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Esther Ijewere

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In self development By

MEET THE 13-YEAR OLD FOUNDER OF HAIR CARE PRODUCTS WHO WON $25K IN FUNDING

At just thirteen years old, Lexi Proctor launched her own hair care line, Curlanista, because she wanted girls to feel empowered to wear their natural curls proudly. Her brand most recently received the top honor in the Sally Beauty Cultivate Program where they won $25,000 in funding and support to help grow their business.

Lexi is a beautiful girl with natural curls. But she felt otherwise when she was bullied about her hair. She even tried straightening her curls up to the point of damaging it just so the bullies would stop.

Eventually, she learned how to embrace her natural hair and encouraged others to do the same thing. It’s what inspired her to create homemade blends from what she learned as a STEM student. Her brand, Curlanista, definitely promotes healthy, curly hair and self-love.

“I wanted to build this brand to help other girls going through what I went through. I want them to not only love who they are but know that what other people say doesn’t matter,” Lexi told Hello Beautiful.

Her ideas are what made her win the Sally Beauty Cultivate “For Women by Women” accelerator program. Curlanista will receive $25,000 in financial support, product distribution at SallyBeauty.com, select local store distribution in Maryland and Virginia, mentorship from the Sally Beauty management team and fellow female brand entrepreneurs, among others.

Moreover, Lexi looks up to successful Black women such as Beyonce and Oprah, but she said it’s her mother Monica Proctor, who is also the brand’s co-founder, that really pushed her to dream big.

“My mom is literally my biggest cheerleader. I thank her because she has given me so many opportunities to try out different interests and experience new things,” she said. “I have so much confidence because of her. When times get hard she pushes me to not give up and even offers to help me when she can.

As a young entrepreneur, Lexi is continuously learning. She is being hands-on with the business while at the same time prioritizing her studies. She said, “If I have a homework assignment or project due I make sure I get that done first because education is my priority. Then I work on my business each day even if its a 15 minute post I write to make sure I engage with my followers.”

Lexi encourages other young entrepreneurs to show hard work, consistency, and dedication to be taken seriously in the adult-dominated business world. She added, “You will be amazed at what you can do if you don’t give up.”

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SIJU YUSUF: GENDER EQUALITY

One of academias most intractable problems is gender distribution and representation.

The number of accomplished women though appreciably increasing in recent year is a barb, compared to their male counterparts.

Even in religious circles, restrictions are enforced on the extent to which a woman ‘owns’ the space.

And the list is endless…

This discovery is not new, I am only jostled by recent research outcome on women participation in seminars.

Findings reveal that women ask the least questions.

This makes me wonder and think about the struggle against patriarchy.

A seminar is a for-all kind of participation except if there are specific dictates against it. Particularly in the academia where participants are not only learned, but also usually have strong arguments and opinions on issues.

I am forced to think, that as much as we favor patriarchy in discourses of gender relations and participation in various fields, perhaps, there is an innate disposition of a woman, to be less confrontational.

This line of thoughts amongst other more acclaimed arguments bordering on physical attributes, emotional relations etc sits to juxtapose all reasoning of gender equality.

As research evolves, new line of thoughts are provoked. Maybe the fight to adopt in this present time is the one for human rights.

Gender equality in all its complexities continues to unveil limitless dimensions.

While you are sweating it, trying to convince the unlettered, perhaps, your argument would hold more water if there’s a human right slant to it.

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“I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING BULLYING SINCE MY CHILDHOOD” – ADETUTU OJ ALABI

Adetetu OJ Alabi is a Nigerian model, anti-bully activist, tambour beading artist, social entrepreneur and advocate for beauty tribal marks and indigenous body modifications.

She is using social media to create awareness and change the tale of people with tribal marking in Africa. The beautiful model recently caught the  attention of International Music star Rihanna after started a campaign called #tribalmarkschallenge, to encourage Africans with tribal marks and also advocate for the ban of facial scarring. Tutu believes permission should be sought before it is carried out

“I started modelling last year after I came out from my shell or hiding due to my tribal marks. The bullying started in my primary and secondary school days. Due to this, I learnt a skill instead of going to university” says the beautiful mum of one whose baby daddy left after she got pregnant because of her tribal marks

She shares her story with me in this inspiring interview.

