Afroelle Business Issue 2015

Business Issue 2015

Celebrating Women of African Heritage

AFROELLE

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Years of Celebrating women of African Heritage CLICK HERE

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Afroelle Magazine is a monthly digital publication celebrating and empowering women of African heritage in Africa and the Diaspora.

FOUNDER & EDITOR Patricia Miswa PUBLISHER MISWA MEDIA FOR SUBMISSIONS & GENERAL ENQUIRIES Afroelle@gmail.com

COVER CREDITS Photographer: Jackie Dixon Make up: Kay Montano Hair: Vernon Francois Backdrop: Lotte Andersen Dress: The Pink Dress by Duro Olowu Corset: Deborah Brand Shoes: Bally Afroelle Magazine is published by Miswa Media copyright Š 2015. All rights reserved.

Contributors

TATENDA K. Writer ZIMBABWE

ASHLEY M. Writer SOUTH AFRICA

CORAZON A. Writer KENYA

i4indie.blogspot.com

ashleymakue.com

@cory_mi

TOLU A.

LILLIAN K.

Contributor

Editorial Assistant

Kenya

Nigeria

@miss_kimari

cofoundher.com

SUBMISSIONS If you have a story idea or would like to share your wisdom or insights with women globally email AfroElle@gmail.com with ‗Submission‘ on the subject line.

Do you know a phenomenal woman impacting their community or making a difference in their field? Simply email their bio and links to their work to afroelle@gmail.com for a possible feature in our upcoming issue. www.afroellemgazine.com | 5

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38 CONTENTS

BUSINESS ISSUE 11 Monthly Gift Guide 18 Woman in Song— Wanda Baloyi 20 Diana Okello Rescuing Sisters 24 Noella Coursaris on Educating Girls in Congo 30 Focus on 2015 She Leads Africa Pitch Winner Kasope Ladipo– Ajai 34 Designer Spotlight: Lisa Owusu 38 Ngozi Opara Redefining the African Natural Hair Movement 42 Kambili Ofili-Okonkwo Designing stylish swimwear for the African woman

INSIDE “Never allow your fear of failure or success have more power than your desire to pursue your passions and dreams” Ngozi Opara Pg. 38

18 30

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We talk to Jewelry designer Lisa Owusu who shares lessons she has learnt while building her jewelry brand and how she finds joy in the everyday as a business owner and creative.

Our writer, Tatenda Kanengoni writes about Kasope Ladipo – Ajai, the CEO of OmoAlata and the winner of 2015 She Leads Africa Pitch Competition.

Judith Owigar, president of Akirachix, an organization that gives voice to women in science and technology, gives advice to aspiring techpreneurs. Contributor, Tolu Agunbiade talks to founder of Heat Free Hair Movement, Ngozi Opara on her journey of redefining the African Natural Hair Movement. Tolu also interviews designer Kambili Ofili-Okonkwo on her brand swimwear Kamokini.

We hope you will be inspired by our cover story featuring international model , Noella Coursaris. Noella uses her platform to raise awareness for causes she believes in as a mother, feminist and believer in the basic human right to education, health and opportunities. In our interview she shares about her organization Malaika that empowers Congolese girls and their communities through education and health initiatives.

In our new section, Afroelle Woman of the month, we get to know humans rights activist Diana Okello, the woman behind #MydressMyChoice movement who drafted petitions that saw the enactment of a 20 year jail term in Kenya for anyone who abusively strips a woman.

All in addition to our interview with KORA award winning artist Wanda Baloyi and our monthly guft guide featuring African inspired brands for every budget and season.

Till next time, I leave you with the words of Michael Jordan, “I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Happy reading!

Founder and EIC

Sami Khan Photography

O

ur annual Business Issue is finally here. In this issue, we profile female entrepreneurs who are living their dreams, disrupting industries and changing lives.

Gift Guide

Your monthly dose of African inspired products

Photography by J. Quazi King www.afroellemgazine.com | 11

Afroelle Magazine’s monthly gift guide features gift ideas for everyone, every budget and every season.

If you own a small business, Etsy store or are a blogger and youâ€&#x;d like to advertise your brand, products or services to our global audience in our upcoming November Lifestyle Gift Guide Email Afroelle@gmail.com

Guide Cover Ms. K and Helene Image Credits J.Quazi King

African City Bags Urban Cultural Savvy

www.africancitybags.com

For African bow ties, ties & pocket squares www.sebodesigns.com/collections/all

Skinny Ties Whether one is going to work, a party, a wedding, or a date, SEBO has a range of prints that can match perfectly with any outfit on any occasion.

