Interviews&profile Archives

In Interviews&profile October 9, 2018 By Women of Rubies

PROFILE| MEET NADIA MURAD, THE FIRST IRAQI WOMAN TO WIN A NOBEL PEACE PRIZE AWARD

Nadia Murad is a German based Iraqi human right activist who recently won the Nobel Peace Prize awards at the age of 25. She is also the first Iraqi woman to win that award.

She was awarded alongside a Congolese doctor, Denis Mukwege for their efforts in ending the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.

Murad and about 3,000 other Yazidi women were kidnapped and sold into sex slavery by ISIS in 2014, as part of the terrorist group’s genocidal campaign to wipe out the religious minority.

Here are 9 things you should know about Nadia Murad:

1.Her full name is Nadia Murad Basee Taha

2.Murad was born in the village of Kojo in Sinjar District, Iraq.

3.Nadia Murad was taken into slavery by ISIS on 15 September, 2014.

4.She escaped from ISIS camp in November, 2014.

5.Murad started living in Germany in 2015 after leaving the refugee camp.

6.Murad worked with United Nations in global and local advocacy initiatives to bring awareness of human trafficking and refugees in December, 2015.

7.In September, 2016, she announced her Initiative called “Murad’s Initiave”to provide advocacy and assistance to victims of genocide.

8.In 2016, she received her first award which was the first Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking of the United Nations.

9.Nadia Murad became the first Iraqi woman to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize

Credit: Fabwoman.ng

In Interviews&profile October 8, 2018 By Women of Rubies

PROFILE| MEET PROFESSOR GRACE ALELE-WILLIAMS, THE FIRST FEMALE VICE CHANCELLOR OF A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY

Grace Alele-Williams (born December 16, 1932) is an Educator who made history as the first Nigerian woman to become the head (Vice Chancellor) of a Nigerian university, the University of Benin. She is also the first Nigerian woman to receive a doctorate degree. She is a professor of mathematics education.

Alele-Williams was born in Warri. She attended Government School, Warri, and Queen’s College, Lagos. She attended the University College (now the University of Ibadan), the University of Vermont (U.S) and the University of Chicago (U.S).

Her teaching career started at Queen’s School, Ede Osun State, where she was mathematics master from 1954 until 1957. She left for the University of Vermont to become a graduate assistant and later assistant professor. Between 1963 and ’65, Alele-Williams was a post doctoral research fellow, department (and institute) of Education, University of Ibadan from where she was appointed a professor of mathematics at the University of Lagos in 1976.

She has held and served in various capacities. By serving in various committees and boards, Alele-Williams had made useful contributions in the development of education in Nigeria. She was chairman of the curriculum review committee, former Bendel State 1973-1979. From 1979-1985, she served as chairman of the Lagos State Curriculum Review Committee and Lagos State Examinations Boards.

Alele-Williams was a member of governing council, UNESCO Institute of Education. She is also a consultant to UNESCO and Institute of International Education Planning. For a decade (1963–73) she was a member of the African Mathematics Programme, located in Newton, Massachusetts, United States. She was also vice-president of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education and later president of the Nigerian chapter.

Alele-Williams has published a book titled Modern Mathematics Handbook for Teachers. After serving as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, she joined the board of directors of Chevron-Texaco Nigeria. She is also on the board of HIP Asset Management Company Ltd, an Asset Management Company in Lagos, Nigeria.

Professor Grace Awani Alele-Williams was a force to reckon with in the dark period for Nigeria’s higher education. Then, the activities of secret cults, confraternities and societies had spread within the Nigerian Universities especially in University of Benin. She made valuable impacts, with combination of courage, ingenuity and strategy that the growing tide of cultism was stemmed in the university.

In Interviews&profile October 7, 2022 By Women of Rubies

“Why I Left My Banking Job To Be A Mechanic”-Bunmi Solabi

Bunmi Solabi is a Trained Female Mechanic and the CEO of Ladymek Stores. She studied Science Lab Tech( Microbiology option) and Biology at the universities of Ilorin and Lagos respectively. She’s a mother of two who started her career as a Banker and resigned to follow her passion for Cars. She was a Participant at the German-Nigeria Business Forum 2018 and she has been a guest speaker at women conferences across the Nation and beyond. The beautiful Lady Mechanic, Bunmi Solabi shares her story with Esther Ijewere in this exclusive interview

Childhood Influence

My childhood did not prepare me in anyway to be a Female Mechanic. My childhood dream was to be Medical Doctor, But while growing up, I have always loved cars.

