Women of Rubies
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I AM DAILY INSPIRED BY PURPOSE AND WHAT I HAVE BEEN CALLED TO – KEMI OLAWOYE

Kemi  is an award-winning and innovative entrepreneur passionate about improving health outcomes in Nigeria.  She is a co-host and producer of Health Vibes, a 45minutes health show on Silverbird’s radio, Rhythm 93.7fm Lagos. She is also the Founder and CEO of Genuine Health Africa, a health communications company that provides public relations services to health and wellness organisations and more recently the WINNER of the 2018 WIMBIZ IMPACT INVESTMENT COMPETITION 2018.

Her work was borne out of her desire to address the problem of poor health literacy and health seeking behaviours among Nigerians.

Her company, GHA provides services in form of strategic communication solutions which includes project communication strategy design and implementation, health campaign execution, media scheduling and appearances, social media management & engagement and content management for websites and other platforms.

In just a few months of operation, GHA has worked with numerous clients including award-winning organizations .Kemi has also been recognised by Her Network (Nominee,Woman of the Future 2017), Benola Cerebral Palsy, 2018 Wimbiz impact investment awardee, Young Physiotherapists group among others for her contribution and impact in healthcare.

She shares her journey with me in this interview.

Childhood Influence

As a child, I loved activities like school debate and news casting with the press club. And my parents did well by encouraging and supporting me to do more of those activities I was leaning towards.

I also grew up as an only child with loving parents who are teachers. Growing up, my parents taught me the importance of discipline in achieving any goal, the power of staying committed to a vision and the zero laziness mentality.

Genuine Health Africa

GHA was borne out of the need to solve the problem of poor health literacy and health seeking behaviours among Nigerians. We currently work with health, wellness, non-governmental and other organisations to execute health campaigns and communicate health information in an easy to understand and interesting way using diverse communication channels for maximum outcome.

Challenges

Hiring employees. This was a major challenge for me in the first year of running my business and I have found its a major challenge for most entrepreneurs as well. Hiring employees is also one thing, Managing them to produce desired results is another. But I am glad things have gotten way better over time. My current team understands the vision and they are running with it. I am also operating a unique business in a niche market. While this has its benefits, it also means there are very few businesses locally to model after but I am certainly up for the challenge.

Other project and activities

Beyond working with our clients, GHA embarks on bi-monthly community outreaches to disadvantaged communities to provide free medical checkup, assessment and education. These outreaches allow for early detection and prevention of disease as well as prompt intervention in form of referrals to healthcare institutions when needed. Through these outreaches, we have been able to reach over 1000people in the Mushin, Surulere and Oniru communities. We have one coming up this Easter and would be going to three different communities in Agege, Victoria Island and Ibadan.

Reward

Client Satisfaction and the ‘Thank You’ we get from our clients that our biggest reward.

My brand  in five years

In the next five years, we would have expanded operations to at least one other country in West Africa. This will take us one step further towards our vision of becoming the leading health communications company in West Africa.

Being the 2018 Wimbiz impact investment awardee

It was amazing! Wimbiz is known for excellence and that reflected deeply during the competition. From the initial application to the final pitch, it was a detailed and rigorous process. However, it was a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

 Who and what inspires you me to be better

This might sound somewhat cliche but I must say my relationship with God. I am daily inspired by purpose and what I have been called to.

Being a woman of Rubies

I am purposeful and confident in my calling.

Dear Woman…

Be unapologetically you. Every other person is taken.

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SA DESIGNER, PALESA MOKUBUNG BECOMES THE FIRST AFRICAN DESIGNER TO COLLABORATE WITH H&M

Swedish multinational clothing retailer H&M on Tuesday announced its first African collaboration with South African designer Palesa Mokubung’s Mantsho label.

Mantsho will be available in all South African stores, exclusive flagship stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, The Netherlands, Belgium, Mexico, Chile and Israel, as well as all H&M online markets from 15 August.

Mantsho is known for its vibrant fabrics, bold and edgy designs with distinct silhouettes and structures. 

H&M assortment manager for collaborations and special collections Pernilla Wohlfahrt said Makubonga was an inspiring talent and personality.

Wohlfahrt said the diverse collection of women’s wear and accessories would introduce a dose of fresh fun and uniquely South African aesthetic to H&M customers around the world. 

“We love how she works with colour, print and silhouettes enhancing the female shape in a flattering and playful way,” Wohlfahrt said. 


“At H&M, we value diversity of ideas and designs and draw inspiration from across our geographical footprint and we are so excited to share this collection with our customers across the globe.”

Makubong said the collaboration was a dream come true and she was excited to work with H&M. 

“This project has been a valuable journey so far and I cannot wait to share my passion and design with fashion lovers around the world. Mantsho prides itself as a ready-to-wear brand and this exclusive collection fulfils this promise,” she said.

The Mantsho label, which means ‘black is beautiful’ in the SeSotho language, was established in 2004 and has since graced numerous runways in Greece, India, the US, Jamaica, Nigeria, Botswana and Senegal. 

