Esther Ijewere

In self development January 28, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

JANE UDOKA: THE TRANSITION FROM DEPENDENCY TO INDEPENDENCY: WHAT NO ONE ACTUALLY TOLD US

Children are a gift from God, from the moment they are born, to their first significant life moments like their first baby step or their first word, those are all delightful times for their parents. The parents take it upon themselves to guide and steer their kids towards the right paths as they grow and usually the first educational step they take is enrolling the kids into schools as soon as they’re old enough. Henceforth that first milestone, it is always a parent’s pride and joy to see their ward grow and advance up the educational ladder. A parent would gladly sacrifice a lot just so their kids lack nothing and would do so with joy knowing in the years to come, their reward would come when the children are out of school and could fend for themselves and their parents as well.

And for us the children, from the moment we graduate from High school or secondary school as the case maybe, we look forward to being admitted into college, graduating from the university with a degree and basically starting our lives independently. Once, admitted into the university there is sort of a countdown on both sides : the parents and the child. They all both envision the world becoming better after graduation. The parents dream of finally relaxing and reaping the fruits of all that sacrifice and the child dreams of rewarding everyone who’s been there through the journey.

And alas! , it’s graduation day, the daughter/ son is a graduate and ready to go into the world. She/he is ready to take the reins from the parent’s and whilst, this is basically how it should be it sadly isn’t in most average cases!

For the child, the string of finances stops coming in from the family or the former sponsors. In return, they start expecting help from you instead. In some lucky cases, the child gets a well paying job and lives up to expectations but in other cases, it’s hard cause then you realize eventually what no one told you that would have better prepared you. Here they are:

Be prepared to go broke:

The transition from full on dependency to independency is not an easy one. In most cases, it will be tough cause you’ll be going from the care and reliable finances you had coming in, to fending for yourself. Just before, it becomes stable and better through hardwork, just be prepared to go low on finances.

Get a skill

Not everyone is lucky enough to actually make a living from their college degrees. A skill in programming, management, business or whatever sector you find interesting would go a long way in the transition.

Be prepared to be your own cheerleader

This is really important, the world is a tough place and only the best and tough people can survive in it. In as much as your family loves you, there will still be expectations from them and no one will really understand what you are going through. So, on the bad days, the times when it seems you can’t handle it anymore, you have to be able to brace up and cheer yourself on.

Be ready to take risks and try new ventures

There is really no script to life, so be ready to try new ventures not even related to your course of study. It always helps to look within you and figure out what other skills you have, embark on them and you might just have that smooth transition you desire

All in all, it’s never easy transitioning but just like every other change, it’s a constant and one we must learn to adopt, no just in going from dependency to independency but also in other spheres of life. Goodluck!

About Jane

21 year old Udoka Jane O is a trained Engineer, She is a professional freelance writer on Relationship and healthy lifestyles. Jane has written a number of mind engaging articles….

In Editor's Choice January 26, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

THE HEALTH SYSTEM IN NIGERIA IS QUITE POOR – DR. CASSANDRA AKINDE, MEDICAL DOCTOR & ACTIVIST

Dr. Cassandra Bolanle Akinde is a young medical doctor with a burning passion for public health, humanitarian causes and the sustainable development goals. She obtained an MBBS (Bachelor’s in Medicine and Surgery) degree from the prestigious University of Lagos in 2016.

She is currently the Team Lead for The Nigerian Child Initiative, a non-profit which promotes child health awareness and sustainable education to empower them with healthy choices. Her work centres on helping these children understand that sound education and good health are vital determinants in ensuring their success as future leaders.

In her years of working with The Nigerian Child Initiative, she and her team have reached out to over three thousand children in schools on SDG education by organising interschool essay competitions, workshops, research masterclasses, seminars and capacity building programmes.

