Nigerian designer Addie Elabor is a woman cut from the self-made cloth. She launched her Philadelphia-based ready-to-wear African fashion brand D’IYANU in 2014 and has grown it into a million-dollar business.
The company, which focuses on creating culturally conscious-pieced with bold prints, features handmade and ethically sourced products from West African and the United States. Addie shares the strategic moves she made to launch her idea, build a team, and continue to grow an e-commerce business, even in troubling climates.
When did you start your brand and how did you get the idea for it? What inspired you to turn it into a business?
Addie: I was inspired to start D’IYANU at the beginning of 2013 when I realized that there was a void in the fashion world for ready-to-wear African inspired pieces that were easily accessible to people like me. There wasn’t a leading brand that allowed you to celebrate your culture in a modernized way. I asked myself “why not me?”. I immediately had this vision of developing a brand that would become the African print version of Zaraor H&M. I didn’t have a fashion background, but the vision was so compelling that I had to make it happen.
At the time I was dissatisfied with my career and relished the opportunity to launch my own business with the goal of building a legacy in mind. D’IYANU was launched in January of 2014 with six women’s styles and has grown exponentially ever since.
Addie Elabor
What was the first investment you made into D’IYANU to get it off the ground? Why?
Addie: D’IYANU was launched with a $15,000 investmentwhich came from my savings and a credit card loan. The bulk of the initial investment went into producing 50 units each of my first 6 pieces produced in Philadelphia which included the pattern and sample making, fabric, and production of the collection.
Tell us how you were able to scale D’IYANU to a million-dollar business? How long did it take you from the time you started to hit the million-dollar mark?
Addie: The beginning of 2014 was a struggle since I was still working full-time and running the business on the side. I decided to quit my full-time job in May of 2014 to focus full-time on D’IYANU. I knew I needed to invest all my time and attention in order to get the brand off the ground. With the goal of gaining more customers, I would set up at various festivals and even managed to get some products into two boutiques in Philadelphia, but I wasn’t really getting much traction.
I knew that the best place to find customers was online. At the end of September of 2014, I took a course on creating Facebook ads. That course was quite an investment, but it transformed my business practically overnight. With the help of Facebook ads and email marketing, we were able to hit $1 million in sales by the middle of 2016 which took 2.5 years from the launch date.
What makes D’IYANU unique from your competitors or other “African clothing” shops online?
Addie: D’IYANU is unique from other African clothing brands because we are the most innovative and offer the widest range of products for Men, Women and Kids. With the goal of being a lifestyle brand, we offer products that can be incorporated into our customers’ everyday life. Our product offerings include everything from active wear to formal, and office attire. Our innovative spirit is one of our core values that pushes us to explore other types of fabrics and materials so that our items are more comfortable and functional for our customers.
For instance, we use our unique African print stretch woven fabric to make dresses, skirts, pants, jumpsuits, and tops for women so that they’re extremely comfortable and accommodate curves and movement. The fabric looks like the traditional Ankara, but it has amazing stretch and softness.
No other African inspired brand is using this type of fabric. We also print African print on french terry to make our Men’s polo shirts, jogger and hoodie sets. Recently, we launched an iconic Jean Jacket with Kente inspired print for our pre-fall collection and we will be launching more denim and print products in the near future. We’re also looking forward to our knitwear pieces that will be featured in our Fall and Winter collections.
Were you the only person working on your business when you started? When did you realize you needed to hire or build a team in order to be successful?
Addie: I was the only person working on my business up until April of 2015 when I hired my first full-time assistant. I had been working out of my studio apartment up until March 2015 when I moved my operations into an official office space. I realized that my business was growing quickly and I needed the assistance sooner rather than later.
What has been your biggest challenge with growing your business?
Addie: My biggest challenge has been finding quality employees who are also a good cultural fit to fill various roles at D’IYANU. Two additional challenges have been learning to better manage people to bring out the best in them and finding senior employees they can lean on who are operating at a higher level and can provide guidance into their work.
If you knew now what you knew then, what is one thing you would have done differently to accelerate the growth of your business?
Addie: I would have hired a marketing team sooner in order to scale faster. I was doing way too much in the beginning and naturally I couldn’t handle all of our marketing needs.
What is your advice for someone who wants to start an e-commerce business?
Addie: My advice would be to make sure that the product you’re selling has a unique selling point and tells a story that will resonate with a sizable audience. Set aside a marketing budgetand make sure to leverage social media marketing early. Lastly, start building your email and SMS list pre-launch so that you already have customers on launch day and continue to grow that list post-launch, since email and SMS marketing offers the biggest return on marketing spend.
Oluchi Madu is a talent development coach who helps people to discover, develop and monetize their creative abilities so they can function in their ruling domain. She is an efficient and highly organized professional with extensive experience in Human Resources Management.
She is also a public speaker who has authored four books to her name: Divine Asset, The Seed of Greatness, Every Challenge is a Message and Talent: The Money Magnet.
Drawing from her wealth of knowledge as a talent development coach, she founded Talent Maximization With Oluchi Madu, a platform where people are trained on how to discover, develop and maximize their creative abilities to reign in their ruling domain.
Oluchi is happily married with children and lives with her family in England.
She shares her story and the inspiration behind her book in this interview.
Whoareyou?
My name is Oluchi Madu, a Family Life Practitioner who majors in Talent Maximization.
How it began? Journey to writing
The Lighted Candle is an experience and research-based novel which I created from a challenging experience our daughter had with a school teacher when she was 4 years old. Her class teacher instructed a classmate to flog her because she could not assign a pronoun to a name written on the board.
The teacher went further to call her unprintable names and this experience got our daughter’s self-esteem and confidence badly battered. It got so bad that she developed an irreconcilable hatred for the English language and school in general.
