#Blackgirlmagic - Women of Rubies

In self development October 2, 2020 By Women of Rubies

3 Things You Should Do If You Feel Like Your Life Lacks Purpose

You might come to a point in life where you feel you haven’t achieved anything and you’re ashamed, but there’s no need to worry! There’s never time for you to turn your life around for the best, and it’s something that everyone should strive to achieve. Sometimes the changes you want to make are simple, and sometimes they’re incredibly difficult but the key is to not think about the work ahead, and instead the benefits.

Lose the attitude

Most people struggle with improving themselves because everything requires a high amount of effort. First of all, just try to consider what your life could be if you just stuck to a great routine. Once you have your personal ideas in mind, why should you slack at achieving it? It’s your life that you’re slowing down, and potentially your life that you’re ruining. Think of why you want to make the change, and what you want to leave behind. Believing in yourself is what’s going to power you and bring you to make the changes you want, don’t let there be any doubt.

Expand on yourself

It can be quite easy to give up and change your mind mid-way through your school life, and there are many people out there who aren’t putting their qualifications to good use. If you’re looking to make changes in your life, now might be the time. Depending on what you’ve already done, might be looking to go to medical school, or maybe returning to education like a university to follow a career path that you regret not doing. It’s never too late to follow your goals, and if the opportunity is there for you, you’ll wish you never passed it up!

Drop the bad habits

There are many habits out there that can hold you back. Not so much when it comes to career, but your health especially. Anything from smoking to a terrible diet can affect how you feel on a day to day basis, and it’s something that everyone should try to get out of at some point in their lives. This is one of the harder challenges to overcome, but it’s something you should if you’re truly looking for a greater lifestyle. Becoming a more active person can also help you to become more motivated too, and it’s proven that physical exercise can help you mentally, meaning you’re likely to have a more positive outlook on life.

It’s your life to lead, which means it’s up to you to make the most of it. Just because you feel like your life won’t get better, or there’s no way for you to improve, doesn’t make it true. There are many opportunities out there for everyone, big and small, so take a good look at what you’re currently doing and think of how you can better yourself. Giving yourself at least some kind of goal and working towards it is a step closer to an improved lifestyle, and helps you feel satisfied once you achieve it.

Source: Baucemagaine.com

In Inspiration July 7, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

Esther Ijewere :12 Things Mentally Strong Women Don’t Do

Mentally strong women have healthy habits. They manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in ways that set them up for success in life. Check out these things that mentally strong people don’t do…

1. They Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves

Mentally strong people don’t sit around feeling sorry about their circumstances or how others have treated them. Instead, they take responsibility for their role in life and understand that life isn’t always easy or fair.

2. They Don’t Resent Other People’s Success

Mentally strong people can appreciate and celebrate other people’s success in life. They don’t grow jealous or feel cheated when others surpass them. Instead, they recognize that success comes with hard work, and they are willing to work hard for their own chance at success.

3. They Don’t Shy Away from Change

Mentally strong people don’t try to avoid change. Instead, they welcome positive change and are willing to be flexible. They understand that change is inevitable and believe in their abilities to adapt.

4. They Don’t Waste Energy on Things They Can’t Control

You won’t hear a mentally strong person complaining over lost luggage or traffic jams. Instead, they focus on what they can control in their lives. They recognize that sometimes, the only thing they can control is their attitude.

5. They Don’t Worry About Pleasing Everyone

Mentally strong people recognize that they don’t need to please everyone all the time. They’re not afraid to say no or speak up when necessary. They strive to be kind and fair, but can handle other people being upset if they didn’t make them happy.

6. They Don’t Fear Taking Calculated Risks

They don’t take reckless or foolish risks, but don’t mind taking calculated risks. Mentally strong people spend time weighing the risks and benefits before making a big decision, and they’re fully informed of the potential downsides before they take action.

7. They Don’t Dwell on the Past

Mentally strong people don’t waste time dwelling on the past and wishing things could be different. They acknowledge their past and can say what they’ve learned from it. However, they don’t constantly relive bad experiences or fantasize about the glory days. Instead, they live for the present and plan for the future.

