Category: Sunday Interview

Temi Aboderin Alao is a designer and the CEO of the Golden Curvy Agency. Her passion is to make plus sized ladies look attractive, stand out and be bold and proud.  In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about the early stage of the business, challenges and the turning point. 

What gives you inspiration?

I must say that my inspiration comes from plus sized women.

Interestingly, I was the one of the first to start a holistic brand that focuses on plus sized women. I saw the emerging need for proper fashion retail therapy, plus styling and beauty service that caters specifically to curvy and plus sized ladies.

 I was further inspired by these beautiful women, especially by the strength and boldness they displayed. And as pioneer in plus sized empowerment in Nigeria, we have been able to train, develop and showcase plus sized models in Nigeria in a new and unique way which has eventually given rise to the first plus size modelling agency in Nigeria, the Golden Curvy Agency.

Let’s talk about some memorable moments in your life and career

One of the biggest memorable moments in my life started when I initiated my plus size brand in year 2011 and also doing the official launch in 2012. It was a big step for me because I had the bigger picture in mind, which was empowerment of plus size women as well as making them the beautiful princesses that they are. I really wanted them to be celebrated in a kingdom and then be part of a world that believes that they are just as beautiful, just as talented and just as relevant as any other person.

Luckily, it’s been a very interesting journey. And another memorable moment for me was when I won my first award in 2015. And from those moments, it’s been a pot pourri of activities and now we have won a total of four awards.

What are some of the challenges encountered on the job?

There have been a lot of challenges but the beauty of it all is finding your way around them. For me, the major challenge is human resources and having the appropriate team to manage your business. This actually seems to be the problem for most startup businesses in Nigeria, especially if you are a returnee. Adjusting to the system may take some time getting used to, but all worth it at the end, if you do not give up.

How did you cope with them?

The most important thing is hard work, dedication and perseverance. This can be achieved through prayers, reading and listening to the word of God, and a lot of self- encouragement. And also by not giving up, still keeping the faith that you would surely get the right people to work with. Once you build the team, you can be sure that everything would fall in place in good time.

You can also do this at every phase of the business; restructuring the business and management team as well as bringing in consultants when necessary. This was what we did for the modelling agency when we realised it is an endeavour to be taken in a structured business manner.

Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life and career?

My mother is the greatest influence for me. She has such a glamorous sense of style, even when she is being casual. Although my mum is not plus size, she has displayed a lot of strength in her life. Her strong will and can-do spirit has been a major influence on me. It has helped me to have a good focus, not giving up in the face of odds and to keep going because the sky is just the starting point.

 Let’s compare when you started and now, what has changed?

A lot has changed and it is actually very exciting since we started. It has been a wonderful experience and we have been bold enough to present plus size ladies in new and unique ways. Interestingly, I must say that it has also given others the encouragement to go into the plus size industry.

In the process, you find out that some designers who used to do just standard women wear are now catering solely to plus size and now you have a lot of bold stuff going on and people doing various things in the plus size industry because of the foundation we set for them. One other advantage from this is that the society is a lot less hostile and more welcoming to the plus size industry now compared to when we started. Those of us that were bold enough to start then broke the barriers for others to get noticed today.

What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the sector?

I must say that things are going well in the sector at the moment. We have a lot of creative pieces in both African fashion and the plus size sector. I would therefore say that it is important to have standards, good finishing, export opportunities for products as we continue to grow and develop our brands.

What is your definition of style?

Personally, I like my style to be independent of fashion trend. I strongly believe that no matter what fashion trend is in, my style still remains constant. Style is the ability to make the best, and, sometimes, bold statements using whatever the latest fashion trend maybe.

What are some of the items that you treasure most in your wardrobe?

In my wardrobe, the most treasured item is the brooch that I used on my wedding day. For our wedding, my husband and I wore the same brooch to symbolise that two have become one. Even though it is costume jewellery, it is my most treasured item.

How do you relax?

My life is so busy and so when I get the time to be free from work, the best form of relaxation is sleep. When I am not doing this, then I would be listening to the Word of God, teachings or praise & worship music.

Tell us about some of your awards and recognitions and what they mean to you

The awards and recognitions, received so far, mean a lot to me. They have helped to inspire me to do more. They include, the Fashion Designer of the Year 2015 by the Lagos Fashion Awards and Outstanding Fashion Designer 2015 also from the Lagos Fashion Awards. Others are the Pioneer Plus size Brand in Nigeria 2016 from Africa International Fashion week as well as the Fashion Pioneer For Plus-size Models in Nigeria 2016 .

 Let’s talk about the people you admire

I admire people that are dynamic and have a strong passion for what they do. This includes Joan Okorodudu; I love her strength and how she has been able to build a strong brand, especially her international modelling agency that has helped to discover and develop young talents. I also admire Mrs. Funmi Ajila Ladipo, president of FADAN; she has been a good example of what a leader should be.

