#MondayMotivation Pressure will take you from Coal to Diamond... Welcome It

My #MondayMotivation quote is by Henry Kissinger- "A diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure".

I like it because it is one of those posts you see all the time so that it is when it comes true that you know how true it is. I know, I used 'true' twice. 

Until the test comes, we stay doing, thinking and saying the same thing, and that is why, no matter how uncomfortable change may be, it is welcome.

I have a friend who like many of us, thrives on deadlines. She won't study, work or do her stuff till the very last hour or week and she once told me that anytime she finishes her work before a deadline, it feels like the work isn't as good. 

Is that ideal? Probably not. It is an example though of how we need something major to squeeze the best out of us and actually show just how much we can take. Like with working out? 
People will tell you that every time you build your tolerance to a point where say, a 30 second plank, no longer stresses you, then you increase it.

Is pressure fun? No. 
Next time you are faced with pressure though, whenever you can, smile... It is just making sure you come through like Rihanna sang- 'shining bright like a diamond'.

MCM: ONE OF A KIND ARTIST, MICHAEL UMOUDIT

Hello guys! Happy Monday. If you're a regular reader of this blog, Mondays should have you  hyped already! Our man crushes are always to die for. (you know its true) and this time, there are no exceptions.

Our Man Crush today is Michael Umoudit. He's an artist, fashion and lifestyle model and the C.E.O of Umoudit designs. He creates the most uniquely awesome designs with just markers. How cool is that? I had a chat with him and you can see how obsessed he is with his art.

I'll let his creativity do the rest of the talking. Enjoy :)

 

1)     How did you discover your love for designs?

MICHAEL:  Creating and doodling patterns have always been a part of me, for as long as I can remember. 'Life in patterns' is one of the phenomenons that best explains 'Life' as a concept to me. I use my art to express life as a collection of phases and stages that sum up to create a pattern (exclusively unique and relative to each individual).

(2).     What inspires your designs and you as a person?

MICHAEL:  I have a preconceived idea and picture in my head and in my imagination. 

In a quest to bring to reality this picture, I use a first line or stroke as a tool to inspire all other lines to recreate the hitherto picture or Vision.

The first line is often characterized by fears, doubts and uncertainty, and can be literally said to be the 'weakest' line; but it's ironically the strongest line from which all other lines gain their momentum and inspiration from. 

I see this scenario as a symbolic representation of the journey towards the realization of our dreams. We have to make that first step in line with accomplishing our dreams, regardless of the doubts that often surrounds this step or move in the direction of our dreams. All other moves gain inspiration and build up on the shoulders of the first decision. 

3)     What’s something about you that people aren’t usually quick to believe?

MICHAEL: Nothing

4) What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt about life so far?

 MICHAEL:The most important lesson I've learnt from life was acquired off my art; UMOUDIT Designs. 

I've learnt to appreciate life in phases and stages, all sum up to create a unique and distinct pattern, relative from one individual to another. 

This lesson, in a nutshell, likens everyday and it's events to be pieces of a jigsaw puzzle all coming together to shape our individual lives in a special unique way. 

5).   Tell us one of your wildest career dreams.

MICHAEL: I feel like, having an answer to this question will be limiting my potential ability. 

I want to spend everyday getting a step closer to my dreams. In this realm, limitations don't exist, everyday comes with a different oppurtunity and with a unique idea. 

I always look forward to 'tomorrow' knowing fully well that today's success is but a stepping stone to greater heights. 

My wildest career dream will be to continue to break boundaries and set greater goals everyday.

6)     Where’s your favourite place in the world and why?

MICHAEL:My favourite place in the world would be a place filled with creative inspirations and a serene creative space, that's a conducive environment for magic creation.

 7)     One thing you hope to do before thirty.

MICHAEL: The vision of UMOUDIT Designs is to inspire people to achieve their dreams, by highlighting growth as a major factor in ensuring the realization of our dreams. The mission, is to execute this vision globally. 

 Therefore, before I'm Thirty(30) years of age, the brand should have a great global impact, and many more creative initiatives and diversified streams, through which we can continue to implement the visit and objectives of the UMOUDIT Brand on a wider scope and broader platform.