Ntinda Bow Tie Ntinda is an up and coming Kampala neighborhood that is growing as fast in influence as it is size

Nneka

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Streetwear with a Classic Influence

www.nneka.me 1. Nneka sleeveless wrap dress $160 Organic cotton & soy jersey Made in the USA 2. Nneka mustard jumpsuit 100% Cotton Made in the USA $140

1 Pink print shift dress with lace back by Tatusi for zedlabel $60 Straight off the Zimbabwe FW2015 runway, this dress moves seamlessly from day to night

www.zedlabel.com Receive 10% discount using the promo code Afroelle

Brown classic messenger bag by Targaryen Man $160 Luxuriously smooth leather with inside zipped pockets.

Hautelin Statement Necklace The intricate design and textured prints of Hautelin is bound to add drama to any ensemble.

Sheevil Clutch A touch of sheep skin adds a contemporary twist to the timeless design of Sheevil. Pair with your favorite solid outfit.

Details: Sheepskin, Dutch wax print,

interior pocket, velvet interior lining, magnetic snap, dimensions inches(l*h*w): 13*6.5*3

Details: African trade beads, glass beads, clasp and fabric buttons

ELIZABETH

in Pearls

www.elizabethinpearls.com African Ferns: African fabric on metal Peter Pan collar with hand painted gold detail

Golden Ladies: Mini, hand-painted Jewelry/ Trinket Boxes www.afroellemgazine.com | 15

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www.fulanihb.com The Tabou Pouch Perfect day to night clutch, made in smooth leather trim with luxurious fabric insert.

Fulani offers timeless Elegance with a touch of Eclectic Sensitivity.

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The Raky Crossbody

The Amy Tote

The Sira Bucket Bag

Looking to combine Style with function? run your errands hands-free all day and dress up at night with the detachable chain shoulder strap.

Perfect everyday handbag for running errands. It allows you can to carry all your essentials in style.

The Sira Bucket doubles as a backpack and a cross-body bag making it our most versatile bag. Perfect for all for summer activities.

Email: mikazicollection@gmail.com The Kikapu ‘Basket’ Bag is made from African authentic Kitenge material and synthetic fibre and comes in different colours. It can be used to carry groceries, books, picnic items, beach attires et al.

The Dikwe clutch bag is made from hide skin fabric and synthetic fibre, dikwe clutch bags comes in different colours and Kitenge material.

Poqua Poqu Yopa Skirt This fun flare skirt is for the lover of bold prints

www.kuwalainc.com

Della iPad Case Protect your iPad from the elements with vibrant limited edition fabrics www.afroellemgazine.com | 17

Wanda Baloyi woman in song

“ Music is my life.

Music is my soul. I live and breathe it.

I cannot imagine myself without it.

It’s like the perfect soul mate. My reasons for continuing are beyond me, it is God’s way of keeping me alive.”

Singer Wanda Baloyi found music before all else- or music found her- it was only when she found jazz that she found herself, and love. The former Ghetto Luv member was born with it. Her father, Mozambican singer song-writer Jaco Maria raised her that way, with music in the air, as the language in her home, with music as the solace for all the troubles in the world.

Wanda went on to live her life that way, recording Voices- her first album as a solo artist- with her all time musical hero and family friend, Jimmy Dludlu. And her latter albums, which were made with love and utmost artistry.

Wanda fancies herself one with the music and so, when we met with her Afroelle‘s ASHLEY MAKUE for a chat, she had the air of jazz about her.

AFROELLE Music

When did you discover yourself?

I‘ve always been a headstrong person, I have always known what I wanted to become and I discovered that music played a very big role in my life hence I made the full decision to follow it. I discovered my voice at a very young age and as I grew older I began to discover more about myself as a woman in song.

What did you want to do before you found music?

I toiled around the idea of being either a pilot or an interior designer. It was a beautiful fantasy career. It sounded good and I envisioned myself but the passion was not as strong as that for music. I honestly never chose music, music chose me.

What else is there for Wanda Baloyi?

There is so much more for me, I plan to take my music across the globe and work on more collaborations within the continent and abroad. I am currently working on my tour for the final lap of my fourth album; Love & Life. I am currently in studio working on new material and I am in talks with Louie Vega to work on new material in New York.

I‘m releasing a single titled Kissing You taken from my current album remixed by Louie Vega which will be released in his forthcoming album in December this year. I would also like to pursue my acting career after a success in two films this year, Ayanda and The Manicurist and finally open my own business in Real Estate. Over and above that, I am fully open to growing in love and in life.

Does South Africa and Mozambique share a taste in music?

Music is a universal language. There are no borders in music. It‘s a language understood by all who are open enough to understand it.

