The Nation Newspaper

Category: Glamour

  • TEMI OTEDOLA My mum stirs my interest in fashion

    TEMI OTEDOLA My mum stirs my interest in fashion

    Temi Otedola, the daughter of billionaire African business magnate, Femi Otedola, is setting out to make positive change in the lives of British youngsters seeking a foothold on the notoriously tricky international fashion industry. The 19-year-old who was featured in British Vogue magazine and interviewed by CNN tells Adetutu Audu it has been a whirlwind of adventure.

    TEMI Otedola, founder of emerging online fashion blog, JTOFashion.com, held the much talked about Afternoon Tea in Ankara (ATIA) on 27th February.

    The event which took place at the prestigious Café Royal on Regent Street was targeted at bringing together young people working to gain entry level roles in fashion. And also provide them with guidance on breaking into the industry through a series of workshops, networking exercises and talks from various prominent figures currently active within the industry.

    Speakers and high-profile guests at the fashion gathering included Reni Folawiyo, founder of Lagos-based luxury lifestyle store, ‘ALARA’. Others are head of Lagos Fashion and Design Week, Omoyemi Akerele, Vanessa Kingori, publisher of British GQ, and Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, Caroline Rush.

     The convener’s (Temi Otedola’s) motivation is her keenness to fuse two cultures that stand within equal proximity to her heart  Nigerian and British.

    According to her, Afternoon Tea is often thought of as a pinnacle within British culture, and ankara is perhaps the most symbolic element of West African fashion.

    ‘It is the objective of this event to do just that – by providing them with a forum through which to meet one another and to hear some words of wisdom from key players in the process,’ she noted.

    The 19-year-old history student of University College London acted as an official ambassador at 2015 Lagos Fashion Week and was featured in January edition’s of British Vogue magazine. She is passionate in her work to empower youngsters, in particular those from minority backgrounds, within the British fashion industry. ‘ATIA is a new initiative I formed to promote much-needed backing and support to ethnic diversities aspiring to break into the fashion industry both in the UK and Nigeria. It will act as a medium for young people to network, discuss, and hear speeches from top influencers in the fashion industry.’

    A report conducted by UK Fashion Hotspot into International Fashion Month 2015 showed that on average, 84 percent of the models featured on the catwalks of world were white. Unfortunately, inequality cuts to the very core of the industry and 19-year-old Temi has charged herself with finding out why.

    So with JTO blog gaining huge acceptance, how does she feel about this? The fashion entrepreneur described the JTO Fashion.com journey as a crazy one. ‘Considering the fact that my blog was launched just over a year ago, I have been overwhelmed by the reception. I never thought that I would be featured in publications such as Vogue and the Evening Standard this quickly. It has been a whirlwind adventure but I’m just excited to see where it takes me next,’ she disclosed.

    Currently studying history of art the University College London, when did she realise she wanted to toe the path of fashion? Temi was quick to say that art and fashion are the two loves of her life. ‘I thought it would be better for me to pursue a degree in art and start my fashion journey as a side hustle. It’s always something I’ve wanted to do and I thought blogging was a perfect start for me, but I see working in the art world as a long-term goal,’ she pointed out.

    So what is the inspiration behind the blog? ‘My blog is inspired by everything around me. I like to style looks that are wearable but have a certain ‘edge’. So I’ll pair a dress with military boots or a suit with sky-high stilettos. I’m always pushing what I can get away with,’ Otedola noted.

    She must have been influenced by some people while growing up. The fashion blogger revealed that her number one fashion and life influence has definitely been her mother. ‘She always amazes me with her impeccable style and alongside my dad encouraged me to breed an entrepreneurial spirit. Other influences growing up included Oprah Winfrey, Grace Coddington, and Anna Wintour.’

    Despite the cheering news about her blog, what were her initial challenges and how was she able to surmount them?

    ‘I think it can be challenging for any blogger when they’re first starting out as it can be sometimes seen as frivolous. Although I believe bloggers to be content creative in a similar light as fashion magazines that create editorials, sometimes it can be passed off as a materialistic hobby. I think I have proven that my blog goes beyond just nice pictures and looks deeper at the fashion industry and what makes it tick.’