8.They Don’t Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over

Mentally strong people accept responsibility for their behavior and learn from their past mistakes. As a result, they don’t keep repeating those mistakes over and over. Instead, they move on and make better decisions in the future.

9. They Don’t Give Away Their Power

They don’t allow others to control them, and they don’t give someone else power over them. They don’t say things like, “My boss makes me feel bad,” because they understand that they are in control over their own emotions and they have a choice in how they respond.

10. They Don’t Give Up After the First Failure

Mentally strong people don’t view failure as a reason to give up. Instead, they use failure as an opportunity to grow and improve. They are willing to keep trying until they get it right.

11. They Don’t Fear Alone Time

Mentally strong people can tolerate being alone and they don’t fear silence. They aren’t afraid to be alone with their thoughts and they can use downtime to be productive. They enjoy their own company and aren’t dependent on others for companionship and entertainment all the time but instead can be happy alone.

12. They Don’t Feel the World Owes Them Anything

Mentally strong people don’t feel entitled to things in life. They weren’t born with a mentality that others would take care of them or that the world must give them something. Instead, they look for opportunities based on their own merits.

In lifestyle March 23, 2019 By Editor

60-YEAR-OLD BLACK PANTHER ACTRESS, ANGELA BASSETT SHARES HER FIVE BEAUTY SECRETS

60 year old Black Panther actress Angela Bassett, who defies her age has shares the 5 beauty tips that she swears by.

Speaking to Allure magazine, Angela talks about inquiring minds constantly ask “What do you do, what do you eat, how do you stay…?” and admits that ”It feels good that they wonder,”

The phrase ‘black don’t crack’ rings true with the stunning actress who appears to be aging backwards. So, what is the secret to her flawless, youthful glow? Angela shares her 5 must-have products with Madame Noire.

Take a look and see if you can’t pick up some tips to preserve your skin!

Micellar Water

Micellar Water [Credit: Racked]

Angela Bassett was serious about making sure our skin is clean before we even begin to apply any products. She explained, ‘It’s all about keeping the skin as clean as you can using the micellar water. Make sure you have all the pollutants, the debris and dead skin cells are removed and your skin can breathe before you put any moisturizers or creams on.” We love Urban Hydration Micellar Water in Kiwi and Pomegranate. You get a good amount of product that will last you a few months and the best part is this line is created by a Black woman.

Darker Skin Tones Foam Cleanser

Angela Bassett partnered with skincare expert Dr. Barbara Sturm to create a line of products specifically for women of color. We’re here for her foam cleanser ($70.00, Molecular-Cosmetics.com) which contains hyaluronic acid to provide instant moisture to your face.

Darker Skin Tones Hyaluronic Serum

Darker Skin Tones Foam Cleanser [Credit: The Guardian]

After you wash your face, Bassett instructs to continue with your “serums and creams.” A serum packs a lot of great ingredients for your skin in a more absorbable form. This is great to apply right after you clean your face. Personally, I use my jade roller to help the product settle into my face even better.

Darker Skin Tones Face Cream Rich

This face cream is perfect for combination skin. This rich formula is perfect for overnight care and to use to let your skin replenish itself.

Nyakio Manketti and Mafura Anti-Aging Oil

Nyakio Manketti and Mafura Anti-Aging Oil

While Bassett didn’t mention using facial oil, this is a must-have in your beauty routine. Oil is great for replenishing your skin and locking in moisture. At night, I apply it after my moisturizer to really help lock in everything. I’m obsessed with Naykio Manketti and Mafura Anti-Aging Oil. It helps restore the skin and is rich in pure, cold-pressed oils. It’s also 100% vegan.

Credit: pulse.ng

In self development March 5, 2019 By Editor

CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE TO SPEAK AT YALE’S 2019 CLASS DAY

According to Yale Daily News and the Class Day Planning Committee member Shuyu Song, the writer was selected based on her ability to give a meaningful and memorable address to the class.

In recent years, most of the Class Day speakers have been politicians, including former US secretary of state John Kerry and former US VP Joe Biden.