They're 36 states in Nigeria, about 54 countries in Africa, and roughly 195 countries in the world; before I'm thirty, which is about eight (8) years away, as at 2017, UMOUDIT designs will be an established brand that is focused on it's vision and evolving amazingly as it blazes through phases and stages on its path to greatness.

8)     One person you’d really love to paint

One person i'd really love to paint, would probably be my wife, on our honey moon, Lol. 

9)    What’s on your in this Monday?

 I'm currently rounding up my debut Afro-Urban streetwear collection, and a couple budding collaborations. 

I also have 'The danfó story' project out; a project that uses Afro tribal patterns on a danfò bus to explain the symbolism of the scenario of the danfo bus transit, in Lagos, Nigeria.

Meanwhile, we still taking orders on our Leather caps in custom Acrylic hand painted afrotribal patterns.

 You can watch his project "Danfo Story' here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8-kSj0x0XLXUzBQem5ENVplUzQ/view

Stay Inspired,

Anjola

WCW: THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S MUSE- AMIOLA AGUDA

Hi everyone! I'm so overwhelmed as I write these words and I need you to know that. Before I reached out to our Woman Crush today, I was sure that her pictures would be the main source of inspiration to readers; However when the interview was done,  I wasn't quite sure anymore.From her replies, you could feel honesty and originality so palpable.  You see, I'd like to call her pictures a beautiful contradiction- how she looks calm and sweet in one, and bold and assertive in another, and sometimes you can even find mixtures in one picture-She's truly a photographer's muse.

This beautiful Wednesday, we are crushing  on a freelance TV Host, Reality TV star, a model and a blogger, the one and only Amiola Aguda. Enjoy!

1)      You are a TV presenter, model and a blogger, How did you discover your love for media, professionally? 

I kinda always knew it would be media for me. I actually thought I’d be a newscaster or editor. In High school, I was very actively involved in the Press club, and I’d read the news to the entire school at assembly on Fridays. So, I guess my love for the media stemmed from that.

2)      You have a blog- thephotographersmuse.com- What inspired you to start it up?

Well, I really enjoy being the subject in photos. A lot of my photographer friends also really enjoy taking photos of me, so I thought to make something out of it, as opposed to just posting on Instagram. And that brought about thephotographersmuse.com, which is a visual diary of my collaborations with photographers in our attempt to create art. The goal is to create images, abstract or otherwise, that are fantastic enough to be in exhibitions around the world someday.

3)      Reality TV seems like fun for you, since you feature in shows like 'The Adventures of TASA' and 'Moving up the squad'; How did these come about and what’s the best part about filming for reality TV?

Oh, Reality TV is fun, actually. With TASA, the girls and I have been friends for about 6-8 years or more, and we all at some point, being in the same field, wanted to do travel shows. So we decided to do one travel show that’s like 4 in one, and the amazing people at Red TV helped bring it to life. Moving Up The Squad, also has a similar premise of joining forces. All 5 of us decided to move in together for a while to make living in Lagos easier. Two of the girls are also on TASA, and the other two I’d known from the “media industry”, and so it was the perfect idea. EbonyLife did such a great job making the show happen.

For me, the best part about filming reality TV is the unscripted factor, the realness of it. It’s great when I can be all versions of myself, even on TV.

4)      You are a freelancer, how do you deal with times when there are no gigs ?

I’m still learning to deal with times like this, because it gets frustrating. Very frustrating. But these days, I try to enjoy the free time, read and brush up on myself and skills, connect with people and most importantly, pray for better days.

5)      What’s your biggest fear?

My biggest fear, I would say is not living up to my full potential.

6)      What’s your favourite international TV show?

Haha, it changes with time. Right now, it’s Bojack Horseman on Netflix. Before that, it was Bob’s Burgers and before that was Arrested Development. I wonder what’s next.



7)      A typical fun day for you would be made up of what?

A typical fun day would be made up of good people, lots of laughs, good white wine, great music or movies, and just generally being surrounded with happy, positive vibes. Oh, and with the sun out too. I don’t particularly like rainy days, just nights.

8)      If you could change a popular belief in the world, what would it be and what will you change it to?

