Worked with Laura Ikeji-Kanu in styling for red carpet events, as part of their collaboration in 2025.
- Chioma Ikokwu – Appeared alongside Laura Ikeji-Kanu in the reality television series The Real Housewives of Lagos, contributing to the show’s dynamic in 2022.
- Toyin Lawani-Adebayo – Featured with Laura Ikeji-Kanu in The Real Housewives of Lagos, adding to the series’ diverse cast in 2022.
- Mariam Timmer – Joined Laura Ikeji-Kanu in the second season of The Real Housewives of Lagos, enhancing the show’s narrative in 2023.
- Faith Morey – Collaborated with Laura Ikeji-Kanu in the third season of The Real Housewives of Lagos, contributing to the series’ evolving storyline in 2024.
- Tania Omotayo – Participated with Laura Ikeji-Kanu in the third season of The Real Housewives of Lagos, enriching the show’s cast in 2024.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
1. Kokun Foundation Collaboration
In August 2018, Laura Ikeji-Kanu partnered with the Kokun Foundation and My Neighbour’s Kitchen to provide meals for 7,000 inmates at the Kirikiri Prison in Lagos. This initiative marked her formal entry into philanthropy, highlighting her commitment to social causes.
2. Support for Women’s Businesses
Laura has been an advocate for supporting women-owned businesses. She has publicly expressed her belief in empowering women entrepreneurs by purchasing from their businesses and encouraging others to do the same. This advocacy is part of her broader commitment to uplifting women in the business community.
3. Laura and Ogbonna Kanu Foundation
Together with her husband, Ogbonna Kanu, Laura established the Laura and Ogbonna Kanu Foundation. This organization focuses on various charitable activities, including providing support to underserved communities and individuals in need.
4. Advocacy for Women’s Empowerment
Laura actively promotes women’s empowerment through her platforms. She encourages women to support each other and believes in the strength of collective efforts to achieve success. Her advocacy emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual support among women.
Controversy
1. Allegations of Exploiting Employees
In 2017, a young man accused Laura Ikeji-Kanu of exploiting him during his employment. He claimed that she had used his services and subsequently dismissed him without proper compensation. This incident was discussed on the Nairaland forum, where users expressed mixed reactions to the allegations.
2. Criticism Over Fashion Choices
In 2021, Laura faced criticism for wearing a crop top and sleeve tattoos, which some fans deemed inappropriate for a married woman. A fan commented, “She’s a married woman and should act as one by respecting her husband through covering up her body.” Laura responded by stating, “I would like to hear more about the naysayer’s opinion, but I got none.”
3. Controversial Statement on Wives of Internet Fraudsters
In February 2025, Laura Ikeji-Kanu suggested that wives of men involved in internet fraud, commonly known as “Yahoo Boys,” should be arrested alongside their husbands. She argued, “Marriage is for better or worse,” and stated, “Carry your Birkins to jail.”
4. Dispute with Co-Star Carolyna Hutchings
During the filming of The Real Housewives of Lagos, Laura had a public altercation with co-star Carolyna Hutchings. Carolyna accused Laura of being involved in illicit activities, to which Laura responded, “I don’t have anything against Carolyna. But we can’t have a true friendship.” Carolyna later apologized, stating, “I made a statement that was not in my position to make.”
5. Advice to Women on Cheating Husbands
In September 2024, Laura Ikeji-Kanu advised women dealing with cheating husbands not to leave their marriages. She mocked the idea of praying for such husbands, questioning, “Who go suffer?” and suggesting that women should curse their cheating partners instead. She emphasized that some women who leave their husbands end up dating other women’s husbands.
Personal Life
Laura Ikeji married former Nigerian footballer Ogbonna Kanu, also known as Christopher Kanu, in 2017. Their court wedding took place on January 19, 2017, in Lagos State, Nigeria, followed by a traditional marriage in Laura’s hometown in Nkwerre LGA, Imo State, on January 28, 2017. The couple celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary in January 2025.
Laura and Ogbonna Kanu have three children together. Their first child, a son named Ryan Kanu, was born in July 2017 in Texas, USA. In December 2023, they welcomed their third child, a daughter. Laura has publicly expressed her love for her children by getting tattoos bearing their names, ROK, Laurel, and Chanel, alongside a love inscription symbolizing her deep affection for her family.
Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Laura Ikeji-Kanu has a keen interest in interior design. In 2024, she visited Mayluv World, a luxury home decor showroom in Lagos, showcasing her enthusiasm for elegant and functional home furnishings on her social media platforms.
Estimated Net Worth
Laura Ikeji-Kanu’s estimated net worth is approximately $1.2 million. This valuation is based on her diverse income streams, including her fashion and beauty ventures, social media influence, and brand partnerships.
References
- Wikipedia. “Laura Ikeji.”https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Ikeji
- NaijaBiography. “Laura Ikeji Biography: Early Life, Is She Married?”https://naijabiography.com/biography/laura-ikeji-biography-early-life-is-she-married/
- Historical Nigeria. “Laura Ikeji-Kanu: A Luminary in Beauty and Influence.” https://m.facebook.com/HistoricalAfricaYoruba/photos/laura-ikeji-kanu-a-luminary-in-beauty-and-influencelaura-ikeji-kanu-born-march-1/122199419738076276/
- 88Lately. “Laura Ikeji Biography.” https://88lately.com/laura-ikeji-biography/
- Pinehurst Coins. “Unveiling The Life And Career Of Laura Ikeji: A Comprehensive Insight.” https://integration.pinehurstcoins.com/unveiling-the-life-and-career-of-laura/2707878.html
- Nairaland. “14 Things You Might Not Know About Me Says Laura Ikeji Kanu.”https://www.nairaland.com/4604096/14-things-might-not-know
- Pulse Nigeria. “Women Married to Yahoo Boys Should Be Arrested Alongside Partners—Laura Ikeji.”https://www.pulse.ng/articles/entertainment/celebrities/women-married-to-yahoo-boys-should-be-arrested-alongside-partners-laura-ikeji-2025022312505950420
- Vanguard Nigeria. “#RHOLagos: Carolyna Apologises to Laura, Family for Pimp Allegations.”https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/01/rholagos-carolyna-apologises-to-laura-family-for-pimp-allegations/
- Legit.ng. “Laura Ikeji Advises Women to Curse Cheating Partners, Discourages Praying for Them.”https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1613456-laura-ikeji-advises-women-curse-cheating-partners-discourages-praying-them/
- Legit.ng. “Laura Ikeji Biography: Age, Husband, Daughter, Net Worth, Book.” https://www.legit.ng/1215347-laura-ikejis-biography-top-facts-know.html
- Hafi.pro. “Laura Ikeji Kanu (@lauraikeji) Net Worth and Earnings: Detailed Overview.” https://hafi.pro/income/lauraikeji
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