Growing up

My mum died when I was four years old, so I grew up with my dad. I was brought up by my dad and he taught me to be prepared for anything life brings to me, this has been guiding principle ever since.

Effect of Tribal marks on my education

I was supposed to study law but I decided not to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination at all because I was scared of being bullied in the university. I believed that if I attended university, I might end up killing myself, but that perception has changed now with my renewed confidence.

The Rihanna move

I have always been a fan of Rihanna since she came out and I was inspired to do the post that went viral because I also had a photo which Rihanna did the same posture for her Fenty beauty advert. It has always been  my dream as a child to model with the tribal marks. I have been bullied so much and the follow back from Rihanna has helped  build my confidence and others that have tribal marks too.

 My Social Media Bullying experience 

I have been experiencing bullying since my childhood but Social media especially  Facebook opened me up to it because of my Tribal marks. Few months before my story went viral I was bullied on Facebook and became suicidal at a point but some of my Facebook friends  rallied round me whenever someone talked me down.They gave me reasons to fight and stand up for myself and not give in to bullying.

#Tribalmarkschallenge and Future Plans

I started the campaign this year to advocate for people with tribal marks and It’s gone viral to my surprise and helped boost the confidence of those living with it. I have gotten testimonies from a lot of people who told me my boldness in advocating for this cause helped renewed their confidence and re-ignite their trust in humanity. People are talking about how to conceal their marks but this is me. You can be anything you want to be. Don’t let your scars bring you down”

In 2019, I am starting another pet project to create awareness on tribal marks with  major focus on rural areas in Nigeria

Other Projects

 Apart from modeling, I am also a tambour beading artist and a traditionalist. I also have a clothing line and a shoe line though they’re still in the baby stages of start-ups.

The Adetutu OJ brand in 5 years

 I see myself spreading my skills and talents all over the world along with my brand. I see myself sharing my story globally and encouraging women with tribal marks .

Giving up

Being  an orphan and  because most of my friends are people I know online, I barely have someone to talk to whenever I feel depressed or giving up especially since I’m not earning enough yet. I was suicidal twice this in 2018 even after the story went viral and had so much media  attention globally. I have thought of quitting many times but I encourage myself to look at the bright side always

Rejected by my child’s father because of my Tribal Marks

I got pregnant in 2009 after a brief relationship and told him and he absconded while I have to take care of my daughter by placing her in her orphanage then after 9 years he saw me on the internet and seek to see my daughter and claimed he couldn’t bear to tell me he couldn’t move with me because of my tribal marks. My daughter and I got help from Pastor Ituah and his foundation (Lydia Grace Foundation and Heritage Homes & Orphanage). These people helped me focus on how get ahead in life through my rejection and lonely period.

My Inspiration

 My daughter inspires me to do better and never give up. whenever I feel down. She makes me challenge myself because she is watching everything I do and because of her I have to succeed against all odds.

Reception from the Modelling Industry

The modelling industry in Nigeria have not really accepted me yet because I’m unconventional and I’m different from the regular models due to my tribal marks. I recently got featured in Davido’s new music video and I am looking forward to other opportunities in the new year. I am grateful to the founder of Isis models Africa who sees potential in me. With support from people like her and others, I believe I can go beyond the sky and achieve my dreams.

Being a woman of Rubies

What makes a woman of rubies is the fact that I refuse to give up and made lemonades from the lemonades life threw at me.

I made a name for myself with what I was being bullied for, I am a woman of Rubies and more.

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I AM A WARRIOR, A FIGHTER, AN AMAZON” – MERCY AIGBE , AS SHE SHARES LOVELY NEW PHOTOS ON HER 41ST BIRTHDAY

January 1st was  Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe‘s birthday and she  shared some  new photos to celebrate her 41st birthday.

