July Issue 2015
Celebrating Women of African Heritage
AFROELLE www.Afroellemagazine.com
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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 Photography by Mario Epanya Cover Model: REMADJI LUCIE Hair & makeup Studio Epanya Paris for Iman cosmetics France Style .F by MENDY Post Prod Studio Epanya PARIS
Afroelle Magazine is published by Miswa Media copyright Š 2015. All rights reserved.
Contributors
TATENDA K. Writer ZIMBABWE
IMAN F. Writer ATLANTA
AMINA T. Photographer LOS ANGELES
i4indie.blogspot.com
thepowermixer.com
@Aminatphoto
CORAZON A. Writer KENYA
ASHLEY M. Writer SOUTH AFRICA
AMANDA G. Writer KENYA
BRENDA IBARAH Writer UGANDA
@cory_mi
ashleymakue.com
amandas-kitchen.com
@afrifleur
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.
MARIO EPANYA Photographer
Paris www.marioepanya.com
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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July gift guide Gift Ideas for Everyone and Every Budget
38 CONTENTS
JULY ISSUE 13 Celebrating 5 Years editorial 20 Our Mission, Our Vision Carving a Voice Out in Global Media 24 Celebrating Women editorial 30 Q&A with Robin & Andrea McBride 36 Conversation with Stella McBride 41 Saving Our Gems Foundation 42 The Bino & Fino Show 43 Artist Spotlight: Massira Keita 45 News: Nigerian Lingerie Brand Aimanosi 46 HerBusiness: Jennifer OseiMensah
INSIDE “ With this anniversary we look ahead to the next 10, 15 years as we continue to shine light and contribute to the celebration and growth of our people and our progress.�
Iman Folayan Pg. 20
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Its doesn’t matter if you’ve been with us when we started as a blog, joined the ride along the way or if you are just discovering us, we appreciate you for all the support, encouraging words and the feedback you have given us. We would not have made it this far without you. I also thank our contributors who give their all to this publication and our mission. This is just the beginning, we look forward to more issues and more years of growing as a community and serving monthly inspiration.
For this special issue we collaborated with Paris based Cameroonian art director, beauty and commercial fashion photographer, Mario Epanya for our cover shoot and fashion spread that shows the courage, strength, wisdom and perseverance of women of African heritage. In the feature ‘Carving a Voice Out in Global Media’ (pg.20), our writer Iman Folayan reflects on the past five years highlighting some of our best stories and issues we’ve covered. She also shares our mission and vision as we look ahead to the years ahead. We have more inspiration in this issue, including an interview with the McBride sisters who have conquered a male dominated industry as the first two African American sisters to start a wine company. We also talk to makeup artist Stella Bangura about her involvement with The Survivor Dream Projectthat aimed at capturing and sharing to the world a different story of strength, courage, hope of the women who survived Ebola. We’ve also put together our monthly gift guide featuring African inspired brands for every budget and season. Hope you enjoy this issue and share it with your network of friends. Until next time, I leave you with this African saying, “ If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Founder and EIC
Sami Khan Photography
W
elcome to our July Issue. This issue marks our 5th Anniversary. Time does fly when you are having fun, it’s been a wonderful journey working on this magazine, so many lessons and growth and its hard to imagine that it’s been 5 years already .
Celebrating 5 Years!