  • Today’s woman stretches herself into many roles -Rev Lizzy Johnson-Suleman

    Today’s woman stretches herself into many roles -Rev Lizzy Johnson-Suleman

    Reverend (Dr.) Lizzy Johnson Suleman, the wife of the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman, comes up as a perfect companion in handling greater responsibilities toward running the ministry. The beautiful woman of God added a year last week Sunday and used the opportunity of the celebration, as usual, to extend spiritual care and share humanitarian gestures among the followers. She tells Adetutu Audu being a woman adds more of a freedom.

    WOULD you have been into other vocations outside sharing the grace with your husband?

    Personally, I feel there is no higher calling, no greater task than this; I mean, in working towards helping to win souls for God. And my understanding is that of a woman who is liberated to fulfil the potential of being a servant of God.

    You are married to an Apostle, did you get any birthday present from your husband?

    Yes. But that should be left outside this interview. I got a wonderful birthday gift from him. But as a way to show appreciation to God for the opportunity of another eventful year, I gave out clothes and food to 75 people, including the widows. Through me, God also blessed people with the cash sum of N2 million. Outside this sum, I paid school fees of indigent students worth N1.2 million. And we also gave out gift items to an orphanage home that houses about 900 kids. These are just a fraction of the blessing to the people for which God used me on the occasion of the birthday celebration. The climax of the

    day was the honorary presence of Bishop Koroma and other revered men of God from within and outside Nigeria.

    Tell us about your role in the ministry and what should be the unique role of wives of pastors.

    I have always been a helper to my husband. I’m also a woman of God, a Reverend. So, my roles as a wife, mother at home, and leader in the church have been constant without let or hindrance. And the role of a wife to husband, especially wives of pastors, is knowing what God expects of you which will make your role as wife and helpmate to your husband most challenging and fulfilling. This is vital to the success of both of them. God has made each of them unique individuals, so every marriage, every

    family, and every clergy family is unique in itself. Remember, Eve was created to be the helpmate to Adam, meaning that this is the purpose for the creation of woman. This is the privilege God gives to every wife. This is the primary function of the wife. All teachings connected with marriage centre around this. All other activities or roles of the woman result from the effectiveness of being the helpmate God so ordained.

    As a Reverend, does Christianity support man-woman equality in the context of today’s belief?

    We need to be clear about one thing, first. The value of men and the value of women are perfectly equal in the eyes of God. But the fact that men and women have equal rights and access to salvation does not negate the need for submission to leadership in the home or the church. Remember that Jesus Christ and the Father are equal, yet Jesus submits to the authority of the Father. The Bible teaches us in 1 Corinthians 11:3, that “the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” It is a lesson for we, pastors’ wives, that to be in subjection to men, applies to all wives, and the children, for a pastor-husband who has his wife’s respect for his God-given authority and leadership, will have the confidence to lead his family and the church to success. Women can be more compassionate and more loving. Being a woman adds more of a freedom. So, our husbands should not be made to feel that they are alone in the success or otherwise of the mission.

    How would you describe Apostle Suleman in simple terms?

    My husband is a man that represents simplicity, he redefines modesty. And by prophetic standard, my husband is an apotheosis of prophetic reverence and veneration. He is modest in speech and humbler in his deeds and his dressing. And still far simple in how he addresses serious issues. He is my Papa, a great man of God, a colossus in the ministry of heaven. He is not just a pastor; he is a life coach to the congregation, the world and his family. I respect and love him. And I thank God for that. I thank him too for making himself available for God to reveal Himself to this generation, with the strongest support from able ministers of God who represent the ministry worldwide.

    There is the case of a 13-year-old girl from Bayelsa who was allegedly kidnapped by her Kano lover. What do you take out from there, as a woman, mother and role model?

    This case, in the first instance, is witchcraft.  From a reasonable and moral perspective, children should be allowed to make their decisions. Sexual abuse of children thrives in an atmosphere of secrecy and they are very reluctant to speak up about it. Parents too, in some cases, are not exempted of the blame. In all, to impose immoral recklessness on teenagers in the name of religion or tradition is morally wrong, totally wrong.

    Let’s share your relationship with women in the ministry, aside your role as the head woman.

    I enjoy a perfect relationship with our women. Personally, I do not believe you that, as pastor’s wife or lead woman, you can’t be friends with the women in your church. I believe you can be accessible, you can be friendly, and you can be kind, you can fellowship and enjoy depths and breadths of sisterhood. That is the greatest sign of humility for which I admire my husband. And this gets me busy working on our sisters in the ministry, because, like the typical today’s woman, one is trying to stretch herself into a number of roles at the same time. We want accomplishments to show at the end of the day. So, like a classic pastor’s wife, I have my hand in more activities in the church.