We moved her to another school thinking that it was something a change in environment was going to rectify. Little did we know that it was going to be a long and stressful journey, started researching the things that can make her come back to her usual happy bubbly confident child, then in the course of the journey and discovered something very interesting, talking about the power of the creative abilities of children.
I discovered that a child that explores his creative abilities easily builds self-confidence knowing that there’s a particular thing that he’s very good at. Our daughter loves singing and playing musical instruments, so we got down to work to ensure that she explores her love and talent for music and that was the miracle she needed. She became that confident child we’ve ever known and started writing songs and stories.
She recently won a director’s award in her school – best in the English language here in England. I decided to share my result-proven findings with as many families as possible in form of a novel.
Where can we get the book?
The Lighted Candle is on Bookplaze and Amazon. Just a click on the link below will direct the buyer to the site to purchase https://oluchimadu.com/
Writing Process?
I documented our daughter’s recovery process from damaged self-esteem and my experience as a Talent Maximization Coach. It took me 6 years to write this book because I was studying, implementing, and recording all my findings, processes and results.
What’s the book about?And where it was published
The lighted candle is an experience and research-based child-self-training and parenting tool created in form of a novel. It is a documented process of how children battling with low self-esteem, peer pressure, academic challenges, and non-connection with parents, can build their self-esteem, enjoy a deep connection with their parents, excel academically using their creative abilities, develop and leverage social capital, and become great in life.
This book is needed by every growing child to learn how to jump every hurdle set by life and navigate to greatness. It is also a tool needed by parents, teachers and every child handler to understand children’s varying personalities and the best way to connect with them.
The lighted Candle introduces every child to his or her great personality. It teaches how to navigate through stages of childhood, grow and leverage social capital and attain greatness using creative abilities.
Every child is designed to be great if only he is shown his Lighted Candle and how to use it to illuminate his way and also lighten the paths of others. It was published in Nigeria by Worital Publishing Company.
Why should families read the book?
Reasons why every family should have The Lighted Candle;
1. The Lighted Candle introduces every child to their personalities and creative abilities.
2. It is a self-training tool. This means that with this book, a child can train himself on how to navigate through life challenges.
3. It is a tool that teaches children how to build self-esteem and become a person of positive influence.
4. The Lighted Candle is also a tool that teaches children how to build and leverage social capital to become great in life.
5. It teaches children empathy and emotional intelligence.
6. The Lighted Candle is a tool needed by every parent, teacher and child handler, to understand children’s personalities, how to connect with them and how to help them leverage their creative abilities to become who they are created to be.
Are you a first-time author? Otherwise, how did your other books fare?
The Lighted Candle is my 5th book, my 1st book is titled Divine Asset, 2nd – The Seed of Greatness, 3rd – Every Challenge is a Message and my 4th – Talent, The Money Magnet.
Which are all selling and making impacts.
What next now the book is written?
The purpose is to share the solution that I found with as many families as possible. So, we’re on a mission to ensure that The Lighted Candle get to as many families as possible.
Growing up
I was raised by the best parents anybody would want to have. My parents, especially my father, prepared me for greatness. I have always been a confident child who oozes great leadership qualities because my father inculcated those qualities in me. With these qualities, I find myself always picked by the spotlight wherever I go. So growing up, I was the head girl in my primary and secondary schools.
Favorite author?
My favourite author is Dr Myles Munroe of the blessed memory. Through his books, I found my path in life.
If in-charge of National matters
If I should find my way into the educational system of Nigeria, I will change a lot of things.
1. Our educational system will be reformed to be a platform where talents are refined.
2. Teaching jobs will no longer be for those who cannot get other jobs but for those who are qualified and are passionate about teaching as a career.
Trending topic I would like to jump in?
As a Family Life Practitioner, I will jump in to discuss the high rate of broken marriages and its effects on growing children. I will like to change the wrong perspectives about marriage and also help people to learn how to build happy marital relationships.
Sell yourself
If there is one thing I love about myself, it is my idea of success. I see myself successful when people that come in contact with me learn the things I have succeeded in.
I don’t like people around me suffering and begging for means of livelihood because God has given every human being on earth all we need to become wealthy and great.Talent is the seed of greatness but many people don’t seem to understand this.
So as a Talent Maximization Coach, I set up an academy called The Talent Maximization Academy where we teach people;
1. How to discover their talents and the audience their talents are meant for.
2. How to develop and refine their talents to be sellable.
3. How to monetize their talents and explore the business of their talents.
So this 2013, we have a goal of raising at least 1000 people who’ll record mind-blowing successes using their talents. So we crashed the tuition fee to accommodate as many people as possible who may have a problem with funds.
Sell your book
The Lighted Candle is my 5th book. My 1st book called Divine Asset is an inspirational book specifically designed for women. This book reveals the treasures and the influence women have that some do not know about. It teaches women how to discover and leverage these treasures to become great and live as the queens they are designed to be.
My 2nd book called The Seed of Greatness teaches about Talent, Vision and Purpose. It explains the relationship between Talent, Vision and Purpose. It reveals how people can create a lifetime vision from their talents and live a life of purpose.
3rd book, Every Challenge Is A Message just as the name goes explains why people should not see challenges as all negative.
It details how people can turn challenges into positivity, while the 4th book, Talent: The Money Magnet teaches how people can build transgenerational wealth with their talents.
My just-published book which is the 5th and is called The Lighted Candle.
1. The Lighted Candle introduces children to their personalities and creative abilities.
2. It is a self-training tool. This means that with this book, a child can train himself on how to navigate through life challenges.
3. It is a tool that teaches a child how to build healthy self-esteem and become a person of positive influence.
4. The Lighted Candle is also a tool that teaches children how to build and leverage social capital to become great in life.