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Photographer: Amina Touray Model: Luwam Mikael Make up Artist: Niehla O
Hair braid band: Empress Silkwear Necklace: Forever 21 Red top: Nasty Gal Skirt: Forever 21 Shoes: Qupid
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TOP/DRESS: Forever 21
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Our Mission, Our Vision WRITTEN BY IMAN FOLAYAN
w
hen mainstream media finally decided to let Black people, let alone black women, enter the industry with the release of Ebony’s first issue in 1945, it sparked a new era in journalism. Let’s set the world scene: World War II recently ended, Jim Crow South was at it’s peak, and European colonialism still summarized the political landscape of Africa. These were riveting times and a dawn of a new age was around the corner. Fast-forward 60 years to 2015 and the black voice in media has certainly evolved from the mere whisper it began as. Yet and still with globalization and technology making our neighbors overseas our neighbors next door, a great divide remains amongst people of African descent throughout the world. Our stories share a similar narrative despite cultural variance, but our platform as a collective in mainstream media is still rather void. The digital era reignited journalism and with the launch of our inaugural issue in 2010 we entered the ranks as a new voice for black women in media. The
primary intention of Afroelle was to celebrate the beauty and success of African people throughout the Diaspora and show how interlocked our cultures, businesses, and lifestyles have become. In the short span that we have been in publication we have had the honor to host some of the world’s leading African ladies. The larger context of our mission outside of profiling successful women is to redefine the Black woman’s image in popular media and be an advocate for human rights issues that often go unnoticed. Our first anniversary issue featured an anti-rape visual campaign, No Means No. This visual campaign was but a
precursor to future stories we would feature like that of the Elman Peace and Human Rights Center in our January 2014 Rebirth Issue. It’s topics and images such as these that strike a chord in the souls of everyone in our global community. Their work with Sister Somalia- a project designed to support victims of sexual violenceand others organizations like the Mama Ye Campaign should not be reserved for Dateline specials and other Western news outlets which primarily show African nations in one of two fashions: destitute poverty or extreme corruption and political unrest. In popular media rape is a subject often ignored as taboo and understandably sensitive subject matter. Yet in lieu of Bill Cosby’s rape scandal the curtains are being drawn and the media is posing as the ringleader in exposing the truth. Recently, Ebony Magazine’s Senior Editor, Jamiliah Lemieux wrote a powerful piece addressing Bill Cosby’s supporters and pleaded with readers to address the rape culture that pervades our society. It is with great pride that we at Afroelle Magazine take a stance against such atrocities by highlighting organizations and people taking positive action. It’s a delicate balance between entertainment and education in this industry but when done correctly it’s like
marveling at a ballerina. Some critics may view our magazine as pro-feminist while on the contrary it’s proprogressive. Inspiration comes in so many forms and it’s the stories of triumph that resonate the deepest. Zoleka Mandela’s open and heartfelt www.Afroellemgazine.com | 21
interview was a jewel to our readers. As the granddaughter’s of one of the worlds greatest leaders most wouldn’t believe they have anything in common with her. Her struggles with sex, drug, and alcohol addiction were once a source of great shame but her transformation, after having a lost her children and surviving breast cancer, is nothing short of empowering and motivational. Some of her final words are words we all can live by, “I’m a work in progress and realizing that the more positive changes I can make within myself, the more successful I can be in empowering others.” When we share our stories we realize how interconnected we are and that are struggles are not ours alone. Another of one our biggest stories in our short tenure as an online publication featured Lisa Raye-McCoy and the cast of her recent directorial debut Skinned. The amazing thing about media is that you can never under-estimate its power. You never know who’s listening, who’s watching, or who’s reading; you only have a responsibility to feed them the proper information.
With this issue it was our explicit intent to address a topic affecting not only African women, but AfricanAmerican women, and AfroCaribbean and AfroLatino women, a market we are increasingly penetrating. Our exposé on this popular and life-threatening trend wasn’t designed to blast women who may be battling with self-esteem and beauty issues but to offer a glimmer of hope. This movie may not break box office records but it has the power to break internal barriers nonetheless and to be seated alongside others tackling this problem is a great honor.
The list of women that have adorned our pages range from self-made millionaires, to well-respected chefs, to fashion moguls, to rising entrepreneurs. Despite all of their differences they share one thing in common, a flare for life and an obligation to one’s purpose. We are not concerned with celebrity status or fame and highlight the everyday woman that is a star in her own right. Our Afropolitan Issue allowed women from all walks of life to voice their opinion on “Africa in 2063”. Within the varying voices we find a mutual thread, a dream for Africa that extends outside of the continent’s physical and legal boundaries.