“The committee cannot imagine a better speaker to commemorate our four years at Yale than Adichie,” members of the 2019 Class Day Committee wrote in an email on Sunday.

“She is an inspiring global citizen whose words, teaching and social activism have had an indelible impact on the diaspora and broader contemporary culture.”

Song also said:

“Given Adichie’s extraordinary experience and poignant literary commentary, we have no doubt that her participation in Class Day will be a memorable part of this day of celebration and address concerns that are relevant to our class as we reflect on the changes that we have witnessed on this campus in the past few years.

In self development February 27, 2019 By Editor

LIBERAL MP, CELINA CAESAR-CHAVANNES WRITES INSPIRING LOVE LETTER TO BLACK WOMEN

Liberal MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes kicked off Black History Month by writing a touching love letter to Black women.

“Even though we may have been distant, and I may seem far away, I love you and #ISeeYou,” Caesar-Chavannes writes in a HuffPost blog.

She starts the letter by admitting she hasn’t always been able to support her community the way she’s wanted — depression, anxiety and life have gotten in the way — but she wanted to thank those who held it down when she wasn’t able to.

The MP for Whitby, Ont. has been vocal about her challenges with mental illness in the past and went viral last year after giving a speech on body-shaming in the House of Commons.

“Body shaming of any woman in any form from the top of her head to the soles of her feet is wrong, irrespective of her hairstyle, the size of her thighs, the size of her hips, the size of her baby bump, the size of her breasts or the size of her lips, what makes us different is what makes us unique and beautiful,” she said last October.

And while Caesar-Chavannes touches on that theme again in her HuffPost essay, her focus in this letter is celebrating Black women and recognizing what they’re up against. She gives a shout-out to elders, entrepreneurs, activists and educators. Most heartbreaking was a reminder of what Black children face—“the streets, and the institutions that keep them down and funnel them into prisons and foster care”—and how much needs to change, as she lauds mothers for protecting their kids.

She ends off her note recognizing the toll it can take to be “twice as good” and with a nod to Maya Angelou.

“Being twice as good, twice as fast, twice as everything, because that is what we were taught. That is the only way we can succeed. I also see that it comes at a cost. The wear and tear. The exhaustion. The mental drain. I see that you are tired. And yet, still you rise.”

You can read the full letter at Huffington Post Canada.

Credit: flare.com

In Interviews&profile February 16, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

I LEARNT NEVER TO ALLOW MY CIRCUMSTANCES INHIBIT MY GROWTH- JENNIFER CHINONYE UMEH

Like a phoenix, Jennifer is rising from the ashes of adversity and inspiring others to do so through her story. As a survivor of Domestic Violence, she believes that girls and young women access to education and health service is fundamental for sustainable development in Nigeria. Jennifer grew up in a broken home with rough experiences of abuse and neglect. Her parent divorced Nine months after her birth in Eastern Nigeria. Her Father showed no interest towards her education.

She was raised by her single mum, grand mother, uncles, aunties, and people. As a girl filled with many ambitions despite her experiences. she was determined to further her education. Today, Jennifer Umeh is a graduate of Mass communication from The Federal Polytechnic Offa. The pioneer of Hope for African Girls Initiative (HAGi) an organisation founded to Educate Girls to be empowered enough to stand up for themselves and to discover their self-identity through quality education and empowerment. She is also the founder of a fast-growing clothing brand that has received massive support from Nigerians on social media since inception . A vision that was born out of her bullying experience as an undergraduate. She shares the story of her rise from the ashes to glory in this interview

Growing up

I was raised by my single mum, grand mother, uncles, aunties, and people. As a girl filled with many ambitions despite my experiences. I was determined to further my education. With my decision making ability, i believed that if i could go to school, I could gain knowledge and skills access limitless opportunities and reach my potentials in life. As a survivor of Domestic Violence, I believe that girls and young women access to education and health service is fundamental for sustainable development in Nigeria. I grew up in a broken home with rough experiences of abuse and neglect. My parent divorced Nine months after my birth in Eastern Nigeria. My Father showed no interest towards my education, Coping With the Status Quo. I must say that even though my background is not pleasant, it stirred up such compassion for those from similar backgrounds. When I was 10years, I finally went to stay with my mum and her husband (step father) supporting her with my siblings as the eldest. All of this built a resilience within me, strengthened my heart and reminds me daily that ‘I can’! I can do anything I set my mind to. I can be the best version of Chinonye that there will ever be. I can achieve. I can inspire. Regardless of my background. We know that seeds grow best in the dirt. My background may have been messy, dirty, whatever we want to call it, but it provided the best environment for the seed within me to grow and produce more seeds to encourage others! I learnt never to allow my circumstances to inhibit my growth as a person at all! If I have a goal, I will go for it.