That would probably be inequality, in all aspects. So, gender, race, religion, etc., maybe even age as well. I strongly believe that everyone should be treated first as a human being just like yourself. All humans are equal.

9)      If you could go back in time, what important piece of advice would you give to Amiola?-specifically 5 years ago

Trust in the timing of your life, baby girl.

10)   One thing you haven’t done but would really like to do?

I’d really love to learn to play the violin. And I’d also really like to get in the studio and record a song. Soon enough though.

11)   What’s on your mind this Wednesday?

Today, I’m thinking of all the additional zeros my bank account needs to have. Lol. And how you guys are so kind, making me your Woman Crush today. 😊


For more about Amiola, please check here
BLOG: https://thephotographersmuse.com/
INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/darkskinnedfemale/?hl=en 
TWITTER: hhttps://twitter.com/duskymila?lang=ent

Stay inspired!

 PIC CREDIT:Red Tv,  https://thephotographersmuse.com/

MCM: STYLE GURU, DIIPO AYO-ADEUSI

I am always impressed whenever I see people who pursue several interests/ career paths as opposed to the old hat belief that each person should focus on only one thing. I'm definitely an advocate for pursuing as many passions as possible and convenient for you,   as long as they genuinely make you come alive!
You can tell how happy I am that our Man Crush today is an actor, TV Host, fashion consultant and costume designer with credits in movies such as 'Banana Island Ghost'  His name is Diipo Ayo-Adeusi. Enjoy my interesting chat with him! Oh Happy Monday :)

Hi Diipo!

1) You’re an actor; TV host and a Fashion consultant- did you dream about these careers from an early age or they are careers that just fell into your path?

DIIPO: My career path has been interesting and honestly, planned by God. Fashion was just an innate flare and skill I believe was passed down from my parents. However, these days, it seems to be the front-runner among my various career paths.

Acting, on the other hand, I discovered from an early age and I thought could be a possible career path. I watched a lot of Nollywood movies and loved re-enacting them when I was younger. I also wrote my first amateur script at the age of 13 and my friends and I thought I was definitely made for acting, because as far as we were concerned, if you did anything remotely related to entertainment, you had to be an actor. Thankfully, we were right and I went ahead to get my bachelor’s degree in theater arts from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon and it’s been a career path since. TV hosting is derived from my acting and people skills.


2) Tell us about the first big gig you ever got and how it made you feel?

DIIPO:  My first major gig came when I was about 18 years old. I got my very first role in the college’s main stage theater production and it was a big deal because people from all over usually came to see our plays. It was a Shakespeare play titled ‘Othello’ and the director felt that it wouldn’t make sense that Othello would come all that way to a foreign land without bringing an ally along so she made my character up and I didn’t have any lines at all because you can’t improvise Shakespeare. However, the first time I walked on to the stage, after we moved from the rehearsal space, it felt so surreal and of all seven plays I did while I was in school, most people remembered me from that first play.

3) Who is your ultimate style icon?

DIIPO:  There’s a few of them and they change as I evolve in life…Right now, I love the authenticity of Korede Roberts and Future (rapper) and I love the classic style of Harry Hart from Kingsman, the movie (played by Colin Firth)


4) Who is that one person you’d absolutely love to consult for but haven’t done yet?

DIIPO: There’s way too many…My ideal client is one who is open minded with his/her sense of expression and appreciates the value of fashion consultancy…maybe Idris Elba and Blake Lively because they can pull off just about anything.


5) Outside of work, what’s your favorite thing to do?

DIIPO: Sleep, binge watch my favorite shows and enjoy fun, intimate moments with my friends.

6) Tell us something you’re very scared of.

DIIPO: I am deathly scared of heights; specifically in open spaces like roller coaster rides.

7) One thing you’d like to change in the fashion industry

DIIPO: I really do hope that we, in the fashion industry, change our approach to creativity, because it is a service to humanity so we can’t afford to be lazy about creating. Also, I hope stylists and consultants in Nigeria become more responsible and disciplined with their duties. Lastly, I hope designers show more diversity and inclusiveness in their business structure.


8)      What’s on your mind this Monday?

DIIPO: My Mondays pretty much have a regular routine at this point. I am thinking about final edits for my show, ‘The Style Embassy’ and I am also thinking about what I am going to talk about on the radio show I co-host, Ignite GLA on Radio.