Providing essential care services and implementation in poorly accessible areas by targeting over five hundred children for the past 4 years is another area Dr. Akinde has uncommon zeal for. This young woman is an inspiration in multiple facets. In addition to the other brilliant aspects of her life, she’s got multilingual ability in fluent English, Spanish, Russian with a growing proficiency in German.

She considers it her life’s mission to improve quality of life of everyone she comes across using all of her unique abilities. This gives her inexplicable motivation and joy. Cassandra shares her inspiring story with Esther Ijewere in this intrview.

Childhood preparation & Parental Influence

My childhood really played a major role in my life as I was raised as a humanitarian. My parents are the biggest inspiration behind what I do now. I remember as a child I will follow my mother to church where she was always assigned one task or another for the congregation.

One event that stands fresh in my memory is the day I accompanied my mother and my brother to an orphanage for the first time as it was our turn to help out in church by bringing some relief materials for the children. I met a young girl who was suffering from cerebral palsy. Part of the activities included engaging her in pottery work. We made a very beautiful clay pot that I really admired. When she saw my wistful face, she selflessly gave it to me. I was so startled, but she insisted I keep it. She was so happy giving me that pot, that till this day I remember her happy face. This was the moment I decided that giving is more fulfilling than receiving and that is how my journey to making social impact began. I kept coming back to play, teach and engage them in various games and artworks over the years.

My dad also taught me to be selfless, innately kind and liberal whenever the opportunity arose by donating all my unused toys, clothes and sporting equipment to charity.

Meet Me

My name is Cassandra Bolanle Akinde and I am a medical doctor by profession. I am the current Team Lead of The Nigerian Child Initiative and assistant coordinator at Medglobe Volunteers. I am very passionate about Health Advocacy and the Sustainable Developmental Goals. I am also an activist for women and children. I love meeting people and expanding my network, reading, teaching, spending quality time with my family and friends, scrapbooking and I absolutely love to volunteer! On an average day when I am not at the hospital working or out volunteering, I would usually relax at home, engaging social media and watching movies. I also spend adequate time praising God for all my blessings and asking for forgiveness for my sins.

Inspiration behind TNCI

The Nigerian Child Initiative began with the simple vision of providing a platform that would create a brighter and rewarding future for children. Since its foundation by Dr Yusuf Shittu, it has become much bigger than that. It is now a large volunteer-based platform for transforming the lives of Nigerian children by improving their access to healthcare and mentorship and building the capacity of young people to be change makers and leaders. I began as a volunteer who caught the vision, committed to the vision and slowly climbed to the leadership position of overseeing the team of vibrant young people eager to make a positive change.

Transforming Lives

With interests in Child Health promotion, Development Education and Mentorship, the team mentors children in schools and engages them with the Sustainable Development Goals and brings healthcare within the reach of children underserved and low income communities. Through our annual Essay Competition on SDGs for Secondary School students, winners are matched to mentor organisations. Since inception, we have reached up to 3,000 children with essential healthcare services including Malaria Screening, Dental Checks, Vaccination, Deworming and Essential Drugs in 5 communities across Lagos. The organisation has also educated about 5,000 children and teenagers directly on the Sustainable Developmental Goals through talk sessions in schools and at 3 Competition Grand Finales. We are also currently mentoring our 3rd cohort of 17 Global Goal Ambassadors who make us proud with their exciting social impact projects and innovations. They are each influencing other students in their schools and setting great examples for them to follow.

Work challenges

One of the major challenges was funding of course. We had difficulty getting sponsors and raising funds for our programs but with meaningful partnerships over the years the problem has been circumvented but we are always open for more opportunities.

Another challenge is that of recruiting volunteers who share the same vision ,passion and possess similar character to do what we do .A lot of young individuals are looking at our platform as an avenue for furthering their career or adding portfolios to their CV without actually having any passion or zeal to do any real work but just in the name only and that can be disheartening.

