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#YemziGirl Feature 16 (June) - Shae, Singer-Songwriter from Watford
1. Please can you introduce yourself including your name:
Well, my name is Shaé. I'm a singer, songwriter, actress and creative director amongst various other creative endeavours. I'm from Watford, which is just out of London but closest to north west. At this stage in my career, singing is my most prominent attribute so that's what I'm pursing most intensely as I believe it will give me the freedom or the leeway to explore those other avenues.
2. Tell us about the dream you are pursuing...
I've always been a very creative/artsy person. From as young as 11 I discovered that music and english were my favourite subjects. I've always loved vocabulary, poetry, stories, writing etc, and these go hand in hand with music so it was pretty much a perfect match when I realised I was born to merge the two. My relationship with singing traces back as far as I can remember. I started singing in church at a very young age and from there I began to listen to my own personal influences such as Lauryn Hill, Jazmine Sullivan, Erykah Badu etc and that helped to further develop my own unique sound. From about 14/15 years old I tried auditioning for talent competitions such as Britain's Got Talent and X Factor, (both to no avail lol) & even started putting up singing videos on Youtube, which were all later deleted due to my pubescent insecure stage. Never the less, the passion in me for what I do now never died.
Following that, I continued to sing blindly for a few more years. When I say sing blindly I mean I didn't know who I was musically; what genre I thrived in, the type of artist I wanted to be or how I wanted to be perceived by the world etc, in so doing I almost conformed to being an afrobeat artist when that wave first surfaced, lol, I'm glad I didn't because that would have definitely stifled the creative expression that people recognise today as ShaesUniverse.
It wasn't until my second year of university, studying American Theatre Arts at Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama that I really began to find myself musically. This was heavily influenced by me finding myself physically, spiritually, and personally. Once all these things began to take shape, so did the conscious writing soul sista in me. I suppose my ultimate goal is to be a globally respected creative. Recognised for my music, songwriting, project involvement, acting etc, but most importantly, my positive public influence.
3. Apart from following your dreams how do you stay fulfilled?
Well the first major key in life for me, is maintaining a steady and consistent relationship with God. I'm very spiritual and I believe that prayer has greatly helped me to remain grounded & humble as it always puts things into perspective for me; assuring me that regardless of my circumstance, I will always make it out on top.. and that is ever fulfilling to me. Outside of that, I also try my best to surround myself with positive, like-minded people who strive to be the best versions of themselves. This feeling of knowing all my close friendships are equal and balanced also keeps me fulfilled. And lastly, having your parents and siblings being in complete support of your vision is one of the most fulfilling feelings of all time I believe, for anyone. And I'm very thankful that I have that.
4. Which places do you call home and what do you love about those environments?
Nigeria is my first home. That's where I was born before I came to London aged 4 and that's where my family is from. I love Nigeria because that is my homeland. The people there are so full of life and character, the land itself is so wealthy and the beautiful areas/landscapes in Nigeria are honestly breathtaking. My second home would have to be London. Although I've lived in Watford for most of my life since moving to the UK, I schooled in London, grew up in London and therefore made most of my friends there. I love that about London; the familiarity I have with various different people from different parts of London (even more-so now because my music has helped me to branch out further). I also love how accessible everything is in London. I feel greatly privileged to have experienced life in two very different aesthetics because they both taught me to adapt differently.
5. 3 things you love most about where you live?
- How peaceful it is
- It's close enough, but far enough
- It's not bait so I can run errands looking mash up without having to worry about seeing anyone I know lol
6. What makes you a #YemziGirl?
My zeal for fashion and originality, my confident yet humble demeanour and my enthusiastic attitude towards life in general. These are the things that make me a YemziGirl!
7. Do you have a favourite Yemzi piece of clothing or collection?
Your SS17 pieces are definitely my favourite collection to date!
8. Are you more of a plain or printed type of girl?
I tend to alternate between the two depending on my mood
9. How long have you been creating your short music clips that everyone loves?
My first ever twitter video was for Krept & Konan's falling challenge at the end of 2015 so it's been about a year and a half now
10. How important do you think it is for emerging singers to post content online?
I think it is extremely important for emerging artists to post their content online and use the power of social media to their advantage. Social media does have it's cons however, I feel that one of the biggest pro's about social media is how crazily accessible it is to thousands of people. You'd be surprised at the amount of strangers that casually browse the things you post. And these days all it takes is for the right person to see it.