She also shared a message to herself on her social media page and it is so fierce. We love her energy going into the new year.

On this Day! Several years ago, a QUEEN was born, she is Strong, Dogged, a goal getter , yet with the purest of hearts!!…… She reigns supreme on her throne!…..Her Crown is heavy but she wears it gracefully as if it were a feather, there is strength in her heart, determination in her eyes, and the will to survive resides within her soul, she is me, a warrior, a fighter, an Amazon, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, QUEEN M……..Happy Birthday to me

 

See the photos below.

Credits:
Make up @beautifixx
Hair @ayochicandstyle
Accessories @wowaccessorries
Styling @styledbyseun
Photography @osbaltphotography
Outfit @ceolumineeofficial

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MEET THE 10-YEAR-OLD MATHS GENIUS WHO JUST ENROLLED IN COLLEGE

At first glance Esther Okade seems like a normal 10-year-old. She loves dressing up as Elsa from “Frozen,” playing with Barbie dolls and going to the park or shopping.

But what makes the British-Nigerian youngster stand out is the fact that she’s also a university undergraduate.
Esther, from Walsall, an industrial town in the UK’s West Midlands region, is one of the country’s youngest college freshmen.
Esther Okade & Family
The talented 10-year-old enrolled at the Open University, a UK-based distance learning college, in January and is already top of the class, having recently scored 100% in a recent exam.
“It’s so interesting. It has the type of maths I love. It’s real maths — theories, complex numbers, all that type of stuff,” she giggles. “It was super easy. My mum taught me in a nice way.”
She adds: “I want to (finish the course) in two years. Then I’m going to do my PhD in financial maths when I’m 13. I want to have my own bank by the time I’m 15 because I like numbers and I like people and banking is a great way to help people.”
And in case people think her parents have pushed her into starting university early, Esther emphatically disagrees.
“I actually wanted to start when I was seven. But my mum was like, “you’re too young, calm down.” After three years of begging, mother Efe finally agreed to explore the idea.
A marvelous mathematical mind
Esther has always jumped ahead of her peers. She sat her first Math GSCE exam, a British high school qualification, at Ounsdale High School in Wolverhampton at just six, where she received a C-grade. A year later, she outdid herself and got the A-grade she wanted. Then last year she scored a B-grade when she sat the Math A-level exam.
Esther’s mother noticed her daughter’s flair for figures shortly after she began homeschooling her at the age of three. Initially, Esther’s parents had enrolled her in a private school but after a few short weeks, the pair began noticing changes in the usually-vibrant youngster.
Efe says: “One day we were coming back home and she burst out in tears and she said ‘I don’t ever want to go back to that school — they don’t even let me talk!’
“In the UK, you don’t have to start school until you are five. Education is not compulsory until that age so I thought OK, we’ll be doing little things at home until then. Maybe by the time she’s five she will change her mind.”
Efe started by teaching basic number skills but Esther was miles ahead. By four, her natural aptitude for maths had seen the eager student move on to algebra and quadratic equations.
And Esther isn’t the only maths prodigy in the family. Her younger brother Isaiah, 6, will soon be sitting his first A-level exam in June.
A philanthropic family
Not content with breaking barriers to attend college at just 10 years old, Esther is also writing a series of math workbooks for children called “Yummy Yummy Algebra.”
“It starts at a beginner level — that’s volume one. But then there will be volume two, and volume three, and then volume four. But I’ve only written the first one.
“As long as you can add or subtract, you’ll be able to do it. I want to show other children they are special,” she says.
Meanwhile, Esther’s parents are also trying to trail blaze their own educational journey back in Nigeria.
The couple have set up a foundation and are in the process of building a nursery and primary school in Nigeria’s Delta region (where the family are from). Named “Shakespeare’s Academy,” they hope to open the school’s doors in September.
The proposed curriculum will have all the usual subjects such as English, languages, math and science, as well as more unconventional additions including morality and ethics, public speaking, entrepreneurship and etiquette. The couple say they want to emulate the teaching methods that worked for their children rather than focus on one way of learning.
“Some children learn very well with kinesthetics where they learn with their hands — when they draw they remember things. Some children have extremely creative imaginations. Instead of trying to make children learn one way, you teach them based on their learning style,” explains Efe.
The educational facility will have a capacity of 2,000 to 2,500 students with up to 30% of students being local children offered scholarships to attend.
Efe says: “On one hand, billions of dollars worth of crude oil is pumped out from that region on a monthly basis and yet the poverty rate of the indigenous community is astronomical.”
While Paul adds: “(The region has) poor quality of nursery and primary education. So by the time the children get secondary education they haven’t got a clue. They haven’t developed their core skills.
“The school is designed to give children an aim so they can study for something, not just for the sake of acquiring certifications. There is an end goal.”
Source:CNN
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MEET THE $100 MILLION WOMAN WHO CREATED THE “LOVE & HIP HOP” FRANCHISE