You sang with your Father at the Joy of Jazz last month, how was that experience?

It was an experience of a lifetime.

Something I will forever cherish. Not many can live to tell a tale of father and daughter sharing a common gift. No better time and place than at the Joy Of Jazz.

It is believed that artists are broken people- what are your demons?

We are all broken pieces trying to patch our scars. That‘s what makes us human. Artists are visible and naked souls- to put yourself out there on a daily basis takes bravery and with it comes the risk of being cracked- I too do get broken but I am constantly healing my wounds with song.

Would you say that you get better with age?

I most certainly get better with age.

I‘m better than I have ever been. I‘m beautifully flawed and I have never loved myself more than I do now and I am certainly looking forward to the wiser me.

Listen to Wanda’s music at www.wandabaloyi.co.za

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“Activism without the quest for liberation is dead.”

OKELLO Rescuing Sisters

BY CORAZON ACHIENG’

Human - rights activist Diana Okello was recently named one of Kenya‘s Top 40 Under 40 women for her role in organizing the #MydressMyChoice a movement in response to the public stripping of a woman by matatu touts. The movement raised awareness about sexual violence against women based on dress code and in turn received national and international recognition for its impact.

Diana is also the founder of Okoa Dada, which stands for ‗rescue a sister‘ in Kiswahili, an initiative that helps victims of domestic and sexual violence. Diana spoke to Afroelle about her work as an activist.

AFROELLE Woman to Know

Would you say you were born an activist?

Not really. You have got to understand oppression in order to speak out against it.

With the advent of social media, most of us have a platform to speak out against oppression.

Does that make us activists?

No. It does not. Activism without the quest for liberation is dead. Seeing a hungry child and offering him or her food is quite different from seeing a hungry child and talking about it.

Activism without tangible solutions is dead. My idea of activism involves offering solutions and making an impact.

Looking back at #mydressmychoice, would you say it solved a problem? How? Yes, it did. I drafted petitions that led to the enactment of a 20 year jail term for anyone who abusively strips a woman. This was done in a record time of two weeks. Without #mydressmychoice, that would not have happened.

Would you say a strict jail term is sufficient to deter such acts in future?

Jail terms are not sufficient but it is a start. At Okoa Dada, we have insightful civic education forums where we educate and engage both men and women. Our awareness activities are carried out online and offline.

There are concerns that men are not participating in conversation about gender based violence. Is this a valid concern in your opinion?

Patriarchy is our main undoing.

Men are participating in conversations. Some men are listening and learning. Others are not. We can only do our part in the best way we can.

A woman is beaten up by a man.

Photos are circulated widely on social media. A man is beaten up by a woman. Photos end up online. Does the reaction to these act vary? If it does, why is that the case?

I think reactions are dependent on exposure, upbringing and patriarchy. There is no standard for gauging reactions. Women who support the abuse of other women are exhibiting internal misogyny.

There are a number of causes of internal misogyny. Notable among the causes are conditioning that www.afroellemgazine.com | 21

define the place of women as second to that of men and religion that advocates for the disrespect of women.

attitude towards domestic violence that is often evident in the police force?

In what ways does Okoa Dada help victims of domestic and sexual violence?

Dismissing cases is the easy way out. Most police officers do not like carrying out incisive investigations. There is a lack of training on proper handling of evidence. Corruption and patriarchy also fuel this problem.

We rescue women who are victims of violence. We help them get medical care and justice. We have a safe house for abused women.

What about men?

We have room for boys who have been abused. We also have mentorship programs for boys and girls. We want to nurture a generation that is kind and respectful. Women are more vulnerable hence our main focus is on women.

Is the Kenyan justice system adequately dealing with the perpetrators of violence?

It is not. Cases are derailed right from the police station. The systems at the police station are unfriendly to victims of domestic violence. This leads to the dismissal of cases on account of poor handling of evidence.

What leads to the dismissive

You have cited patriarchy as a reason for the limited participation of men in conversations about domestic violence and the dismissal of cases of domestic violence by the police. Would things be better if Kenya was a matriarchal society?

Things would be different if equality meant anything to Kenyans. We need equality, not matriarchy.

What does an equal society look like?

An equal society is a society in which everyone‘s rights are respected in spite of their gender, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Are there aspects of African

PHOTO COURTESY: Diana Okello culture that can help us address gender violence?

Culture is good but when it promotes violence, it becomes useless. Many forms of gender violence are related to culture: child marriage, ironing of breasts, female genital mutilation and wife inheritance.

There are very few aspects of African culture that can help us deal with gender based violence. We have to change our attitudes if we are going to address gender based violence in

Africa.