Being a Medglobe Volunteer

MEDGLOBE VOLUNTEERS is an international organization that started out of an urging desire to increase drug adherence, therapeutic outcome, decrease drug abuse and misuse; hence promoting health worldwide. We also conduct health outreaches and participate in various health campaigns and community health walks thus promoting health advocacy.

Other Projects

After working on #StopPneumonia campaign,I intend to collaborate with Dr Chioma Nwakanma on #CheatonCervicalCancerAwarenessCampaign as this is the awareness month.

My other projects in the year will include; Neo Childcare Solutions Limited, a mobile clinic health service provider which seeks to bridge the gap of access to healthcare for the children in remote areas. WASHED UP- Water Sanitation and Health Education against Diarrhoea, Malnutrition and Pneumonia. SkillsUpForGood – Capacity building seminar,Substance Abuse project ,Domestic Violence Docuseries

TNCI in 5 years…

In the next five years I see The Nigerian Child Initiative as a leading non-profit organisation expanding across all the states in Nigeria and hopefully even across some West African countries. I see it being on the world map for the impact it is making, with a larger volunteer base who capacity has built to reach out to more children. I can also see it as a platform for transforming lives of the young people and providing employment opportunities. As for me personally, I can see myself on the board of trustees of the NGO still spreading the word about health awareness and sustainable education both locally and globally.

Health sector in Nigeria

I have been practicing for almost 3 years now and can say categorically that health system in Nigeria is quite poor. In my humble opinion, one of the biggest health challenges is inaccessibility to quality health care. The Government performance in health sector has been abysmal. Investment in infrastructure has been poor and meager remuneration for health workers has created massive brain drain to the U.S and Europe. It is such a shame that despite the huge talents of Nigerians excelling in health sectors across the world, our own health system is failing.

So, my suggested solution to this problem lies in the Nigeria’s policy makers and health professionals including the Nigerian Diaspora to come together and create a long-term blue print for the sector. This shall involve intersectoral cooperation and collaboration between different health related ministries as partnership is very key in sustainability. The blueprint will include strategies, time lines and key performance indicators to ensure success its success in the long run. Creating the blue print and making it a reality is one of the most meaningful ways in improving health care for Nigerians.

Also, as health care professionals we must think of new, cost effective and innovative ideas to solve our healthcare problems. Several Nigerian digital health start-ups like HelloCareNg and Doctoorah are already doing work in this area. After all,being tech- savvy is very imperative in this world and era.

My Inspiration

My biggest inspiration comes from God the Almighty. I also get inspiration from my parents who are the real humanitarians and my biggest cheerleaders. I also get inspired daily by women all over the world achieving success in all their endeavours despite the setbacks of their background, culture and traditions. Lastly, I would say that all the volunteers I know inspire me by their selflessness and their enthusiasm with which they diligently offer their talent and service.

Being a woman of rubies

I am a young woman who takes immense pleasure in celebrating other women around Nigeria and the world. I think it is a trend we should all adopt as one’s woman success is ours too. Women should always support women and surround themselves who will do the same. It’s a huge honour for me to to even be featured on this great platform celebrating women and their successful stories of gallant exploits. And I hope someone reading this will get inspired and in turn inspire others .

In Interviews&profile January 25, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

ENTREPRENEUR CREATES DOLL COLLECTION TO HELP BLACK GIRLS OVERCOME DEPRESSION

TiffanyJ, an artist and entrepreneur, suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts when she was young. So, in hopes of helping young Black girls that are battling depression, she has created an avenue to boost their confidence and self-esteem through a new superhero doll called “Super Beauty”.

At 12-years old, TiffanyJ started to experience depression that is considered common to young Black girls. At 14-years old, she realized that she can share her feelings through songwriting. But by the age of 24, she became self-employed and became the author of her first published book titled It All Starts With Me: An Interactive Guide To Discovering Self and Loving.

Through her book, she shared her own experiences and gave some advice to those who have been battling depression like how she used to be. She also held an annual Beauty, You Are Boot Camp. It was such a great advocacy and she saw that she can do more to reach more.