– African News Agency (ANA) 

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BEYONCE HAD TO STAY OFF CARBS, MEAT, FISH, SUGAR, DAIRY, AND ALCOHOL TO GET HER BODY BACK IN GREAT SHAPE AFTER GIVING BIRTH TO HER TWINS

Beyoncé has revealed the extreme lengths she went to loose weight for her headline slot at Coachella last year, following the birth of Rumi and Sir Carter.  

The 37-year old singer weighed 218lbs on the day her twins were born in June 2017 and embarked on a gruelling vegan diet in a bid to lose weight, but vowed ‘never to push myself that far again’.  

Speaking in her Netflix documentary, Homecoming, released yesterday, she said: ‘In order for me to meet my goals, I’m limiting myself to no bread, no carbs, no sugar, no dairy, no meat, no fish, no alcohol… I’m hungry’.

She also added that;

“It’s not like before when I could rehearse 15 hours straight. I have children. I have a husband. I have to take care of my body. Just trying to figure out how to balance being a mother of a six-year-old and of twins that need me, and giving myself creativity, and physically, there’s a lot to juggle.

‘I definitely pushed myself further than I knew I could and I’ve learned a very valuable lesson. I will never, never push myself that far again. I feel like I’m just a new woman in a new chapter of my life and I’m not even trying to be who I was. It’s just so beautiful that children do that to you.’

Credit: LIB

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NETFLIX ACQUIRES FIRST AFRICAN ANIMATED SERIES “MAMA K’S TEAM 4,” TO RECRUIT FEMALE WRITERS FROM THE CONTINENT

Netflix has acquired its first animated series from Africa titled “Mama K’s Team 4,” produced by South Africa’s award-winning Triggerfish Animation Studios and British kids’ and family entertainment production company CAKE, Variety is reporting.

The series was created by Zambian writer Malenga Mulendema who was one of the eight winners of the Triggerfish Story Lab in 2015.

The series follows the story of four teenage girls living in a futuristic version of Lusaka, Zambia, who are recruited by a retired secret agent to save the world. The series is designed by the Cameroonian artist Malcolm Wope.

Netflix and Triggerfish are now collaborating to search for female, African writers to join the creative team for the series.

Mulendema said of her inspiration for creating the series

In creating a superhero show set in Lusaka, I hope to introduce the world to four strong African girls who save the day in their own fun and crazy way. Most importantly, I want to illustrate that anyone from anywhere can be a superhero.

Melissa Cobb, vice president of original animation at Netflix said:

In addition to giving African writers a global platform on which to be heard, we are excited to present this powerful and entertaining new animated series that brings Malenga’s incredible and unique vision to life on Netflix.

‘Mama K’s Team 4’ has the potential to give a whole new generation of African children the opportunity to see themselves on screen in the powerful, aspirational characters they look up to.

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KIM KARDASHIAN OPENS UP ON THE STRUGGLES OF STUDYING LAW AND HOW SHE BALANCE IT ALL

Kim Kardashian recently disclosed to Vogue US that she’s studying to be a lawyer. She has now told her followers that she registered since last year and her first year is almost over.

She added that it’s not been easy and revealed the extreme measures she’s taken to make it work.

She wrote:

Last year I registered with the California State Bar to study law. For the next 4 years, a minimum of 18 hours a week is required, I will take written and multiple choice tests monthly. As my first year is almost coming to an end I am preparing for the baby bar, a mini version of the bar, which is required when studying law this way. I’ve seen some comments from people who are saying it’s my privilege or my money that got me here, but that’s not the case. One person actually said I should “stay in my lane.” I want people to understand that there is nothing that should limit your pursuit of your dreams, and the accomplishment of new goals. You can create your own lanes, just as I am. The state bar doesn’t care who you are. This option is available to anyone who’s state allows it. It’s true I did not finish college. You need 60 college credits (I had 75) to take part in “reading the law”, which is an in office law school being apprenticed by lawyers. For anyone assuming this is the easy way out, it’s not. My weekends are spent away from my kids while I read and study. I work all day, put my kids to bed and spend my nights studying. There are times I feel overwhelmed and when I feel like I can’t do it but I get the pep talks I need from the people around me supporting me. I changed my number last year and disconnected from everyone because I have made this strict commitment to follow a dream of mine – It’s never too late to follow your dreams. 
I want to thank Van Jones for believing in me and introducing me to Jessica Jackson. Jessica along with Erin Haney have taken on the role of my mentors and I am forever grateful to them both putting in so much time with me, believing in me and supporting me through this journey. This week I have a big torts essay due on negligence. Wish me luck ???

Kim Kardashian opens up on the struggles of studying law and how she balances it all
Kim Kardashian opens up on the struggles of studying law and how she balances it all

Credit: LIB

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“ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS HARD. I CRY A LOT” -MOCHEDDAH

Fashion entrepreneur, Mocheddah, has taken to her IG page to recount how being an adult and entrepreneur in Nigeria makes her cry a lot. She posted the photo above on her IG page and wrote

This is me —

After a goooood cry ?, I had to wipe my tears , drink tea , get on the phone and get work done .