What are your future hopes for Okoa Dada?

I see Okoa Dada running a big resource centre where victims of domestic violence can access all the help that they need. I see Okoa Dada creating dynamic networks that will be instrumental in stopping domestic violence.

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Coursaris On Educating Girls in Congo INTERVIEW BY PATRICIA MISWA

AFROELLE Cover Story

I

nternational model and founder of Malaika, Noella Coursaris was born in Lubumbashi, DRC. The loss of her father at age 5, along with her mother‘s lack of resources, led to her being sent to Switzerland to live with relatives. After achieving a degree in business management, she moved to London and began a career in modeling, where her first campaign was for Agent Provocateur. Her success brought her to New York where she has been featured in a myriad of publications, including Vanity Fair, Essence and GQ. Alongside her active modeling career, the wife and mother of two founded Malaika, a non-profit that believes in empowering Congolese communities.

Fiercely proud of her heritage, Noella‘s determination to help improve the lives of Africa‘s youth has made her an international advocate for them. She has been featured on BloombergTV, three different CNN programs and the BBC‘s Focus Africa. She has addressed UNICEF and the Kinshasa Parliament and gave a TEDx talk in Paris. Noella has participated in many international panels and was invited to speak about the future of Africa alongside President Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative‘s Opening and Closing Plenaries in Morocco. In 2014, Noella was named one of the 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine.

What was the driving force behind starting Malaika?

Growing up in Switzerland I was fortunate to receive a good education so, when I returned to the DRC as an adult I was shocked to learn of the education crisis there.

Seven million children do not attend school and there is a 46% literacy rate for women. These were the motivating factors behind creating Malaika, in order to have a positive impact on such an important issue.

What is Malaika’s mission?

Malaika‘s mission is to empower Congolese girls and their

communities through education and health initiatives. We view our role as providing the Congolese people with tools and opportunities that they can then use to bring about positive results for themselves. Our work takes three distinct paths.

The Malaika School is a free, accredited school that is providing a quality education to 231 girls. We provide classes in French, English, math, science, health and civic education which are given daily. The goal is to build the leadership capacity of each student so that she gives back to her community and has a positive, long www.afroellemgazine.com | 25

Educating girls lifts entire families out of poverty and creates confident, empowered young women.

The education crisis in Congo disproportionately affects women and girls. If families can afford to We impact the surrounding Kalebuka send a few of their children to village through our Community school then they choose the boys Center, built in partnership with FIFA, and the girls are left to do domestic which provides education, health and work. In the village of Kalebuka, sports programming to adults and where we work, the literacy rate for children. girls is just 8%. Providing girls with an education helps break the cycle We also provide essential of poverty. infrastructure development by building five wells that supply over Educated women are less likely to 10,000 people with clean drinking marry early or to die in childbirth water. This has directly reduced the and they are less vulnerable to number of water-related illnesses like diseases like HIV/AIDS. They also cholera and diarrhoea. increase their income by 25% and -term impact on the future of the DRC.

Why is empowering girls through education important to you?

reinvest 90% of it into their families and communities. Educating girls lifts entire families out of poverty and creates confident, empowered young women.

Do you have plans to expand your operations beyond Kalebuka?

Not at the moment.

Malaika‘s work began on a small scale. The Malaika School opened with just a few classrooms and enrolled 104 students. Every year, as we raise funds, we build more rooms, enroll more girls, and expand our programs.

This is a purposeful strategy as we want to make sure that our work will be sustainable.

Our focus is on providing high quality programs that have a direct impact on the community. Instead of building many schools around the world, we prefer to create the best school possible, one where we would be proud to send our children.

What challenges did encounter while setting up Malaika in Congo, what are your current challenges?

The biggest challenge while setting up Malaika was dealing with the bureaucracy as there can be many

delays. Current challenges include making sure we have as highly skilled staff possible. The education we provide through the school can only be as good as the staff that teach within it, so we place a high priority in training our staff. We regularly run workshops on innovative teaching methods, leadership skills, and many other topics.

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Malaika School is a free accredited school how do you select the students enrolled?

Center come about and what role does it play in supporting Malaika’s mission?

We have a few criteria to narrow the eligibility pool. We only enroll girls; they must be five years old as we want them to start in Kindergarten and go through their entire schooling with us; they must live no

We were chosen as the 19th host center for FIFA‘s 20 Centers for 2010 Football for Hope project.

The official campaign was initiated as a result of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and its goal was to create 20 centers across Africa to serve disadvantaged communities while promoting public health, education and football.

further than 3km away from the School; and we only take one girl per family, although we have made an exception in the case of twins.