“For a while, I had been on a mission with self-esteem advocacy, but that book did not reach the audience and mentees I had that were young girls,” she told Black Enterprise.

Now, she has created Super Beauty Pep Talker, a speaking doll that says positive and inspiring messages such as “Nobody Do Me Better Than Me.” She hopes to let young Black girls know that they are unique and beautiful.

TiffanyJ hopes to sell the Super Beauty Pep Talker in Wal-Mart and other retail store chains.

In Interviews&profile January 25, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

PHOTOS & MOMENTS FROM ADENIKE OYETUNDE BOOK LAUNCH

Broadcaster, lawyer and social worker, Adenike Oyetunde launched her autobiography, Adénìké: Your Story, Your Movie, His Glory, on Sunday, January 6th, 2019, in Lagos at Harbour Point, 4 Wilmot Point Road, Victoria Island Lagos. The book was launched by Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, a father figure to her.

Adénikẹ́ is a real-life story based on the power of faith, hope and love against the odds of life’s circumstances. You’re about to read an intriguing real-life story of a young girl whose life’s trajectory completely changed overnight and is still evolving. It’s a story that will take you through her denial, strength, resilience, confusion, pain, tears, brokenness, surrender, and finally her freedom and liberty into true life. If you ever doubt that you cannot possibly pass through the trials and tribulations of life no matter how harsh it may be, Adénikẹ́ will inspire you to re-think that though.

Through reading this book you’ll see her fight for her life when all she had left in her was nothing but the hope to fight, you’ll see her find herself through a community of love and most of all you’ll see her come into her own. You’ll read about her determination and genuinely see through her experiences; you’ll almost be able to live and be present in this book as much as she was while going through the experiences stated in it. It is my hope that lives will be impacted through this read. On that same day, Adenike Oyetunde launched her not-for-profit organization, Amputees United Initiative.

According to Adenike Oyetunde, (founding trustee of AUI) the initiative was birthed from a place of personal journey to provide a safe haven for amputees, fresh and old, where journeys will be shared and experience heard, to strengthen each other, as these special humans continue to clamour for an inclusive society geared towards preparing Lagos and Nigeria towards the United Nations path to achieving an inclusive society in line with SDG 17.

Amputees United Initiative also creates a platform for persons with special needs to discuss matters affecting them specifically; ranging from educational needs, medical needs and infrastructural needs.

Adenike Oyetunde’s ultimate goal with the initiative is to create a facility encompassing amenities to promote and es-sir adaptive lifestyle (learning to use prosthetic limbs), establish recreational centres that are suitable for people with special needs, a gym specifically for PWDs; equipped with cycling and swimming facilities.

Where necessary, books can be bought at

Jazz Hole, Ikoyi
Terra Kulture,
Jed Mega Stores, The Palms
Amazon
Kindle
Okada Books
Bambooks
Patabah Books
Roving Heights
Book Peddlers
Book Errands
Guft Source, Abuja
Book Sellers, Ibadan and Abuja
Buy Books Port Harcourt
Didis Cafe, Warri
Boldoz book Store Uyo
Quintessence Park View

#AdenikeTheBook

Live Your Life Like It’s Golden

Source: Bellanaija

In self development January 24, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

QUEEN ESOHE IGBINOBA: WINNING THE STORY WARS AS AN INFLUENTIAL STORYTELLER

I want to quickly share something that limits us a lot as entrepreneurs and even as individuals.

I call it the ”Story Wars”.

Story Wars is not my invention, I just borrowed it. lol

I call it Story Wars because there’s a struggle between your present reality…which seems very real to you and your future reality…which seems like a distant aspiration or dream that you may someday realize.

One way to win this war, is by asking yourself, ”what narrative am I going to believe?”

You can choose to believe the narrative that you are too limited in your present capacity, so you can’t achieve your goals.

Or you can choose to believe that you are more than enough and that by disciplining yourself to put in the work, over time you will achieve your desired result.