Meet Me

I am Bunmi Solabi CEO of Ladymek Stores, a mother of two adorable children, Biologist and a trained Mechanic. I started my career as banker, I resigned after a while and later joined a pharmaceutical company where I worked for over five years to later pursue my passion for cars.

What made me quit my job to become a mechanic…

My inspiration comes first from my passion for cars and also the need to
make an impact and difference in the society. I just wanted to make a difference and pitch my tent in a sector where you hardly find women.

The reception so far

Because it’s a male dominated terrain the reception and reactions from
people especially the men have not been encouraging even some ladies, the attitude is beyond horrendous especially when I was a trainee. But I soldier on because I know I can’t afford that distractions from my dream.

Challenges faced

Right now my major challenge is setting up a standard workshop. I will like Ladymek stores to be in at least Five States in five years time.

Other projects and activities

Apart from being a mechanic, I am also a public speaker especially on women/Girl empowerment. I have been opportune to speak at Women conferences organised by First Ladies, Organizations, and women in Technical Education. I am also an advocate for Girl Child Education.

Greatest reward

The greatest reward so far is being able to impact my knowledge to women, girls and boys who are my trainees.

Ladymek in five years

I see my brand Ladymek Stores in five states in Nigeria. I will like to have a Standard workshop in at least five States across the nation where we can offer Premium Services and train more Youths and unemployed Graduates to be certified Mechanics.

On giving up

First of all, I will like to say I have never regretted quiting my 8-5 job. However, I must say, there are times I have felt like running back to it because of the on and off challenges I face in this profession. What keeps me going is that I always remember why I started this journey in the first place. There are a lot of ladies that I am mentoring in this Profession who I cannot afford to let down.

My inspiration
My Mother inspires me a lot to be a better version of myself everyday. I also get inspiration from circumstances around me everyday.

I am a Woman Of Rubies
I am a Woman of Rubies because I have dared to break limitations place on women in my profession. I have made the society believe that a woman can do more.

Advice for aspiring female mechanics
My advice for aspiring female mechanics are three words: Determination, Patience and Honesty. Sometimes Comfort Makes us complacent your oars and keep rowing. #findyourself

In Interviews&profile October 2, 2018 By Women of Rubies

PROFILE| MEET CHIEF FOLAKE SOLANKE, THE FIRST FEMALE SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA

Chief Folake Solanke (born 29 March 1932), SAN, CON, is a Nigerian Lawyer, administrator, and social critic. She is the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the first Nigerian female lawyer to wear the silk gown as Senior Counsel. She is the first Commissioner of Western State, and is a former Chairperson of the Western Nigeria Television Broadcasting Corporation (WNTBC).

She was the 42nd and the first African International President of Zonta International, an international service organization that focus primarily on advancing the status of women. The 43rd International President was also African.

Upon her return to Nigeria in August 1962, Solanke began her law career at the chamber of late Honourable Justice Michael Adeyinka Odesanya (rtd), while teaching Latin and Mathematics at Yejide Girls Grammar School in Ibadan, Oyo State. Her father died in April 1963. In May 1963, after she was called to the Bar in absentia, she moved to the law office of Chief Frederick Rotimi Williams as junior counsel.

In 1972, Solanke was appointed the first Commissioner of Western State and chairperson of the Western Nigeria Television Broadcasting Corporation (WNTBC).

In 1981, Solanke became the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the first Nigerian female lawyer to wear the silk gown.

Solanke rose through the ranks of Zonta International, first serving as the District Governor for Africa and then as International Vice-President. In 1988, 1990, and 1994, Solanke ran for election to the International Presidency of the organization (she did not run in 1992). She lost the first two times, but won the third time, being elected in Hong Kong on July 21, 1994 as the 42nd International President, the first non–caucasian, African president of the organization since its establishment in 1919.

Solanke’s autobiography, Reaching for the stars was published in 2007. The book described her as a “Lady of many firsts” and how she rose to prominence in the legal profession.