5. It teaches children empathy, emotional intelligence kindness and compassion.
6. The Lighted Candle is a tool needed by every parent, teacher and child handler, to understand children’s personalities, how to connect with them and how to help them leverage their creative abilities to become who they are created to be.
How did you get to know worital, your experience and what makes worital different.
I actually stumbled on Worital on Emeka Nobis post and started studying them on Facebook. Working with Worital is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
I’ve had an amazing experience with Worital to the extent that the business relationship will be a lifetime journey. I can go to bed with my two eyes comfortably closed knowing very well that I will get the best from them. The touch of excellence in all their works is simply captivating.
Team Worital works with authors to ensure that they record huge success as authors. They do not leave authors after publishing their books. They work with the authors to make sure that the books serve the purposes for which they are published. Fola is exceptionally designed for the vision of Worital.
On being a Woman of Rubies?
I see myself as a woman of Rubies because I am releasing the treasures in me to the world. Any willing mind that comes in contact with me will either succeed or succeed. I do not give up on willing minds. Like a proverbial woman in the good book who gave up her coins to look for a lost coin, I can give in my all to ensure that a willing mind succeeds.
Then I am so passionate about my family. My husband Charles Madu is my soulmate and my most favourite person in the world. Together we created a beautiful world for our beautiful children where the gifts of every family member find expression and we enjoy priceless bliss. We don’t joke with natural creative abilities because we understand that talent is the seed of greatness.
I understand the pain of doing it alonewith no support system. I know it hurts when you think about the sacrifices, and you feel life is not fair.
Believe me, I also have those moments. When I say I understand, I truly mean it.
However, you must understand that while trauma isn’t your fault, healing is your responsibility.
You can’t heal from pain If you continuously visit old wounds or give life to topics that put you in a “dramatic” position where you entertain the public with your private matters. You will end up looking like the problem you are trying to solve.
One thing I have done to protect my energy and peace since I became a single parent is to stay away from things, people, and places that trigger any old wound I’m trying to heal from
The Power of Healing
Healing is an art.
It takes time, it takes practice, discipline, and self-love.
I also learned that healing is in phases, and the more inner work you do, the more things came to the surface.
Instead of explaining myself to folks who have not walked a mile in my shoes, I focused on my healing journey, prayer, and affirmations.
Healing affirmations for tra.u.ma is one of the tips I shared in my soon-to-be-released self-help book. If you would like to have a copy, kindly click here to join the waitlist. I also shared some techniques I used over the years to stay grounded and focused, even when I was gaslighted.
It’s not easy really, but once you learn to forgive yourself, you have the power to control your emotions and your impulse.
Supportifly celebrate valentine with its “School is not scam” exercise bookdonation project. The initiative which kicked off last year is aimed at fighting miseducation, and helping to reverse the trend that education isn’t profitable.
Students holding the excercise book
For the special valentine exercise book donation, the Supportifly team visited Ijokodo High School and Cheshire High School, and sensitized the students on the importance of staying in school, getting good grades and making their parents proud.
Founded by Philanthropist, Bolarinwa Kashif,who believes in the power of education and committed to using his platform and resources to create change in the education sector in Nigeria.
Bolarinwa Kashif, CEO- Fly Multi Company
Asides the school project, Bolarinwa who is also known as Mr. Fly, create jobs, and gives back to the society by supporting vulnerable persons, empowering youths and children of low-income homes.
Speaking on the reason why his team decided to give back, the astute business man had this to say;
I am committed to restoring hope, educational value and create a better Nigeria. I want these children to know that education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.
The philanthropist has been recognized by several organizations across Nigeria for his contribution to the society.
His Fly Fitness gym, which is another arm of his business has become a safe heaven for pregnant women, where they are assisted with free stressless delivery through healthy exercise, the gym boasts of world-class equipment, and it is one of the most visited in the ancient city of Ibadan.
Supportifly Team member with the students
The Supportifly team will be visiting more schools through out the year, and using it’s social media platforms to financially support the downtrodden, vulnerable and helpless who are in dire need.
The Supportifly team led by Bolarinwa Kashif O and Bolarinwa Haishah O, supported by their amazing team,; Olasunkanmi Olayinka Habeeb, Yusuf Balkis Oluwakemi; Samuel Lance Momodu, Olokede Oluwatobi Samuel, Jimoh Awawu Folake, Aluko Shahudah Folashade and Rufai Ojo Ibrahim.
For the third time in 3 years, the remarkable impact of outstanding career women is set to take the centre stage as 9to5Chick announces a call for nominations for its 100 Top Career Women in Africa.
Launched in 2020, the 9to5Chick’s 100 Top Career Women in Africais a distinctive recognition that brings to the spotlight the accomplishments and contributions of audacious women in the business and corporate sector. Previously, this recognition was exclusively for women in Nigeria but has now expanded its focus to honor and celebrate women from all over Africa.
Founder of 9to5Chick, Glory Edozien (PhD), believes that “corporate African women do great work but rarely receive the recognition they deserve.” Many who are so focused on hardwork have deliberately shunned the spotlight thereby denying the emerging generation of female visionaries the opportunity to learn from their expertise and get inspired by their work. By recognising these women, we secure a thriving future for the next generation of audacious women.
This recognition also serves the IWD 2023 campaign theme #EmbraceEquity as 9to5chick seeks to celebrate women who challenge gender stereotypes, and have broken the glass ceilings in their respective fields, forging positive change, especially in fields that are male dominated.
Nominations are currently ongoing and are set to close on 20th February, 2023. Click HERE to nominate your top career women.
Meet The Judges
For this selection, 9to5chick has set up an advisory panel consisting of 5 independent judges with passion and demonstrated history in identifying and selecting women deserving of this recognition. They will be reviewing the nomination list alongside the founder of 9to5chick, Glory Edozien. These judges are:
Funke Amobi
Funke is a globally recognised Human Resources professional and multiple award winner. She has over 25 years of experience across Oil & Gas, Banking & Telecommunications sectors and currently serves as the Regional Head for People & Culture Nigeria & West Africa for Standard Bank Group with the responsibility for shaping the people and culture strategy across six countries.