The dream we share for all African people throughout the Diaspora is our publication’s driving purpose. Without nearly half the budget of the leading women’s magazine we have been able to make powerful strides in providing a voice for black women throughout the world. At five years young we are still a child in an industry of giants, but with this anniversary we look ahead to the next 10, 15 years as we continue to shine light and contribute to the celebration and growth of our people and our progress.
CLICK HERE to read all our past issues.
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Photography by Mario Epanya Hair & makeup Studio Epanya Paris for Iman cosmetics France Style .F by MENDY Models Aprim Model (Awa Mody Tall, Awa Ndiaye, Hyancythe Mukaru, Amaelle & Andrea Remadji) Post Prod Studio Epanya PARIS
“ She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She walked with the universe on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings. “ -Ariana
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“You are terrifying and strange and beautiful, someone not everyone knows how to love.� Warsan Shire
“You can fall, but you can rise also.” – Angelique Kidjo
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“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” – Lena Horne
“Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself.” – Alice Walker
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McBride Photographer & Writer: Amina Touray Wardrobe Stylist: Lisa Valerie Morgan Make up Artist: Florah, Stylebee Hair Stylist: Brittany Gaines Location: W Hotel, Westwood Wine: McBride Sisters, Truvèe Chardonnay
Half-sisters Robin and Andrea McBride were both born in Los Angeles California, but grew up thousands of miles apart – one in the U.S and the other in New Zealand, both in wine regions, without the knowledge of each other’s existence, thinking they were the only child. After the passing of their father a relative connected them and in 1999 the long lost half-sisters met for the first time. Robin and Andrea are both passionate about wine. They like to describe themselves as dreamers and risk takers. With hard work, dedication and passion for life’s pleasures the McBride sisters have conquered a male dominated industry as the first two African American sisters to start a wine company. In our interview we talk about the entrepreneurship, growth and pursuing of dreams. Amina Touray: You noticed pretty early that wine was one of your mutual interests. When did you decide to take it a step further and make your passion into a career? We both, independently of each other, grew up in wine regions over 7,000 miles apart in California and New Zealand. Once we finally met and discovered we both had a passion for wine, we felt we were destined to become vintners together; it felt as though the universe was on our side. So, we made a plan to make it happen! We started in the industry first with a wine import business, and later, created The McBride Sisters wine company and launched our two wine brands: eco.love from New Zealand and recently Truvée from the Central Coast of California.
AT: What were you doing before getting into the wine industry? Andrea McBride: I was still at university when we first started our business and before officially getting into the industry, I had spent time grape farming with my uncle in Marlborough, New Zealand. Not glamorous and really hard work! So from a young age I was heavily influenced by sustainable farming, flavor farming and the purity of fruit. Robin McBride: I was born in Los Angeles and raised in Monterey, California among miles of vineyards. I always had a passion for wine, but my early career began in sales and marketing, as well as international import and exportation. Emily Ley grew up along the Gulf Coast of Florida. A self-described overachiever, Emily earned fancy degrees . www.Afroellemgazine.com | 31
Robin: Jumpsuit - Mara Hoffman, c/o Blvd Manhattan Beach Pumps (Robin’s own) Sole Society Earrings - JLynn Jewelry Bracelet - Lizzie Fortunato Andrea: Top - Mara Hoffman c/o Blvd, Manhattan Beach. Humanoid skirt c/o Wright’s, Manhattan Beach. Grey sandals (Andrea’s own) - Fergie Bracelet - JLynn Jewelry Earrings - J.Crew.
AT: As two female entrepreneurs, what challenges have you faced when starting your own wine company? A & R: It’s a challenge being women in the wine business. The industry is made up mostly of men. We've had to kick through some ceilings and really prove ourselves with the quality of our wines. Hopefully it makes it a little easier for all the other women behind us that want to be in the wine business. AT: What do you know about the wine industry now that you wish you would have known earlier? A & R: As crazy as it sounds, not knowing is an advantage. Sometimes knowing too much scares you into not taking a risk!