Before you choose the second worldview, you need something called ”Mental Assent”

You need to believe in your mind, heart and confess with your mouth your belief and faith in yourself to achieve your desired result.

Failure to do so means you will quit when challenges come or people come and start asking you questions.

You will quit because you haven’t made up your mind to give it all it takes or die trying.

Going all in is how champions win championships.

You need to be a practising extremist with a disciplined work ethic to achieve desired goals.

That’s how you win the story wars as an influential storyteller.

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

In Interviews&profile January 24, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

MEET THE WOMAN WHO OWNS THE FIRST EVER BLACK-OWNED HOSTEL IN THE U.S.

Deidre Mathis, a 31-year old African-American woman and a self-proclaimed avid traveler, used her love for wanderlust as an inspiration to build her own hostel in Houston, Texas. Now a successful entrepreneur, she is the author of a budget travel book and the owner of WanderStay Hotels, the first Black-owned hostel of its kind in the U.S.

Growing up in Florida, which is considered a vacation place with beautiful beaches and good weather, she said she wasn’t really interested in going to different destinations before. Until a study abroad program at Florida A&M University sent her to the Dominican Republic and she told herself, “I need this all the time.”

Since then, she has traveled to over 37 countries on all 7 continents and learned a lot of things. She shared those in a book she wrote entitled Wanderlust: For the Young, Broke Professional where she talks about tips on how to save money, manage time to prioritize travel, and plan your dream trip.

Moreover, one of the best things she said she discovered through traveling alone is how hostels build instant connections and cultural diversity. It has inspired her to build her own hostel in the most diverse and fourth largest city in the U.S. which is Houston, Texas.

Hostels, different from hotels, are popular types of establishments that provide inexpensive food and lodging for backpackers, students, and other types of travelers with limited budgets. Some hostels offer travelers their own private rooms, but many hostels operate as dormitories whereas travelers can rent a bed and space in a large room with others. There are currently more than 50,000 hostels around the world.

In self development January 24, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

OYIBO HOSANNA: OVEREXPOSURE TO THE SUN AND YOUR HEALTH

You will agree with me that we are currently experiencing a rise in temperature, due to the decline in our atmosphere’s natural protection, the ozone layer which protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. We can’t stop going out: the only way is for us to be aware of its adverse effects and how to maintain our health.

NATURE FACTS

The sun gives off rays of light called Ultraviolet rays (UV) that can either benefit or harm you.
It doesn’t matter your age or skin color, everyone is at risk especially people whose endeavors entail that they work in the sun all day.
UV rays reflect off smooth surfaces, such as water, concrete, sand, and snow; you are more at risk in these areas.

HERE ARE THE EFFECTS

Skin changes – you begin to see signs like wrinkled, tight, freckles, and dark spots on your skin.
Skin cancer – overexposure can lead to the development of melanoma, a severe kind of skin cancer that can spread to other areas of the body.
Premature aging – The more time you spend in the sun makes your skin age earlier than normal.
Eye injuries that could lead to blindness – UV rays pose a threat to your cornea, which can lead to blurred vision, cataracts and blindness if not treated.
Suppress proper functioning of your body’s immune system and skin’s natural defenses.

WELLNESS CUES

1. Lifestyle Changes

If you reside in the tropics, it’s important you plan your daily movements so as to avoid the direct sun between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. when the sun rays are at peak.
Use Sunglasses😎, sunscreen tanners and tinted makeups.
Interval breaks by getting into a shade.
Cover up – Wear clothing and hats to protect your skin from UV rays, especially for your kids whose skin are more sensitive🌞.

Nutrition

Make a commitment to have these as part of your diet: Fruits rich in vitamins C and E can reduce the sunburns. Citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits), Carrots, Strawberries, Pomegranates, Green Tea, Almonds, Red Grapes, watermelon, Green vegetables, Turmeric, and Tomatoes🍏🍇🍓🍒🍅🌶🌽🍉🍋.