In Interviews&profile October 1, 2018 By Women of Rubies

“THERE ARE WOMEN DOING GREAT THINGS IN MALE DOMINATED SECTORS AND EVEN DOING BETTER” – ADERONKE ADESHINA

Ronke is the Founder of “Shoefetish” a Made-In-Nigeria shoe brand that is gradually getting recognition abroad, when she started getting high demands for shoes, she decided to change her brand name and be simply known as Ronke Adeshina “RA”, fully identifying with her Nigerian roots and making a bold “Proudly Nigerian” statement as a brand.

The English Language and Literature graduate from the University of Lagos started working at a financial institution right after her NYSC and this greatly influenced her journey into the business of shoe and bag making industry.

According to her;

“I realised that most of the shoes my colleagues and I really loved and needed to get were too expensive and felt I could do better. In 2010, I started making shoes for myself, few friends and colleagues”

She draws a lot of inspiration from Richard Branson’s signature quote; “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later” …and she adds: “especially if it’s in your area of interest or business”.

Ronke is ambitious, imaginative and adventurous and she put all these in the pieces she creates. The young entrepreneur who sees Oprah Winfrey and the Queen of England wearing her brand one day shares her inspiring story with me in this interview

Growing up

I drew a lot as a little girl and that helped my ability to sketch; making designs a reality now. I enjoyed working with my hands. I once made a purse and skirt by hand; including the stitching.

While at the university, I did a little graffiti on one of my jeans while receiving a lecture and people loved it. I guess I have always been creative.

My love for shoes also started as a child. The first pair of stilettos I bought was when I was in my third year at the university. It cost me a lot (especially my allowance for the week) but I didn’t care…those shoes were beautiful.

Meet Ronke!

I am the only girl amongst three boys. I attended the University of Lagos where I studied English Language and Literature. I have garnered a lot on-the-job experience; I am also self-taught especially in the art of creating embellishments, bejeweled pieces like bead art, bead embroidery, embellishing fabrics with crystals and more. Creating shoes, bags, embellishments and other leather items is something I really love doing especially wedding (traditional and white wedding) pieces for brides and grooms. I get to meet people with different personalities and styles and this I try to incorporate into their products.

The “Ronke Adeshina” brand journey

I started posting pictures of my works on Facebook, then I started getting messages from people asking how they could get a pair or two of shoes. I have garnered a lot of on-the-job experience and I am also self taught especially in the art of creating embellishments, bejewelled pieces, bead art, bead embroidery and working with crystals and more.

Balancing my 9-5 job with family and my side hustle

It isn’t easy running a business and family. You can’t do it all. A lot is expected from women: she is expected to perform many roles with apparently superhuman efficiency. I have learnt to delegate duties both at home and work. I have a team of amazing people that makes things easier for me. It’s important to delegate duties /task to people in their area of expertise so as to get the best from them.

Work Challenges

Initially, getting capable people to work with was quite difficult. People want money but not ready to go through the process of getting it. Because I am passionate about empowering youths especially the girl child, there was a period I was ready to teach for free but no one came. But over time I have been able to build a team of hardworking staff. When I just started there were few ladies in the business, so it was quite tasking. But I guess growing up with boys helped a lot.

Getting quality materials to work with here in Nigeria are quite expensive and this tends to affect the cost of products.

other project and activities

I was recently contacted by an NGO. We are working on going to secondary schools (especially girls only schools) to talk to them about the importance of being independent and acquiring one or more skills. We are also going to teach them handwork and I would be teaching them bead art works, embellishments and embellishing fabrics. Asides this, I do personal charitable works which I intend to keep private.

Customer satisfaction is my reward

The excitement and thank you I get when clients receive their purchase(s) makes me happy. The mother of one of the brides I worked with once called to appreciate the pieces her daughter got from us. She couldn’t believe it was handmade; and she prayed and also encouraged me. Most of my clients are referrals from family, friends and clients that have patronized us; I also have customers turn friends. All these and more makes me feel like I am doing something right.

Nigerians and patronage of “Made in Nigeria” products

There is still this misconception that made in Nigeria isn’t authentic enough. Well, I cannot blame them because they might have purchased item(s) which did not serve them well. But there are still brands like us and others that produce quality products using original leathers and other materials needed for production.