If you had to advise young people, what would you tell them?

My advice to the millennial is to develop patience and take one step at a time. Unfortunately, what you find in this microwave generation is that they all want things to happen for them at the speed of light. The truth of the matter, however, is that building something grand and lasting takes time. There is no short cut when it comes to building a structure that is solid or a beautiful skyscraper.

OBIAGELI Ogbenyanu Obi is a lawyer, motivational speaker and strategist. She has strong expertise in leadership & talent development, helping others to discover their potential. In this interview with Omolara Akintoye, she takes you into her world with organisations and community leaders to increase their engagement, productivity and effectiveness.

What makes you a social worker?

In my career journey as a lawyer, I discovered that so many things are lacking in people basically as a result of environmental issues. I decided to look out for ways of improving the productivity in people. My profession as a lawyer and trainer has made me to go out in the search for my true self. I started my own law firm, Obiageli Obi & Associates, [Legal Practitioners and Consultants] in 1986 which I managed successfully as Senior Partner until May 2007, when I decided for private family reasons to take up a position as  Company Secretary/Head of Corporate Services (HR Admin & Corporate Affairs)), First Guarantee Pensions Limited. I was also Chief Operating Officer, Acturus Merchant Trust, an indigenous oil and gas company that operates various types of shipping vessels both within and beyond Nigeria from August 2008 to August 2010. Today, I’m the lead consultant, Eric and Gayle Consulting, (a firm distinguished by its accumulated expertise and capacity to provide professional service in the areas of training to organisations in the public and private sectors) and Of-Counsel, Adeyemi-Akisanya Associates.

Apart from this, I had worked with government and private sector, oil and gas as well as setting up my own company building people, harnessing gifts in them. As a member and field worker of Freedom Foundation, an organisation set up with a mandate to pioneer social reformation within our communities in the areas of rehabilitation, education and empowerment. It was established by Pastor Tony Rapu after he left Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and started his own ministry called God Bless Nigeria. I had worked extensively on the street girls’ project for many years within which I and my team combed the areas of Lagos such as the Bar Beach, Ajegunle, Fadeyi, Shomolu, Akala, Apapa. It was a rescue mission, sometimes taking girls (between 12years-25years) as young as 12years away and bringing them to our hostel called Genesis House. At Genesis House, the girls undergo a holistic experience of restoration which includes medical treatments, spiritual counselling, education, mentoring, skills acquisition, leadership, and financial literacy. Today, some of them have businesses of their own. Some work as skilled hairdressers/stylists in top salons, others work as administrative staff in offices, some are married and a few are in tertiary institutions. I tell you these girls were brought from the street, quite beautiful and gifted. They were out of school mostly because they lost their parents and are into prostitution.  Today some of them are married; some are graduates and are living normal lives.

Do you offer pro bono cases for these women?

However the process of assimilation of these young girls and women into society proved a challenge because of the stigma attached to their former lifestyles. I began to seek by offering free legal services for them as well as laws that will protect these young women and many more that will fall into this category. I also challenge women in decision-making positions at conferences and group sessions to rise up and speak up against the challenges affecting women in the society. I encourage them to join the crusade to empower a woman. Today, these women have a voice; they have a voice and can now speak for themselves.

What is Women in Politics and Governance all about?

This organisation seeks to provide a platform for the enhancement of women’s participation in politics and government by building capacities through a learning process. I’m also the founder of Ignite New Nigeria, an organisation which supports the development of young women’s skills to enable them provide leadership and change.

My leadership development programmes, in addition to my coaching model and emotional intelligence sessions, have transformed many women to leaders. It was set up by a man who is gender sensitive after having realised that for you to join politics as a woman, you must have a passion that drives you into politics. Also you must have what it takes. What is your antecedent? In your community/ locality, what can people point to that you have done, what positive impact have you made? That was why WINPOGOV was set up and ever since we’ve been raising young women.

Also, having seen a generation that doesn’t have role models, whose mothers are too busy fending for money, forgetting who is with these children and who is taking care of them, I also set up similar organisation targeted at young ones. So I find myself constantly in the midst of young women, pushing them, encouraging them that getting married should bring out the best in you, because child bearing brings out the best in you. I find myself encouraging women that they can be married and also play politics, because in raising a child you are raising a nation. Your consistence, passion and all those skills are being matured as you raise each child. These are the skills that you need to succeed in life. Take for instance you’ve had four kids, your skills are being accentuated four times, so those skills will help you in politics; so you are a great politician. My legal knowledge gives me the critical analysis of everything I do. It helps me to have an eagle eye to sort out things. In 2011, I headed a team of professionals and organised and successfully carried out an advocacy and awareness walk tagged ‘Demand a Debate’. ‘The Demand a Debate Walk’ was an attempt by ordinary Nigerians to urge the presidential candidates to heed the call of the electorate to participate in upcoming presidential debates. We felt the candidates should speak directly to Nigerians on the various issues that concern them such as education, electricity, health and employment.