The remaining eligible girls are then entered into a random lottery system where we select 30 new students.

How did your partnership with FIFA to build the Kalebuka Football for Hope

Together with its partner Street Football World, who support a worldwide network of organizations that use football as an empowerment tool, FIFA has assisted us to expand our mission of creating opportunities towards social development for all youth and young adults.

The Kalebuka Football for Hope Center opened in 2013 and offers education, health, entrepreneurship and sport programs to youth and adults in the village.

How can people get involved in empowering girls and women especially in the grassroots in Congo?

We believe that education is the catalyst for change and an educated populace leads to a robust society.

So the best way to empower girls and women is to make sure they are receiving a quality education. There needs to be a cultural shift that recognizes the value of educating girls and places a premium upon it.

People can reach out to local schools, including the Malaika School, and help out in any way they can, such as through donations, contributing supplies, or lending their time and expertise.

Women need to have access into

every sector of society – business, culture, technology, etc.

Where do you hope to see Malaika in the next 5 years?

We would like to steadily increase our programs – enroll more students at the school and the community center, and keep building wells and other WASH projects. We want to make sure these programs are sustainable and embraced by the community.

To learn more about Noella and Malaika visit www.noellacoursaris.com www.malaika.org www.afroellemgazine.com | 29

Photographer Yuliya Rae of Zipperture Photography www.zipperturephotography.com

Model and Stylist Frilancy Makungu www.friscloset.wordpress.com

Makeup by Sable Desiree of Faces by Sable Desiree http://facebook.com/facesbysabledesiree

Hairstylist Ana Hardison Instagram - @anointedbyana

Dress by Kate Kinkle www.katekinkledesigns.com

Jewelry Malika Siddiq from LikaLove www.shoptiques.com

Luxury Extensions - UQueen Organic Hair UQueenHair.com

Shoes - JustFab

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Shoes - JustFab

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Dress by Solstitial @solstitial Shoes – Charlotte Russe

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LADIPO-AJAI CEO of OmoAlata

AFROELLE Business

MEET THE SHE LEADS AFRICA PITCH 2015 WINNER KASOPE LADIPO-AJAI In September 2015, Kasope Ladipo-Ajai was named the $10 000 winner of She Leads Africa‟s Pitch competition, a showcasing of African female led start-ups. Kasope is the founder and CEO of OmoAlata, a Nigerian food service and packaging company that is focused on producing hygienically processed and packaged local Nigerian soups, spices and peppers. Launched in 2012, OmoAlata means „Son or Daughter of a Spice Seller‟. Kasope always had an avid interest in entrepreneurship, having graduated with an IT degree and worked in the industry for a few years, it was only a matter of time before she pursued her passion. This is her entrepreneurship story. By Tatenda Kanengoni Business Inspiration OmoAlata was launched having noticed an evident lack in Nigerian packaged food in other countries, realized through Kasope‘s travels.

She noticed that most of the ingredients for cooking Nigerian food in places she visited were packaged in countries other than Nigeria. Coupled with the a lack for the convenience of quick and easy to prepare meals, she was inspired to start a business to fulfill these needs.

Kasope pieced together the idea that if Nigerian food was packaged properly back home, it would be acceptable and better presented to an International market.

With a concept in mind, she registered her business, solidifying

her decision to venture into entrepreneurship. Kasope carried out research on the product she was planning on launching. Areas looked at include sourcing fresh produce, and best practices for cleaning, processing and packaging it. She also sought advice about brand development from knowledgeable people in her network.

The OmoAlata brand aims to position itself successfully in an international market, providing well presented and well packaged organic, good quality Nigerian product range- with no colouring or artificial preservatives. A lot of work went into the graphic and package design aspect the product, this being a key element in brand www.afroellemgazine.com | 37

design and management. Kasope knew that she needed to come up with a captivating design, something that would stand out and Pepper was the first product she packaged.

Business Challenges and Lessons Leaving a stable 9-5 job to start a business was a risk Kasope was willing to take because she believed in the potential of the brand and its guarantee for success. Though she faces hurdles along the way, Kasope does not let that weigh her down; instead she surrounds herself with fellow entrepreneurs who encourage her along the way also confirming that entrepreneurial struggles are common ground, and that what is important is to be flexible and to adapt different strategies to suit challenges accordingly.

One of the main challenges has been the fact that the raw materials that are used for making OmoAlata products are seasonal. ―The produce gets expensive when it is out of season,‖ she said. ―The suppliers will try to exploit you.‖ ―You have to be on your toes checking to make sure suppliers are not taking advantage of the fact that you have a

relationship with them,‖ she added.