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AT: What’s the best thing about owning a company together with your sister? A & R: We speak the same creative language, and our business means everything to us. We travel the world looking for great vineyards, making amazing wine, eating incredible food, throwing awesome parties and meeting interesting people along the way. It’s so special that we get to do it all with each other. AT: What have you learned about yourself and each other from running a company? A & R: 1) Family first. 2) We will always get through tough times no matter what 3) Its ok to be uncomfortable in the creative process, it usually leads to good things! AT: What advice would you give to any other young entrepreneur who is just starting out? A & R: To always believe in your dreams and pursue them tenaciously. You never know how life is going to work out. This whole business all started from one small dream. AT: What’s the best advice you have been given? A & R: A successful woman is one that can build a strong foundation with the bricks that others have thrown at her. AT: How do you plan on expanding your company? A & R: We're always looking at new regions to explore around the world. Our goal is to keep making delicious wines; we'll keep you posted on our next release .
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Conversation with
Bangura On makeup artistry & The Survivor Dream Project Stella Bangura is a makeup artist, freelance radio/TV presenter and owner of Viva Visage by Stella. The local and international beauty queen won Miss West Africa International in which she was the second Runner up, during the 2011/ 2012 season. Stella is also notably a breast cancer awareness advocate. In partnership with an NGO called Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation she gives back to society, raises much needed awareness and engages stakeholders on issues surrounding breast cancer. A Bachelors Degree holder in Business Administration from The University of Sierra Leone-IPAM, Stella’s talents also extend to Broadcasting. She is a freelance Radio Broadcaster for Capital radio as well as a freelance TV presenter, model, PR consultant, makeup artist and likes to consider herself, an emerging entrepreneur in the cosmetics industry. Recently Stella together with a team of community development specialists, educators, designers, artists, health workers and creatives in Sierra Leone partnered to start The Survivor Dream Project - Women Who Survived Ebola that works with survivors ensuring that they have complete ownership over their stories, their dreams and their successes. Words By TATENDA KANENGONI | Photographer : MICHAEL DUFF
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Please tell us about your personal journey to date. I started out working for a mining company around 2006 for about a year where my then boss voiced out a thought that I would do extremely well as a freelance presenter for one of the prominent radio stations in town because he felt I was always chit -chatty, engaging and entertaining. I applied for the job as a radio presenter in 2007 and I was surprised to get the job given that I had never given a thought of working on radio. When I first competed in a beauty pageant in early 2010, I had no clue what to do or to expect as pageantry was never something I had ever paid attention to nor thought of taking part in. I considered it just for the fun of it and also to try something new after being asked by a friend to represent my department in the Miss IPAM beauty pageant in the university (University of Sierra Leone) where I
emerged as 1st Runners-up. I went on to represent my country in Miss University Africa and Miss ECOWAS in 2010 where I made it to the top ten. In 2011 I represented Sierra Leone in the Miss West Africa International where I emerged as 2nd Runner-up.
Can you share with us your work as a make-up artist and what it means to you? Makeup artistry is something I've always been passionate about and I love what I do. It transcends just the application of makeup. For me, it's the beaming faces, smile of satisfaction and the joy that I see on the faces of my clients. The reminder to them that they are beautiful inside out and the new confidence they exude knowing that it is the very perceived flaws that makes each one unique and beautiful. To know that I have played my little part in their very memorable event or occasion is the highlight and joy of it all.
“ The makeover session was aimed at capturing and sharing to the world a different story of strength, courage, hope, and possibly better future as most of the stories out there are gory and depressing. We wanted to celebrate our survivors.�
As a make-up artist, can you take us through your involvement with The Survivor Dream project?
feeling of not being wanted or good enough given that a lot of the survivors now live a life that's a shadow of who they once were.
