iameriwa

[iameriwa]

Taking My Blinders Off

Truth be told, I never really believed anything he said.

The way he would lay on my bed, staring deep into my eyes I knew he was lying. I just didn’t care.

How could I not? I should have. But I didn’t.

Now I’m sitting here, remembering how much time we shared time I could’ve spent doing something else.

But yeah, I was blinded by his smile.

His smile it could always make me melt.

His hugs, gentle and caring... Damn, it felt so good when we touched

But he was lying, doing the exact same thing with someone else.

Why did I allow myself to stay?

I really should’ve walked away. But I was blinded by his touch.

Take it from me don’t be a fool for love. It is not worth it.

Take your blinders off

Open your eyes. And keep your legs shut. Maybe, just maybe...

Nah, you’ll still give in. He’s just that one. Your one.

So you’ll forgive but never forget.

Rub it in his face whenever you fight. Then make up, and eventually fight again.

A rollercoaster of emotions. Girl, please, get off.

For your own sake

Take those fucking blinders off and punch his throat.

...Haha.

By @iameriwa

Photography: unknown

[iameriwa]

Imani’s Story: From Broken to Whole

Imani was tired. Not the kind of tiredness a nap could fix, but the bone-deep exhaustion that comes from constantly fighting battles no one else could see. On the outside, her life looked picture-perfect—a degree from a prestigious university, a decent job, and an Instagram-worthy apartment. But inside? Inside, she was unravelling. Anxiety gripped her daily, whispering lies that she wasn’t enough. Depression dragged her into a pit so deep she wasn’t sure she’d ever climb out.

And if we’re being real? Imani didn’t know how to stop the spiral. She’d tried all the things—self-help books, podcasts, yoga classes, even therapy. They helped for a moment, like slapping a plaster on a wound that needed stitches. But the pain was still there, buried under her perfectionism and the constant need to be everything for everyone else.

One night, after yet another failed attempt to hold it together, Imani hit her breaking point. Alone in her spotless apartment, she sat on the floor, knees to her chest, and finally let herself cry. Ugly cry. The kind where you can’t breathe, and the tears feel endless. Through her sobs, she whispered something she hadn’t said in years:

“God, if You’re real… help me.”

That was the moment everything started to shift. Not in some big, dramatic way. There were no flashing lights or angelic choirs. Just a quiet feeling, like someone had taken the edge off her pain. A whisper in her heart: “I’ve got you.”

The next day, Imani did something she hadn’t done in a long time. She opened the Bible her mum gave her when she was a teenager. Flipping through the pages, she landed on Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Rest. That’s what she wanted more than anything. And for the first time, Imani stopped trying to do it all on her own. She didn’t have a grand plan. She just prayed a simple, desperate prayer: “God, I don’t know how to fix this, but I’m giving it to You.”

Letting go wasn’t easy. Imani had spent years micromanaging every detail of her life, convinced that if she didn’t stay in control, everything would fall apart. But as she began to surrender—little by little—she noticed something incredible: she wasn’t falling apart. In fact, she was finally starting to feel whole.

The anxiety that used to rule her days began to loosen its grip. She’d still feel it sometimes, creeping in at the edges, but now she had something stronger to hold onto. She’d close her eyes, take a deep breath, and remember God’s promise: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Imani started seeing life differently. She let herself leave the dishes in the sink. She stopped apologising for saying no to things that drained her. And when she messed up—which, spoiler alert, she still did—she didn’t spiral into shame. Instead, she’d remind herself: “God’s grace is bigger than my mistakes.”

The biggest change came in how Imani saw herself. She used to believe her worth was tied to her achievements, her image, or how well she could meet everyone else’s expectations. But through prayer, worship, and digging into Scripture, she discovered something wild: God loved her just as she was. Not for what she did or how perfect she tried to be, but because she was His.

Do you know how freeing that is? To realise you don’t have to earn love? That you don’t have to have it all together to be worthy?

Imani began to trust that God wasn’t just real—He was good. He was the kind of good that heals wounds you’ve hidden for years. The kind of good that takes your broken pieces and makes something beautiful. The type of good shows up in both the miracles and the mundane.