You can  reach Diipo here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jlobar?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diipo93/

Stay Inspired!

I just googled 'Black Hat' and found 3 Looks to always wear a Hat with!

Sometimes when I want to quickly find an answer for something, I do a google search but then I start clicking on all the fun links till it is one hour later and now I have 10 new questions.

Today was no exception and while going from link to link, I stumbled on a post about hats.
I love hats and if I could, I would throw a hat on ANY outfit but I have 3 of my favourite outfits to wear a hat with.

- A dress

Maxi, mini, midi...
It does not matter.
Throwing a hat on when you wear a dress takes you from simple or classic to eclectic.

- Jeans or Pants and anything else

Whether it is a t shirt, a shirt or a tank top and jacket, hats were made for jeans. I never met a pants and hat combo I did not love!

Singer, Fefe.

- Beach or Pool Wear

Throw a hat on when you are at the beach and you will not only look super stylish, but also be safe from the sun!
Now that is fashion I like.

Check out some other outfits to wear your hat with.

Kill your hat combo with this Metrogypsie style inspo!

Your turn.
Tell me what you like to wear your hat with below

#WinWednesday I went to a Primary School today.. Would you go back if you could?

Today i went to visit my niece in her school. It was her birthday and we brought pizza and a cake and it was so interesting being in a school again.

I have been back on the premises of different schools but usually never during actual school sessions so the feeling was a bit surreal.

Kids running around and greeting everyone they walked by on a corridor, and little chairs and tables. Is it not funny that when we were their age, we absolutely thought we were so big?
I was looking at these kids, even those that were close to my height (sigh) and i wanted to whisper to each one of them, "Enjoy it. Don't grow up too fast".

I told my sister as were leaving, "I couldn't go back. You know all these people that ask if you would go back if you could? I wouldn't. At least not here".

If i could go back, I would go back to a few years ago. While time has a way of making everything about the past feel beautiful, the truth is, I can't imagine sitting in class and studying. I cannot imagine going back to always feeling something was wrong and always wondering why i did not seem to fit in.

Back then, i cried alot because i felt shut out of everything. These days, i love my weirdness.

I think the benefit of growing up and getting to 30 is, you start to actually enjoy it. Life, Your own company, Your body... You actually start to like yourself.

If I could go back, I would do 3 things
- Enjoy it a bit more
- Panic a lot less
- Lose more bad habits.

We may not be able to go back, but we can start getting it right now.
Everyday i can enjoy my life a bit more, panic a lot less, and lose bad habits.

What about you?

WCW: THE PERFECT MUSE, FISAYO LONGE

Hi fellas. It's another amazing Wednesday. Our Woman Crush is  one person I tried to get for a long time and thank God for persistence! They say nothing good comes easy; You can imagine how much harder it is to get one of the best. *winks

Our WCW, Fisayo Longe is an entrepreneur, a  Fashion, Travel and Personal Development blogger. She's the founder of Mirror me and KAI, an affordable women-wear clothing line.
Fun fact: I had hundreds of beautiful photos of her to choose from for this interview. I was too sad that I had to settle for just a few. She's style goals all day every day. Enjoy my brief chat with her!

Hi Fisayo!

1) You’re the founder of KAI and  'Mirrorme', a Fashion, Lifestyle and Travel blog, how do you deal with all the peculiar uncertainties/challenges that come with owning a ‘business’ and how has the entrepreneurial journey been so far?

FISAYO: It’s been more challenging than I expected but I’m happy that I didn’t realise how challenging it would be because I wouldn’t have done it at the time that I did, if I had known. Mirror Me hasn’t been as challenging as my clothing business KAI to be honest. I deal by being solutions-oriented, keeping my focus on the long-term goal and digging deep to find inner strength when I feel like giving up. 

2) Many people see the glam side of your brand on social media, but tell us what it really takes to consistently deliver relevant content.

FISAYO: You have to constantly brainstorm ideas, keep on top of what is trendy and what is happening in the world generally, put outfits together, have shoot days where you change in toilets of coffee shops and on the streets, write, edit photos- there’s so much! Most of it is unglamorous but I love that the end product looks so glamorous and effortless- that’s the plan!

