Twenty-two year old Horcelie Sinda Wa Mbongo discovered at 11, she was HIV positive from birth.
She won the 2017 Edition of Miss Congo UK and plans to return to Congo to carry on campaigning on HIV and AIDS.
“I’m happy I’ve won at least something in my life. My story has warmed people’s hearts and that’s the most important thing,” she says.
Horcelie, who is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is studying for a fine arts degree in London.
Source: Bellanaija
“You cannot date until you get married.”
Born to strict Nigerian parents, Yvonne Orji was determined to get married and intimate at 18 but her enthusiasm was diminished by her friends’ low expectations of sex. After getting “bamboozled by Jesus” in college, today Yvonne is a 33-year-old virgin. Suddenly her parents want her to meet someone.
Yvonne gives 5 suggestions for finding love – regardless of your beliefs, values and choices because when you find the right person, the wait is worth it.
Yvonne Orji is a Nigerian-American actress, comedienne and writer who continues to display her versatility and passion with each project she takes on. On television, she stars in HBO’s new comedy series “Insecure”. The show follows the friendship of two modern-day black women and all of their uncomfortable experiences and racy tribulations.
Orji stars as one of these women opposite Issa Rae, who is executive producing the show along with Prentice Penny and Melina Matsoukas. She is also currently developing a half-hour sitcom, based on her life entitled “First Gen”, that Oprah and David Oyelowo are executive producing. The show is a comedy about a Nigerian girl who trades medical school for a career in stand-up comedy and the adventures that ensue after her strict African mother discovers her plans.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organised by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx
source: Bellanaija
Ifeoma, star student, winner of the national Selma speech and essay competition, athlete, volunteer and student government president of Morris Hills High School, New Jersey, who also aces her advanced classes like they’re nothing, said, about applying to all 8 schools:
“I want to go into global health and study biology and so many of them have great research facilities, so I was like, I might as well just shoot my shot and apply.”
She says, of when she got the eighth acceptance letter:
“I was like, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, like this might be eight out of eight and I clicked it and it said ‘Congratulations’ and I was like oh my goodness!”
“I got into Harvard early action so I figured I’ll just go there, so then I got into all the others and I was like, wait now I don’t know where I want to go.”
Andre and Patricia White-Thorpe, Ifeoma’s father and mother, are leaving the decision of which school to pick up to their really, really smart daughter.
(Photo: TAPinto)
The decision might just be easier than she thinks, as she may likely be attending the school which grants her a scholarship:
“At this point none of the schools I’ve applied to said they give merit scholarships, so I’m praying that they give me some more financial aid or some money, shout out to all of those schools, please give me something.”
This is a phenomenal achievement that has only happened to only four other people in recent history: Kwasi Enin in 2014, Harold Ekeh in 2015 and Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna and Kelly Hyles last year.
Of the five students to achieve this feat, three of them are Nigerian and we couldn’t be more proud
(Photo: TAPinto)
Source: bin
Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR) a non-profit high level and structured mentoring programme for entry/mid-career professional women, held its fundraising cocktail at the Ruff n Tumble premises in Ikeja GRA last Sunday.
The event was also a testimony time as mentees, who have been mentored by other women in the organization, revealed how their mentorship have helped them in their various careers.
Here are the faces at the relaxing evening on Mother’s Day.
Source: Guardian.ng
In the article, renowed writer Catherine Kupta stated that in her opinion, the reason why we see so few highly successful women at the top is that women are not as aware as men are of the power of personal branding, whether it’s self-promotion, projecting confidence or strategic networking. She then gives seven tips for success based on her discussions with over 150 highly successful women.
We hope these tips make your journey to the boardroom smoother and shorter.
Enjoy!
In general, women tend to speak up less than men in meetings and wait to be asked a direct question before they speak. While this can be polite behaviour, it can be misinterpreted. People might even think that you lack ideas or confidence or talent. You have to learn to join the business conversation and confidently express your ideas if you want to be successful.
Highly successful women know what they stand for and are authentic and consistent in the way they present themselves at every touch point too, whether it’s participating in meetings, leaving a succinct voicemail message on the phone, composing an email or attending corporate events.