  • Joke Bakare shines

    Joke Bakare shines

    THE founder and Managing Director of Medplus Pharmacy, (Pharm) Mrs Joke Bakare, and the better half of Muyiwa, the managing director of the defunct Metropolitan Bank, is a woman who knows her onions.

    Having built a successful brand over the years, few weeks ago, she was honoured amidst pomp as a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

    The award is a prestigious recognition of dedication, professionalism and service in the pharmaceutical industry. The event was graced by dignitaries who also came to felicitate with the awardees.

  • Temitayo Olakolegan’s current move

    Temitayo Olakolegan’s current move

    SOCIALITE and businessman, Temitayo Olakolegan, owner of Nigeria’s premier beauty and wellness platform, Faari-NG, is set to give out N1m worth of free beauty services.

    The beauty and wellness website is to provide affordable and

    discounted beauty services to the Nigerian woman while creating more business and turnover for Nigerian beauty and wellness professionals. The platform is to help them reach customers and provide the best end-to-end experience. From finding a salon, to deciding what beauty product is best for them, to getting that amazing beauty service they have always been dreaming of.

    Olakolegan also runs the aso ebi distribution arm of the site which provides a solution to the aso ebi distribution challenges faced by party planners while organising events. The aso ebi distribution model is such that people put up their aso ebi fabric on the Faari site and share the link with their friends and family.

  • LUPITA NYONG’O MAKES BROADWAY DEBUT

    LUPITA NYONG’O MAKES BROADWAY DEBUT

    HER play Eclipsed packed in the crowds with a sold-out run last year. And now Lupita Nyong’o has made her Broadway debut as the intense drama opened for previews at The John Golden Theatre in New York on Tuesday.

    The Oscar-winner smiled and bowed with the cast members after their first preview. The play was written by playwright and Walking Dead actress Danai Gurira, who also attended the show.

    Eclipsed centers on a group of women who are kept captive by a rebel leader in war-torn Liberia. They band together to create a community, until the arrival of Lupita’s rebel new girl character upsets their routine.

    She wore a tattered blue tank top with ripped jeans and chunky boots. And theStar Wars actress pulled her hair up in elaborate braids and wrapped a red bandana around her head.

    In addition to her Broadway run, Lupita will next be seen in the live action version of The Jungle Book.

    On Tuesday, her costars Zainab Jah and Akosua Busia also joined her on stage as they re-launched the show, which officially opens on March 6.

    Writer and actor Danai looked glamorous in a tight colbalt blue dress with white and black geometric patterns. She added a long black coat and heels, and wore dark red lipstick and dramatic blue eyeshadow.

    The play was first produced at The Public Theater Off-Broadway, and earned rave reviews after its debut in October. It also drew a big crowd, and was extended twice before closing on November 29 after a sold-out run.

    The show is also making history as the the first Broadway play to feature a cast and creative team that are all women and are all black.

    Also attending the first preview was actress Kathleen Turner. The 61-year-old wore a long black coat over a grey top, and added a purple backpack as she posed for photos.

    Trailblazing ballet dancer Misty Copeland, 33, also attended the preview. The ballerina, who became the first African-American female principal dancer at The American Ballet Theater, looked chic in a navy ensemble under an elegant black cape.

    Singer Deborah Cox and Top Chef judge Gail Simmons also attended the preview on Tuesday. The R&B singer bundled up in a black coat and cozy sweater, and added a black hat, while food writer Gail wore a long tan coat and large brimmed black hat.

  • Leo Stan Ekeh’s new dream at 60

    Leo Stan Ekeh’s new dream at 60

    LAST Monday, February 22, the Executive Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, clocked 60. But rather than throw a big party to celebrate the milestone, the IT guru used the occasion to win more souls for God through ‘praise and receive concert’.  It started on Valentine day in Abuja and featured Sinach live with Buchi, Chioma Jesus and 12 other artistes with over 18,000 people in attendance.

    It was a fulfilled moment for the man who wanted a digitally-sensitive wife and kids and got them

    Despite his huge success, the businessman is planning to build the largest 360 degrees ICT Group in Africa, which is almost ready. Also a philanthropist, his Leo Stan Foundation has continued to serve God and humanity.