Her life didn’t suddenly become easy. There were still hard days, still moments when she felt the pull of her old fears. But now, Imani faced those moments with hope. She had seen what God could do with faith as small as a mustard seed, and she clung to that promise: “If God is for me, who can be against me?” (Romans 8:31)

Imani’s story isn’t about perfection. It’s about redemption. It’s about a woman who gave up trying to control everything and found freedom in the One who already holds it all.

God didn’t just restore Imani; He gave her a joy she couldn’t have imagined. She stopped fearing the unknown and started trusting in His plan. She even stopped fearing death, knowing it would mean meeting the One who had carried her through it all.

If you’re reading this and feeling a little like Imani—tired, lost, wondering if God could really love someone like you—know this: He does. Unconditionally.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t have to clean yourself up first. Just come to Him. Lay it all down. He’s been waiting for you, and He’s ready to show you just how good He, El Shaddai (God Almighty) is.

Try Him. See for yourself. Imani did, and she’ll tell you it was her best decision ever.

The name Imani is of Swahili origin and means "Faith" or "Belief." It is commonly used in East African cultures and among people of African descent worldwide, symbolising trust, conviction, and spirituality.

The name reflects a sense of strength and resilience, often tied to a deep belief in oneself, others, or a higher power - Olódùmarè [Supreme Creator or God, the source of all energy and existence] Amin 💛

Author @iameriwa

Photography: @_phanoo

Model: @adiza_ba

MUA: @kybeauuty

[iameriwa]

Metamorphosis

Imagine waking up and deciding not to hide your true identity, feelings, and beliefs anymore.

Taking the time to explore all the possibilities of what your life could be without wearing a mask.

Freeing up your mind from the distractions, stress and fear that you have been experiencing for far longer than necessary.

Well today is that day Sis!

Be encouraged, get ready for a big change,

A departure from what you’ve become accustomed to.

Just know that Ọlọrun, Olódùmarè [The ruler of Heaven and earth, our Supreme God] has an abundance of blessings in store for you.

(Amin Ase)

Embrace your new self, your new path, and believe that your future will bring you closer to your divine purpose, and that your biggest dreams will finally become fulfilled.

Stop holding yourself back, worried that you might fail, because you’re about to fly 🦋

Author @iameriwa

Photo credit @yarnover_ng

[iameriwa]

The Battle Is The Lord’s

There is no pain Jesus can't feel

No hurt He cannot heal

All things work according to His perfect will

No matter what you're going through

Remember God is using You

For the battle is not yours, it's the Lord's

There's no sadness Jesus can't feel

And there is no sorrow that He cannot heal

For all things work according to the Master's holy will

No matter what you're going through

Remember that God is only using you

For this battle is not yours, it's the Lord's

No matter what it is, you're going through

Hold your head up, stick your chest out

And remember He's using you

For this battle is not yours alone

This battle is not yours, no

You cannot handle it all by yourself, no, no, no, no, no, no

This battle is not yours, the Lord is the only one who can fight it

He wants to use you as His vessel so be open to Him

This battle is not yours, it's the Lord's

Remember that in the midst of it all

God only wants to use you

Hold your head up, stick your chest out

And remember He's using you

For this battle is not yours alone

This battle is not yours, it's the Lord's

(Amen Ase) ❤️🙏🏾

Lyrics by @yolandaadams

Photography by @rebecca_ii

𝘙𝘰𝘸𝘦, 𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘤𝘢. 𝘏𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘞𝘦 𝘎𝘰. 2021

Featured:

Model 1: @saussogod

Model 2: @aalyiah_heath

Model 3: @chloe_etnn

Hairstylist: @lushbraidsbyb

Makeup artist: @claraldsmakeup

Assisted: @harissamami and @papi.churos

[iameriwa]