You seem to be wearing so many caps, what does it take to work with people and bring out the best in them?

Everybody in life needs patience and discipline to succeed. You must know when to discipline people and when to reward them.

What are the challenges encountered?

It has been rewarding. I’ve learnt a lot working with people. Each time you work with people you also learn a lot from them. It all about building lives; it has also brought me closer to the people. The major challenge is that if you don’t know any ‘big’ man up there it is difficult to get some jobs and it could be frustrating. I believe my job should speak for me.

Plans for women ahead of 2019 election?

Plans are already on. WINPOGOV is currently training bold, reliable and educated women. We are hoping to have a town hall meeting this year to discuss issues and also bring out these women so that people can identify with them. They may not be ‘big’ women but they are women with values and can also deliver.

Are you satisfied with the number of women so far in politics?

In terms of number, we are yet to be there. As human beings we are bound to make mistakes. If it is a man that makes mistakes people tend to overlook it but should a woman make a mistake it is as if heaven should come down.

Our women are now becoming bolder, they are no longer taking the back seat. But we still need more women in politics.

Message for Nigerian women ahead of 2019 election

As a woman, bear it in mind that it is your preparation that will take you there. But then the terrain is still not encouraging. A lot of women are afraid because of dirty politics that men are playing. Men don’t even want their wives to come out because of the intrigues involved. Women should step up their games, they are not weaker vessels; rather, they are very intelligent and hardworking. Put your energies to work, improve on yourself, and never use your gender as an excuse to stay off work.

Working in a male-dominated world, how has it been?

I have a good relationship with them – once you give them the respect they deserve. I enjoy working with them and I will take the experience with me wherever I go.

If there is anything that Adesuwa Cynthia Sapara loves to talk about, it is her passion for the needy and charity work with IDPs in 2016. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about contesting for the MBGN pageant, life as a model and living in Canada.

When did you contest for the MBGN pageant?

That was in year 2015, and it was a very exciting experience for me. I was Miss Edo in the contest and I emerged as the fourth runner up.

What inspired you to get involved with the pageant?

I have always wanted to help out. I also like charity work and, at the same time, I like things that involve fashion and beauty. I also love to reach out to people because this might help to save lives and remove tears from someone. Pageants, for me, are interesting because you get to meet people and people get to listen to you on behalf of others. So, for me, that was a plus and if you have that, then you can touch a lot of lives.

Did someone motivate you in this area?

Actually, there was someone, which is funny because I read a little bit about her when I was a kid. That is Bianca Ojukwu. She got into a pageant and married the late warlord. I like her courage and determination. She did everything she touched very well and also got into public life as an ambassador.

What was it like preparing for that particular pageant?

Just before that experience, I had participated in the Top Model of the World competition and I represented Nigeria there. I also did Miss Global Nigeria, and in 2013 I represented Nigeria in Egypt.

What was the experience like?

It was really good. The food, the scenery and everything was really good. I wanted to go for MBGN because I knew that from there, I could represent Nigeria at the Miss World Pageant and this is one of the biggest pageants in the world. I believe that if I could go that far, I would be able to touch a lot of people’s lives.

How did you feel when you emerged as fourth runner up at the pageant?

It was okay. Obviously, all the girls wanted to win and so I put in a lot of work. However, towards the end of the pageant, I fell sick and that was not a good experience. My legs started to swell up and I couldn’t walk properly. I lost my voice, had sore throat, cough and fever. Literarily, it was as if my body was breaking down. In spite of all that, I put in my best and I am proud about it.

What happened immediately after the pageant?

I got a lot of attention. During the pageant, apparently some people heard me talk on TV and they thought I was faking my accent. Most of the girls who contested at the pageants are usually Nigeria-based girls. So hearing me talk differently, they were like, ‘why should she talk differently?’

What do you do in Canada?

Basically, I studied a Bachelor of Science and also Technology Engineering. My parents wanted me to go to medical school, so this was like a pre-med for me and the technology part was to have access to the job market like oil and gas.

At what point did you get into modelling?

I have always been scouted for jobs in the United Kingdom (UK) where I schooled. There I got some opportunities but I wasn’t really interested then because of my studies. Then someone advised that I could do both simultaneously. I saw other girls doing same and realised that it wasn’t just about beauty but it was about using what you have to help, and that is what I like. So, when I came to Nigeria, I was doing an internship with a hospital. There I met a lady who noticed me and told me about an audition. I went and got picked for the Miss Global Pageant. There I also made friends and met people. I became the 1st runner up for the Miss Global Pageant.