    Away from ICT, the Imo State-born boardroom guru recently invested and plans to launch the biggest entertainment company in Africa and he’s ready to stretch it as the largest in the world. He is also innovating products for young people and future generations.

  • ‘What life has taught me in 50 years’

    ‘What life has taught me in 50 years’

    Lagos lawyer Temilolu Ogundipe is the principal partner, Iwadola Ogundipe Practice and member Ikeja Bar Association. She clocked 50 recently. The mother of five who is also married to a lawyer tells AdetutuAudu that she now has a clear cut vision.

    YOU have spent half of a century. What does this mean to you? In 50 years, with all the things I have passed through; my educational pursuit over the years, having been married for 22 years running, having children, there have been varieties of lessons that I can look back at 50 and say that I have been through a lot. Different lessons from different phases of life.  To me, it means I have come of age and at this age more than ever before, I must remain true to myself and people around me. The focus is now so sacrosanct; the vision I have for myself, children and career are very clear.

    At 50, I can boldly say that a good name is better than silver and gold. When you help others, it may turn out you are helping yourself that God is faithful indeed.

    The celebration is to show appreciation to God for his protection and grace. Armed robbers have woken us up. They were right in our bedroom because it was raining, we didn’t know when they got in. And I saw God in action. Initially, I thought I was dreaming, but I whispered that ‘God you are the ever present help in trouble’ and I said ‘show yourself.’ They never raised their voices against us or assaulted us. They collected all they needed. Secondly, I had a problem in one of my legs at a point. I couldn’t walk for one day. I anointed my leg and prayed. And to the glory of God, I was able to walk with it the next day. So I said whatever it would take, I would thank God and celebrate. Giving birth to five children without any problem. I can count and count.

    When I gave my life to Christ, the Lord spoke to me that it is not all of us that will mount the pulpit. Some of us will be workers and ministers in his vineyard. I make it a duty to positively impact the lives of people I come across. When they discovered later that I am a lawyer, they are usually surprised because the perception we have is that lawyers are haughty people, especially the female ones.

    When you look back, who are those who shaped you into who you are?

    We had a reverend sister principal way back in secondary school, Sister Pauline from Dublin, when we were in St. Louis Girls  Grammar Ikere-Ekiti. She has gone to be with the Lord now. She instilled in us as young girls a high sense of dedication to assignment that you are given. The spiritual aspect was also very important to her. In my final year, because of the diligence I was pursuing given assignment in that age, I was the library prefect. The sense of doing the right thing even when nobody is watching is important to me. My mum was a primary school teacher before she retired. She also will not take any nonsense, my father was a customary court judge in Ikole-Ekiti and so growing up with these kinds of people I don’t have time with frivolities.

    Did you set to be a lawyer from the beginning?

    Right from secondary school, I knew naturally that it has to be law. I was not very good in mathematics and at that time it was not compulsory you pass mathematics at credit level, unlike now. I loved law. I occasionally visit my dad at the customary court, even though his own was elementary to what we are doing today. It may interest you to know that because of the profound love I have for law as a career, I took up law as a second degree. I had second class upper in linguistics in the University of Ilorin and I was posted to Nigerian Army, 21 Armoured Brigade in Maiduguri for NYSC. By the time I was finishing, I knew that there was no fulfilment and I applied to UNILAG to study law.  I was called to the bar in 1991. Since 1991, I have not looked back. I am enjoying law.

    Your husband is also a lawyer. Do you also practice law in your home?

    If you look at practicing law at home, as you put it, will mean arguing with my husband. My husband studied Civil Engineering at the UNILAG and graduated in 1986. And he felt he had ample time in his hands when we newly got married and said he would study law.  I would not know if it’s because of being married to me. He took up evening law. We have two lawyers at home, we do not argue, we were first and foremost friends, but, of course, we reason along legal lines.

    22 years and still counting, what has bonded you together in the era where there is an alarming rate of divorce?

    My husband was my first boyfriend and I was lucky it ended up in marriage. He is a gentle man per excellence. We are both from Ekiti and in terms of background we have similar back ground .We have friends in common and we are each other’s best friends. When I listen to other people’s stories, I know being married to one’s best friend is the best. I have fantastic in-laws, I have never had issues as far as marriage is concerned and I am thankful to God.            We are members of Gideon International; we distribute bibles, we call them men and women of the books. And so there are so many lessons we continue to learn from the life of Jesus Christ.