11. Do you have a routine to maintain your voice?
I don't you know. I really should as I spent 3 years in uni being flooded with loads of vocal resources/ exercises, however after graduating I got lazy and disregarded them. I'm currently training myself to get back to that level of discipline and to start incorporating a consistent vocal warm up practice before all my appearances.
12. And finally, what's your favourite quote?
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." - Maya Angelou
Keep up to date via social media @ShaesUniverse
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British-Nigerian fashion designer Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade founded Yemzi in 2013 with a limited edition range of environmentally friendly printed t-shirts. The fashion brand’s first ready-to-wear collection (SS16) was released in 2015, setting the premise for Yemzi's aesthetic. Tired of seeing African designers limited by the same Dutch wax designs, Elizabeth-Yemi creates the artwork for her collections, which are inspired by West African culture. She combines her unique fabrics with Western and traditional silhouettes. At home in East London or on her frequent travels Elizabeth aims to sketch and paint to inform her bold yet intricate designs. Her work is consciously influenced by her English upbringing in the seaside town of Bournemouth with her Caucasian foster family, hybridised with her Nigerian roots and culture. Yemzi has shown in several European cities and has been worn by internationally recognised musicians and influencers. #Yemzi #Yemzigirl @yemzi
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Meet April Alexander, Multi Disciplinary Creative, Caribbean from Essex #YemziGirl #53
#YemziGirl Feature 53 (July) - April Alexander, Multi Disciplinary Creative, Caribbean from Essex
Hey April please introduce yourself...who is April Alexander, where is she from and what does she do?
Hi #YemziGirl, my name April Alexander! I am a multi disciplinary creative from Essex, currently residing in South London by way of the gorgeous Caribbean islands of Jamaica, St Lucia and Dominica by way of my grandparents.
You are a lady of many talents - modelling, photography, writing. If you had to put them in order of passion what would that look like?
This is quite a hard question and one that I believe most creatives with a lot of disciplines would struggle to answer however I am loving photography at the moment. I love being the other side of the camera and being more in control of what I create. The same could be said for when I write and creating pieces of fiction. Modelling is great because I am able to become a different person each day and morph as and when the brief tells me to. My newest love is acting, which is a hobby at the moment but it’s a field I’m definitely excited to explore and learn more about.
What has been your best booking to date?
My best job to date was booking a featured role in Disney’s Maleficent II. It was a surreal experience and one I’ll cherish forever.
With the corona lockdown how have you been spending your time (aside from making hilarious TikToks)?
Haha! Thank you, I’m glad you have enjoyed my TikToks. During quarantine I have been trying to educate myself on social injustices, speaking up and trying to get to know myself more. Ironically, it has been a great season to slow down and heal, rest and reset. It’ll be interesting when needing to take what I have discovered in quarantine and having to apply it to my life once the “real world” opens up again properly.
Where is the first place you're going once Boris releases the reigns of lockdown?
I haven’t really thought about it if I’m honest. I’ll probably just meet up with a few friends for a cold drink in the sun (weather permitting)
Has the recent #BLM movement had an impact on your life?
Yes, the most recent movement has impacted me much more than I thought it would have. I am pro black and have always been pro black. I have never been one to shy away from uncomfortable conversations regarding race, that’s just how I was raised however these past few weeks have weighed heavily on me. Speaking to a few of my black friends we have spoken about how the most recent events have enabled certain racial traumas we have personally experienced through the years to be unearthed once more, forcing us to face the memories head on again. It has been draining to say the least however, this is exactly what we as a society needed. Especially in Britain. For far too long Britain has ignored their racist tendencies and denounced their apparent white privilege and it has been incredibly damaging to a lot of black and brown individuals. This movement has allowed white people in particular, who have been unaware of what a nightmare we as black people live in from day to day to see and start to understand how they need to change in order for systematic change and for white supremacy to be dismantled. So I think it has been a wake up call for all of us and a start of the education we have all needed. It has been a mirror to the face kind of moment. We all need to speak up for what is right more frequently and we all must fight against discrimination by being actively anti-racist in order to even attempt to lead a life as close to equity as possible.
7 You have a very calm and peaceful energy, how do you stay so level headed?
Haha! That’s very nice that you say that. I am working on it daily, especially during lockdown. Reading my bible, going to bible study, using apps like headspace, journaling and to be honest just being ruthlessly honest with myself about myself is enabling me to to get closer to a sense of Self and discovering inner peace. I am not perfect and I am definitely not ”there” yet but I like time think it’s more about the journey and not the destination. I’m enjoying really stripping myself bare and exploring the real me one day at a time.