Farm produce does not have a fixed price. Kasope constantly checks the market to make sure that she is being charged the correct seasonal price (www.sheleadsafrica.org)

Future Plans for OmoAlata In a prior interview with cofoundher.com, Kasope mentioned that if she won the $10 000 prize from the She leads Africa pitch competition, her goal was to purchase machinery to facilitate expansion, her words came to pass and she is well on her way to achieve her goals.

WE ARE ROOTING FOR YOU KASOPE! www.omoalata.com

Judith Owigar is a young woman who is using technology and entrepreneurship to uplift the lives of young people in Kenya. She is the co-founder and the operations Director of Akirachix; a revolution for African women and technology. She is also the founder of JuaKali, an online platform that links skilled manual laborers in Kenya‟s informal sector (commonly referred to as Jua Kali workers) with urban residents and employers in the construction industry.

Judith is the 2011 recipient of the Anita Borg Change Agent Ward. The US Embassy in Kenya awarded her an Unsung Heroes Award. She is changing Kenya through technology, one woman at a time and she shares with Afroelle advice for aspiring women techpreneurs.

By Corazon Achieng’

Advice to aspiring women Techpreneurs 1. Sometimes ignorance is a gift because it enables you take risks you would not take if you were armed with knowledge.

Embrace your ignorance and ask lots of questions.

2. Surround yourself with people who share your vision, people you admire, people who challenge you to be a better version of yourself, people who speak life into you and people who will correct you when you are wrong.

3. Know your skill. If it’s technology practice, practice. Read widely and wildly. Be knowledgeable.

4. Take of yourself: Spiritually, physically, emotionally, and intellectually 5. Get a mentor or at least have an advisor.

6. Be ready to fail. It is part of the journey.

7. Prepare for success; because you know it is coming. www.afroellemgazine.com | 39

Designer Spotlight

Lisa Owusu INTERVIEW BY PATRICIA MISWA

Most girls grow up having a special relationship with jewelry. Jewelry designer Lisa Owusu took her relationship further and started her jewelry brand. Born in Brooklyn, New York, at 3 months Lisa‘s parents and big brother moved to Abidjan. She grew up in Côte D‘Ivoire and Ghana. After high school, she studied liberal arts and then went on to study law between the U.S. and England. In 2010,Lisa bought some millefiori beads on a summer trip back to Ghana. She wanted to wear the traditional beads in a modern way, so when she came back to New York she decided to take a beading and wire-wrapping class.

Though it started as a hobby, in 2011 Lisa left her job and returned to Ghana for a month. She was still obsessed with West Africa's rich bead culture and Ghana's gold history and culture, so she decided to do more research and learn more about gold and beads. Falling in love with the millennia-old treasures and traditions, Lisa returned to New York to study and pursue jewelry making and created the brand CHARLTON & LOLA. She took a legal job and would work, study and apprentice jewelry at night. Lisa is trained under Master Jeweler-David Benlolo of the Benlolo Jewelry Studio. She also wanted to learn about gemstones and the metaphysical properties of stones with the goal of melding the human desire with the purpose of jewelry, so she also studied rocks and crystals. Five years in, Lisa is not only a jewelry designer but a metal-smith and burgeoning gemologist too.

What's the meaning behind your brand name Charlton & Lola?

I wanted my brand name to allude to a certain mystery and not the obvious jewelry brand name, like "Lisa Owusu New York City". The name, Charlton, is an ode to New York City. The brand started around the time I loved downtown to Charlton Street: a charming, historic and little known street in New York City.

I wanted my brand to reference my city, but I didn't want the obvious "New York City" tagline in my brand name. The historic charm of the name I also believes imbues the spirit of the brand.

LOLA is a play on my name: Lisa Owusu, Lisa Abrafi, which is my middle name. I've always loved the name "LOLA", I don't even know why. It is quite the universal name: it's found in so many cultures, from Spain to Nigeria. However you always imagine the most beautiful woman when you think of "Lola".

“Jewelry supports important stages in our lives from births, to marriage, to success-it is an object of empowerment.�

What kind of woman wears Charlton & Lola?

My brand calls to a woman who is a cultured & spiritual. Irrespective of age, she loves art, history, travel, the old world as well as the new one.

She understands the importance of holding on to the past, yet she's still a modern woman who defines herself on her terms. In the spiritual sense, she's a soulful woman who understands the importance of jewelry as more than adornment. www.afroellemgazine.com | 41

That a piece of jewelry calls to the divine: it can celebrate our lives, protect us and make us beautiful all at the same time. When I say "celebrate us", I mean jewelry supports important stages in our lives from births, to marriage, to success-it is an object of empowerment.