Mona Scott-Young is one of cable television’s most sought after executives. She is the CEO of multi-media entertainment company Monami Entertainment, which is best known for creating and producing VH1’s most popular docu-franchise Love & Hip Hop.

Mona herself created the original franchise of Love & Hip Hop: New York, which premiered in 2011. It’s remarkable success has resulted in several spin-offs based in Atlanta, Hollywood, and Miami. Averaging about 5.5 million viewers per episode, the franchise series is reportedly worth an estimated $100 million.

A rival of Real Housewives, the series follows the personal lives of former and current hip-hop stars. Artists that have appeared on the show with their families include Cardi B., Waka Flocka, Remy Ma, Papoose, Cam’ron, Soulja Boy, Ray J, Lil Scrappy, Joe Budden, and more.

How she did it

51-year old Mona says her secret is in the power of branding. According to USA Today, “Since the inception of her career, her drive has been to showcase the fullness of women in an entertainment industry that seldom shows them as multi-dimensional, powerful people.” She also never deviates from the purpose — the “why” — of her projects.

In addition, she emphasizes consistency. She feels that regularly putting good content out gives her higher credibility with her audience. After building credibility, the influence will come. And that is certainly true because nearly every hip-hop star wants to be on her show, especially those who are not as hot as they once were in their music careers.

Not just a TV exec

Mona does more than just produce hit television series. She also is in the music industry. In fact, USA Today reports that she has “an incredible track record in rap and hip-hop entertainment”. In the early 90’s and 2000’s, she co-founded Violater Entertainment and Violator Records, which successfully managed the careers of Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot, LL Cool J, and more.

Most recently, Mona has authored a book entitled Blurred Lines, which was co-authored by New York Times best-selling author Courtney Parker. In addition, she owns a line of jewelry called “MPower Rings”, a clothing collection, and a fruit-infused wine beverage.

Source: Black Business

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ARIJENILEOLA BOLANLE: FEMALE FRIENDSHIP: SUPPORT OR STRIFE?

As women we thrive on strong expressive emotions with our dolls as little girls then to girlfriends and our lives are intertwined with so much to share, cry and laugh about be it problems, thoughts, feelings, and triumphs.
I grew up with girls that helped me find a voice with my little notes, I was so unintelligent when mathematics and calculations comes to play and because my school gives priority to science whiz students I had to go down and be a dullard in everyone’s eyes but my then friends made it a point of duty to stick my scribblings on the school notice board to make me feel good and confident and till date mostof my emotional and mental strength comes from deep bonds with the strong females in my life.
Over time, we become our friends as we mirror their thoughts, beliefs, and ideas and so far friendship has rocked my boat and many boats too,be it female friendship or with the guys.
But as the female gender seeks to hold her place of safety, respect and relevance, we have seen and read about strife,envy and unhealthy competition as major ingredients of the female friendship.
Note: I believe in competition, a healthy dose of win and let’s win with everyone cheering and celebrating everyone’s win.

As much as I value human resource, I have come to learn and still learning how to fix some friends in their places,some are just for the party rider, some for the career ride while few makes it to the real life issues and solution section but we tend to want everyone together till death do us part and gets heart broken when they misbehave or can’t meet up with expectations. It isn’t anyone’s fault but no one can do and be beyond her strength. 