For fashion are you a plain or printed type?
I am definitely more of a plain fashion type of person. I mean my clothes have to Be the complete oppoSite to my personality otherwise there’d be too much going on! Haha but yeah I try to lean towards Classic comfortable fits. I am in the process of evolving my wardrobe and trying to be a bit more feminine so who knows what I may be dressing like next year.
Favourite quote?
Nothing will work unless you do - Maya Angelou
What piece of Yemzi do you love or have your eye on?
I love the silk trousers from your latest collection that previewed in your instagram story.
APRIL’S SOCIALS
blog: www.aprilalexander.com (coming soon)
instagram: @aprilalexander
facebook: www.facebook.com/aprilxalexander
youtube: www.youtube.com/discreetmusetv
twitter: @aprilxalexander
& FOR PHOTOGRAPHY…
website: www.aprilalexander.co.uk
instagram: @byaprilalexander
facebook: www.facebook.co.uk/aprilalexanderphotography
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#YemziGirl Feature 52 (June) - Ashanti Bentil-Dhue, Equity & Inclusion Consultant
Interview with Ashanti Bentil-Dhue, Equity & Inclusion Consultant, Ghanaian/Jamaican living in London.
Watch here
"If workplaces were more inclusive less people would feel the need to start a business"
0:09 - Hosts intro
1:16 - Who is Ashanti?
1:51 - Training
3:55 - Career drivers
6:28 - Ashanti's two businesses
10:29 - WOC in the workplace statistics
15:00 - Opening up about (negative) corporate experiences
21:04 - White paper on oppurtunity and urgency for UK companies to invest in black female talent
27:29 - Advice from Black women who want to succeed in corporate 31.10 - Sponsorship vs Mentoring 33:2 - Productivity tools
"I don't show up as my whole self in all its layer, of cause not, because I know that unfortunately those environments are not necessarily embracing of that"
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#YemziGirl Feature 50 (April) - Barbara - Nanny from Brazii
Hey Barbara, lets get straight into it…does being a nanny make you want kids more or less?
Hello Elizabeth !!! First of all thank you for getting in touch with me and for the invite I really appreciate it. Well I helped looking after my cousins and neighbours kids so when I came to London I first started working as a cleaner then slowly I was getting into the nanny life and as long as I remember I always loved it. I always say when I go on interviews that some people do this job because of the money and some other people do because they love being nannies and love what they do and I am one of them, being a nanny it isn’t an easy job as you need to balance the kids, parents and your needs and also you need to always keep reminding yourself that they aren’t your kids and you must do what the parents wants even though sometimes you won’t agree with them. I remember this family that I worked once that was very challenging that got me so stressed to the point that the thought of not wanting kids was being on my mind constantly and people that knows me knows that there isn’t nothing else in this world that I want more than kids so I had to put myself first and move on because I was getting so stressed by kids that are not even mine so when I have mine I wouldn’t be patient and this is not how I want to be when I have my own kids.
Why did you leave Brazil for London and what do you miss the most?
I left Brazil on 2012 when I was just 23 years old and was the first time I was living way from my family and in a foreign country. I came because a good friend of mine came with her girlfriend and a few months later she invited me to come and I decided to as I wasn’t in a good place back then as I was dealing with depression (only had the knowledge that it was depression years later) so I took some time off from drama university to come to London and have been here ever since. I love London and I feel like home here more than Brazil, I know I came from a beautiful country with beautiful people like me rsrsrs but life in Brazil it isn’t that beautiful like most people see when they watch tv or go on holidays specially now with that guy on the presidency. I really miss the weather of course but I am not complaining about UK weather no no no I am grateful with either because in my perception we must be grateful for everything we have in our lives but I was born there and that weather is part of my culture so I do miss playing outside with my friends as kids or going to a bar as adults OMG!!! If I could only share the images I have in my head with you all would be amazing but besides the weather I miss my family and friends the most but I have made my own family and friends here and where I live Willesden Green I can get all the Brazilian food I want to so I am ok with that rsrsrs.
Your bared all on BBC's Naked Truth:Tattoos so beautifully, how was that experience?