Yemi Faseun
Yemi is a business leader with over 30 years of multi-sector, multi-function experience. He is currently the Chief Talent Officer at YT Talent Officer and was a two-term elected council member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). He has received a number of global recognitions such as Top 8 HR Thought Leader in Africa, Top 50 Personality on LinkedIn, 2022 Top 200 Global Thought Leader among others.
Osayi Alile
Osayi is the CEO of Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation and has over 25 years of experience across different sectors. She is an experienced Council Member with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organisation management industry. She has also been named one of the African Women of the Year in 2015.
Nkiru Olumide – Ojo
Nkiru is currently the Africa Regions Executive Head, Marketing Corporate Communications & CSI at Standard Bank Group. She leads a diverse team across African countries to deliver business objectives through Brand Marketing, Corporate Communications, and Corporate Social Investment. Over the course of her 20 years across career, she has gotten several recognitions such as Leading Woman in Marketing and Communications 2016, Marketing Personality of the year among others. She is also a published author of the ‘Pressure Cooker-Lessons from a woman at work’ and is a female enthusiast.
Tewa Onasanya
Tewa Onasanya is a British-Nigerian publisher, philanthropist, Author and Mindset Stylist. She is the Founder/CEO of Exquisite Magazine Services Ltd, the publishers of Exquisite Magazine and the organizers of EMAC Walk and ELOY Awards. Tewa has been featured in numerous international and Nigerian media which include the CNN, BBC, New York Times, Wikipedia, Punch, Guardian, Thisday, Vanguard and more newspapers, Television and Radio stations. She has won several awards internationally and in Nigeria.
Nominees will be judged based on excellence in leadership and performance, personal accomplishments, commitment to sharing knowledge and have challenged gender stereotypes
This list will be released on the 27th of March 2023 and will consist of 100 women in 20 categories:
Healthcare
Energy
Media and communication
Technology
Financial services
Environment and Agriculture ● Development
Management and consulting
Hospitality and event management
Legal services
Marketing, Advertising and PR
Recruitment and HR ● Engineering ●
Public services and administration
Telecommunication
Aviation
Oil and gas
Beauty and Fashion
Manufacturing and FMCG
Nominate a deserving career woman today by clicking HERE
9to5Chick is Africa’s leading career development platform for women, founded by Glory Edozien (PhD). Its mission is to help women in mid and senior-level careers build visibility and thought leadership, while also assisting organisations in identifying, training, and retaining top female talent.
Over the years female content creators are emerging in setting the pace in the skit making venture which has been dominated by the male folks. Women of Rubies highlights some women taking over the Nigerian Internet space with their funny, Interesting, and exciting content. The 8 top female content creators in Nigeria are:
1. Taaooma:
Maryam Apaokagi, popularly known as Taaooma is a content creator, actress,social media influencer, comedian, and cinematographer. She was born 28th of February, 1999. She spent her childhood days in Namibia but later attended Kwara State University where she studied tourism and travel management.
Taaooma began her content creator journey in 2015 and came into spotlight in 2019with funny skits centered on African parenting, mothers and ways in which they discipline their children incredibly with a slap. Taaooma is topping the rank of female content creators with 3.5 million followers on Facebook, 4.4 million Instagram followers and a whooping net worth of $65,000.
Taaooma
2. Kie Kie
Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie is a content creator, actress, TV personality, fashion icon, and model. She was born 20th of June, 1990. She went to a private primary and secondary school in Ibadan then proceeded to Bowen University, Osun State where she studied mass communication and advanced to the London School of Business where she obtained a master’s degree in marketing.
Kie Kie started appearing in skitsin 2019 and grew to fame over the years through consistency and dedication. She has 2M followers on Instagram and 1.2M Facebook followers and an estimated net worth of $800,000.
Bimbo was born on the 4th of February 1991 and attended St. Margaret’s Primary School, Ikorodu then Mayflower Secondary School in Ikenne and advanced to Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State where she studied business administration. Bimbo has 267k Facebook followers and 2.4 million Instagram Followers always on the lookout for her funny videos.
Bimbo Ademoye
4. Maraji
Gloria OBimbo Ademoye loruntobi, also known as Maraji was born on the 6th of February, 1997 and is a native of Edo State. She completed her elementary and secondary school in Edo state and advanced to Covenant University where she studied International Relations.
Maraji began her content creation journey in 2015 by miming the songs of Nigerian musicians and they keep reposting her content that is how she accidentally became a celebrity. She was featured in falz and Yemi Alade’s music video. Maraji has a whooping 1.6 million Instagram followers and 66k Facebook followers always eager to watch her comedy skits and engrossing videos.
Maraji | Image: Instagram
5. Dat Warri girl
Oluwatoyin Albert, popularly known as Dat Warri girl is a Nigerian dancer, actress, On-Air Personality (OAP), comedienne, and content creator. She was born on the 26th of December from the Yoruba ethnic group but spent her early days in Warri, Delta state.
Dat Warri girl went to Delta State University, Abraka where she studied Theatre Arts. She has 686K Instagram followers and 677k Facebook followers.
DatWarrigirl
6. Kemz Mama
Kemi Ikuseedun, popularly known as Mummy Wa or Kemz Mama was born on September 26, 1996 in Orile, Iganmu, Lagos state. She attended Bell University, Ota ogun state where she earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and bagged a master’s degree in management from University of Lagos State.
Mummy Wa is a qualified member of ICAN and a trained actress from Emem Isong’s Royal Arts Academy. She has 726k Facebook followers and 371K Instagram followers and her role as Mummy Wa in Mr Macroni’s comedy series brings smile to many.