Another problem is most Nigerians like to be associated with foreign brands that are well known. But what they fail to realize is that these brands have been in existence since the 1950s, some as far back as 1830s. They did not grow to become international brands on their own; they did with the support of their own people. If Nigerians can do the same for their own made in Nigeria products, that would help brands grow and become global too. This will also help generate more jobs for our people and grow our economy. They are trying but more needs to be done.

Giving up

The road to building a brand is not easy. I have felt like giving up several times and still do but the love for what I do keeps me motivated. I have learnt a lot while growing the brand: what to do and what not to do. Some experiences shake you but it only makes you better. Running a business is a continuous process. It is just like the popular cliché about marriage being an institution you never graduate from. I am still learning

My Inspiration

Inspirations are everywhere – you just need to open your eyes and breathe in. I am inspired by things I face and work through in my daily life. I get inspired by patterns and colours in nature and love to translate that to products in a new way. I am inspired by the people I meet every day; most especially the ones I get to work with: lifestyle and personality differs with every individual and that is unique. This I tend to put into pieces we create. I am inspired by stories of brands that started as far back as 1803. Most importantly, God is the major source of my inspirations.

Being a woman of Rubies

My life is a story. The ups and downs I have experienced especially while growing my brand is my story. I am still learning because life and business is a continuous phase/process. Every woman is a woman of Rubies: from the road side seller to the CEO; our day to day activities are tales – we all have stories to tell. I hope my story and that of other women, inspires and transforms lives; that is the greatest achievement.

Advice to women going into my line of business

One of my mantras is “You never know what you can do until you try”. No business is off limit for you. There are women doing great things in male dominated businesses and even doing better. You are even at an advantage because it gets you noticed.

At the early stage of my business, people especially men were surprised to see a lady in the shoe and bag making industry. They wanted to see me and always wanted me to give them their orders not my staff. Keep learning new things, do not be intimidated by others and do not be distracted. Mistakes are inevitable but when that happens, do not give up: you just learnt a valuable lesson(s) which is how not to do things; try another method. Put God first and other things follow.

My view of the fashion industry in Nigeria and it’s impact on women

The fashion industry in Nigeria is growing. It is actually much better than years back and more women are getting involved.Women are doing incredible works and since the advent of #wcw (women crush Wednesday) and #womensupportingwomen (women supporting women), we have seen women trying to encourage and support one another. Women in the fashion industry need to collaborate more with other women – it is amazing what we can accomplish when we are in it together.

Women of Rubies is also doing a great job by recognising women doing well in whatever field they are in either big or small.

In Interviews&profile September 17, 2018 By Women of Rubies

PROFILE| MEET ZAINAB AHMED, NIGERIA’S MINISTER OF FINANCE

On Friday, September 14, 2018, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed was appointed as the acting Minister of Finance by the President Muhammadu Buhari, following the resignation of Kemi Adeosun as the Minister of Finance over a certificate forgery scandal.

Before her new appointment, Ahmed was the state minister, Budget and national planning of the federal republic of Nigeria.

Here are six facts to know about Zainab Ahmed, the new minister of finance

1. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed was born 55 years ago in Kaduna state.

2. She obtained a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1981 and an MBA from the Ogun state University, Ago Iwoye.

3. She started work in 1982 as an Accountant in Kaduna state ministry of finance in Kaduna state and moved to Nigerian Telecommunication Ltd (NITEL)

4. In 1995, where she worked in various departments and rose to the rank of the Deputy General Manager (DGM).

5. In 2010, she was appointed to serve as the executive secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

6. Before her appointment to oversee finance ministry, she was minister of state Budget and national planning.

7. She is a fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), a member of the Nigerian Institute of Taxation and the Nigerian Institute of Management.

8. In March 2009, she was appointed Managing Director of Kaduna Investment Company. She was then appointed a member of the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG).

In Career Gems September 11, 2018 By Women of Rubies

MEET THE THREE FEMALE DESIGNERS WHO DESIGNED LEBRON JAMES’ NEW NIKE SHOES

Three African American designers from Harlem, NYC – Kimberly Goldson, Felisha Noel, and Undra Celeste Duncan, have designed the first Lebron signature shoe. The three designers were selected for the project based on their previous work and passion for sport.