 
Also, knowing when to let go of some friendship is key. People will play their part and have to leave when their time is over but the mushiness of the female heart won’t let be till the signs are tired of blinking and everything goes sour and messy. 
 
I am not asking you to let go of all your friends because I thrive on good and Godly friendships but I hope we get over assuming and mere talks of friendship to real communication. Don’t assume anyone is spiting you or envious of you, put your assumption to words, in a peaceful and logical way please then let fate sort the rest.
 
If you have good friends, always take time out to celebrate them and water your friendship, reduce third or tenth party influence as some don’t want good friendships but are on a mission to ruin any good friendship. Be a better friend, don’t be about all round receiving without giving, you might be the problem of your friends by draining them and their frustration is what you see as a problem.
 
For good people with odd friends,my prayers are with you and I hope you won’t give up doing good but reduce the toxic people around you before you gets contaminated.
 
We will achieve more as women if we stand, celebrate, build, empower and love without bias.
 
Be a good friend, forgive daily and let’s build the world with amazing love for the girls yet unborn.
 
Cheers to friendships and achievements of the New year.
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QUEEN ESOHE IGBINOBA: WHY YOU NEED TO START JOURNALING

Whenever I ask clients if they write often or journal, most times I get a ”not really” or ”sometimes, but I’m not consistent”.

While I understand the not consistent bit, I’m a bit worried about the ”not really” people.

Do you know why?

I’ll tell you.

We, humans, have a short attention and memory span.

What that means is if you don’t document your life experiences often and as a habit, you will lose a lot of juicy stories that could help you further in your influential storytelling journey.

When you think of stories to share with your audience, you should be more concerned with curating what you’ve already written than creating a new story.

Well, except if that new story just happened recently.

Even if, you still need to document that story for future reference.

Influential storytelling isn’t magic.

Neither is it hard.

Great storytelling is a product of good documentation and great telling.

 

About Esohe

Esohe Igbinoba is the Founder, The Global Brand Network. GBN is a brand management organization with a focus on teaching entrepreneurs the art of influential storytelling for attracting visibility and building an engaged audience so they can build profitable businesses. She helps them to achieve this through her unique system: The Influential Storytelling Formula. She has helped over 150 people in 10 countries. She helps them through her online school, GBN Business School where she offers one on one coaching programs, online courses and training programs.

You can connect with her on

Social media @queenesohe

Or send an email to esohe@queenesohe.com

Or on her website queenesohe.com

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MILLIONS OF WOMEN CAME TOGETHER TO TAKE A BOLD STAND AGAINST GENDER INEQUALITY IN INDIA

Forming a 385-mile human chain, protestors joined together on Tuesday to build a “women’s wall” stretching across the Indian state of Kerala.

They were fighting for their right to enter the Sabarimala Temple, one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. Last September, the Supreme Court in India overturned a centuries-old rule that banned “menstruating women,” defined as any woman between ages 10 and 50, from entering the temple.

 

Despite the official ruling, when more than a dozen women tried to enter the sacred site this past fall, violent mobs blocked the trail to the temple. Even the official site for the Sabarimala Temple still reinforces: “Girls who have not yet attained puberty and elderly women who have reached menopause are allowed entry into the temple.”

Spurred by the lack of change, millions of women came together to stand up to those fighting against the updated policy. While organizers initially predicted a turnout of about three million people for the New Years Day event, BBC reports that more than 5 million women—along with men and transgender allies—banned together to stand up for women.

The massive gathering spanned an area nearly double the distance from New York to D.C. In comparison, the 2017 Women’s March — the largest single-day protest in U.S. history — drew about a million protestors.

Politician Jameela Prakasam said of attending the demonstration, “This is for showing the women folk that this is your right.” Trupti Desai, a women’s rights activist, shared a similar sentiment: “It is a victory of the movement of equality and it is a victory of women power.”