KemzMama aka Mummy wa
7. Flora222
Gabriel Omozele, popularly known as Flora222 is comedienne and actor who was born on the 2nd of November. She is from Edo state and graduated from Ambrose Ali University where she offered Theatre and Media Art.
From an early age Flora loves being in front of the camera and that sparked her interest in content creation and after her tertiary education she went into acting full time and is doing well for herself. Flora222 has 631k Facebook followers and 310k Instagram followers.
Mizgabbie-Flora222
8. Jessiekaey
Jessica Anagor, also known as Jessiekaey was born early 1990s and attended a boarding school for her basic education.
Jessiekaey began her content creation journey in 2019, and her comedy centered around African mothers and their relation to their daughters. She came into spotlight after releasing the skit about how course mates behave during exams; that video was reposted by Kraks TV and speedily gained traction, with numerous shares. She has 548K Facebook followers, 153k Instagram followers and an approximated net worth of $50,000.
Sharing information around the globe has become trendy across social media platforms due to the improvement in technology. Blogging is one of the main communication platforms accessible in this digital age.
A blog is an information platform where a writer or team of writers craft interesting content on a wide range of subjects such as news, food, fashion, lifestyle, and many more.
Nigeria is blessed with numerous talented bloggers trending on social media with active followers of their blogs. Women are ranking top in the list of influential, popular, and successful bloggers in Nigeria.
These 13 top female bloggers are experts in creating detailed and engaging content that captivates readers and entertains steady advertisements. These blogs focus on a variety of topics that Nigerian society can relate to and find interesting.
Below are the top 13 female bloggers in Nigeria you should follow this year.
1. Linda Ikeji
Linda Ikeji uses her more than 15 years of experience to dish out entertaining and outstanding content. She owns Lindaikeji.blogspot.com. Her blog releases stories and news, which consists of political news and celebrity updates that are unique to her blog. Linda Ikeji who is also known as the Queen of bloggers is one of the most popular, wealthiest, and influential bloggers in Africa.
Linda Ikeji
2. Uche Pedro
Uche Eze is the CEO of ‘Bella Naija’ which is one of the most trendy and winning blogs in Nigeria. Her blog posts consist of a detailed analysis of African weddings, beauty, fashion, music, entertainment, lifestyle, and many more. Numerous newbie bloggers draw inspiration from Uche Pedro.
Uche Pedro
3. Tosin Ajibade
Tosin is popular for dishing out entertaining and lifestyle content from her blog ‘Olorisupergal.’ She is an accounting degree holder from Lagos State University (LASU). Her top-notch blog posts have attracted several awards, and nominations consisting of Leading Ladies Africa, and YNaija’s 100 most significant women in Nigeria.
Tosin Ajibade- Olorisupergal
4. Laila Ijeoma
After quitting her job as a banker she turned her focus on blogging as a profession. Over the years she has demonstrated that blogging is a profitable career. She joins the list of top bloggers in the country. Fashion, lifestyle, politics, and celebrities gist are covered in her blog_ LailasBlog.com
Laila Ijeoma
6. Yemisi Aiyedun – Sisi Yemmie
Yemisi Aiyedun also called Sisi Yemmie, is a top Nigerian blogger. A mass communication graduate from Igbinedon university. Her blog ‘sisiyemmie.com’ publishes fashion tips, food and restaurant reviews, lifestyle, beauty, and many more. Her unique approach to numerous topics has landed her multiple awards. Three words for Yemisi’s blog are engaging, entertaining, and educative.
Sisi Yemmie
7. Kemi Filani
Kemi is a journalist and blogger. She owns one of the most visited blogs_ KemiFilani which offers valuable information on Love/weddings, spirituality, juicy celebrity gossip, news break down in contemporary styles, and movies.
Kemi Filani
8. Stella Dimoko Korkus
Another successful female blogger that covers a wide range of topics such as entertainment, gossip, events, inspiration, lifestyle, news, fashion, and a lot more is Stella Dimoko Korkus . Over the years she has become a daring journalist and her blog stelladimokorkus.com reflects that.
9. Moji Delano
Moji Delano is an online media aficionado, lawyer, communications strategist, and entrepreneur, She is behind popular blog; mojidelano.com, and also the owner of SMD media.
Moji Delano
10. Ladun Liadi (Oladunni)
The blog ‘LadunLiadi‘ was founded by Oladunni. She publishes blog posts on fashion, trends, celebrity updates, and hot gossip in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Her blog is captivating, juicy, and interesting.
Ladun Liadi
11. Chidimma Umeh
Chidimma Umeh is the founder of ThatIgbochick blog. A beauty, lifestyle, and fashion blog that virtually shares detailed information on facial cosmetics, make-up, and fashion. She passionately writes on the listed subject and this attracts make-up and fashion lovers to her blog. Her posts are engaging and entertaining as she also writes about interesting aspects of her personal life, beauty tips, traveling, and others. Her blog is also known as dimmaumeh.com.
12. Kate Ijeoma
Kate loves to write about women, their fears, struggles and challenges on her blog. She tell stories of women no matter where they come from in a bid to inspire and encourage them to embrace their uniqueness. Her blog feminine.com.ng blog educates women on the importance of having a voice and identity.
Kate Ijeoma
13. Tobi Ayeni
Tobi Ayeni a Banking and Finance graduate at covenant university is one of the top female bloggers in Nigeria who founded missitechy, a technology-based blog that bloomed tremendously over the years.
Tobi is multi-talented because apart from being a blogger she is a digital marketer and proficient in regulating online communities, generating campaigns, unraveling insights, accessing metrics, and educating clients about the above listed.
Ejiro Osakede is a woman of many expressions. She’s a Singer, Trainer, Author, Sound Engineer, VoiceOver Artist, Master Storyteller, Podcaster and Event Host. She is the resident MC at the Female Founders Initiative MEA.