The experience on The Naked Truth was amazing and of course being naked in front of camera and people I’ve never met wasn’t that easy but the program’s idea of showing to people what tattoos means to us was what that made me want to be part of it. At the time we filmed it I didn’t have my full arm and leg inked and I’ve seen and heard people saying and looking weirdly at me because of my tattoos but imagine now that I have way more tattoos...once I had a nanny job position turned down because my tattoos would influence the kids rsrs crazy huh!? I can’t believe that there are people that still think like that they are more worried about my tattoos than how I am going to treat their kids. I am really happy and blessed with the family I am now and I can say this I’ve had a really hard year before I met them with three different families and I’ve been putting out to the universe to bring a good family that would see me for who I am and forget the stereotypes and I finally found them and I remember on my interview I asked the mum if she had any problem with tattoos and I showed her my arms and I was really worried about her reaction and me and the little girl was love on the first sight and her mum was like “no I also have one so no problem I am more worried how you are going to look after her than about your tattoos” I was in shock and as I am writing this now I have tears in my eyes because maybe for some people this was nothing but for me was her way of saying I don’t judge you by your look. The world it is getting better as much as we think that it is not but it is look at us black people everyday we are making our voices to be hear more and more...yes we have a long way to but hey lets celebrate instead of complain right? I hope one day people understand that tattoo is a form or art and expression.
As an aspiring plus size model which brand would you love to work with and why?
As long as I remember I’ve been overweight and we know how society treats us plus sizes women and men so until my 25 years old I thought that being “fat” was bad and no one would love me for who and how I was and that feeling made me doubt myself all the time but then I decided to lose weight and I lost 50kg in a year I went from 126kg to 78kg and you are must be thinking WOW she was so happy right? No! I wasn’t. I was happy from the outside because I never thought that I could lose weight on my own without surgery or pills but I was so unhappy inside because I was treating myself so badly and that made me feel so unhappy and when I got stuck and couldn’t lose more I started gaining again and today I am back to my weight and you are must be thinking WOW she must be sad now right? No! I AM NOT and you know why? Because I had to learn how to LOVE MYSELF I thought that losing weight would make me happy and make people love me because that was what the tv and people used to say to me all the time and I saw that it wasn’t true. Today I learned that the “love yourself “ means literally love yourself no matter how you are, you can be slim or plus or too tall or too short be black or white or be Japanese or African love yourself means be grateful and proud of the life body,s kin that you have but doesn’t mean that you don’t need to look after your health for example today I want to lose weight because I want to be healthy to look after my kids when I have them not to make people to love me.
So once I started my journey on loving myself I started to have my own plus size inspirations so I thought about modelling so I’ve done one photoshoot for a friend and I loved it so I went and did a workshop for plus size model and I met so many wonderful and beautiful plus sizes women but ever since I haven’t done anything but soon I will be back to it. I always buy clothes from this brand called grassfield it is an online store that I found on instagram they are two sister if I am not wrong from Nigeria and all they clothes are handmade and believe me they are amazing and they have from size 8 to 24 so I would love to model for them plus just know that I am helping my black sis from there I am happy to keep buying from them.
What should designers who are wanting to cater to larger women pay attempting to?
Well I have large breast so I still think they should be paying more attention to that because sometimes you can find plus size clothes that with fit you everywhere but not on breast area and it is só frustrating and I know all my big breasted sis out there will agree with me rsrs.
Beauty products your afro can’t survive without?
OMG!!! One of my favourite subjects rsrs my friends always make fun of me saying that I go crazy if I don’t deep condition my hair at least 3x a week and I look after it like a babe and it isn’t completely true but I do deep conditioning it 1x when I am working and 3x a week when I am on holiday and as I do the low poo method so I don’t use any products on my hair only products that are allowed so I get it from Brazil as we have a huge range of products but when I cannot get it from there I get from Shea Moisture or Cantu they are not cheap comparing to the normal brands but for girls like me that are always dying their hair it’s worth it.
What does style mean to you?
Style for me means WEAR WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE AND BEAUTIFUL. At least that how I am to be honest, as I mentioned before I have my inspirations but I have my own style that for some people it isn’t cool but it’s fine beca I don’t choose my outfit to please anybody but me and I love before going out I plan the whole outfit in my mind and when I put it on I look in the mirror and I say GIRL!!! You are looking Gorgeous OMG rsrs and I am telling you I go out in the mood and no one will change it. I see sometimes people looking at me thinking “her style is cool or I didn’t like it” but the most important thing is I am feeling myself so F*%# the world rsrs.
Plain or printed?
Both depends on the occasion
Favourite quote?
Treat yourself with love and respect, and you will attract people who show you love and respect in other words FIRST LOVE YOURSELF
What piece of Yemzi do you love or have your eye on and why?