What did you do with the modelling experience in Canada?

I got signed up with some modelling agencies in Canada and usually they get you jobs to travel abroad and work. However, sometimes when I am in school, it clashes a lot with my school time and sometimes I had to reject some of those jobs. Most of the jobs that I take are those based in Canada. Over there, while I was in school, I also modelled.

How did you find the modelling experience?

I found that it was difficult to break in as a black model. However, I didn’t bother myself with that because if you do, then you won’t want to press further. In Nigeria, I know that people say the models here are not well paid and so many other stories. Personally, I feel that the models have to rebel, have standards, and decide that ‘we are not going to work for you if you don’t pay us.’ Irrespective of what’s going on, it is their career. For me, modelling is not a career, it’s just a hobby.

Tell us how you got into charity work

I have always loved to volunteer for charity organisations and I have done that a lot in Canada. I had always wanted to do this initially, but I didn’t know how to go about it. So, after my pageant, I contacted my lawyer and told him what I wanted to do and he told me about the procedure. It is called St. Sapara Foundation, and, every year, I am going to focus on a different project. The fund raiser that I did in Canada focused on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). This year, I am going to be focusing on something else; would work more on health.

What was the experience from the work with IDPs?

Basically, it gave me motivation to be in politics. My parents are into business, they are entrepreneurs. I have talked to people back in Canada but a lot of people didn’t seem to connect and I didn’t like that. A lot of people don’t connect because their families are not affected. The feeling usually is that ‘I am in Lagos, so why should I worry about people in Borno?’ I think everybody should be worried and want to help out. If we all decide to support with N50 or N100 based on our population, it would surely go a long way. It’s a chain effect and things would change. I believe that we can bring out our selfless part and touch lives. I really want to help others.

Susan Eyo Honesty, the publisher of Glam and Essence magazine, recently clocked 50. In this interview with Mujidat Balogun she recalls how her career in journalism started, the people who inspired her, achievements over the years and how she has coped with the challenges.

When and how did you start your career in journalism?

I started as a youth corps member. I started working in a media house as a corps member.  I went there to serve at first, that was Tell magazine, and I realised that this was what I wanted to do and stayed there. I then moved from that media house which was first Tell magazine to Vintage People,  that was the name of the magazine but it is no longer in existence.

I later moved to The News magazine, which is hard sell and was different from where I was coming from. From there, I joined City People, where I worked for 16 years before I decided to start my own magazine called Glam and Essence.

Who are your role models in journalism?

Well, there are several people that I admire and look up to. First and foremost is my first boss, the person who nurtured me and made me interested in the job. That’s the publisher of Vintage People at the time, Mr. Muyiwa Adetiba. Of course, there are a number of other people like Mayor Akinpelu.  I met him on the job. Also Bob D, that is Chief Dele Momodu, and even some female journalists like the late MEE Mofe Damijo. I think these are the people who defined the media at that time and they left with a good mark and I am inspired by them. And, of course, there is also Mr. Bayo Onanuga, who was one of the founders of The News magazine. These are people who taught me the rudiments of journalism and I learnt so much from them. Of course, there are some others that I just love what they do and I get inspiration from them. I therefore consider them as my role models in the field.

What has journalism helped you to achieve?

It has helped me meet people; it also helped me to understand the workings of the Nigerian society. In addition, it has helped me to discover myself and develop the many roles that I have found myself in. These include life as businesswoman, journalist, and it also has helped me to see the world from different perspectives. In addition, I have travelled around the world on account of my job and I met other people in the profession. I learnt a number of things from some of them; this includes the style of writing that I adopted and I learnt from meeting other journalists from outside Nigeria.

All these help in the report of news, reporting of people as well. In many ways, journalism has helped me as a person and also in my career and I have acquired a lot of knowledge.

What were the challenges you faced and how did you sail though the difficulties?

Challenges will always come; whether you are a journalist or not, you will face challenges. When we started our practice, the media was more of a place where you found a lot of men, there were few women on the job that were doing well. So, we were faced with challenges and had to prove ourselves.

 I was able to do that. I don’t think I was bothered that much by the belief that in a men-dominated environment you cannot prosper or grow. I was also fortunate that I had male colleagues who were ready to assist me to grow. I think I was blessed; I have good mentors in the media that I don’t feel small by their side.  I enjoyed the job and saw that I enjoyed what I was doing and they were willing to show me the way. At the end of the day, I overcame whatever should have been a challenge.