 3) How do you deal with negativity on social media and what’s your major rule when it comes to using social media (if any)?

FISAYO: I don’t get as much negativity as I would expect and I find it quite easy to ignore it or just shoot back a sarcastic reply to be honest. I have a core group of family and friends that I really trust- I don’t care about many other opinions apart from theirs. Everyone’s got something to say and if I had listened to them, I wouldn’t be where I am today so why start listening now?

4) Please tell us one fun fact about you.

FISAYO: I’m not sure, I find this question really difficult/awkward. Lol. I mean like, fun to who? I don’t know. I’m a strange person- I enjoy writing to myself and I have myself on whatsapp. Is that fun? lol. 

5)  If you could advice someone chasing their dreams out there now,

you'd tell them to:

FISAYO: Learn yourself- find time to really search and learn who you are and make sure that this dream is really yours. Ignore the noise and listen to the voice inside of you. Finally, feel the fear and do it anyway.

6) We had 'the Lawyartist’ on our MCM Segment and he mentioned that he’d love to draw you because you strike the most amazing poses; How does that make you feel and will you be taking him up on that?

FISAYO: I love Tunji! I met him on the internet because he always commented on my photos and supported me. He’s a great positive spirit. Sure, why not, he’s really talented.

7) What’s on your mind this Wednesday?

FISAYO: How the hell am I going to get through all this work before the end of the year?! That’s what’s on my mind. Lol.

Stay inspired!

For more about Fisayo 

instagram : @fisayolonge

Twitter: @fisayolonge

website: http://mirrorme.me/

#MondayMotivation But where is the action?

"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit." Conrad Hilton.

I remember when i was younger and wanted to be taller.
Somehow, society convinces us that being short is something we should be ashamed of or want to change. Why? Short, Tall, Medium... who cares?

That is not what this post is about though. I was short and an uncle once told me- if you want to get taller, eat more beans, but not just any kind of beans. Eat the beans with weevils.

 So i did. Diligently. I asked for beans and more beans. Did i get taller? Check my Instagram then answer that question yourself. Lol.

 What i do know though is i made an effort.

Imagine if all i did was wake up, eat, think and sleep WISHING i was taller?

We have dreams, dreams of things we want to see come true but the only way to see some kind of reaction, is to actually have action.

Sitting down and really really really wanting it, no matter how cute or sweet, will oftentimes not get us anywhere closer to our wishes.

Getting to a destination requires actually putting one foot in front of the other as we walk, or driving in a car, or flying or... you get my point.

MCM IS BACK AND WE ARE CRUSHING ON KWAME BONSU

Hi guys, I know it's been a minute but we're back and with a bang!  Of course, I have to apologise to readers who constantly come here for weekly momentum; That break was very much needed but allow me to make it up to you with our Man Crush this Monday. Drumroll please!!!!!

He's an actor, model, TV Host and a sweet soul (yea, that's a job too lol) He's half Kenyan, Half Ghanian so basically you can say I traveled all the way to get him here. Today, we are crushing on the amazing Kwame Bonsu. Enjoy!

Hello Kwame!

1)      You are half Kenyan, half Ghanaian, when and why did you decide to move to Nigeria?

KWAME: The Nigerian Entertainment industry is challenging. I love a challenge. I wanted the experience and growth and I have always dreamed of working with the big Nollywood names. I have been in Nigeria on and off since January 2016.

2)      People see the glam side of those in the media industry, without recognizing the work that goes behind the scenes; tell us a bit about what BTS looks like in your industry?

KWAME: Well a lot of viewers and followers always assume that those of us on screen are 'plastic' robots, if you will. We all go through the same struggles in our careers and personal lives just like everyone else. We just love being on camera so much we end up smiling automatically when we hear 'Action!'

3)      If you could change something in the media industry with a switch, what would it be?

KWAME: Remuneration. Most people believe that once your face is on TV then you're rolling in millions. The truth is, the grind is the same in all the sectors.

4)      Have you had any embarrassing moments while hosting a show/ event? Please tell us about it.