Girl I am getting that Yemzi identity pin!
Thanks so much @barbraprata! <3
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Week 1/52 - Yesterday I was interviewed by #YemziGirl January, Model & Presenter @edemfairre for @vienntys tv channel 😄 My makeup is by @tayokaymakeup, garms my own @yemzi #bts #guestappearance #model #presenter #designer #fashion #chat #style (at Accra, Ghana) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsYU8xzHJ8E/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ebgbysujqwq7
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The #YemziGirl feature is a monthly interview posted on the ‘Journal’ page of Yemzi.com. The segment has been running for 32 consecutive months! We put the spotlight on creative, ambitious and inspiring females in the African diaspora. This month we focus on @michelleduberry, a Nail Stylist from Montserrat/North-East London 💅🏾 #linkinbio (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BphVCXMBX5G/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hpagd3il7kvz
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Q) What makes you a #YemziGirl? A) “I'm unapologetically flamboyant” - @alicaiharley, November 2016 in her YemziGirl interview (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bouo8JQBYAk/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=nyv6fidv4i52
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#SlayedInTheSilks #TheWildIsWithinMe #YemziGirl (at Cardiff) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoumNBUhKcg/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vh9wc4ma2upc
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Baby girl we started from the bottom, now we on top of the globe 🌎✨ #pause #iamddb #rising #sauce #thirdeye #love #dreamachiever #YemziGirl #dreamer #silk #braidgang #bgki (at Paris, France)
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@iamddb styled by @e__gramm 😍🔥🔥🔥🇯🇵🎶 #slayedinthesilks #YemziGirl #iamddb I knew this moment would come ✨❤️ (at Tokyo, Japan)
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The #YemziGirl is a bold and beautiful woman who knows what she wants and is continuously taking confident strides towards her dreams ✨🖤💛 @breenylee #SLAYEDTHESILKS (at London, United Kingdom)
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#YemziGirl Feature 26 (April) - Cory, Dancer and Fitness Entrepreneur from Sierra Leone/Spain
#YemziGirl Interview
1. Hey Cory, please describe what you do, where you're from and your age...
C: I’m a 19-year-old young entrepreneur with a strong passion for dance, fitness and fashion. Currently living my life in the busy streets of London and with interesting mixes of backgrounds of an African descendent and a European lifestyle; Afro Spanish – Sierra Leone, Gambia and Spain that’s where I come from.
2. How many years have you been dancing and what does it take to be a great performer?
C: I’ve been dancing my whole life it runs in my blood. I started to take my dancing career serious 4 years ago and I believe what makes someone a great performer is someone who is passionate, dedicated, humbled and always ready to learn and teach others.
3. Which music videos have you danced in?
C: I have been in quite a few music videos and it has been truly a pleasure as every single one has brought up different experiences and the opportunity to work and meet amazing people. I’ve worked with Colz, Efosa, Rude bone, Niki Tall, Mr.Jayvick, Double A, Stunnah Gee, Jaij Holands, BM, Bad Bunny, Ycee, Kcee, NGS, Geko, Moloego, Ike Chucks, Olamide, Eugy, Mr Eazi, Korede Bello, Sarkodie.
4. Who do you want to dance for next?
C: I would love to dance for Wizkid, Beyonce, Rihanna and few people more…
5. Get fit with Cory is a dope idea, how did it come about?
C: I appreciate that, I came up with Get Fit With Cory when I was 15/16 years of age, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with it but I was sure of wanting to help others feel good about themselves and inspire them to do their best. I told my friend who is now my creative director about it and she helped me with the slogan. The passion and love I have for dance and fitness couldn’t just stay with ne I feel like I’ve always had to share it.
Please share with us your top 3 fitness tips for ladies on the go?
- Believe you can do it.
- Start doing it.
- Commit to it until you’re more than satisfied with the results.
7. Tell us all about your Spanish workshops…
C: The GFWC Afro-Spanish workshop is something I’ve always wanted to attend myself but never seemed to see anyone doing it in the UK. I thought I have to make it happen and partnered up with Anthony Diaz who is now not only my friend but my business partner.
The Afro-Spanish workshop is another way of staying or getting fit whilst having fun and learning new skills and dance steps.
8. Your greatest achievement to date?
C: My greatest achievement is making a living whilst doing what I love not only dancing and exercising also acting as an extra in films to the point I’ve had the privilege of meeting very known celebrities whom I’ve looked up to since I was younger.