    If there is anything you need to change in the last 50 years, what will it be?

    I don’t think there is anything I want to change. I knew the Lord at an early age, gave my life to Christ and I have been toeing that path trying to make impact in the lives of people I come across. Attaining 50, this is what I want to pursue vigorously: I just want to serve God all the way because at the end of the day that is what that matters, not all the degrees and all the materials of this world.

    You have five daughters. As an African woman, are you not under pressure?

    It will interest you to know that after my third daughter, my husband said that would be fine. He is completely satisfied with the three daughters.  It was my insistence that made us have five because I wanted a boy, but you know God’s way is not our way.  We tried two more and it turned out to be all girls and not for one day was he bothered or displeased. Even my parents in-law. People have always felt my mother in-law was my mum for a long time, because of the closeness. My mother is old and it is my mother-in-law that spends more time with me. She had never reacted in any way to suggest that it’s because I don’t have a son.

    Share your fond memories with us

    I have friends that I have gained since 1976 and who today have become sisters. I thank God everyday that I was at St. Loius Girls Grammar School. We shared each other’s burden and they are fantastic sisters. I am passionate about the school and I am the national legal adviser for the old girls.  The Reverend Sister really instilled discipline in us and we meet at different fora. With the old girls, I feel the school has done so much for me.

    How do you juggle motherhood and your career?

    My husband supports me. He wants the best for me at all times. If I have to stay late in the office, my husband helps me with the children’s homework. As I said, I have people around who help me with daily chores, making life easier. Apart from the domestic helps, I just do what I need to do with the help of God.

    Share the experience of your first day in court with us

    I was before retired Justice A. L. Balogun, he is late now. I couldn’t sleep all night long. I was reading so that I could get all my facts right. I was nervous and at that time Justice Balogun was almost retiring. The father figure just made things pretty simple for me. Since that day, I just take things in my stride.

    You sound religious. How close are you to God?

    I consider Jesus Christ as my all in all. And he has always been there for me. My favourite bible passage is Romans 9 verse16: “So then it is not of him that willeth or runneth but of the Lord that showeth mercy.” I believe that God has been extremely merciful to me.

    Do you feel intimidated by men in your profession?

    As a matter of fact, we don’t have ladies at the bar, we are all gentlemen. There is no intimidation. I have earned the respect of my male colleagues, especially at the Ikeja Bar Association, where I belong and I am senior member.

  • Preddy Wise set to wed

    Preddy Wise set to wed

    WISDOM, younger brother of Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, is set to quit bachelorhood.  Popularly known as Preddy Wise, the former President of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) will be tying the nuptial knot with Blessing Ezeocha from Mgbidi, Imo State, on May 1 in Asaba, Delta State.

    Their traditional wedding is slated for April 29. The couple met a year ago. Preddy who is now a businessman relocated to Nigeria from his United States base.

    And since his return he has been doing his best possible to be relevant to his immediate community. He launched a non- governmental organisation (NGO), that will serve as his platform of providing quality education to the less-privileged while also offering succour to the widows, all in the bid to complement the efforts of the state government.

  • Reality bites for Sunny Aku

    Reality bites for Sunny Aku

    THESE are definitely not the best of times for Prince Sunny Aku, owner of Novena Majesty, whose union with actress and beauty queen, Dabota Lawson, has broken down due to irreconcilable differences after a few years of their marriage. Last weekend at the Sun Awards, the billionaire businessman stepped out without his ex-beauty queen wife.

    Many people believed age was just a number when the 25-year-old beauty queen stepped out with the 60-year-old businessman at the launch of Sujimoto Construction Company at the WheatBaker Hotel, Lagos and they got married in an elaborate ceremony at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos’ Sky Hall terrace in December 2014. Since they got married, Dabota Lawson and Sunny Aku have been a picture perfect couple with so many cute photos on social media. A few weeks ago, the former beauty queen filed for divorce from her husband of two years with reports that she could no longer “live in fear of the unknown”.