Patiently waiting

Take a deep breath and exhale

Breathe out all the sadness, disappointment and failure

Breathe in peace, joy, happiness and prosperity

Stand up for your beliefs

Stand firm in your values

Inhale

Exhale

Stand up for your rights

Stand in your truth

Inhale

Exhale

Stand up for her

So she can stand up for you

Inhale

Exhale

Release all your tears, pain and sorrow

Reach your arms out towards your goals

Inhale

Exhale

Affirm all the good things you need

Aspire to become the greatest version of yourself

Be inspired and patient

The best is still to come

Author - @iameriwa

Photography - @garren.pryce

Model - @kiara_ailene

[iameriwa]

Wrapped Up In His Love

I AM happy

I AM blessed

I AM grateful

I give thanks to Baba God

For protecting me

Uplifting me

Providing for all my needs

For guiding me with His majestic touch

For healing me

For surprising me

For answering my prayers

Making all my dreams come true

For teaching me how to be patient with life

I AM

His beloved

His anointed

His precious child

I AM

Made in His image

Skin kissed by the sun

My eyes are filled with His love

I AM

Overcome with emotion

I AM

Excited for the future

I AM

All wrapped up in His love.

Déolà ❤️🙏🏾

Author - @iameriwa

Photographer: @marieb.photography

Model: @ninioma

Mua: @reneedewitmakeupartist

[iameriwa]

Happy International Women's Day ♀️🖤💪🏾

“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength".

www.pinkdynasty.org

[iameriwa]

Champion Mindset

Flashback to the European Diversity Awards (EDA) Night at the Landmark Hotel.

Pink Dynasty won the 2021 SOCIAL MOBILITY INITIATIVE – sponsored by Accenture.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend, but thankfully my Friend, big Sister and Co-director Dibo went on my behalf, wearing a custom made Eloli pink dress.

I was over the moon to find out that Pink Dynasty was found a worthy winner of this prestigious award. It is a gentle reminder that working alongside our passionate mentors, corporate partners, and stakeholders to break down the invisible barriers that prevent young women from low-income and marginalised backgrounds from upward mobility, is important!!!

As I embark on a brief hiatus, I want to thank everyone who has supported my journey thus far, and look forward to reintroducing Pink Dynasty as charitable incorporated organisation in due course.

Here’s to more success in 2022 and beyond!

Love Déolà ❤️

Author - @iameriwa

Model - @bashibi

Fashion - @eloliworld

[iameriwa]

Flowers for The Lady

Yes, you deserve appreciation

Yes, you deserve respect

Yes, you deserve love and laughter

Yes, you deserve rest

Yes, you deserve forgiveness

Yes, you deserve chances to learn from your mistakes

Yes, you deserve respresentation

Yes, you deserve equal pay

Yes, you deserve to lead

Yes, you should express your anger

Yes, you should show your pain

Yes, you should honour your tears

Yes, you should put yourself first

Yes, you should desire the best for your life

Yes, you should further your education

Yes, you should step out on faith

Yes, you should embrace your spirituality

Yes, you should ignore the naysayers

Yes, you should show up and show out

Yes, you should breathe

Yes, you can sleep

You are what you think, see and feel

Be blessed

And move with intention

You can do it Sis 😘

Déolà

Author - @iameriwa

Model - @aapioo

Photography - @caramia

[iameriwa]

Focus on You

Instead of worrying about what others might say, do, or think, just try to remain focused on yourself

Remember, you don't need the applause or recognition of others to be great, just shine!

Easier said than done, but appreciating yourself doesn’t need to be hard Sis.

Stay blessed and focused 😘

Déolà

Author - @iameriwa

Model - @theferow

Photography - @jordanviision

Hair - @reeree_stylez

[iameriwa]

Lizzo is Queen

Melissa Viviane Jefferson, known professionally as Lizzo, is an award winning singer, rapper, songwriter and flutist.

Lizzo is multifaceted

Lizzo is multitalented

Lizzo is stunning

Lizzo is beautiful

Lizzo is a trailblazer

Lizzo is a real model

Lizzo is an influencer

Lizzo is hard working

Lizzo deserves all her trophies and accolades

Lizzo doesn't deserve to be hated on for being a "big girl"

Lizzo doesn't deserve to be disrespected for being comfortable in her own skin

Lizzo doesn't deserve to be ridiculed for being vulnerable

Lizzo doesn't deserve to be harnessed by the so-called body positive community, when she decides to prioritise her physical health and wellness

Lizzo doesn't have to be your cup of tea but she is loved by millions, including me.