Meet Me!

I am a 23 year old lady, I recently graduated from The Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara with a Higher National Diploma in Mass communication. I am now a corps member serving at Umuokanne Comprehensive Secondary school, Ohaji, Egbema in Imo State.

I am the pioneer of Hope for African Girls Initiative (HAGi) an award winning Organisation founded to Educate Girls to be empowered enough to stand up for themselves and to discover their self-identity through quality education and empowerment.

My skills include Public speaking, Teaching, Writing, Counselling and Leadership. I am a Campus Correspondent with The Nation Newspaper and Mentor a Girl Child Fellow , Educate a girl Scholar and a fellow of Nigeria students leaders program. In 2016, my projects won the best community development project of the year organized by SLAM initiative. Recently, I was awarded the African Youth Academy Service Award, for my selfless service and contribution towards the development of young African Leaders and was granted the designation of a FELLOW of African Youth Academy. I recently launched a clothing line called Blinky Creative Collections.

H.A.G.I

I started a non-profit organization called Hope for African Girls Initiative in 2016 to transform the lives of marginalized community girls through quality education and empowerment. Our work is to promote creative learning by providing platforms for girls and young women to explore and develop their innovative ideas. Since inception, we have been able to groom young women to be responsible citizens who can actively participate and communicate with the world in a spirit of compassion.

My mission is to foster an educated and compassionate new generation of young African Girls who will use their education to improve their lives, help their country and contribute to the world to help maintain peace and prosperity for all. My focus is on educating the girls and also educating their families and communities and improving their support system.

My Inspiration

The inspiration was after I attended the ‘Educate a Girl Nigeria’ workshop in Lagos. The workshop was an eye-opener for me as I became aware of too many illicit behaviours bedeviling the girl-child around the world such as child marriage, sexual assault, violence against girls, and lack of access to education, among others. I saw the need to help young people, I desired to speak out so that my voice to be heard. I said to myself, if only my voice could change the status quo of girls in Africa, why should I hold back. I approached some NGOs indicating my interest to serve as a volunteer. But to ensure I have a louder voice and a wider reach, I founded Hope for African Girls Initiative (HAGi) at the beginning of this year. As an undergraduate then, I was motivated to work in places where I could contribute and provide value. I have performed excellently in different roles like taking care of children in my church, and taking up leadership positions in my school and any organization I found myself.

Launching a clothing line

As an undergraduate, life was good. I was more extroverted, I made new friends. Although, it was also a time of bullying for me. I blink frequently when I speak. I never got bullied over it. People who know me or have met me before understand how my eyes work while I talk, even if most times, I try to control it.

In my 300 level in school, I was faced with the challenge of speaking up for what is right, even when over 200 students in my class refused to talk because of fear and intimidation from lecturers. But I decided to speak up that day to the chagrin of the naysayers even if my voice made no difference to the situation.

After that, the friends of the guy who was involved in this case formed a gang against me. They made mockery of me in class. I couldn’t walk in peace on campus without being bullied by those guys. And as days passed, their gang multiplied with fans. The bullying continued in different WhatsApp groups and while lectures went on.