9. Your hair style changes all the time! Tell us about your relationship with your hair and what inspired you to serve fresh looks on a regular…
C: My relationship with my hair is very close and important. I believe if you take care of your hair is because you respect and love yourself a lot more. I enjoy experimenting with my hair and that’s the main reason why I like to switch it up when I am able to.
10. Do you ever find that people try to limit or categorise you because of what you do or your appearance and if so how do you deal with this?
C: I do think people try to limit my chances because of how I look, as I am a dark skin girl with strong African features but I don’t see it as a negative way. I believe that if something is meant to be it will be. I see the bright side of it and I think of it as a new motivation, a new way of pushing myself to work harder.
But the non bright side it can be annoying and even demotivating as it’s not always someone would book me because it isn’t the look they’re looking for as it’s not all the time people want to use dark skin men and women for anything. I feel like with me they always have to plan and make sure having me there makes sense because it is not like having a Caucasian or Mixed female because they can be anywhere. From this perspective I do feel categorised but I always try my best to stay positive because it really helps me push myself and open doors for others who are also categorised.
11. Describe your dream project...
C: My dream project would be to work with every dancer in the world, like I would to meet different dancers and work with them, also to work with celebrities to help the process.
12. You’ve worn a few Yemzi pieces, which is your favourite piece that you haven’t had chance to get your hands on yet?
C: My favourite Yemzi pieces would be the black and gold silky bodysuit and the silky green jumpsuit.
14. Do you have a fashion style crush?
I don’t have a fashion style crush but I do like some people’s fashion sense like Rihanna, Kanye west, Teyanna Taylor and just people that bring personality into what they’re wearing.
15. And finally, your favourite quote?
C: It never gets easier you just get better,
More from Cory on
Instagram @makuriya_xo
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#YemziGirl February @roena styles for @vougeitalia www.yemzi.com/newsevents/rhona (at London, United Kingdom)
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#YemziGirl Feature 24 (February) - Rhona, Fashion Stylist & Editor In Chief
#YemziGirl Interview
1. Hey Roe, please introduce yourself
R: I'm Rhona, I'm a fashion stylist, the editor in chief of the print publication THIIIRD, a very passionate person and a Sagittarius.
2. How did you career as a fashion stylist begin?
R: I had a bottoms up entry into styling. I interned, then assisted as a first and after that I started producing my own work. I didn't study fashion or styling and am a English Lit grad.
3. What to pull, do trends play a huge role in your work and if so where do you 'discover' them?
C: Shows really. I love all the excitement that comes with a new season. I think my attention to the catwalks and presentations is where trends enter my work as a whole, aesthetic and research is where my inspiration mostly comes from. I tend to make use of trends most in client work where it is important to make sure you are creating work that feels relevant to the moment - as a stylist even if you're not for all the trends that come out of the season, an awareness is important. But I try not to let trends dictate my aesthetic. I'm really inspired by style cultures of the past, and things like caricature, story telling and how you can attach meanings, feelings and messages to visuals.
4. Are fashion weeks really important?
R: That's a interesting question. I think in some ways they are super important, they provide a massive platform for brands, young designers and big fashion houses to present their new collections. They're where the buzz is created around new season collections, buyers take note of things and writers give brands pr; but on the flip side to that, we are entering an age where social media means you don't have to rely on participating in a fashion week to connect with people. So it still is important but, things are becoming a lot more accessible, which is great for young talent, or brands who don't want to produce to seasons schedules.
5. You styled our very first ready-to-wear collection 'Down And Out In London And Lagos' (SS16), it feels like a while ago now, would you say the fashion industry has changed much in the past two years?
R: Yes! I remember styling that colleciont, it was great! I remember you were adamant that you used a model with natural hair for the campaign, today I think the industry understands that stance a bit better, but in that moment it wasn't something that was being said or could be said and understood easily.
I feel like the fashion industry now is starting to pay attention to diversity. In SS16 things were starting to change, but in SS15 or SS14, I could probably name most the brands who were featuring models of colour consistently on my fingers, this is especially true when it comes to womenswear. I'm probably even being nice by just mentioning brands, the same could be said of agencies and publications. In this moment, I think we probably can take that for granted, but that is down to the work of a lot of people who have taken it into their own hands to show that diversity in fashion is important, desirable and needed. Then after, some of the big guns have followed.
Yes! I remember styling that colleciont, it was great! I remember you were adamant that you used a model with natural hair for the campaign, today I think the industry understands that stance a bit better, but in that moment it wasn't something that was being said or could be said and understood easily.