At the request of Nike and Lebron James himself, the three designers first traveled to Nike World Headquarters to learn how a performance shoe was made before meeting back in New York City for a working design session. The designers and James say they felt a kinship the moment that he described his vision for the shoe.

“We each had something that connected the four of us based on what LeBron saw from his mom, and the sacrifices she made for him,” says Goldson. “My mom did it. LeBron’s mom did the same for him. The connectivity was there between all of us.”

Their new design called the HFR x Lebron 16 was inspired by James’ belief that “African-American women are some of the strongest people on earth.”

He comments, “As someone who has a platform, because of what I do, I thought it was important to lend that platform to a group of people that I believe are under-recognized. Being the son, husband and father of strong African American women, I felt like this was something I wanted to do for them and for all the strong women out there who are succeeding despite what might be stacked against them.”

In its cooperative creation, representatives at Nike say that the HFR x LeBron 16 is a symbol of unified strength.

The limited edition shoes can be purchased online at www.nike.com/launch/t/womens-lebron-16-hfr-white-sail/

Watch their story below:

https://youtu.be/07DWXkYf6-8

Credit: blog.blackbusiness.org

In Career Gems September 11, 2018 By Women of Rubies

“MY HOPE IS THAT AFRICANS WILL HAVE ADEQUATE REPRESENTATION GLOBALLY”- GENEVIEVE NNAJI

Genevieve Nnaji sat down with Women and Hollywood prior to the premiere of her directorial debut “Lionheart” at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to discuss the inspiration behind the movie, challenges she faced and her inspiration for going into filmmaking.

The star actress and filmmaker described “Lionheart” as “an inspiring drama about family values, succession, and most importantly, female empowerment. It highlights the various challenges faced by women, particularly in male-dominated industries.”

On what drew her to the story, Genevieve said: “The message and the environment which forces a heroine to shoulder the load. Questions of succession, gender roles, and traditional versus modern ideals surround the story. Plus, that it was rooted in African culture which made it even more fascinating. So, drawing inspiration from a close friend and family run businesses in Nigeria, “Lionheart” was created.”

Genevieve told Women and Hollywood she “wants people to reflect on the endless possibilities of growth and success that come with men and women, the old and the young, working together: a world where insecurities are tackled and equality is encouraged,” after seeing the movie.

“We need to be more open and accepting of competition instead of feeling threatened by it,” she added.
Her biggest challenge making the film will be “playing both roles of director and lead actor,” she says. “Fortunately, I was surrounded by a very efficient and effective crew. With their help, plus adrenaline and sheer determination, we were able to make a movie,” she added.

When asked about what inspired her become a filmmaker, she said:
I’ve always had a hunger for visual storytelling. There is so much material out there that is still untold — countless real-life stories from within and outside Africa, and today, we have the chance to tell it ourselves. My hope is that Africans will have adequate representation globally, and be given a seat at the table in big studio productions as we continue to grow and improve from within the continent.
I also believe that my generation of women need to continue to work at paving a path better than the one that exists today for the future generation of women in film.

Credit:Bellanaija

In Interviews&profile September 10, 2018 By Women of Rubies

I STARTED FROM TEACHING WOMEN HOW TO MAKE SHAWARMA AND BUILD A BUSINESS AROUND IT- BUNMI AJAYI

Bunmi Ajayi is a business coach known as the Start-up mindset coach, convener Passion to profit masterclass and author of, Get up and rule. An expert in helping people, mostly women to overcome limiting mindsets on their journey to starting thieir own business and projects.
This sought after speaker who once battled low self -esteem and coyness left her dazzling university result and turned her passion for speaking into a business just a few years ago. Through her coaching programmes, speaking engagements and consulting gigs, she helps her clients to craft and monetize their idea to the masses.
Bunmi shares more insight on why people have low self-esteem and how she was able to deal with hers and pull through life

Growing up
I won’t say my childhood fully prepared me for what I do now, my childhood was a different ball game. Just like every other child, I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to be. I think at some point I wanted to be a medical doctor, a police officer.
I hated writing, didn’t like school, I was more worried about playing than going to school but something was constant, I loved talking and I still love talking. Talking is the only thing I didn’t leave behind.I feel parents should encourage and support their kids more than trying to force them into career paths they would drop later on.