Lizzo is a phenomenal Black woman

Period.

If Adele and other non Black women like her can be celebrated solely on their talents, so should Lizzo.

It is a great shame that Black women in the music industry only achieve mainstream success if they are overtly sexual i.e. raunchy, eye candy, sole purpose to provide sexual pleasure (typically to men)

And of course fair skinned, slim, basically far removed from presenting any African phenotypical features.

Please support Black women for their God given talents the way you honour and celebrate Adele (a white woman) for just being a singer/songwriter.

Lizzo is basically the Black equivalent of [big] Adele only Lizzo has a more bubbly personality.

Some might say Adele comes without any gimmicks, that may be true but remember the barrier to international stardom and success isn't the same for Black women 🤷🏾‍♀️

Author - @iameriwa

Model - Lizzo

[iameriwa]

Invest in yourself

Dear Black women,

In order to secure a comfortable future, you must first invest in yourself.

Invest in your education and career.

Invest in your wellness, take care of your spiritual, physical, and mental health.

Invest your time doing things that bring you joy, peace and happiness.

Surround yourself with people who can advance your mindset, skills, network, and understanding of the world.

Be comfortable with being uncomfortable, that's where amazing things happen.

Stretch yourself but don't overdo it

Rest

Breathe

Repeat

Use each day as an opportunity to share your awesome talents with the world, your community, your family, and circle of friends.

Be encouraged

Be encouraging

Be empowered

Be empowering

Be inspired

Be inspiring

Be everything you want to be

But most of all, be YOU

Remain blessed Black Queens ❤️🙏🏽

Author - @iameriwa

Model - Crystal Renée @luvcrystalrenee

[iameriwa]

Black Mixed fishing

I don't want to spend too much time on this "hot" topic. So here are my thoughts on the mixed fishing phenomena...

1. I've noticed that average looking non-richly melanated women, who dont meet the conventional beauty standards i.e. slim, blonde and white, tend to partake in mixed-fishing shenanigans. In an attempt to appear more "desirable", they use cosmetics, non-invasive/invasive surgery to alter their natural average features with hopes of looking : racially ambiguous, exotic, or of mixed heritage... because in "urban" culture such looks are considered beautiful.

2. If you are blessed to be an offspring of two Black parents, you shouldn't feel offended or disappointed by this nonsense, because these white women aren't contributing to our dehumanisation or erasure. If anything, their actions are negatively impacting mixed women.

3. Accordingly, Black women I urge you to put down your capes, and let mixed women and the ignorant self hating black men (who worship white/mixed women) fight this battle...it isn't any of our beautiful black business.

Stay blessed and highly favoured Queens 😘

Author - @iameriwa

Models - Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson

[iameriwa]

Afrotech

As a Black geekette, I'm dedicated to helping aspiring and established women of colour in their professional lives.

I want to encourage more of us, especially Black women to persue careers in tech, apply for product management, human centred design, digital transformation, and leadership roles.

Don't worry if you don't have qualifications, your skills are transferrable.

Step out of your comfort zone, and begin a journey of self improvement, by investing in your education and training.

Take free online courses.

Join YearUp!

EdX.org

Coursera.org

YearUp.org

Scratch, the free Interactive coding tutorial

https://scratch.mit.edu

Learn to code interactively, for free.

Take free courses from Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Wharton B-School...free!

Code Academy

Khan Academy

http://www.codecademy.com/

https://lnkd.in/giMCAWY

coursera.org

EdX.org

Udacity.com

Novoed.com

Free Math & Computer Programming Courses

Black Girls Code

The Code Academy

Khan Academy

Coursera

EdX

https://lnkd.in/gF26P2Y

https://www.codecademy.com

Coursera.org

There's a shortage of female talent in the industry, especially Black women 👩🏽‍💻👩🏾‍💻👩🏿‍💻

Side note - I'm featured on Imperial College London's #BlackToTheFuture segment.