Let’s talk about some memorable moments in your life

Several. I think my most unforgettable experience was meeting the late warlord, Ojukwu, by interviewing him when he came back from exile. It was an experience that I will never forget because it was someone I heard my parents talk about concerning the Biafra war. And here I was having the opportunity to meet him alive, to actually talk to him and interview him. Also to be admired by such a person, as young as I was, for my ability to tackle him with questions that were quite refreshing, made me feel good. It was an experience that I will never forget.

At 50, you seem not to be ageing, what is the secret?

I live and let live. I don’t let anything bother me. I don’t carry any grudge. I know when to walk away from things. One of the things that kill people is that they just grudge and it is like cancer, it eats you up. I know when to take timeout for myself. I travel and when I do that I go out and I really relax myself. I think another good thing for me is that I have good genes. I inherited that from my father; in my father’s family, almost everyone has a youthful genre. So I think I inherited that from him and I call it blessings.

What will you consider as the high points in your career?

The high point for me will be the fact that I was able to step out and start my own magazine at a time when a lot of people were afraid to do that. The print media for many was despair by the fact that the social media was coming on board. So, most people felt ‘oh! you won’t be able to survive, people don’t use print media like they do before and this is not time to start out’ and all of that. But I just felt that this is what I wanted to do and it is something I heard clearly from a lot of people. I think that will be the high point of my career. The fact that I was able to do so, not only the print publication but also the online publication, that is fantastic.

What gave birth to Glam and Essence magazine?

As I said, it is something that I always wanted to do. I believe that I wanted to do a lifestyle magazine that would be different from others and I also captured some of the things I enjoyed reading in foreign magazine. So this is not your everyday kind of lifestyle magazine; it is totally different. It’s a balance of featuring lifestyle matters, great interviews and beautiful articles about life. Of course, there is a bit of healthy gist about people. These are things I incorporated in the lifestyle magazine that I was part of and it has worked.

How has it been in the driver’s seat of a magazine publication?

It has not been funny but I am enjoying it. I have always been in the position of authority in the media before starting mine; I was the deputy editor in chief of the magazine I was coming from. I have always had that power to define things, take decisions on important matters. So, it was something that I was familiar with. I also run a business and I have been in the driver’s seat and it is just like what I have always done. So, I wasn’t overwhelmed and it was not such a difficult thing to do.

How is the patronage (hardcopy) especially in these days of online invasion?

It’s been good. Yes, I mean being in the media for the five years of existence in our economy has been good. It could have been better but I will not complain.

At what point in your career did you go into fashion?

Oh! I have always done that. I started my fashion business   since I left the university. Of course, I think it all started before I entered the university. I have always done that and it’s a part of me that I cherish.

I took it up when I started working, put it aside again but I went to school in the year 2000; its always been fashion. I was able to strike a balance between that business and also being a journalist and I have done this for 15 years.

How well do you still function as a fashion designer?

Perfectly well. I mean you are talking to me in my show room; there are structure that I put in my place to enable business to function even if am not there. I have people who make the clothes, I have people who sell them and I already have a clientele that when they need to meet me they can book an appointment to do that. So for 15 years, I have been in the business and I have been able to function with or without me. So it’s been good.

As a busy woman, how do you relax?

I love to travel. That’s my own form of relaxation or go to parties. When my friends invite me to a party I let my head down and I enjoy myself. I also know how to create my own time to unwind to just get into myself, it’s important to do that. You must always offload.

What is the definition of your style?

 Comfort, simplicity; you have to be simple. I don’t believe you have to be busy for you to be elegant and you must be comfortable with whatever you are wearing, comfort is number one.

How would you assess our designers today?

They are all doing very well. I mean, thank God now Nigerians are wearing made in Nigeria, which is amazing. Once upon a time, most Nigerians didn’t want to spend money on made in Nigeria outfits, they believed that they only spend money on aso-ebi. But now designers are making waves everywhere. Anywhere you go now, you see designs, and I can tell when it is a design from Nigeria by a Nigerian designer. People are now wearing designs and our designers are very creative, very imaginative. Their imaginations are amazing in terms of designs that they fold.

Tell us about some memorable moments in life

The memorable moment of my life is realising that I have been able to achieve some of the things I wanted to do in my career and I have done it by the grace of God and other things I believe God for. I think that is the most memorable time of my life – seeing that my dreams are coming true.

One cannot tell your story without mentioning the years you spent at City People magazine. You are like a figure that cannot be separated from the history of that magazine, how would you describe your years at City People?

They were my formative years for what I am doing now. I will say they were the years I was able to nurture my career fully as a journalist, taking it beyond just being a reporter, to being someone that is good on the job, being acknowledged and respected. So, I will say that they have been amazing years for me. A period of building a career and also having a name. They were the years when Susan Eyo-Honestly made a name within the media and within the function cycle where I have upgraded.

If you had to advise journalists today, what would you tell them?