Were there any challenges you faced while setting up your brand?

Absolutely.

That's part of the joy of creating a brand: the pain of it all. The challenges are what creates true empowerment.

The initial challenge was studying jewelry-making, metal-smithing and jewelry design, while working a full time job. I would study after work from 7p-10p, but when you find your passion working hard never feels unnecessary. Maintaining commitment and dedication to a building a brand so important, hence the passion of it all becomes the lifeblood of your brand.

way I would be come a true business owner. I had to take on the full stress of business ownership. It's like jumping in a ocean and learning how to swim.

Some days the waters are easy and warm and other days the same waters are choppy and violent. However, at the end of the day, each time I survive, I am that much more of a stronger swimmer.

Third challenge, creating strong partnerships and relationships.

From my stone dealer to my casters. I needed to build genuine relationships with all the people that allow me to create an excellent product. I feel so blessed to have a powerful team to support my brand.

What are 3 most important lessons you've learnt as an entrepreneur?

1. Agility-everyday requires spiritual, emotional and mental The challenge of also feeling agility, the ability to process emotionally and mentally prepared to experiences and challenges leave a day job and operate a brand full adeptly and not hold on to it, -time was also a new challenge. especially extremely challenging However I realized that was the only experiences. "Let it Go. Start Fresh

the Next Day." Being an entrepreneur is a lifestyle.

2. Kindness-I deal with some of the toughest people in an aggressive industry. I spend most days in the Diamond District, but I treat everyone with kindness and respect.

Kindness gets me so much further, especially when I need a favor.

3. Strong and fearless decision-making is what makes a successful entrepreneur. Intuition is everything. How do you learnt to trust your own voice and decision-making that comes from the gut?

Without it, it's impossible to be the best version of yourself, your business or your brand.

How do you find the joy in the everyday as a business owner and creative?

The one thing I've realized on this journey is that the master plan takes courage, patience determination and stamina, because it comes together in pieces and not all at once. So you really need the patience to live it day by day. Once I understood that, I had to find the wins and joys in everyday. That allows me to remain positive and grateful about this journey. That I had to enjoy the

"process" of realizing my dreams and just nurture the dream.

But seriously, don't worry about failure. Just live through the challenge. No matter the outcome look for the lesson in the experience.

SEE MORE OF LISA’S DESIGNS at www.charltonandlola.com

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Ngozi Opara Redefining the African Natural Hair Movement INTERVIEW BY: Tolu Agunbiade After graduating from North Carolina A&T State University with a degree in Finance and Accounting, Ngozi Opara stayed in her professional field and went to work as a financial analyst. During this period, she kept a studio, where she attended to clients after work each day.

In 2012, having saved enough from her finance job, she launched Heat Free Hair Movement, an initiative for women with or those considering natural hair through protective styling.

Prior to opening her business, Ngozi worked for eight different entrepreneurs to gain experience in business ownership and management. She also worked as a manager for natural hair care outfit, Carol‘s daughter.

Her interest and passion for natural hair is so deep that at some point, she moved to Qingdao, China, where she studied to become a hair-manufacturing technician. A lover of books, a tech lover with an eye for real estate, Ngozi enjoys meeting new people.

Photo Credit: www.heatfreehair.com

www.afroellemgazine.com | 45

At what point did you decide it was time to start Heat Free Hair, and what is the idea behind the business?

I‘ve always had the spark of an entrepreneur inside of me. I grew up around them in my family and worked for many, so I always knew I was destined to be one. I first owned a hair studio, and at the time, the most popular style women would request was a weave. One of the reasons my studio was sought after was because of our healthy hair philosophy and approach to styling.

When I noticed that women who wore weaves experienced tremendous hair growth on the sections of hair that were protected but experienced breakage on their ―leave-out‖ because they had to continue to apply heat to their hair in order for it to blend in with the weave, I felt like a hypocrite. I immediately started thinking that there had to be some type of way for women to wear the protective style of choice while also protecting all of their hair at the same time.

Thus, the initial idea for Heat Free Hair was born.

I used my savings from my finance job to launch Heat Free Hair in 2012

and lived completely off the money I earned doing hair. I created the business to assist women, who are natural or going natural, with protective styling options through high-quality weft hair, closures, wigs, and clip-in extensions. Our hair is created to blend effortlessly with the different curl patterns and textures of a woman‘s natural hair.

The Heat Free Hair Movement expands beyond our products and focuses on the education of the natural hair community through seminars and instructional videos as well as events for natural women to network with other women alike.

When you started out, did you get any resistance from family and friends?