Humility may be a virtue but women can take it too far! One global study of male and female leadership found that most women tend to downplay their accomplishments, while men tend to promote their accomplishments. Highly successful women don’t leave career success to chance. They learn how to promote themselves and figure out a way to do it that’s authentic and effective. After all, if you don’t market yourself, who will?
Women are notorious at feeling that they’re not ready for a new assignment or promotion unless they can check off every box in the skill set required for the position. Highly successful women often tell me that they forced themselves to go after stretch assignments even if they weren’t ready. Sometimes you need to “fake it until you make it,” to get over the initial jitters and until you feel confident in a new role.
Many women are visibility challenged and are not well-known outside of a very small network. Talent is important, but visibility separates those who are wildly successful from those who are just doing okay. That’s because there is a “visibility premium.” If you’re well-known, people think you are better than others who are not so well- known. She must be good because she’s well-known in the company is how the thinking goes.
Women are scrutinised more in the business world, so you might as well turn it into an advantage! Realise that your clothes, hairstyle, office, even your make-up convey “messages” to others. You want to convey the right message for your organisation but have your own style. For most career women, there’s one important message your image must convey; you must project authority.
Poses such as standing tall, leaning in towards others or expansive hand gestures convey high power. Crossing arms across your chest or crossing your legs convey low power. Highly successful women try to use high power poses to underscore the words that they use.
Source: Source: Catherine Kaputa at http://www.hrzone.com
Sisi Yemmie is out with a new vlog which was tied into the IWD 2017. In the video, she talks about being bold as a woman and how to be bold for change. Watch
If you want to know the positive impact of social media , Please go on Olufunmilayo Odunaike wall on Facebook, this beautiful woman who have been tagged “Mother Theresa” on Facebook made a simple post to give 20,000 to someone in need and ended up getting more donations of over half a million from well meaning Nigerians.
Although this is not the first time she will be “Paying it forward”on her page but this particular post however went viral and got the attention of passionate Nigerians , who not only donated but also gave material support to those in need. Sh also had a panel who helped in the selection criteria to help in disbursing the money to those who TRULY need it.
Since she kicked off the “Paying it forward” initiative several accolades have been rolling in from different people, mostly Facebook users who were blown away by her kind heart.
Here is what some have to say about her kind gesture:
Chris Adetayo wrote:
Homage. To Olufunmilayo Odunaike, Facebook Nigeria’s Mother Teresa and the Sage of “Paying It Forward”. 2017 is only 2 months old but it’s doubtful if anyone will surpass what she has already done for quite a number of unknown folks in Nigeria via Facebook in what remains of the year.
Like all great things, it started out rather casually. And small. She put up a post asking anyone who is struggling to provide food for self and or family to write out a small justification for support. She had N20,000 on offer. Before long, she was flooded with lots of tear-inducing stories of folks seeking help. More impressively, many friends joined in contributing money for the cause. By the end of the day, she had enough to offer 17 “unknown” people N20,000 each.
Fuelled by the growing financial support of many who are drawn by 1] the keen desire to help those going through hard times and 2] the innate trustworthiness of Funmi, this cause has grown in leaps and bounds. And ever so diligently, Funmi and a small panel of like minds select recipients based on well-judged and clearly spelt out criteria, disburse the sums available and render full account of same. All on her Facebook wall. This week, this self-imposed task has seen this full-time worker, wife and mother visit some patients in an hospital to make donations. Mother Teresa will be immensely proud.
So, Sis, take a bow. The world is celebrating you already! And to all my FB friends who are moved to help out the needy in this trying times, please reach out to them through this lady with a heart of gold. The Angels will smile at you”
Omotoyosi Ogunbanwo had this to say :
See ehn…. anyone who asks who Facebook epp needs a slap on the face really.
Olufunmilayo Odunaike made a post this morning promising to give #20k to someone in need. And right now I have no idea how much the total donations have been.
This evening it was about 240k in total.
Wow…. I am beyond surprised.
Loads of people are in need.