Believe in yourself and believe in what you are doing, don’t measure your ability with the next person’s own. Just let that gift inside you shine through; just be you. People will definitely identify you, they will see who you are in your writing, in your words and they will respect you for it. Just be yourself.

OLORI Sekinat Aramide Elegushi is the wife of HRM Oba Saheed Elegushi, the youngest king in Lagos State. A graduate of Accountancy, Olori Elegushi has a rare talent with home design and decoration. She runs the Queens Park and Lounge, a family leisure beach, and also has huge investment in the fashion industry.
The mother of three, who clocked 40 recently, shares with Adetutu Audu on her life, marriage and sundry

What does being 40 mean to you?

It means so much to me. I have been reflecting a lot on how I feel about turning 40. It is an age that seems to represent maturity and a more defined responsible living. I have observed that many people dread their 40th birthdays, as if losing one’s 30s is something to be mournful about. At 40, I see life differently now. A wise person once said, “We should not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” So, for me, attaining the age of 40 is a privilege and I am grateful to God for giving me the grace to celebrate that age in sound health and with my loved ones.

It is a popular saying that life begins at 40. For you, would you agree with that saying?

No, I don’t believe that life begins at 40. It is a cliché that has been over-flogged for many decades. Youth, itself, is a state of mind, not a physical condition, so, you are as old as you feel. Deep inside, I am still the vivacious young girl that I was when I was in my mid 20s and 30s. More than that, though, if given the choice, I don’t think I would want to turn the clock back. I like who I am at 40. I am growing into my own woman. I am stronger and wiser, more comfortable in my own skin and certainly more confident than I was when I was in my 30s.

What lessons has life taught you at 40?

It has taught me a lot. We tend to take so many things for granted, even the most insignificant of things. I have come to see life more as a gift and each day as a blessing. Life has taught me to be more grateful for the things I have. Now, I am more conscious of living a healthy life. The moment a woman crosses the 30s line, maintaining a good health should top the list of her priorities. So, I am going to be paying more than a cursory attention to my health. Also, life has taught me to be more active in my attitude to kindness. I have come to realise that one gets a lot of fulfillment from being genuinely kind to other people.

If there is anything you want to change about yourself, what will it be?

I don’t think I would want to change anything about myself. I believe that an important aspect of personal development is accepting who you are and loving all aspects of yourself. Of course, there is always room for improvement. But if I were to change anything, it is that I would like to be more focused on whatever task or project I am doing at a set time. I tend to do several things at the same time. This makes me get bored easily, and tend to suspend or extend what I am doing. I need to motivate myself more to finish tasks as fast as possible. I have times when I get side tracked. If I wasn’t sidetracked and never wasted any time at all, I would surely achieve all of my goals on time.

Growing up, what were those things that shaped you into who you are now?

I have not lived life long enough to objectively pick the experience that has ‘most shaped’ who I am. Who I am is constantly evolving every second of the day because new experiences are happening every minute. All experiences are potentially life altering. Sometimes, experiences that seem unimportant now can have massive effects on our lives that we may not be aware of and only fully understand and appreciate years later. But I must say that love has shaped me into the person I am today. Not so much the romantic kind of love, but the genuine love from my parents, husband, children and friends. The love I have for other people and the love they have for me has shaped me into the person I am today. Life and one’s experiences will definitely keep shaping one constantly. But the greatest impact on my personality is affected by my family – especially my parents and husband.

What are your greatest accomplishments from the previous years?

I don’t believe my previous accomplishment should be defined by my past. The future is out there for everyone to conquer. The road ahead is wide open; just make sure you are well-positioned in the driver’s seat. So, when I think about my greatest accomplishments, I think about where I am today, I think about being alive and I think about all the good things in my life and the happiness I can bring to the world around me. What are your wishes for the upcoming year?

I want to be able to reach out to people more often than before. I have discovered that there are so many people around us who need help. I believe we should always strive to remember them. We need to remember those people at every corner, every crossroads and every intersection. Remember that what you take goes with you when you are gone, but what you give is immortal.

What is the one piece of advice you would you give your future self?

That will be to invariably have more experience, a greater perspective and more wisdom. I have told myself, never to accept something as truth simply because someone, or everyone, says it is so. Instead, I will use the information available to me, and the wisdom and experience of others, and then trust my own intuition and decide for myself.

What are some of the important decisions you made that you learned from?

There are a whole lot of such decisions. The most important ones were to get educated, get married and have kids, after I graduated from the university. But I think the most important decision anyone can make is really to choose happiness. This includes deciding how you react to life, even though you can’t always control what happens to you.  That way, no matter what happens, rather than have any regret, you can always look back on those decisions as just needing to be made and not something that will take away from your life.