The group dissed me right in my face. I was heartbroken and I didn’t know what to do. But it was only the beginning. The group tormented me. They named me Blinky-Blinky. They called me terrible names – some, curse words – and spread sexual rumours about me. I almost became insane that when I got back from school one day, I ran to my room and cried. I stayed in my room and drowned in tears for hours. That was when I decided to take the law into my hands with the help of a friend who stood up for me whenever I was bullied. He encouraged me to report to the security unit before it went out of hand. I did so and the guys were picked up by the school security. It was never intentional but these things were out of my control. Many students face trauma like this but they have no way of handling it; they end up becoming losers. I finally felt good knowing that I had a voice. Most of my course mates were so proud of me for the move. I was with new friends who liked me for who I was. But I knew the fight was not finished. One day the worst happened; I was bullied right in the lecture hall when a lecture was going on. As one of them shouted ‘Blinky,’ they laughed and distracted the lecture. I could do nothing but allow the tears from my eyes. When I got home that day, I thought of the best way to deal my bullies.

I customised T-shirts and wore them to school. I gave some to my friends to put on. On the T-shirts read, Blinky Smart, Blinky Beauty, Blinky Money, Blinky Blinky, Bullying Ends With Me, Blink Against Bullying, etc.

My T-shirts garnered some fans. I sold them not only to my course mates but to my friends on Facebook. Boom! It became a business. I was happy as I was making money from it. I started helping people to customise their shirts for free. I did both free and paid jobs depending on who I was dealing with.

I went the market where they sold hand-me-downs and selected the good ones. At home I washed them, ironed them, customised and sold to friends. The demands got higher as people asked for something better. I pitched my idea on Facebook about my interest in shirts business and I was lucky to get selected by Edu Shine Foundation. I was funded with fifty thousand naira to support my business. I registered for printing training where I learnt more about shirt printing and branding. I graduated from using hand-me-down T-shirts for my customers to using jersey. But today, my shirts are brand new, 100% cotton material with warranty.

The business helped me a lot to overcome my bullies. I did not just overcome them; I have made money to pay my remaining fees and for my needs as a student. I have assisted two of my friends to pay their tuition, too.

When I got bullied then, I got offended and asked God to take my life. Do you know how it feels to be bullied by the same group of people with a specific motive? Most nights I felt like crying my eyes out. I asked myself, Just because I blink my eyes frequently when I talk, does that mean I am not equal to others? I tried to control the blinking but I can’t cheat nature. I never created myself. God did.

Blink against Bullying Project

I recently launched a campaign Blink against bullying. It’s a campaign to eradicate all forms of bullying and empower the victims with knowledge as weapons to fight back against oppression. I am currently running a 30 days self-esteem challenge for Students of Umuokanne Comprehensive Secondary School in Imo State, the program is designed to raise the self-esteem of young females in Africa and around the world. It is aimed at emboldening females to self belief, imagine and pursue a future of greatness. To achieve this goal, we have developed a 30 day self esteem handbook containing 30 inspiring stories of African Females from different ages, background and cultures who defied odds and societal stereotypes to achieve greatness and their dreams.

My brand in the next five years..

In five years, I want to be able to get bigger contract from big companies and organisations. I want to own a big fashion house, where I can print all kind of T-shirts, Polos , Hoodie with no restrictions. I want to champion the war against bullying by making different designs of beautiful Tees that people can order on our website and rock to promote the fight against bullying.

Challenges

I had many challenges running my new enterprise, from being confused about if my business was worth focusing on to how to get new customers and grown the business larger, to dealing with branding with people’s feedback on what I was going.

Tara Durotoye is my biggest Inspiration

Tara Fela Durotoye inspires me. She started house of Tara in 1998 at the age of 20 from her living room, as an undergraduate at Lagos State University. Sometimes she would go from house to house to makeup for brides. But today she has one of the biggest and the first makeup school in Nigeria. She worked hard for it. I am really inspired by her story.

Being a Woman of Rubies

I am a woman of Rubies because I share similar stories, challenges, pains and scars with other women in Africa trying to make a difference and live a life of true meaning. I am a woman of rubies because I care about helping girls and young women to be better

Advice to young women

I just want to encourage women who are going through some similar experience. It gets better. It can be hard. You want to give up. But you have to be confident. Don’t let it get to you. If you’re suffering, it will get to the time that you’ll be proud of yourself for all that you’ve been through. If anyone judges you, it is their own problem. They have no idea what you go through. Do they even care? They probably can’t even handle what you deal with. But you can. And you’re still here going on with your life. That’s why you can be proud of yourself.