You don’t have to have enough to give out.
I always tell people, you can never give out without receiving. As long as you do it with happiness and love.
I have no words for all the donors.
It is my prayer that the universe smiles on them. And they get all they ever wish for.
People are suffering. The economy is hard. Give the little you can. Your neighbour might have no idea what to eat for dinner. 1k can do a lot in some people’s life.
Give and never stop giving.
And you would never lack.
Try it.
You don’t even need to pray. Just give with love.
Thank you @olufunmilayo for this initiative.
Yesterday Funmi gave a report on how much was raised on her Facebook page:
Paying it forward.
N175,000 raised between yesterday and today. Wow! All donors prefer to remain anonymous. Some have indicated that the funds go to 2yrs old Mary Idowu who is finally receiving treatment. I am glad we’ll be able to go back to LASUTH as promised. From a meagre N20,000, we already disbursed N615,000 and raisedN790,000 in total. My people, you are the reason we continue to pay it forward. God bless you. When we come together, we can do amazing things. Thanks to you all.
*** We salute your courage and appreciate all you have done and still doing to help humanity. Thanks for giving hope to the hopeless and shining a light on their dark path.
You are a Woman of Rubies inside out and we celebrate you Funmi.
Gospel artist Glowreeyah is a year older today!
The Musician took to her Instagram page to release new photos, in which she looked absolutely Gorgeous! She also shared a powerful message in form of an open letter to God.
Read the letter below
From the very moment when I became a destined thought on your mind
For my first cry and for my last smile
For every angel and humanoid assigned to bless me on this journey
For every Gethsemane night and for every Hosanna day
For every teardrop and for every joy fount
For every wilderness and for every green pasture
For every height and for every depth
From Bridget’s womb,for my first breath till my final sigh at the appointed time when i behold your glory …when i finally see your faceWritten by your own hand,I remain your story of unending mercy and custom-made grace!
Make my life your eternal expression as I waltz into this new season with you..for you…because of you!You remain my ultimate affection.
I remain your Glow-child!Thank you for being a Loving and Living Father to me!
Your Daughter,
Glowreeyah
#mybirthdayworship #glowreeyah #madein1977
See more photos below
Credit
Photography @tybello
Styling @tybello and @chechesignature
Makeup @jbeautyfull
Africa produces nearly 70% of the world’s cocoa yet the continent is not known for making luxury chocolate. Princess is a woman on a mission to change that. Her company, Kalabari Gecko produces different kind of chocolates in Nigeria, using only Nigerian contents.
Princess had always loved chocolate from as far back as when she was little. This is probably one of the things that motivated the business. In her own words, “there is something very compelling about the visual structure of chocolates and its formation in a box. There is the mystery embedded in the interiors of its inner cavities, and the burst of polyphenols, a reward your brain is always thankful for.”
Another reason she started making chocolates was the fact that whenever she traveled outside Nigeria, she was always asked to come back with chocolate, when there’s so much cocoa in the country. She wanted to change the narrative.
The journey to achieving this has not been easy. Since there were no chocolate making schools or classes in Africa, she had to go to North Europe to learn the art of turning bean to bar.
Her dream is for her factory to produce high quality affordable chocolate for Nigerians and the people they love all over the world.
I have always had this love for chocolate. I think it was as far back as when I was a little girl and being ascribed to as having a chocolate complexion. Also as a child, my sister planted a cocoa tree in front of our house all on her own.
There is something very compelling about the visual structure of chocolates and its formation in a box. There is the mystery embedded in the interiors of its inner cavities, and the burst of polyphenols, a reward your brain is always thankful for.
Whenever I travelled outside Nigeria, people would request I come back with chocolate. That used to get me upset. My response sometimes would be, “But we have cocoa, why don’t we make ours?” It was even sadder when visiting friends or family abroad, I had nothing to offer as gifts from my beloved Nigeria. So, you can say it was a two edged-sword. Thinking about Nigeria and the cocoa we have motivated me to stop talking and start creating.
She wants to make Nigeria the sweetest place in Africa!