The Survivor Dream Project came along at a time most needed when a lot of our survivors are going through untold emotional, financial, educational, health issues amongst others. We know that based on statistical evidence, women and children have been most affected by the Ebola outbreak.
We wanted to pamper them and get them to feel happy and loved. To tell them that they are worth it. The idea was to give them a "me time" where we get them to appreciate who they are but most importantly, the makeover session was aimed at capturing and sharing to the world a different story of strength, courage, hope, and possibly better future as most of the stories out there are gory and depressing. We wanted to celebrate our survivors.
The makeover photoshoot for our survivors was amazing as it helped to capture a different story of hope, resilience and a stronger, better future. Prior to the start of the makeover session, a lot of the participants were reluctant for different reasons ranging from what their spouse or people around them may think of them to the very common
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Ebola being one of the featured projects on The Survivor Dream project and The World Health Organization recently declaring Sierra Leone Ebola free, in your opinion, what are some of the effects on a country having gone through a devastating pandemic such as that? The Ebola outbreak has had a devastating impact on not only Sierra Leones economy but has further battered the image of the country given that the term "Blood Diamonds" and Civil war have been used to describe Sierra Leone and/or is what people know of the country. We are still at war with this enemy but we are recording success. At the height of the outbreak late last year, Sierra Leone was almost brought to a stand still and also isolated from the international community. The economy of the nation has greatly suffered as a large percentage of its revenues were lost due to closures and/or scaling down of businesses, the halt of investment in the nation from international investors and
also the diversion of funds that would have been utilised for nation building and projects to the fight against Ebola. Sierra Leone was isolated from the world as the nation just had 2 international carriers flying in and out of the country. This made travelling in and out of Sierra Leone extremely difficult and expensive and also bringing in needed relief items, medical personnels etc difficult and further delayed delivery and/or rapid response to the crisis from the international community. However, despite the negative impact of Ebola on Sierra Leone, the one positive thing it did was to expose lapses and weakness of the Sierra Leone health care. It showed the many areas and issues that needed to be addressed to strengthen our healthcare system.
Find out more about The Survivor Dream Project at www.thesurvivordreamproject.com
Saving Our Gems Foundation was established Dixie Gyamfi and Nyema Igwe, from Ghana and Nigeria respectively both shared a pride and love for their home countries. Through conversations on how they could improve their communities they and their belief “ that it is up to this generation of Africans, those living in Africa and in Diaspora to be the ones to improve African communities.” Saving Our Gems foundation, provides resources for underprivileged children and youth in Nigeria and Ghana in order to secure their education and improve their overall quality of life. The foundations five service areas are: Education, Mentorship, Community Development, Daily living essentials, and Cultural Commemoration. The foundation hopes to form strong partnerships with local governments, businesses, schools, and orphanages in order to effectively provide their services. Its their belief that no child should be bound by their circumstance; rather, they should be given a chance to succeed. They are starting out in just two countries, but they gain more supporters and funds, its their hope to expand to other countries in Africa. Their mantra being, “Changing lives, one gem at a time.” To get involved with Saving the Gems Foundation or if you have any questions email info@savingourgems.org. www.Afroellemgazine.com | 41