As you look back over your life, what will you describe as the major turning point experience that changed the course of your life?

It is motherhood. The birth of a child, filled with pain and emotion. It was the most momentous turning point for me. Becoming someone’s mother meant that my role in the world had changed—I wasn’t just the same old me trying to be a new, improved version. I was a mother, really and truly, and the question was, what kind of person or what kind of a mother, would be reflected in my child’s eyes.

What would you say are the major values or principles that you live by?

I live by the principles of fulfillment, humility, giving and forgiveness. As I get older, I am driven by the passion to create a more fulfilling life by paying attention to the good things, not the bad things; by celebrating the positive stuff, not whining about the negative stuff and by working on things that I love, not doing the things that I hate. As for humility, it is one virtue that was inculcated in me from childhood, and one I also learnt from my husband. He always tells me that humility will earn you more respect, acknowledgment and recognition than arrogance ever will. There is no need to be a show-off. If you are really good at what you do, it will automatically show through your accomplishments. And being generous doesn’t deprive you. When you are generous to others, you subsequently receive more into your life. Rather than think about what you can receive, whether from people or from the universe, think about what you can give to others. And forgiveness is not about forgiving other people. It is really about forgiving yourself and shedding emotional burdens.

You married your childhood sweetheart. 13 years down the line, the bond keeps waxing stronger. What is the secret of your success in marriage?

The secret of my marriage is God and rest of mind. My husband showers me with love and gives me peace of mind. He makes me happy always. My happiness is of paramount importance to him, and he has never given me a reason to doubt his love and commitment to me and the children.

Your husband, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, is reputed to be the youngest king in Lagos State. What is it like, being married to him?

(Smiles) One thing I will tell you is that, even before my husband ascended the throne, I had always considered myself as being blessed and privileged to be married to a man like him. The issue here is not about being married to a king. Rather, it is more of being married to a man who understands me and who completes me. So, this makes me feel grateful to God, because He has made it possible for me to enjoy that privilege.

Is there something that you had to sacrifice for the throne?

I didn’t have to sacrifice anything for the throne. May be a little bit of my private life and being more accessible to people.

How has being a queen affected your dress sense?

Being a queen has not affected my dress sense in any way. My style of dressing is still the same. I still dress the way I used to do before I became a queen. Maybe, the only way it might have been affected is that I can no longer leave my hair bare. I have to cover it with headgear or wrap most of the time. And I have to dress with elegance, while remaining conservative at the same time. Nowadays, I wear more of traditional outfits most of the times. But I still wear my jeans and other casuals.

Can you describe your personal style?

Well, I believe a woman’s personal style is an expression of her spirit and character. There is nothing wrong in finding a look that suits you and sticking to it. Every woman of style should be consistent in whatever she wears. And that means keeping to the basics and getting creative at all times. I enjoy experimenting with bold and creative designs, and I learn a lot from the designers I patronise. So, consistency defines my style. Vibrancy also defines my style. I love playing with bright colours and this habit is evident in my style of dressing.

What are the fashion items you can’t do without?

I can’t do without my perfumes, and I have my signature fragrance. In the last couple of years, I have come to love the Oud fragrances. I try to keep a sizable collection as well. I love Oud because it is such an incredible fragrance and the base smell always stands out beautifully. It is also one of the longest lasting fragrances one can ever wear. I love good bags also, but nothing beats my addiction for Oud perfumes.

You studied Accountancy but have huge investment in the interior decorating and hospitality sector. Which one is the most fulfilling for you?

The three give me fulfillment. Accountancy is my professional background, while interior decorating and hospitality are what I developed a passion for while growing up. My training as an accountant has helped in enhancing my entrepreneurial skills in interior decorating and hospitality businesses. So, the three go hand in hand, but I am more at home with interior decorating and hospitality.

You have a foundation for children within your kingdom. What inspired your charitable side?

It is inspired by my attitude of gratitude to God for the gift of life. I feel grateful whenever I fulfill a need. I am reminded of how blessed I am to be alive. As you give and reach out to other people, you can’t help but feel grateful for the blessings in your life.

You are an advocate for women and youth empowerment. Are you satisfied with level of women and youth empowerment in your kingdom?

Yes, I am. But there are still a lot of areas to be covered and we are working on carrying out more activities, which will add value to the people. I am involved in the International Women’s Society (IWS) Skills Centre in Ikate. The centre has trained thousands of students. Last August, we had our 17th graduation ceremony, where over 120 people graduated.

Taiwo Olusolademi Ogunbiyi is the CEO of Prolific Couture. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, the psychology graduate talks about his early life and survival which made him discover his passion as a designer.

How did you career in fashion begin?

Interestingly, it started in school while I was hustling to survive. I remember that most of the shoes that I wore then, I made myself. I also did some that I sold to friends, colleagues and other people. In school, we had some matured students who were working and they really patronised me at that point.