Most people toy with the idea of becoming entrepreneurs at least once in their life. I mean who wouldn’t? Especially after coming across a very successful one. Yeah, I know that feeling. But frankly speaking, entrepreneurship is not as rosy as it seems. So don’t just run into it because your cousin did so, and he seems to be doing well.
Personally I took that leap of faith that made me a die-hard entrepreneur sometime in 2013, and since then I have not looked back. I have had my fair share of challenges, but rather than deter me, they propel me for greater heights. And if given the opportunity again, I will still opt for entrepreneurship over and over again.
What about you? Have you ever toyed with the idea of being your own boss? Have you ever wondered if starting and running a business is your thing?
Don’t look too far. The clues below will help you make that decision. Of course, it is not exhaustive, but don’t hesitate to raise your hands and shout Hallelujah if I make a point that kinda hits close to home.
Let’s walk…
You wanna be Independent
Earlier this month, I visited an old friend of mine in Warri. And even though we have been in touch to an extent, I was really shocked and excited to see how well he was doing for himself. We had a lot of catch-up time, and I just couldn’t resist asking him what prompted him to quit his job when he did.
I mean, I remember when he was working in Enugu. And before I knew what was happening I heard he quit and started his own business. His main reason? Independence.
You see that life where you call the shots on how you spend your day, where you go, what you do, when you work or not, and most especially, how much you earn, it cannot be quantified.
For me, my eureka moment was when I told myself that even if I was selling zobo and puff-puff, I would make much more than I was being offered in the last place I worked. And when I got to that point, there was no stopping me.
Your job doesn’t give you fulfillment
I know what it means to work at a job that doesn’t give fulfillment. I mean you wake up in the morning happy, only to get sad at the thought of going to work.
Yeah, used to happen to me a lot when I was working with an Insurance company in Lagos.
Truth is that everyone wants to be fulfilled. And if your job doesn’t offer you that, it’s time you thought seriously about creating a job that could give you just that. If working at that crazy million dollar idea of yours smells fulfillment to you…that’s a sign right there.
You don’t want to compromise on your life Goals
Sometime in 2009 I wrote down a list of things I hoped to do before I die. One of them was what drove me to go for what became my first swimming experience. Apart from that, I equally wrote a lot of things that had to do with starting and running a couple of businesses.
But I didn’t just write these goals down; I got committed to pursuing them. I knew that a goal I don’t pursue will never get actualized.
If your job is not helping you achieve your life goals and you’re no longer comfortable with that, it is time to consider moving from employee to entrepreneurship. Nothing should matter more than achieving your life goals. That should form the very essence of your daily activities. So look at your job again, is it servicing your life goals?
Recurrent ideas
Don’t quit your regular job because of one idea that just flashed your mind. Ask every successful entrepreneur, it really has to be an idea that keeps coming to you. In my own case, the thoughts kept me awake at night, and gave me daydreams during the day.
So don’t be deaf. Take note of those ideas that keeps coming to you. The more recurrent, the clearer it becomes. These recurrent ideas come with an unusual surge of energy. If that is you, then entrepreneurship is for you.
An idea is the first milestone in building a successful business. Tweet that!
Your passion
Passion fuels inspiration. If your inspiration is fueled by a passion for something outside your regular 9-5 job, then please consider following your passion.
Find something you are passionate about and do it passionately. If you love the social media a lot, Instagram for instance, then let your passion drive you to seek out how to monetize that Instagram account.
But note that passion, not money, should guide your decision to become an entrepreneur. If you are genuinely passionate about providing a solution, then you are surely going to do well as an entrepreneur.
The hallmark of entrepreneurs is their passion for providing solutions other than just the prospect of a better paycheck. (Quote me)
So, what’s your story? Has the thought of starting your own business been giving you sleepless nights? What’s been keeping you from taking that leap of faith, even if it’s a side-hustle? What are you waiting for?
Source: Bellanaija.com
We are a dynamic women’s media outfit speacializing in media, marketing, promotions, leadership and career growth services.
Don’t miss our future updates! Get Subscribed Today!
©2026. WomenofRubies. All Rights Reserved.