Everyone has talent. What’s rare is the courage to follow it to the places where it leads. There are people who multi-talented in different skills and thrive in all, Ejiro Osakede has succeeded everywhere she has taken her gift.
She is an audiobooks creator for African authors, with works from notable authors. The multi-award recipient is also known as the Energetic EJ. She is dedicated to training and supporting audiobook creators, narrators and podcasters by creating content and courses that help them thrive in their craft. As well as provide support via a closed community.
She is the convener of THE BECOMING SUMMIT- an initiative to awaken in the young generation (Ages 18 -35) a desire to BE a better version of themselves, being fit for their purpose and has reached Africa, Europe and Asia, spanning several countries across these continents.
Her Podcast, ‘Stretch Street’ focuses on documenting the stretch stories of individuals who have been through tough times and have come out of it as better people. In this interview with Esther Ijewere, she shares her inspiring story.
Childhood Influence
Consider me a womb opening for my parents. They had me after trying for a child for over a decade and so you can imagine the dramatic entry I made into the world. I was told they celebrated for like a week, starting from the hospital to the whole village.
My Dad was a sailor at the time and he worked with colleagues of other nationalities, they were all aware of the long wait and when I came along he was still away on his trip. So, when he returned, it was a whole week of partying and celebrating the arrival of his first child after waiting for so long and going through all manners of ridicule.
I was also told that I was a very bold and confident child and so I became popular as a toddler. You see why I said the spotlight is attracted to me. And that has been the case always. Whether I try or not, I always get noticed in any setting I show up.
In this regard, my childhood prepared me for what I am doing today. God has been faithful in placing me amongst leaders, visionaries and purpose driven individuals and communities.
Inspiration behind BECOMING SUMMIT
As an African Youth, there is a tendency to shortchange ourselves and discount us even before opportunities arrive. Especially for those of us from very humble backgrounds. And to make matters worse, for young people who didn’t have the right set of people around them to help them see that although their environment seems to be stifling, they can curate for themselves an enabling environment by the type of content they consume and the type of people they connect with online.
Ejiro Osakede, Podcaster and Storyteller
Being a Storyteller, Podcaster, Sound Engineer, Voice-Over Artist and Singer
I will start from singing. I started singing when I was a kid. I was part of the junior choir and then moved on to the senior choir. Then I became a worship leader back then. And since then, I pretty much grew in that regard as a church girl.
Then in 2000 after dropping out of school for lack of funds to pay my final year fee. I stepped into the entertainment industry as a backup singer. So, I became a back up singer both on stage and in the studio.
I had the opportunity to work with musicians from back then like Imona and the crusaders band, Mr. Kool, Ochonma, Tony-one-week, Dabyna and Jahcub Abraham to mention a few.
While that was going on, I also started to train as a field sound engineer. I learned how to build speakers, microphones and set up the stage for mega concerts. On days when I am not with the band backing up on stage, I will be on the stage manning the console and dealing with cables and equipment.
In 2005, I wrote a song and upon reflection while I wrote it, I realized that I wasn’t sure my life was in the exact direction I wanted it to be. I knew I would be in the spotlight, but I wanted my story to be inspiring and I felt if I continued at the pace I was at the time as a showgirl, I might miss my way.
So, I decided to withdraw from the entertainment industry to go figure my life out. Then I decided to go back to school. I wanted so badly to go take an acting course at PEFTI. But I was advised against it. And I was encouraged to take up a Course that could get me a secured job. So, I settled for Secretarial Studies.
Once I was done with my OND I knew this wasn’t the course for me, so I refused to go further with my HND to go out and explore my options.
That was when I took the OAP course with The ProEmcees Academy founded by Kamal Salau, a veteran in the broadcast industry back then. This was where I started to get more interested in the use of my voice. And it was also during this short course that I fell in love with audiobooks.
Ejiro osakede
One of the materials that was presented during this course was THE BIBLE EXPERIENCE. And this project got me hooked so badly I told myself I wanted to replicate it for African Authors. And that became my main project for the next couple of years.
Working with African Authors to convert their books into audio. Years down the line, I figured I must be getting something wrong and maybe I should go back to school to gain more knowledge. So, I went back to get a degree in audio engineering at SAE Dubai.
The storytelling is a result of being a podcaster as my podcast covers the stories of my guests. I started podcasting officially in 2019. It started with a faith-based podcast named Worship Song of the Week which lasted a year.
Then I started The Afrocentrist Podcast towards the end of 2020 and rebranded late 2022 into Stretch Street Podcast where the goal is to document the stretch stories of individuals to draw out life lessons from their challenging experiences while aggregating references for young people of African descent that challenges are not exclusive to any of us.
They are there to teach us and to make the most of them we must learn to identify the lessons that these challenges came to teach us and also document them so that others can learn from our mistakes or success.
The Journey So Far
My journey so far has been a learning curve. I am getting to know myself better as well as improving in the way that I show up. It’s not been an easy ride but its been a great one so far. I have had to explore the multiple phases of my skills, talents and strengths. Mostly through service to others and as a solo-prenuer.
I have also taken up a lot of courses to develop various aspect of my expressions. Majority of which took place between 2022 and now. Before then I had an OND in Sec Admin, I trained as an OAP, I took Conflict resolution masterclasses. I also took a couple of short courses in Public speaking both back home in Nigeria and abroad in Dubai UAE.
Challlenges
I’d say the major challenge for me was internal. I had a lot of limiting mindsets. And it’s taken a lot of work to get to where I am today. I am still a work in progress. This is why I take personal development very dear to my heart.