My advice for Black students struggling to bring their whole selves into their professional lives is to know your worth and be willing to walk away if others don't appreciate what you bring to the table. Always advocate for yourself and your community. If you don’t, who will? Lastly, don't put too much pressure on yourself to become a ‘model Black student’. Instead, focus on being real. Your authenticity and unapologetic nature are what counts - not approval, appreciation, or applause from others.

Queens, our future is bright (Amin Ase) ❤️🙏🏽

Author - @iameriwa

Model - @nadiya.mc

Clothing - @binarybeauty

[iameriwa]

Praise be to God

From the age of five I was instructed to take care of my Mum and Sister.

Why would anyone ask a child to take on such responsibility?

I wasn't old enough to question the instruction, so did my best to adhere.

You see my Dad died when I was five, and at that time, my baby sister was barely one.

My Mum was constantly in and out of the hospital, managing an inherited red blood cell disorder.

I had no choice but to grow up, and do so fast.

Becoming responsible at such a young age was a gift and a curse.

I didn't get a chance to enjoy my childhood, or my teenage years because I wasn't considered a child.

Everyone who could, took advantage.

That being said, all my experiences prepared me for the many challenges I've been through and overcome.

I've always been wise beyond my years, and felt a sense of duty to care for my loved ones, before myself.

However, now I've established healthy boundaries.

I do things out of love not obligation.

I don't allow anyone to emotionally abuse me or guilt trip me.

I don't give anyone my hard earned money whenever they ask because they've been irresponsible with their finances.

I don't allow anyone into my space if their energy isn't right or aligned with mine.

I don't wait for anyone's appreciation, applause or approval, I don't need it.

I don't hold malice but where necessary I will keep my distance.

I don't have any expectations so don't get disappointed, just pleasantly surprised.

I've stop holding people to my standards, I know we are all different, and have different paths.

I've let go of all my hurt and anger

I've realeased all my past pain and embrace my present, while remaining optimistic about the future.

I love myself first

I prioritise my needs first and don't apologise for doing so

I'm focused on my mental, physical and spiritual growth and that's it.

I'm blessed and highly favoured

I let God guide my footsteps and walk confidently moving forward.

Praise be to God - Amen

Author - @iameriwa

⁣Photography - @xander.foto

⁣Model - @attrvcion

⁣Hair - @tossedtresses⁣

⁣Stylist - @talyseanir_ ⁣

[iameriwa]

Focus on your own race

Whatever talent(s) God gave you, please ensure to cultivate and nurture them daily.

If you maintain a genuine interest (and passion) for what you’re doing, there is a strong chance of becoming successful at it.

Just be mindful that the tangible results/rewards of your hard work may look different from others.

Success is a subjective experience, and many people who appear to be living their “best lives” on social media, in private are actually struggling: be it financially, emotionally or spiritually.

Always stay focused on your own race, and run it at your own pace!

Remember, don't ever compare yourself to someone else. Your only job is to become a better version of the person you were yesterday.

You've got this Sis ❤️

Author - @iameriwa

Model - @joray_smiles ⁣

⁣Photography - @conceptart_photography

[iameriwa]

Never Settle

Irrespective of how I feel about Nicki's personality, I do respect and admire her contribution to Hip Hop and women empowerment.

So much so, that I was extremely saddened and disappointed in her choice of partner. Anyway, I urge women, especially single women, to use Nicki's marriage has a cautionary tale. If you're successful, and have choices, DO NOT settle down with a man who isn't on your level.

I know that society puts tremondous pressure on women to get married and have children; but try to be strong, and wait for someone more deserving! DO NOT ignore the warning signs, the excess baggage, lack of financial security, and criminal background, just because you're eager to become a WIVE and MOTHER.

Love yourself enough to not invest in a nonentity like Mr.Petty 🤷🏾‍♀️

Author @iameriwa

Model - Nicki Minaj