KWAME: Yes, I was interviewing Gemstone Twins on EL Now (Ebony Life TV), and my stylist had decided to dress me up in a blanket of a suit. The show was being shot at around 1:30 PM and I was sweating from head to toe. To date, my colleagues and crew still believe it was due to the guests' beauty.

5)      One thing you want to accomplish in life that you haven’t.

KWAME: I want to find out exactly what Admiral Richard E. Byrd found during his expedition in the South Pole.

6)      Your favourite hangout spots?
KWAME: The Back Yard, Spice, Fahrenheit

7)      Your favourite (international) TV show?
KWAME: 106 & Park

8)      What is on your mind this Monday?
KWAME: Money and good vibes.

You can find out more about Kwame Bonsu here:

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/IAmKwameBonsu
Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/IAmKwameBonsu
Website- http://www.kwamebonsu.com/


Stay inspired.

#ShopTheLook Eclectic by Sasha Dress

I got this dress when i went to the Eclectic by Sasha shop.

It was one of those, go in to get one thing, leave with ten type days...

This dress was like light and i a moth and i had to get it. Since then i have been able to wear it at different times and for different things.

Dress from Eclectic by Sasha

#ShopTheLook Blue playsuit and Blue heels

I remember when i got this playsuit. It was on a Saturday and was one of those, 'I don't know what i am looking for but when i find it i will know" type buys. I had a budget and in the end, it came down to a white play suit and this one. Unfortunately, the smallest size they had the white in was medium.

Odd fact? The two times i wore the playsuit, my hair choices were all wrong.. Ever had that kind of bad hair-outfit day?

Blue Playsuit from Mango store, Ikeja City Mall, Ikeja Lagos.

Blue shoes by Red Kiss from Sekinah Shoe Gallery in Yaba, Lagos.

#TomboyChic The oversized t shirt trend!

Hi guys,

I s.h.a.r.ed this picture of me wearing an oversized t shirt on instagram the other day and i got quite a number of people asking about it.

When you are a short / small person like i am, getting a tshirt as a gift is always a gamble as most people send large or at best, medium. A medium tee for me is almost a dress so instead of fighting it, when i get a tee i like like the one pictured above, i just wear it.

You can get away with the oversized top look if you follow the where and how.

WHERE: This is obviously not the look for class or an important meeting. It is a look that can be casual or trendy. With the dashiki, i wore that outfit for Day 2 of a Youtube training.

HOW: You can wear the trend either on its' own with a belt, or pair with shorts. Flat shoes complete the look for me but if i wear to wear the dashiki at night, i would go all the way and rock some heels instead. 

#FashionFriday 4 ways to Style it like a Soul Chic

Okay let’s be honest, it’s not easy being a soul chic here because we do more classic styles and everyone is afraid of breaking out of the norm.

But, if you find yourself drawn to a certain style, here’s a guide on how.

Earthy Colours
Soul sisters know that browns, leaf green, leaf yellow and other shades of earthy colours transform you immediately.
If you want to try the soul chic look, start with some earthy colours.

Skirts must flare
What is it with soul and skirts? Skirts are great for loads of looks including gypsy, corporate and even edgy but on a soul sister, a flared skirt makes you look instantly stylish.

Accessorise
When it comes to accessorising like a soul chic, more is more.
One bangle is never enough. Pile it on. One neck piece? Who are you? A minimalist?
Soul is about the layers, especially when it comes to accessories so go crazy.

Don’t neglect your hair
From headwraps to bows and buns, the soul chic’s style mantra is “I must, I must, I must not forget my hair”.

I hope these four tips help you.

Where all else fails, ask yourself, would Aramide, asa or India Arie wear this? Lol

#OAP101 4 ways to have a kickass interview!

Hi everyone,

I hope you have been enjoying the OAP 101 podcasts?
This week's podcast touched on interviews and I s.h.a.r.e tips based on my personal experience on how to have kickass interviews!

The tips are

- Research
Do a quick research by searching for their name and visiting their official website or social media handles.

- Prep
Prep your guest to put them at ease.

- Be Creative and Fresh
People get tired of listening to or answering the same question over and over. Look for creative ways to ask yours!

- Interaction and Inclusion.
Let the audience be a part of the process by letting them engage with your guest.

Listen to the podcast for a break down of each one as well as examples i give.