Dietary Supplementation

If you will find it hard to meet up with your daily nutrition! No need to worry, there are whole food nutritional packs you can supplement your diet with.

Recognize these risks and take practical precautions, for this will help you enjoy the sun, and reduce your chances of sun-related health problems.

About Hosanna

I am Hosanna Oyibo, a Public Health Coach. I am an avid reader, personal development enthusiast, network marketing professional and a volunteer. I’m also interested in travelling, gardening, and sports. You can read about me and visit my blog with a click on this link https://about.me/hosannaoyibo. T

In self development January 23, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

MEET SUNSHINE KING, BEAUTIFUL MOM WHO WAS PARALYSED BY ACCIDENT TURNED WHEELCHAIR MODEL

Sunshine King is not only a model, dancer, actor, CEO, massage therapist teacher and mother — she is a survivor of violence who accomplishes all her tasks while paralyzed in a wheelchair

After a violent incident in 2004 that King said turned her world “upside down,” she was paralyzed from the neck down and had to endure months of recovery to teach herself the most basic of movements.

Hear her story;

My name is Sunshine King and I would love to share my story. I’m a survivor of domestic violence whom became a widow, single parent, and disabled in 2004.”I had to re-learn how to sit up properly, bathe, to dress, and learn how to transfer and operate my wheelchair… just learn how to find normalcy again with this paralysis,” But she persevered, and after months of rehabilitation, she has become an inspirational example of overcoming obstacles through strength and positivity, even taking to the runway during New York Fashion Week — twice.

I’m now a survivor, wellness practitioner, fitness instructor, actress, and model. Specializing in iridology, reflexology, Reiki, Qigong, muscle relaxation techniques, aromatherapy, wellness coaching, and more. I assist people with their healthy journey from individuals, couples, families, and corporations for the past 12 years.

Having the pleasure assisting others in and out of the disability community the importance of incorporating a healthier regiment. It starts with our self-esteem, family, and friends support. We must remember that Exercising and getting out into the community is important. If we don’t have the proper balance we can easily gain more weight and fall into a dark season.

I’ve had the pleasure working with amazing people throughout the years and taking numerous workshops, school, to invest into personal growth.

I’ve had the pleasure to be the first adult wheelchair model for Tommy Hilfiger adaptive clothing line in 2017. I’ve also have the pleasure being a fit model for a few amazing designers and companies for adaptive ware too.

“We all have different disabilities, so be open-minded and try new things,” she added. “Anything out there, we can do, we just do it in adapted ways. Don’t limit yourself based on your disability. Your abilities are amazing.”

King believes in finding inner peace and happiness and “to live each day with a purpose.”

“No matter how catastrophic your life has been, you have to keep your dreams alive and stay humble. Dream big and stay awesome because your life is all you have. Live each day to the max.”

Instagram: @sunshineking01

In self development January 22, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

GRACE ORISAKIYA: JOB SEARCH TIPS; FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

It’s no news that the rate of unemployment has increased over the years. Fresh graduates are turned down for lack of experience, previously employed individuals are rejected due to unaccounted gap years on their CVs and other reasons. Frustration kicks in, depression might take over and lack of self belief may be the order of the day. I have been in such a nasty situation before and based on my experience I took control of what I could handle and with that, I experienced a change.

Develop your skill:

Every profession is unique and has required skill sets. Identify which is unique to your profession and develop it. Make it known on your CV and be ready to explain it when asked during the interview phase.