40% of my time is spent on the phone talking , I do not wish it so but it is , I’m either talking to staff , a supplier or trying to get logistic companies to “do their job “on time because customers need their orders .. .

Another 40% is spent on the field , in the sun buying materials I would need or on an okada trying to meet up with a delivery, ( I’ll post the picture soon ) 
The last 20% is what I have left for myself , family and other businesses I run … .

.It is HARD , I cry , I cry a lot ???.. .

that’s the only way you can survive as a Nigerian business owner … .

Do not let my Instagram slay pictures deceive you , being an ADULT is HARD work, being an entrepreneur is even HARDER .. .

If you must chop you must work 
On the brighter side God rewards hard work … so you will always reap what you have sewn .. I’m writing this to let someone out there know it’s hard for me too … but we will survive .. PS- try drinking green tea – it makes it easier ??

Credit: LIB

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SIJU YUSUF: COERCIVE CONTROL


Things are looking up, thankfully so.

Attention is being drawn to cliche… attitudes we erstwhile thought patriarchal though we know they are downright unacceptable.

I wish though that focal lenses would beam on coercive control, not only that, recognize it as a criminal offense and treat it as such.

We grew up in the same neighborhood oh, how sweet she was. She was that person that knew and called everyone by their middle names, generously dishing out mouthfuls of smiles as her eyes thinned from a kindness that wells from within.

”I think Lois has her number, I will check. But you will be in luck if she picks. She’s only allowed her phone at certain times during the day”

This was the response I got when I allowed my mind travel down memory lane and I felt that longing, the one that suggests I have missed her and I made attempts to reach out.

A frown burrowed. What does he mean by ‘allow’. That choice of word could have been considered more carefully I thought… too delicate to use that loosely.

Then I dug further, she’s also not ‘allowed’ to work. She’s mothering her kids (and her partner) round the clock.

Not too many people have her number, not when she’s constantly changing it. Oh! Stressful!

This, my friend is happening in 2019 and I ask myself, are we still so gullible to interpret deliberate isolation, deprivation of independence as love… at the worst, we have termed it obsession.

Brrrh! We surely should start calling a spade exactly what it is, A SPADE!

It is no longer news that domestic abuse is not always physical. When a persons independence is being sabotaged and threatened by their partners (as a result of previously deprived rights) that, is coercive control.

Such a relationship is hard to exit!

The call is to urgently appraise your situation to identify any trends as those (there are a lot more) above.

And, to raise awareness on the pressing need to not only treat coercive control as a criminal offense but to encourage survivors speak up for victims.

Credit: Siju Yusuf

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FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN NIGERIA’S HISTORY, A FEMALE SIGNATURE GOES ON THE NAIRA NOTE

For the very first time in Nigeria’s 59-year history, the signature of a woman, Priscilla Ekwere Eleje, goes on the naira. 

Eleje, who has been acting director of currency and operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been confirmed substantive director.

She is the first female director of currency in the history of the bank, and her signature has been appended on the naira — breaking another glass ceiling.

Ladi Kwali, Nigeria’s foremost potter, is the only woman on the naira, taking a spot at the back of the N20 note.

Insiders at CBN told TheCable that the Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the bank, has been working to ensure more women come to the table.

Credit: The Cable

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RIHANNA MAY BE LAUNCHING A SKIN CARE LINE CALLED ‘FENTY SKIN’ SOON

Since the launch of Fenty Beauty in 2017, every product that they’ve released has had people rushing to the nearest Sephora in hopes that it doesn’t sell out. They’ve conquered the beauty world in terms of inclusivity and have won hearts with their amazing branding and marketing campaigns. Now they are set to conquer the world of skin care and we are so stoked.

The details have yet to be announced, but here’s what we know so far: According to Page Six, “Fenty Skin” was officially listed as a trademark on the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s website as of March 25, 2019 (i.e. less than a month ago). You might remember that there were rumors of a Fenty skin-care line coming in September of 2017 after a fan found items like creams, lotions, gels, and cleansers, registered under “House of Fenty.” But besides the brand’s best-selling Body Lava, we’ve yet to see other complexion-care products from Fenty.

According to Allure, Since then, trademarks have been filed under the new “Fenty Skin” label, including “medicated and non-medicated skincare, soap, body care and personal care products (excluding color cosmetics, perfume and other fragrance-only products), and related accessories such as kits, tools and applicators.”

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ARETHA FRANKLIN POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED A PULITZER PRIZE

Iconic music star Aretha Franklin has been posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize for her contribution to American music and culture.

Aretha, who passed away in August 2018 at age 76 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, was honored with the Pulitzer Prize Special Citation.

Aretha Franklin is now the first individual woman to receive a special citation prize, which was first awarded in 1930.

Credit: Bella Naija

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