The Bino and Fino Show continues to provide global education and diversity for children and teachers. “Children’s programming is a powerful tool in instilling confidence and a positive self-perception in kids. Unfortunately not all children are accurately represented in their favorite cartoons,” says Adamu Waziri, the creator of the growingly popular educational cartoon, The Bino and Fino show. Waziri wanted to change this and has been doing exactly this through the light-hearted show that is becoming a favorite amongst children and parents around the world. Bino and Fino is a cartoon about twins living in sub-Saharan Africa. The adorable duo discovers different things about the world, life and history through magical adventures with their friend Zeena the butterfly. The cartoon fills a void in programming by equipping parents and teachers with a new outlet to teach global education that focuses on Africa while diversifying their learning curriculum. “We were inspired to create Bino and Fino because living in Nigeria we noticed that a lot of the cartoons that kids were consuming were from abroad and we wanted children to have charcters that they could identify with. The Bino and Fino show is for anyone who is looking for a wellbalanced and positive image of Africa. We have had such an amazing positive response to the show. We have fans everywhere. Fans in the U.S, and places such as Sweden and Brazil. People are just hungry for an authentic voice to introduce their children to African culture. Bino and Fino is for everyone. A lot of parents and kids love the fact that they get to see cartoon characters who look like them or are from the same background. Even if they are not, people appreciate the diversity Bino and Fino brings. We have a helpful blog to help parents connect with all things related to Africa and the Diaspora on our site as well. “ The Bino and Fino show is being utilized at schools and in programs across the U.S. The museum of contemporary African Diaspora Arts in Brooklyn New York runs the cartoon as part of their kidflix program every Friday and the Museum of African Diaspora in San Francisco utilizes Bino and Fino as part of their global education initiative in San Francisco. At the request of the shows’ large fan base, Waziri has also created dolls from the show that will be available for limited order. We all know children are very attached to toys and dolls also help shape how kids perceive themselves. As the demand for more diversity in dolls continues to increase and as kids ask for toys that mirror who they are now is the perfect time for the Bino and Fino dolls to become a part of children’s collection. Limited edition of the Bino and Fino Dolls will be launched with DVD 2 on August 15th. For preorders and signs up to get copies and toys, you can visit www.binoandfino.com
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Massira Keita 26 year old Paris based fashion illustrator Massira Keita is a self taught artist who’s creations are now done on a graphic tablet using sketching software depict the vibrancy of African wax fabrics. Massira began working as an illustrator professionally in 2012. However, she ventured into the world of fashion illustration much earlier than that. She cites her French/Ivorian heritage being the influence behind her work and love for wax and prints. “Ivory Coast inspires me with its clothes both traditional and modern and its landscapes and markets, and I draw inspiration from France with its highand contemporary fashion.
You can follow her work on Instagram @massira_keita
Massira’s creations, which are Wax fabrics feature prominently in her illustrations because they “evoke stories.” Her style is a mix of modern cuts and colorful fabrics Vlisco that tell a story. On why her illustrations do not have facial features she says, “I draw facial features for religious reasons . In Islam, it is forbidden to represent them. Otherwise, I am told that it is better this way because we identify better the girls I draw.” CORAZON ACHIENG’
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Saturday July 25th, 2015 at The Fillmore Silver Spring,
Silver Spring, MD
Nigerian Lingerie Brand Launches Online Store Aimanosi, a Nigerian owned lingerie company, launched Aimanosi Lingerie on 2nd July. Aimanosi brings a new dimension to lingerie design in Nigeria. Set to be the primary choice for intimate apparel for women across Africa, Aimanosi brings beauty, comfort, fit and durability. Bras are available in sizes 32 to 38, A through E with plans to expand to K cups in the next collection. As the creative director, Emalohi Iruobe of is determined to reinforce positive body image in women and reverse the miseducation of what it means to be beautiful. As an artist, attorney and an adjunct professor teaching Legal Analysis and Business Law, Emalohi passionately challenges humanity to value self and the existence and importance of others.