My Passion For Creating Audiobooks for African Authors
I believe that as Africans we haven’t done a great job in telling our stories or documenting our lives from the place of strength like one of my mentors Onye Ubanatu would say. At the time when I picked up this niche, I couldn’t even articulate it this much. I just knew that I wanted to help African Authors leave a digital footprint in the audiobook space.
I wanted a situation where our books will be in audio format and not stop there, but also in our local dialects to preserve our heritage.
One time I was researching the languages in Nigeria, and I discovered that some languages from the northern part of the country have gone extinct and more will go extinct in the next 20 to 30years. Leaning into audio content is one way that we can preserve our languages for generations to come. And the gift of the internet and cloud storage can be leveraged to make this happen.
Ejiro osakede receiving an award
I can’t say that I have succeeded in birthing this idea but I don’t cease to talk about it, because as much as I don’t feel I’ve done justice to it, I know that there are people out there who bare the same burden as me, and least I can do is keep talking about it so that they can also know that they are not alone in their thoughts. And perhaps some day we can have a couple of young Africans come together to do something about it and maybe build a solution collaboratively.
Other Projects and Activities
Since I couldn’t pull off the audiobook project to mainstream, I felt I had a chance to take it in bite size and start with podcasting. So, I’ve been an advocate for young Africans to use their voice for impact, influence and income. They can do this by following their convictions and sharing their messages using podcasts as a tool.
Hence I run a challenge where I train, guide and support newbie podcasters how to set up their podcast not just because it’s in vogue, but to plug it into what they feel convinced is their purpose and use this tool to grow their impact and influence while earning an income through it as well.
I have had about 50 people go through this program in the last one year and counting.
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
As an audio content producer; Podcasts, audiobooks, voice overs, I love editing, I love experiencing the minds of those that I get to work with. I also get to learn while I am working, that means for me, work is growth. And there is nothing as blessed as having to do what you love and getting paid for it.
Women Who Inspire Ejiro Osakede and Why
Edirin Edewor – She is my coach, turned friend and sister. If resilience was a person then it is Edirin Edewor. She’s intelligent, gentle and has a big heart for people. She’s like a gift that keeps giving. And her story gets me up my feet every time I think about what she has to go through with her health condition and still be able to make such significant impact. Honestly I respect her strength, commitment, resilience, and intelligence.
Debola Deji-Kurunmi – a.k.a DDK. DDK showed me the power of multi influential flows. The fact that as humans and especially as women, we have the capacity to flow in more than one direction and there is nothing wrong about it. We only need to embrace our potential and set up systems in place to manage our multiple flows. And she does it so seamlessly making me understand the power of a team, the power of people, the power of intentionality and maximizing the relationships in our lives.
What We Can Do To Support Women With Different Skill Sets
It is not uncommon to see women with various skill set, yet when it comes to the market place its a struggle for many of us. Naturally we are comfortable and familiar with the concept of wearing many hats as a woman. Mother, sister, friend, sister-in-law, daughter, daughter-in-law, Aunt and colleague.
However, when it comes to our skills, it feels so wrong and scattered sometimes when we are skilled in different areas. So I think we should talk more about it and have programs that will help us manage our skills better.
One Thing I wish To Change In My Sector
I will speak to this from an African perspective. If there is one thing I could change it will be the silo mentality. As a people we would do more, grow faster, make more impact if we learn to collaborate effectively. If we learn to bring our resources, skills and aligned visions together to form a bigger vision that will outlive us.
Being a Woman of Rubies
I am consistently evolving. I am big on personal development and inspiring others with my life. I have the interest of the people I serve at heart. I am winning against the battle of comparison daily and embracing my uniqueness with confidence and charisma. This makes me a woman of Rubies.
Tems part in Future’s hit single ‘Wait For U’ earned her the Grammy award for ‘Best Melodic Rap performance’ at the recent Grammy awards ceremony. Making her the first female artist from the Nigerian music industry to win a Grammy.
When Tems merged forces with Wizkid for ‘Essence,’ the anthem catapulted the sultry singer into an unexpected stardom. However, with her global recognition, there are many interesting facts about her that people are yet to know about.
Here are six thing you didn’t know about the singer;
She featured her mom on her debut EP
On her debut EP, Tems features the voice of her mother on ’Témìládè Interlude’. The track tells the story of an unshakeable maternal instinct that reassured her mother she’d bear a daughter, whose name was destined to be: Témìládè Openiyi.
She Is Half British
Born to a Nigerian mother and British-Nigerian father, the family moved to England for the first three years of her life, before returning to her home country.
She Wrote Her First Song At Age 17
At 17, she started to venture forwards with music, putting aside her beliefs around her voice not being sufficiently ‘feminine’. At this time, she joined the choir and started learning how to play the piano.
Tems at JayZ and Beyonce Pre-Grammys Party
Tems Is A Producer
Up ’til her latest EP, she majorly produced her own beats.
She loves Ghana
Ghana is Tems’ favourite place to watch the sunset. In touch with nature and surroundings, the artwork for ‘If Orange Was A Place’ is meant to resemble the warm tones of a sunset.
Ogechi Adili is a creative writer, content creator, educator and impact strategist who loves using writing as an expression. She is the author of the fast selling book; Lady Justice Has Been Raped, a novel that reflects the vices of unforgiveness and injustice prevalent in a typical African society via the lens of a young Nigerian Beauty Olaedo.
This book has connected Adili with people from different parts of the world, including Nigeria, Canada, India, Namibia, etc. It has also given her audience with dignitaries such as the Chief Justice of Edo State (Rtd), the president of the Association of Microfinance Banks in Nigeria – Dr. Joshua Ukutu.
She is also the author of the book: Fiction Writerz Juice; a guide for writers and all who intend to make their writing juice flow.
She has served as the Chief Editor of the UNIBEN Watchman Campus Magazine, a magazine that contains exciting and life-changing articles and stories. It also captures the undergraduate experiences and aims to model youths to change negative narratives and draw them to their Creator.