I feel like the fashion industry now is starting to pay attention to diversity. In SS16 things were starting to change, but in SS15 or SS14, I could probably name most the brands who were featuring models of colour consistently on my fingers, this is especially true when it comes to womenswear. I'm probably even being nice by just mentioning brands, the same could be said of agencies and publications. In this moment, I think we probably can take that for granted, but that is down to the work of a lot of people who have taken it into their own hands to show that diversity in fashion is important, desirable and needed. Then after, some of the big guns have followed.
6. As a stylist, apart from the clothes and accessories what else is necessary to have on set?
R: Lots of things! I always have a kit with me which has in it things like clips, double sided tape, spare socks, pins, a lot basically. If I'm doing a shoot samples, might not necessarily be perfect fit for the model or musicians or actor I may be working with and these things help to tweak little things.
I also personally have a little seperate kit case thing of just pieces I've picked up, or bought to style with, or made that. The stuff in there is pretty random though and can be anything from a princess tiara, or beads or a durag.
Not quite a 'thing' but I think it's important to recognise the work of people in your team; if you have an assistant who is working with you or a good intern with the right attitude to learning, they are always great help on set.
7. What's been your greatest styling achievement?
R: I don't think I can really place that. I really love doing what I do and I've been part of loads of amazing projects that have left me really psyched when I see come together. I think the continuous feeling I have when I'm in the process of doing a job and its going the way it should is the best but if I had to single it to one thing though, I would say launching THIIIRD magazine through my work has been one of the most important things for me.
8. Now you are Editor-In-Chief of THIIIRD, congratulations! Tell us all about the magazine...
R: Thank you! THIIIRD is a fashion, arts and culture publication but we concentrate on socially engaged content. The magazine has three sections: Mind, Body and Soul; the mind section is interviews, the body section is editorial and the soul section is creative pieces which can range from art, to poetry and personal writing. The magazine explores topics like cultural heritage, diversity and activism. Core to the ethos of THIIIRD is that we are intersectional and so we concentrate on representing marginal communities which are underrepresented in the mainstream, as a constant to what we do.
9. Tell us your dream shoot for THIIIRD - designers, models, photographer, MUA, set design/location...
R: Oooh.. A lot of the dreams I have with THIIIRD we are very slowly working on so I wouldn't know where to begin but I can tell you, a high point for me would be seeing the day where I'd be able to work with Viviane Sassen on a cover shoot. I love her work! Its so thoughtful and provoking and challenging and I really LOOK at her images if you get what I mean? In terms of designers and models, whoever and what ever would work for what we were doing.
A model I'd really love to one day see on the cover is Duckie, I'm such a Duckie stan. She has what Devon (Aoki) and Adowa (Aboah) all these other awesome models I've been obsessed with in the past have had for me.
10. What's next for Roe?
R: Exactly this, what I'm doing right now - progressing in that. Letting that unfold. Smashing every project, is what is next. I'd also love to do some work in other cities as an international stylist, as I'm mostly London based, so I'll see how that develops!
11 And finally what is your favourite quote?
R: I'm a bigger love aphorisms, but one that has stuck with me is a quote by Osho "let life be a dance of love." There is something very me about that quote, I've always got so much joy from dancing; and I think love is a very powerful emotion, but not just in a romantic sense. I'm a sort of person with a lot of love in me, so I tend to let that guide me and so far it's working out alright.
IG @roena
www.rhonaezuma.com
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#YemziGirl Feature 22 (December) - Noëlla Coursaris Musunka, Mother, Wife, Model and Philanthropist from Democratic Republic of Congo
#YemziGirl Interview
1. Please can you introduce yourself including your name...
Hi, I’m Noëlla Coursaris Musunka. I am a mother of two children, a wife, model, Founder of Malaika, a grassroots non-profit focused on girls’ education and empowerment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ambassador for The Global Fund and a lover of life!
2. Tell us about the dream you are pursuing…
I created Malaika in 2007 as a way to move my country forward with regard to girls’ education and the individual strength that is born as a result, which leads to a more egalitarian and prosperous nation. I returned to the DRC when I was eighteen, after having been away for thirteen years as my father passed away when I was five, to visit my mother and reconnect with my country. I was struck by the gender disparity within the education system and the societal restraints that inhibited young women from achieving all that they wanted to do. I wanted to do my own part in changing this unfortunate reality by way of providing quality education, clean water, health and sports programs and infectious disease prevention projects. Every year we’re enrolling more girls at the Malaika School and expanding our impact on the community, so the dream is continuously becoming grander.