Meet Me!
My name is Bunmi Ajayi. I am a startup-mindset coach, author of the forthcoming book; Get up & Kickass, which teaches first time star ups how to break free from fear that holds them back from starting a successful business, so that they can build confidence, Identify, monetize and build a profitable business around their Idea, passion, mistakes and knowledge.
I help start-ups break free from fear and other limiting mindset so that they can start a profitable business around their idea, passion, knowledge and experience. I graduated from Igbinedion University Okada, Edo state, where I studied Mass Communication.

Passion to profit master class
I fell in love with the fact that you can make money doing what you love. So I discover a lot of us underestimate our skills, passion, even our knowledge, we go after other things and ignore the diamond inside of us. Sometimes we are aware but either too busy to notice or we are scared nobody will buy from us when we eventually put a price on it. People are ready to pay for what we know that can give them results. The moment I discover this truth it inspired me to start my own trainings which takes place online. There are lots of people making money from their passion, their knowledge and even the pain they have healed from. The truth is no pain is a waste. I started from teaching women how to make shawarma and build a business around it. I once attended training where people paid to discover their most profitable passion. So this increased my drive to organize my own online profit to passion masterclass.
After each class people tend to discover more than just passion, they discover who to sell to, how to build an identity around it. The first thing we do in the class is to gain clarity and break limiting mindset before going deep into the class, there are lots of people who do lot of things so well but teach people for free just because they feel putting a price on is bad.

Being a coach, author and motivational speaker
Well they all have their strength and weakness. As a coach you can work both online and offline, just make sure you find a time that works for both you and the client. As a convener you know when best to fix your event which can be once a month, twice a week physical or online event. That is why it is important to know your personality type and know what works for you. Planning helps me to know which one comes first. I have a 2018 daily planner with daily reflection that helps me know which one comes first.

Challenges
The first challenge I had to deal with was my mind, fear of approval, lack of clarity, lack of understanding and many more were what I faced when I started. But the moment I was able to overcome my fear, develop a better self-esteem and better clarity of what I want and the people I want to help, things changed. Too many people have not dealt with their fear so it keeps holding them back, some say fear is a push, but the bad part is when there is no fear, they find it hard to push forward, while others try to sell to everyone, they do not understand their ideal customers, they are not just clear about what they really want. It is a challenge for some people in their business.

What next?
I am currently working on a project for authors who want to break free from limiting mindset and be able to go from no idea to a published author in 30 days or less instead of taking two years to publish a book. Most people desire to write and publish a book but are either scared or worried that they are not worthy to write or publish the book.

Reward of my work
I would say knowing people that have broken free from the fear of starting a business. That alone means a lot and somehow people tend to appreciate you for helping them discover something they never saw

On how the economy favour start-ups
I won’t say the economy alone but certain policy affects start-ups, certain government policy make it difficult for startups to flourish. But depending on your kind of business economy doesn’t affect you. There are start-ups who are growing daily, the economy favors them. So sometimes it is about the kind of business you are into .If you go into a business at a time when nobody is ready to spend money, then there might be a bit of challenges.

Never giving up
There were times I gave up. I said I was no longer interested in helping people discover their passion; there were times I wanted to do something else.
I just wanted to go back to my comfort zone, but I had amazing people who encouraged me not to give up. I call them my support system, when you are surrounded with the right people with the right mindset then it becomes easy to speak to them when it feels like you are giving up. I think everyone who is on a journey to greatness, people who are doing great things at one point must go through this stage.
If you are not in your comfort zone, or getting desired results, sometimes you know where you are going to, you know it is going to turn out fine but somehow the strength to press on disappears. So you just have to keep pushing, keep moving and have the right support system

Who and what inspire me to be better

When I think of how much I have grown it inspires me to invest in myself more. I look up to certain people who motivate me to become better, they are constantly doing things to make lives better. Different people and things inspire me to become a better person. Knowing that people look up to me inspires me to become better. Every day inspires me to get better.

Being a woman of rubies
A woman of rubies is not scared to stand out .As a woman of rubies I know when to balance things. A woman of rubies is creative and dynamic. She is ready to help when she can. A woman of rubies is interested in the growth of others. A woman of rubies believes in herself and that is who I am. I believe in myself. I am also a lover of God.