Business line : 08139743651

Facebook : Blinky Creative Collections

Twitter and instagram : @Blinkycollections

Email : Blinkycollections@gmail.com

Website : www.blinkycollections.com

In Career Gems February 12, 2019 By Editor

CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE HONORED WITH 2019 EVERETT M. ROGERS AWARD FOR REFRAMING THE DISCOURSE ON RACE, GENDER & IDENTITY

It was announced in 2018 that Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie had been named the winner of the 2019 Everett M. Rogers Award. She was honored for reframing the discourse on race, gender & identity.

The award has been presented every year since 2005 in honor of Everett M. Rogers, whose “Diffusion of Innovation” is the second-most cited book in the social sciences.

The event was held on the 7th of February and the writer repped Nigerian design brands by wearing a piece from Fia Factory.

Dean Willow Bay and Marty Kaplan of the Norman Lear Center provide opening remarks, followed by Danai Gurira, actor on Walking Dead and Black Panther.

Watch the award show below.

See photos below.

Credit: Bella Naija

In self development February 7, 2019 By Editor

“DON’T CHOOSE TEMPORARY LUXURY LIFE OVER CHASING DREAMS” -VIMBAI MUTINHIRI

Media personality, Vimbai Mutinhiri has to her Instagram page on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, to admonish women to seize on the opportunity of achieving their goals and aspirations over designer bags and all expensed paid trips.

“I’m dropping this here. I’m tired. Keep the LVs and Chanels. No, your travel agent should not call me. Since you’re ready to throw it away, why not be an angel investor for the same amount? Or just say no. Don’t use the same mouth to say “things are hard” to tell me “I’m traveling, do you want to join me?”

“No wonder so many of my sisters are sucked into this cycle. Ladies, don’t play yourselves. It may be harder the honest way, but let no man convince you that borrowed moments of luxury are more valid than chasing your dreams. Why are you trying to put us in material bondage?🤦🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️ #hellotableshakers #ihavecomeagain #whyisiteasiertoaskforahandbagthanbusinessfinance,” she wrote.

Credit: Pulse

In self development January 30, 2019 By Editor

OMAWUNMI AND WAJE: BEST FRIENDS TURNED BUSINESS PARTNERS

Waje Iruobe and Omawumi Megbele are two vocal powerhouses in the music industry. These media personalities have combined their talent, industry know-how and business sense to establish a new media company called Hermanes Media.

The bosom friends-turned-business partners shared that Hermanes Media was founded in order to create solutions and provide innovative and creative ideas for the industry.

According to Waje,

”We both have a considerable amount of experience working in and navigating the media industry. We believe we can put this knowledge to good use”.

Both Waje and Omawumi expressed their recognition of a gap in the industry that needs to be filled.

According to Waje,

” We need to start telling our own stories, and we need to be more expressive and innovative about it. Hermes Media is our way of taking a step towards making this a reality”.

The media company will reportedly provide services such as film/tv production, TV adverts, content curation, brand event activation, and creative digital marketing.

Credit: fabwoman.ng

In Career Gems January 17, 2019 By Editor

TV HOST, VIMBAI MUTINHIRI LAUNCHES EMPOWERMENT PORTAL FOR YOUNG AFRICAN WOMEN

TV Host & Producer, Vimbai, has launched the ultimate digital empowerment portal for young African women who are looking to bloom into their full potential.

According to her team, TheVimbai.com is every African girl’s big sister and a movement of inspired thinkers, dreamers and game-changers. Specifically created for African women by African women, the website is home to cutting edge editorial content as well as original video series that speak to the real-life issues we are all talking about behind closed doors.

Speaking on what inspired her to embark on this project,

Vimbai says:

“I became known as the ‘table-shaker’ last year when I posted a truth in passing. After receiving thousands of emails from across Africa as a result of this post, I realized that not only are people hungry to start having so-called taboo conversations in public, we are also ready to have a platform to learn, analyze and dissect unpopular truths in our society. My platform is an enlightened place for women to do so.”

Credit: Bella Naija