3. Apart from following your dreams how do you stay fulfilled?
First and foremost, my children fulfil me. My life with my husband and kids, is beyond words, but I also love my career as a model and the opportunities I’m given to speak at international conferences about gender and education. Malaika is an important part of how I feel fulfilled - between building and managing our school, which provides education at the highest standard to 275 girls, our community centre, and the eight wells that give access to clean drinking water to more than 16,000 people.
4. Which places do you call home and what do you love about those environments?
My primary home is in Cheltenham, England, with my family - the paramount reason I love it there - but I travel to the DRC often, which is another home for me. I was born there and no matter where I am, I take the country with me, but it’s even better when I’m physically there. I can visit with my Mom and spend time with the students, our wonderful staff and the community in general, since we also have a community centre with health, literacy and sports programs that has over 5,000 attendees per year.
5. Where are your happy places?
My happy places are when I’m spending time with my husband and kids, loving all the moments of being a family, being in the DRC working on the ground for the mission of Malaika and seeing firsthand the results of our work, and being in front of the camera as a model, which is an immensely fun and creative space for me.
6. What makes you a #YemziGirl?
I’m honoured to be referred to as such! I think Yemzi represents the overlap between tremendous imagination and African richness. Where forward-thinking, creativity and African female empowerment meet, I hope you can find me there. A #YemziGirl exists at that intersection.
7. Do you have a favourite Yemzi piece of clothing or collection?
The entire collection for Spring/Summer 2018 is beautiful, but my favourite is the off the SS16 shoulder pale orange dress. It’s a wonderful contrast of subdued, yet detailed in the flowy nature of the dress and the slits and cut of the ruffled top.
8. Are you more of a plain or printed type of girl?
I do like plain designs and their minimal effect, but I prefer prints. Bold, African prints are my favourite pieces because they’re incredibly beautiful and have a strength in the pride they represent and that I carry with me always.
9. Tell us more about your commendable non-profit girls school and some of the other philanthropic work that you do in Congo...
Malaika is grassroots organisation we started a decade ago. Our aim is to better the lives of young girls in the southeast region of the DRC and the regional population as well. A solid education begets more opportunities and an undiminishable sense of self-worth, which begets women who use the power they have as singular people to effect their families and communities. Societal expectations slowly shift upward when the demographic less-valued becomes a significant part of the driving force of a nation - and that all begins with education and good health. We created the school, which currently has 275 girls in attendance, but also built eight wells in the village, which provides thousands of residents with clean water, have given out 9,000 malaria nets and continuously strive to mitigate the burden of infectious disease. A sick student can’t attend school and it perpetuates the downward cycle of school attendance. The societal obstacles, early motherhood, lack of jobs and subsequent financial independence are enough to hinder female educational success; a preventative disease shouldn't be another concern.
10. You had a successful modelling career, at which point did you decide to become an education advocate?
Years ago, when I first returned to the DRC after having been away from the country for quite some time, I became passionate about education after seeing the wide margin between the education I was fortunate enough to receive in Europe and the school system and low attendance rate of girls in my home country. I wanted to actively do something, so I worked steadfastly until Malaika was created.
11. What do you find most gratifying about your work?
Our students’ success is the most gratifying aspect to our work. Most recently, our eldest class all graduated to the seventh grade and they will attend our newly constructed secondary school in the fall! They all took the national standard exam which evaluates educational quality and they scored remarkably high. Their ambitions, whether to become a pilot or journalist, make me so happy because there isn't a ceiling over their goals.
12. What is more of a challenge, being a mum or an advocate?
They’re challenging in different ways. I’m focused on educational success in both regards, but as a mother, I curate environments where my kids can evolve in every way, which requires a lot of managing. As an advocate, I’m looking at everything from a macro-level, which means the decisions impact thousands. As an Ambassador for The Global Fund, I’ve been provided a larger stage for my passion of improving health and education for children, and that is challenging in the most humbling way.
13. How do you find the balance between motherhood and humanitarian work?
When I’m with my kids, I focus on them. When they are at school or at activities, I shift it to my work. I am always available to my Malaika team, but I’m able to pay sole attention to my children when it’s time for homework, dinner or with anything else they need.
14. And finally, what is your favourite quote?
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela
noellacoursaris.com
malaika.org
@noellacoursaris on Instagram
@noellacc on Twitter
Noella Coursaris Masters on Facebook
@MalaikaDRC on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
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