I also got some inspiration from my aunt who had a jewellery store where I usually assisted her. Here, I learnt how to string beads together on my own. I am just a very creative person and I discovered that potential early. Once I see something, I get cracking and as I work on it, it gets better. My aunt always loved the pieces that I designed and most times, all she had to do was put a price tag on it and it was ready for sale.

It started as a passion but also for survival. Growing up for me was so tough and I had to do a number of things to support my mum. I am from a polygamous family and there was great competition within.

What vision did you have at the beginning?

Sincerely speaking, I never planned to be a fashion designer. I studied psychology at the University of Ibadan. I have always wanted to be in the force or in the secret service. My dad is a retired military man and in the family, we have a lot of people in the military. Apart from that, I love the way they do their things with precision and people often call me solider.

Did you finally go to a fashion school?

Yes, I did. I started as a mediocre. Initially, there was no formal training but because of the passion that I had, I was able to satisfy my clients. Usually, I sketched the designs, even though it wasn’t so perfect and it gave me a guide. Then one day, I met a lady on Instagram and she liked my pictures and designs so much. Then she sent a message asking me which fashion school I attended. Interestingly, I wanted to go to a fashion school but there was no time. I told the lady that I had never been to one and she introduced me to Zarris Fashion Academy.

At what point did your hobby become a business?

I actually started my business in Ibadan and had to come back to Lagos for the training. After our university days at Ibadan, we enjoyed the environment and stayed back in Ibadan – but it was an off and on kind of thing. I kept shuttling between Lagos and Ibadan. I came back to Lagos for the training, and initially I found that the training was rigorous and tough. It is not everyone we started the course with that finished at the end of the day. It was tough but if you have the passion it would sustain you. As a matter of fact, I was sponsoring myself and so I knew I had to put everything into it. In my mind, I knew that I had to keep fighting to survive; I fought and finished very well at the end of the course. I was one of the best students in my set and I was given an award as the most outstanding student and received the hall of fame award.

What made you stand out amongst your peers?

My kind of fashion is different from others. I don’t use magazines, I don’t copy styles. I create my designs. Some people would tell me that some people are copying my designs but I tell them that ‘let them copy it; if you cannot copy a design it just means that the design is not good’. I would say that my designers are pure urban; I am an urban designer, a non-conformist to traditional designs. I stand out because I am so proud of my designs, they are mine. I can say it anywhere, they are original. Though it might have been inspired by something, from somewhere, still you find something peculiar, unique and original in the pieces that I churn out. This makes me proud of the hours that I work into the night, the sleepless nights and determination that I put into what I do.

What do you mean by urban fashion? I would call it street, city, modern or contemporary fashion. It is what you see nowadays and what the people love to wear. They are things that are trending.

What did you do with psychology that you studied in the university?

I studied psychology then because I wanted to be in the force and perhaps have a Masters in Criminology. I have never worked with that certificate because I started the fashion business shortly after my graduation from the university. However, I must say that the degree in psychology has helped me a great deal when it comes to managing my staff and working with clients.

What are some of the challenges that you have experienced since you started?

I have experienced a lot of challenges. I remember there was a time I made an outfit for a woman and got her so angry. The clothes was really good, I expected commendation for a job well done. Everybody who saw it loved it but the owner was angry. Interestingly, she came back with a client after wearing the outfit. It is not easy to design and expect the owner to like it because people have different tastes. So you have to understand the client very well. I am running an African boutique where you have both formal, casual and traditional. I am also launching my tee shirt brand which is also very unique with some spectacular prints on them.

What inspires your designs?

It is so funny. I am a Telemundo fan. I get so many inspirations from watching Telemundo. A lot of people thought that Telemundo is meant for women alone, that is not true. I get inspiration from the designs, furniture, interior and even finishing. On a typical day, I don’t sleep early and if I am watching Telemundo, I usually have my sketch book beside me. I have two brands: Prolific Couture and Tai Prolific. Prolific Couture came first and it was meant to serve my clients and soothe what they wanted. On the other hand, Tai Prolific is for ready-to-wear outfits. If you are coming to buy, then you go to Tai Prolific, but if I am making something special for you, then it is the other brand. This is a passion that came from early struggle.

You do more of men things and a few for female, why is this so?

I started with both male and female. But the challenges with making clothes for women are more. Women do not appreciate the kind of outfits that I make, especially when it comes to paying for it. However, I still do things for them.

How would you assess our designer; which of them do you admire?

As an urban designer, Kola Kudus is someone that I admire. I like his designs and see some similarities in the things that I do.  In the next five years, I want to be one of the top designers in Nigeria. I also want my brand to be known all over the world.