Of course! I actually didn‘t tell my parents that I quit my finance job. I talked to them about the idea of owning my business and the concept of Heat Free Hair. They were supportive but wanted me to wait a little while longer before taking it on full time.

“

Starting my company was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and I was afraid of both the potential success and failure of my business.

Both my mom and dad had working backgrounds, so they were apprehensive at first but slowly began to get on board when friends and family would call to tell them that their daughter was being featured in different media outlets. I just kept my eyes on what I wanted and they are now my biggest support system!

Was there any point when you felt like giving up on your business? How did you overcome that point in your life?

Several. During my first year of business, I consistently felt like giving up. Starting my company was one of the hardest things I‘ve ever done and I was afraid of both the potential success and failure of my business. I got to a point where I told myself that I could not let my fears be more powerful than my desire to succeed in my life.

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell yourself when you just started Heat Free Hair?

There really isn‘t anything I would go back and tell myself. I really do believe I was where I needed to be in life when I needed to be there. I learned the right

lessons at the right time and because of that, I can stand comfortably and happily, where I am today. Obstacles along the road I traveled served as building blocks and I‘m truly thankful for my journey and the development of my business.

What does success mean to you, both in business and personally?

To me, success means I am able to achieve a dream I believed in while also bringing value to someone else‘s life.

If you could give one piece of advice/ encouragement to a large group of aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Never allow your fear of failure or success have more power than your desire to pursue your passions and dreams. Do not give up. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT Heat Free Hair Movement at www.heatfreehair.com

Tolu writes for Enterprise54, an entrepreneurship news and magazine site founded to inform, network and empower African entrepreneurs. | www.enterprise54.com www.afroellemgazine.com | 47

Kambili Ofili-Okonkwo Designing stylish swimwear for the African woman INTERVIEW: Tolu Agunbiade | PHOTO CREDIT: Kamokini With a background in engineering, logistics and supply chain management, Kambili Ofili-Okonkwo has always fancied herself an entrepreneur. At fourteen, she made her first attempt at entrepreneurship when she cofounded Generation for Change, a fundraising organisation that raised up to 10 million naira over its three years to support underprivileged children in Nigeria.

A graduate from Imperial College London and Cranfield University Milton Keynes, Kambili has worked in the corporate world with big name organisations such as Heinz, where she was a Project Manager for Continental Europe, and Total, where she was Procurement Expeditor. In 2014, she quit the 9 to 5 life to start KAMOKINI, an African swimwear and accessories brand that caters to the average individual‘s body image and fashion consciousness.

Kamokini was born out of the need to find stylish bikinis at high street prices and helps Africans feel and look beautiful during pool and beach activities. With designs and fabrics that accentuate not intimidate, each swimsuit is inspired by everything — art, music, African culture, Western fashion trends and an understanding of a woman‘s sensuality.

Why did you decide to start KAMOKINI and what was the first thing you did when you decided?

I started designing swimsuits for myself as a necessity but the positive response from friends and others led me to understand that there was a gap in the market for KAMOKINI. The first thing I did was cross check what I had in my savings because on a personal level, I felt that I had to be somewhat financially invested to start with so I could feel the severity required to make my key startup decisions.

When you started out, did you get any resistance from family and friends?

Initially, I didn‘t get any resistance from family and friends other than constructive feedback on how to approach the market.

The resistance came when I was trying to make the decision on whether or not to quit my job as Procurement Expeditor at Total. The resistance made sense since at that time; KAMOKINI was not at the point where one is advised to be at before quitting your day job. On the other hand, from working on KAMOKINI for some time, I realized that some of the key activities I needed to do were inhibited by the time of day I allocated to work on my business.

Understanding both sides of the decision, I planned my exit strategy and bootstrapped my expenses to ensure I had saved enough to last me the time I had promised to give my business to become profitable.

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell yourself when you just

started your company?

I would tell myself to hire an accountant/ bookkeeper in-house or outsource no matter the cost. Being on top of the money going in and out of the company is vital and it is a painful process if you have to get things in order in the middle.

If you could give one piece of advice to a large group of aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?

To aspiring entrepreneurs that are still thinking, just start. Courage is fear in positive action and to be courageous is just to start. To aspiring entrepreneurs that are planning, congratulations on going for it! Now put your back into it and make it count because not much is sweeter than doing what you love.

FIND OUR MORE ABOUT KAMOKINI www.kamokini.com

Tolu is the founder of cofoundHER, a platform that aims to inspire, inform, celebrate and promote African female entrepreneurs by sharing their stories and connecting them with resources essential to business success. | www.cofoundher.com www.afroellemgazine.com | 49

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