Her short story, The World As a Very Small Ball, was selected and featured in the Anthology of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
Ogechi Adili is passionate about making an impact. Hence, as a Tourism Community Development Service President, she undertook projects with her team to help young people and sensitise the girl child on the need to become a pillar of the society.
She has volunteered at several organisations where she received certificates of recognition.
In this interview with Women of Rubies, she shares the inspiration behind her new book; “Lady Justice Has Been Raped” , and the importance of challenging gender stereotype
Ogechi Adili
Who are you?
My name is Ogechi Adili and I am a creative writer, content creator, educator and an impact strategist.
Why did you author this book?
Writing is a means of expression to me, as I get to share my view on matters. Also, it’s a tool through which I travel into minds to correct, teach, and influence thoughts, behaviours and lifestyle. Lady Justice Has Been Raped is more than a novel; it is a weapon of change and impact.
I wrote this book to address the ills and vices prevalent in the African society. Rather than join the multitude to wail, bemoan and complain about the decadence in our society, I decided to capture these moral depravities and corrupt practices in writing, thereby living up to my slogan: ‘Do not just complain about it, do something’.
I wrote this book for legacy.
I wrote this book to be another different girl child who defiantly refuses to allow gender stereotype prevalent in a typical African society truncate her ambitions and dreams.
Where can we get the book?
You can reach me via my social media handles – Ogechi Adili (Facebook), Ogechi Adili (LinkedIn), WhatsApp (08100592218) or Reach out to the publishing firm ‘Worital Publishers’
What process went into writing the book?
The book started first as short story episodes on my Facebook wall, and it started to get noticed and readers kept demanding for more episodes, I just knew it would be more.
Writing this book wasn’t just a walk through the park; there were days I felt I was not good enough but I was determined and committed to finishing what I knew would impact a lot of lives. Look where we are now.
Tell us more about the content of the book? And where it was published
This book is a fictional work of art. It is written in an unusual style, employing the use of present tense and the famous ‘Naija pidgin’ expressions (not to worry; a glossary has been attached). It’s a story of pain, vices, struggles, love and hope. You can’t read this book and remain the same. There is always something to learn.
Embedded in the book are circumstances of several sectors in Nigeria I would love to change. I may not have the physical power to do that, but I have the vocabulary and literary prowess to cause rainfall in summer. After all writers in the past caused revolutions through their works.
Are you a first time author? Otherwise, how did your other books fare?
I have written other books which are only available as Ebooks but this is my first paperback and my debut novel. Cold Rush which is a tour guide on Obudu Mountain Resort and Fiction Writerz B̶l̶o̶c̶k̶ Juice are EBooks and they are doing just fine.
What next now that the book is written?
It is a step towards the big ideas in my head. Expect more. I hope to write more life changing books. I dream to be in rooms I only read in books; I hope to be a woman young minds will look up to and believe in their hearts that they could be more; I hope to own a publishing firm so as to improve reading and writing culture in Africa.
Tell us a story of your upbringing. One that would wow us and that connects with what you do now.
Growing up, I have always loved reading stories and writing my own stories in jotters. Interestingly, I would save up for weeks just to buy story books.
I also had dreams of becoming a lawyer. Back in the days, I would go to a family friend’s cyber cafe to design funny logos for my chamber, but sadly I didn’t get a chance to study Law despite hitting high scores. Further, growing up I learnt females from my community couldn’t own lands and girl children are not regarded highly.
I began to ask questions and through books I met great women doing wonders like Chimamanda Adichie, Oprah Winfrey, Okonjo Iweala etc. My father would always say; “If Adichie and Okonjo Iweala could, you can.’ That was how my dreams began to grow.
I didn’t get to study Law, but when I realized I could still achieve all I envisioned to change and achieve through writing, I embraced it.
Who’s your mentor or favourite author?
My favorite author is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. However, there are other recent writers I have come to love too.
What one national matter would you want to contribute on? (Please do contribute in let’s get your opinion).
The girl child can be more. Women are not trophies to be won by men and gender should have nothing to do with greatness and success. Their voices should be heard for good and every woman should maximize her potentials.
What trending topic would you like to jump in? (Please do jump in, let’s get your opinion).
I would love to talk about what it takes to have a better Nigeria. For me, I feel it begins with us. If everyone becomes instrumental to change in the little corner where they find themselves, only then is a better Nigeria possible.
Sell yourself
I nurture ideas and birth them into books. I will help sharpen your writing skills and gift you the pen of a ready writer. I thrive on opportunities to make impact through my writing.
Sell your book
Lady Justice Has Been Raped is a novel that captures themes such as injustice, struggles, pain, hope, and love prevalent in a typical African society through the lens of a young African beauty ‘Olaedo’
It is so African that it is written in a unique style.
Olaedo just like every young person out there has a lot of challenges that seem to drown her. However life brings her way agents of love and light. Will she embrace this newness or will she chose to dine with the dark shadows of her life? Find out in Lady Justice Has Been Raped.
How did you get to know Worital, your experience with Worital and what makes Worital different.
I have been following Worital for about a year since after seeing the quality work done on Your Book Will Sell by Emeka Nobis and Brick by Brick by Brenda Unu. I visited their website and the price list almost got me discouraged as a young author but I just knew it had to be Worital.
I didn’t want to be just another published author; I wanted to be the golden egg amidst the normal.
I had some challenges that almost got me discouraged, but the team especially Fola and Book-chef walked me through the process.
What makes Worital different is the quality work they do. Their exterior is top notch – your eyes will get to feed before eating the actual content.
What makes you a woman of Rubies?
To many people, rubies are gem stones representing love, passion, energy and power. They are precious, rare and of great value. It is linked with power, wealth and royalty. In same way, I am a woman with passion, vision, value and purpose.