  • KIKI OMEILI – ‘My parents are my greatest influence’

    KIKI OMEILI – ‘My parents are my greatest influence’

    Nkiruka ‘Kiki’ Omeili is best known for playing the role of the antagonistic Titi Haastrup alongside other Nigerian film actors Funke Akindele, Joseph Benjamin and Joke Silva in the 2012 feature film, Married but Living Single. She is also known for her role as Lovette in the TV Series Lekki Wives.  The medical doctor turned actress shares her acting odyssey with Adetutu Audu 

    What are you working on currently?

    I just completed work on a movie called “Blame it on me”, directed by Ikechukwu Onyeka, opposite the legendary Kanayo O Kanayo. It was a wonderful‎ experience.

    You became more popular with your role in TV series, Lekki Wives. How would you describe your experience on the set?

    The set of Lekki Wives is possibly the most disciplined set that I have ever been on. There was such a wonderful rapport among the actors and the synergy was mind blowing. There was a lot of good energy on the set and of course Blessing Egbe always brings her game. It was pretty cool.

    You acted a new movie, Couple of days, what was the attraction for you?

    I liked the fact that it was a movie that addressed marriage and relationships in general.‎ It has so many lessons for couples to learn from. It really hits the spot because practically everybody can relate to it. That, for me, was the attraction.

    You are known to act antagonistic roles, would you say they are coincidental?

    Well, I think it’s a case of the most popular roles being antagonistic roles. I also play a lot of roles where ‎my character is the victim. I just think the “antagonistic” roles are more popular.

    How do you combine your medical profession and acting?

    With my love for media, I make sure that as much as possible I lend medical advice to those willing to listen. I guest host a health show which will air soon. And I do pro bono health work from time to time.

    When you are offered a role, what do you do next?

    The first thing I do is to read the script. If I can visualise the character from the script and the story sits well with me, then I take it from there. I learn everything about the character, her back story, what informs her decisions about several things, and then, if need be, and I do the necessary research to help me adequately interpret the character.

    Which is your most memorable  moment during the course of your career?

    To be honest, every time my work is appreciated is very memorable for me. It’s great to be recognised for doing good work. That being said, winning the award for best actress in a supporting role at the African Film Awards in 2012, winning the GIAMA award for Best Supporting Actress in 2015 and winning the award for Best Actress at the in short film festival stand out for me.

    How challenging has it been over the years?

    Acting is hard work, that’s a fact. It requires a lot of discipline and dedication. So, it is not easy. There’s also a lot of competition, so one has to constantly reinvent the wheel and prove oneself.

    How do you keep fit mentally as an actor?

    As soon as I’m done with a role, I try to purge myself of the character. It’s possible to get in so deep that one continues to behave like the character even after filming. I just go back to my life, things and people I love.

    How do you take a character in a script to an honest, believable and breathing person?

    As I said, if I can visualise myself in the role, then I believe it. And if I believe it, then the audience believes it. The character comes to life. I’m just the tool through which that happens.

    Describe a memorable character you played?

    Blessing in Walter Banger’s “Gbomo Gbomo Express” will always stand out for me. She was a pidgin-speaking, gun-wielding, uncouth and rough-around-the-edges kind of girl. To pull that off believably is still such a thrill for me.

    You once forced Time magazine to do a retraction on the interview you granted, what really went wrong?

    Yes, I did in 2014. I granted the interview and the interviewer didn’t have a tape recorder. She later mixed up her notes‎ and wrote that I dropped out of medical school. The fact that I am a medical doctor and never failed a single course when I was in medical school is a thing of pride for me. It was not easy to get that degree. It took a lot of hard work, discipline and dedication. So when I read that, I knew that I‎ wouldn’t rest until they printed a retraction. I have “Law Allianz” to thank for that. That’s the law firm that handled the case for me.

    What is your success secret?

    My attitude to work and life in general. I keep it positive.

    Who are those who influence you in life- the good, the bad and the ugly?

    My parents have been my greatest influences. I thank them every day for the way I turned out. They did a fabulous job, if I say so myself. I honestly can’t think of anybody who has influenced me negatively.

    What’s your style secret?

    I keep it classy, sexy and most importantly, comfortable.

    Has it been rewarding being an actor? Has the take home pay been taking you home?

    I like the way you put that. “Has the take home pay been taking you home” lol? I’ve had a very rewarding career as an actor. I’ve had the opportunity to play a lot of diverse roles, and that’s something that I’m very grateful for. Truth be told, in the beginning, the remuneration was nothing to write home about. But with more recognition and more work under my belt, it’s a world better. So, yes, it does take me home. Lol.