Take more courses:

Instead of having gap years on your CV that only proves you haven’t been in touch with your career since you left your previous job or school, taking courses especially online courses is a great method to bridge the gap and show you have been busy doing more research while searching for a job or tending to some personal needs. This won’t only prove to the employer that you have a keen interest in professional and personal development but it will enable you learn more about your industry

Network and build professional relationships:

Go for events, meet people, let people know what you do, the services you render and how you can add value to them or their company. What I have noticed is the sentence ‘I need a job’ itches the ears but starting a conversation and leading it interestingly towards what you can do and letting the listener know you are interested in starting a new position is a better approach as you’ll not only make the conversation about what you need, you also get to know what the person does, talk about your interests and have the opportunity to pitch your unique skills and application in the workplace (and maybe do a little bragging about your previous experiences).

Develop your CV:

Notice I didn’t make this the first tip? Working on your CV is great but without the right content it is considered disturbing and unprofessional. Your CV should summarize your work experiences, highlight your educational background, unique skills as related to your career, volunteering experiences (if necessary), your contact. You don’t need to fill up your CV with:

irrelevant information like your elementary school details,

in my opinion there’s no need to add your hobbies rather make it your skills,

Unaccountable years of experience,

Lies.

Your CV should be authentic, precise, professionally written and shouldn’t be too long.

Apply online:

I got my first job online via indeed. LinkedIn is another great platform to apply for jobs and network with people in your industry. Actively search online for jobs as you may not know the day you will get a response from the company.

Photocredit: The sister

About Author

Grace Asemota is a Business Psychologist (M.Sc) and a Certified Life Coach. She has partnered with Organizations and solopreneurs to grow their personal and professional brands and has coached students and staff in different institutions and organisations.

She continuously coaches and trains on the importance of goal setting, happiness,personal development and self- confidence in a wide range of organisations and institutions by motivating staff to develop a collaborative culture and identify key factors that can enhance personal growth.

You can follow her on

LinkedIn @Grace Asemota-Orisakiya

In self development January 22, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

FIRST EVER BLACK-OWNED BREAST CANCER BOUTIQUE OFFERS CUSTOM PROSTHETICS, INTIMATE WEAR, AND MORE

Cherry Blossom Intimates, a Black-owned boutique in the Washington, D.C. metro area, is the first-ever lingerie and medical custom prosthetics store for breast cancer survivors and women in general. Founded by Jasmine Jones and Dr. Regina Hampton, the store is unique because they carry a thoughtful collection of oncology products, supportive services, and intimate wear that is not typically found under one roof

Jones, a beauty queen and Miss District of Columbia USA 2016, serves as the chief operating officer for Cherry Blossom Intimates. Breast cancer survivors are close to her heart as she herself has lost her grandmother to the disease.

“I remember her having to go and shop for prosthetic pieces that didn’t properly fit and only came in one color while store employees stuffed her behind a curtain to try them on,” Jones said in an interview. “It got to the point where after a while, my grandmother just stopped wearing them all together… They didn’t fit or make her feel beautiful.”

Learning about her grandmother’s experiences is what led her to do something to help make cancer survivors feel beautiful and “to be able to do it with dignity and comfort.”

Dr. Regina Hampton, a Howard University alumna, with over 10 years in practice, one of the few breast care surgeons in Prince George’s County and one of the founders of Southeast D.C.’s Breast Care for Washington, was the one who came up with the vision. She described her collaboration with Jones in Cherry Blossom Intimates as a “dream come true.”

“Women should be able to feel empowered every day by what they have on, from outer garments to lingerie — and breast cancer survivors are no exception,” Hampton said in an interview. “I mean at our store we have shapewear, push up bras, wireless bras, lace and everything in between.”

Aside from those lingerie products, the breast care store also offers chest wall graphs that mimic natural breast for prosthetics as well as nipple coverings in different skin tones and bra sizes from AA to size Q. The store is made for everybody — from cancer survivors to young girls — and “will for the first time, allow girlfriends with or without breast cancer to laugh and shop together.”

The boutique also plans to provide medical in-house billing for all types of insurance for their products and alternative to those without appropriate coverage.

“Being able to help other people is so important and it makes you feel so good,” Hampton said. “I just want to show women that they are all beautiful no matter the package and make them believe it.”

Source: Black Business

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