Start-up nuggets for young women who want to start their own business
I would say do not let other people project their fear of doing business to you. Just because someone had a terrible experience, does not mean you will have a terrible business experience too.
The first thing is to break free from fear and gain clarity about the kind of business they want to start and the process involved. Know that not everyone is your idea client. Your business cannot attend to everyone, so find your target audience that needs the solution your business offers.
Do not be afraid to innovate, you do not have to copy everyone, you do not have to do the same thing everyone is doing.
Understanding of what the market needs. But most importantly they should understand their why: There are right and wrongs reasons people start business, I discussed this in my book. People start business on the wrong note and when it fails, they start shouting business is bad. So I would say understanding your why is very important.

Dear Woman….
You are more than enough, don’t try to dim your light for someone else to shine. Be around people who see your strength and can help you focus on it, stay away from things and people who don’t empower you. In everything please protect your inner space

In Interviews&profile September 8, 2018 By Women of Rubies

ONE OF MY CHILDHOOD DECISION WAS TO HAVE A BUSINESS THAT WOULD PRODUCE SOMETHING MY FAMILY NEEDED – ANGELA OKON

Few weeks ago, top comedian Alibaba shared the story of a young woman who made bespoke shirts for men, the post not only went viral but inspired several people , most especially youths who were still finding it hard as start-ups. 23 years old Angela Okon is the young woman he was talking about, a graduate of Accounting from Lagos State University who carved a niche for herself in the men’s fashion industry, as the creative director of Ikadi Shirts . According to Jane, being the only girl among three kids and the inability of her brothers to get ready made shirts inspired her to start her brand. She shares her story and aspiration with me in this inspiring interview

Childhood Influence
My mom was a business woman. So I grew up looking up to her. As a child, I had always known that I would be an entrepreneur and that made me pay close attention to my mom’s business. It was from there I got firsthand knowledge on how to run a business.

Meet Me!
I’m 23 years old. I come from a family of three children of which I’m the only daughter. I love being different and doing things differently. Many people think I’m weird and sometimes I agree with them.

Inspiration behind Ikadi Shirts
Well it all started with a family problem. My mom found it impossible to get ready made shirts for my brothers. Apparently, we have very long hands and slim body in my family. So it was either the shirt was too big or the sleeve was too short. Then she decided to get a tailor to make shirts for them but the quality of the shirt was poor. As a result, I decided that shirt making will be my means to penetrate the fashion industry since this problem is faced by many. It’s not that there were no bespoke shirts brand before we started but we strive to meet a high standard while making it affordable for the customers. In this way, men no longer have to manage ready-made shirt that doesn’t fit all in the name of getting a quality shirt but now they can get a premium quality shirt that is made specifically for them.

Motivation to pitch my tent in the fashion world of men
One of my childhood decision was to have a business that would produce something my family needed so that they would never have to buy it elsewhere. Since I was passionate about fashion, I decided to go into men fashion so that my brothers and my dad would never have to buy clothes elsewhere. Another reason is that 98% of my friends are guys, I find it very easy dealing with men than with women which is probably as a result of my upbringing. So the men fashion industry was the perfect choice.

Power supply as a business Challenge
Closing deal with prospect outside Lagos is one challenge. We have to get the customer’s measurement before production but when they are outside Lagos, they would have to get a tailor to measure them then send to us. Some of them do this, while some don’t. As a result, we might lose that prospect. However we are working on resolving this issue. Another challenge is power supply but we all know that’s not new so I won’t discuss it.
I blogAside making bespoke shirts, we also run a blog that provides information on men style tips. You can check it out on www.ikaidiclothingblogspot.com

Customer satisfaction is my reward
The joy I see in the eyes of a satisfied customer. When a satisfied customer tells me how much he has spent on shirts that were of no good and how glad and relieved he is to have patronize the brand, this is the greatest reward. There’s no other joy that can be compared to knowing that you are making an impact.

In five years
In 5 years, we would cover the whole of Nigeria and Ghana.

Ever thought of giving up
No. Although, there were times I needed a break, but my mindset has always been “I die here no matter what “.

My inspiration
My mom is my inspiration. Though she’s is late, I have never met any woman as driven as my mom. She taught me a lot about hard work and the benefits of always being hungry, never settling for less.

Reception since I started
It has been positive all the way. No dulling moment. This gives me the conviction that I’m on the right path.