She moved back to Nigeria from the United States in 2013 to work in public private partnerships. While living at home, Emalohi found it incredibly difficult to find bras her size and when she did find them there were vastly overpriced. “I noticed a huge gap in the market. From my research, there is no indigenous lingerie brand in Nigeria. There are quite a few resellers of lingerie, who travel and buy bras in any size on sale and resell at high prices. I realized, I could meet a need. After I decided to start, I started carrying out market research, learning to sketch my ideas, researching fabric that is durable and comfortable and still be beautiful. And after 18 months, the brand was born.” The maiden collection “everyday should be seductive” delivers a varied and diverse collection to match the strength, moods and personalities of women. The collection provides a different set of lingerie for everyday of the week such that no matter the circumstance a woman can feel exquisite and know that she is firmly supported; even in traffic on Third Mainland Bridge. Since the launch the response to the brand has been overwhelming says Emalohi. “There
has been great interest and support from different outlets. I have received some feedback with customers saying they need bigger cup sizes. We are working on a line of bras that will cater to bustier women with cup sizes DD+ .” On what makes Aimanosi stand out, she says ,” This brand is geared primarily to women in Africa. We are determined to fit every woman in Africa with comfortable, flattering bras which are fit for the climate of bustling metropolitan cities in Africa. In addition, we have cut out the middle man. I choose styles, fabric, stitching, details and send it directly to our manufacturer. The manufacturer sends it back to the company and we sell directly to the consumer. We have cut costs down because we are not catering to a middle man. In addition, we understand the style, cut and feel of our traditional African attire. We know what bras are preferable as foundation garments for these clothes. Finally, Aimanosi is owned by an African woman and that in itself is a huge difference.”
Website: www.aimanosi.co
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HER Business Image Consultant
J
ennifer Osei-Mensah is the C.E.O of Evolushon Images, a Professional Image Consultancy firm based in Gaborone Botswana and a qualified Style and Colour consultant with the SA Image Company. She is also an accredited member of the Professional Image Association of Africa and is a qualified Makeup Artist. She holds a MBA and a BSc in Town and Regional Planning. Jennifer has vast experience in the Beauty and Fashion Industry having presented at and hosted numerous women’s events. In October 2013 she launched her accessories and bag label Ashanti Chique, designed for the Urban Diva who is stylish yet proud of her African roots.
How is the image consulting industry in Botswana? The image consulting industry in Botswana is fairly small and challenging. There are basically a handful of Qualified Image Consultants. Sometimes people do not actually see the need for it as it is a service based industry as opposed to product based. It is also perceived as a luxury or for vain people. That being said it does have potential growth as the beauty industry is growing and more people realize the
impact their image has and how important first impressions and developing a personal brand is.
As an entrepreneur, how has the journey been so far? The journey as an entrepreneur has been quite challenging. Working in a small industry as this one you have to continually market yourself and build awareness on what image consulting is. You basically have to be the change you want to see and drive your own success and motivation. Sometimes I ask myself what I was thinking when I decided to go down this path. Rewards come from seeing the look of excitement, amazement and joy when a client takes that first glimpse of their transformation and those unexpected calls to make a presentation or hold a workshop for a group of people.
Jennifer’s Tips on Finding Your
As an image and style coach, what services do you offer to your clients? We offer style , color, makeup and bridal consultation, Wardrobe audit- our wardrobe audit shows you How to bring your hidden treasures back to life, How to mix & match and accessorise your outfits, personal shopping , seminars and workshops.
Why is it important for every woman to have a personal style? A woman’s personal style is an expression of her personality and lifestyle through the clothing she wears. It’s what turns heads and gets her noticed. Creating a unique style helps any woman achieve a sense of confidence and comfort in the outifts she chooses. Her personal style is her brand. Having a personal style is about understanding your body and the type of clothes that suit your proportions and make you look your best and feel confident. Its also about choosing and wearing clothing in the right colours for your unique natural colouring. Wearing unflattering colours can make you look older, ill, exhausted or dull. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JENNIFER‘S WORK Twitter : @evolushonimages
Personal Style 1
Understand your personal style expression – By determining your style personality, you can find the look that best says who you are, and feels just right. Classic, sporty, elegant, sensual, dramatic, sexy, bohemian, eclectic are some of the dominant style personalities. Some ladies style personality is a mixture of two or more styles e.g elegant dramatic. In some cases its easier to find a style muse whose style you influences and then emulate the types of clothing she wears. Know your power colours – Colour has a significant impact on how we look, how we feel and we are perceived by others. Its important to know the range of colours that make you look your best by highlighting your great features whilst hiding any imperfections. The wrong colours can make you look aged and dull. With the right colours you you'll appear bright and alert, your eyes, skin and hair glow.