“This is a great way of saying how powerful women are, and how we can empower ourselves and help each other,” Kavita Das, a young demonstrator, told the BBC. “Of course, I support the move to allow women of all ages into the temple. I don’t think tradition or any kind of backwardness should stop women.”

https://twitter.com/autumnrainwish/status/1080045762678046720

 

And their voices were heard. On Wednesday, Bindu Ammini, 40, and Kanaka Durga, 39, made history, becoming the first women to worship at the shrine, according to the BBC.

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WOMAN GOES VIRAL FOR FINISHING HARVARD LAW SCHOOL EXAM WHILE GIVING BIRTH

 

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I went into labor in April- during final exam period. I immediately requested an epidural so that my contractions wouldn’t interfere with my Family Law grade. And, with tears in my eyes, I finished it. This “biting the bullet” experience is quite quintessential of my time at Harvard. To say that my last year of law school, with a newborn, and as a single mom was a challenge would be an understatement. Some days I was so mentally and emotionally fatigued that I did not leave my bed. I struggled with reliable childcare. It was not atypical to see me rushing through Wasserstein to the Dean of Students’ office with Evelyn in her carriage, asking DOS can they keep her for a few until class was over. If not, she’d just have to come with me to class. Evie attended classes often. So I’m going to be honest with you guys.. I didnt think I could do it. I did not think that, at 24 years old, as a single mom, I would be able to get through one of the most intellectually rigorous and challenging positions of my life. It was hard. It hurt. Instagram can make peoples’ lives seem seamless, but this journey has been heartwrenching. However, I am happy to say that I DID do it. Today, Evelyn in my arms, with tears streaming down my face, I accepted my Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. At first, I was the anomaly of my [marginalized] community. Then, as a single mother, I became a statistic. Next, I pray that- for the sake of my baby, I will be an example. Evelyn- they said that because of you I wouldn’t be able to do this. Just know that I did this BECAUSE OF YOU. Thank you for giving me the strength and courage to be invincible. Let’s keep beating all their odds, baby.

A post shared by Briana D. Williams, Esq. (@lovexbriana) on

 

While most of us who’ve gone to college are familiar with pre-finals procrastination – and the ramen-fueled all-night study sessions that follow – one 24-year-old Harvard Law graduate puts us all to shame

Atlanta native Briana Williams actually went into labor during finals season last year and not only did the single mom finish an exam while actively in labor, but she also successfully graduated this year. Talk about a real-life superhero.

While in labor, Brianna requested an epidural on the spot so she could finish her Family Law exam. “And with tears in my eyes, I finished it,” she confessed on Instagram. In her own words, this “biting the bullet” moment was typical of her Harvard experience.

“A small-town girl from Atlanta,” Brianna Williams is one of six children and the only one in her family to attend college. In a series of heartfelt posts on Instagram, the fresh Harvard graduate opened up about her struggles coming from a low-income family and getting into one the most exclusive and privileged colleges in the world.

Some days I was so mentally and emotionally fatigues that I did not leave my bed… It was hard. It hurt.— Brianna Williams

Although she managed to overcome her “imposter syndrome,” becoming pregnant and then raising a newborn as a single mom during her final year at Harvard brought a new set of huge challenges. “To say that my last year of law school, with a newborn, and as a single mom was a challenge would be an understatement,” Williams confessed.

At first, I was the anomaly of my [marginalized] community. Then, as a single mother, I became a statistic. Next, I pray that for the sake of my baby, I will be an example. Brianna Williams

Detailing her struggles with reliable childcare, Williams spoke of how she’d often ask staff at the dean’s office to watch baby Evelyn while she attended classes, and when that wasn’t an option, she’d go to class with baby in tow.

Many told her she would not be able to do it because of her daughter, but Williams credits Evelyn Willow with her accomplishments.

Now, after working as a waitress and bartender to support herself and successfully graduating from the most rigorous law school in the world, Williams has joined a top law firm in Los Angeles.

Know that I did this BECAUSE OF YOU. Thank you for giving me the strength and courage to be invincible. Let’s keep beating all their odds, baby.— Brianna Williams

 

 

 

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