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Accentuate , Balance and Camoflage – make sure you chose clothing that accentuates you best assests, whether it’s a thin waist , shapely legs. Balance out your silhouette to make your dimensions appear symmetrical or create the illusion of an hour glass figure. If you are big busted avoid ruffled tops that would make your top half look even bigger. Flaws should be camouflaged, if you have a tummy bulge you can conceal this with a wide band at the waist. Remember to always accessories to finish off your look .
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July gift guide Gift Ideas for Everyone and Every Budget
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 you’d like to advertise your brand, products or services to our global audience in our upcoming August Fashion & Beauty Gift Guide Email Afroelle@gmail.com
ON THE COVER Malaika Cherie Malaika Cherie is a licensed makeup artist and hairstylist specializing in elegant hairstyles such as wedding and prom styles and natural hairstyles/ protective styles. She is also a Younique presenter. www.youniquebyalaika.com @malaikacherie
Rita G Photography
www.africancitybags.com
African City Bag - 3 handles (1 long, 2 short) black, sliver print This bag has 3 handles can be worn cross-body. It is mad out of a light but durable black cotton mix that can hold a lot of stuff like laptop, shoes, books, groceries etc. And it looks pretty stylish with its silver imprint.
African City Bag large/black 100 % cotton tote bag in black with white handles - 22 African city names printed on both sides.
African City Bag - large/black with silver print (Limited Edition!) 100 % cotton tote bag in black with white handles - 22 African city names printed on both sides. This tote bag is huge and you can fit anything from your laptop, your trainers, books to groceries in it. And actually also all of these items together
Diaspora Neckwear
1. Jabot Neckwear in Kente Cloth Print
This handmade jabot is made out of kente cloth print cotton and is perfect for a day or evening look.
2. Jabot Neckwear in Cheetah Print
This handmade jabot is made out of a cream and brown cotton pattern material that makes a statement.
www.rahyma.com
1. Rahyma Color Burst bustier dress
African print color bust padded bustier maxi dress. Unique dress with full breast pads and removable invincible straps. Expect to be the centre of attraction in this one of a kind piece.
2. Farida Crop Top African print top Elastic at upper arm, Top is lined inside with stretch fabric to keep your bust firm.
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ELIZABETH
in Pearls
www.elizabethinpearls.com
1. "Crystal Fire" - Adjustable, Kenyan disk bead, brass and crystal quartz necklace 2. "The Colors" African fabric and brass cuff (thin) with cowrie shell 3. "The Colors" African fabric on wood necklace, with choice of cowrie shell or mini cones
"Afrofusion" earrings custom made using African material and wooden beads. You do not have to be African to wear the Afrofusion earringswith bold & vibrant colours these statement earrings can be styled for any woman's wardrobe. For any enquiries you can contact Caroline on sande.caroline@live.com. A look book of different styles can be viewed on Instagram: @queencaz Blog: https://queencazshinanigans.wordpress.com/queencaz-collection/
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www.kuwalainc.com
1. Chipewa Headwrap Vibrant headwrap curated from the bustling fabric markets of Malawi. From winter to summer, this accessory is perfect for all seasons and can also be worn as a neck scarf.
2. Clutch Baako This sleek and colourful clutch is perfect for a night on the town or a sophisticated day look. Featuring flap with a concealed magnetic catch and an inner pocket.
3. 13" MacBook Case Della Protect your MacBook from the elements with vibrant limited edition fabrics.
4. Hexagon L/S Enan This shoulder bag is great for regular everyday use, with ample space for all your things. Featuring two faux leather handles and a zip at the top. Interior pouch compartment with zip. Fully lined.
Thank you for your Support!
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