ERLENDUR magazine
Ungenita Prevost
BILLION DOLLAR ROLODEX Issue 7
Welcome to
Erlendur Magazine
Erlendur Magazine is not just a magazine it's a movement, that started in Iceland. It's a society of expats and individuals who are with us on our mission. To create a better world. Promoting Cultural Diversity and Cultural Inclusion across the globe.
Connect with us we would love to share your story
Meet The Team
Cat Gundry-Beck
Director of Photography
Dori Levitt Baldvinsson
Contributing editor
BIANCA hALLVEIG
Co-Founder & Creative Director
eDITORS EditorsnOTE Note
Carlotta Tate- oLason
Co-Founder & Editor
Hello Hello Erlendur readers,
Did you know that over 40% of Fortune 500 companies are founded by immigrants or even their children according to Forbes? Even one of my favourite Tesla CEO Elon Musk is originally from South Africa yes he is African. I stated that to say this. “It shouldn’t matter where you were born, it’s the contribution you can make to society” We are here to create a better world we can all share in the end what really matters is living.
You need to start right where you are using your skills and talents embrace your culture use it to create and invent? In this issue, Bertha was able to create her artwork by tapping into her Ghanaian culture. Ungenita has decided she will help women around the world build social capital and the Editors pick Taiwo he is using his skills and his keen eye for fashion to help others.
I have grown over the few months since I started Erlendur. I am happy to know we are making an impact as we showcase amazing people. Some of which I have got to know quite well. I now called the “Expert for Expats” I am a Jamaican, Icelandic Citizen, British resident, I have spent time in several countries in Africa and Europe not as a tourist but as an expat.
I know the hardship of life in a strange country. But that has not stopped me from making an impact and actualizing my purpose and mission in life. I just felt like sharing this to encourage someone.
Well, my dearest Erlendur readers thank you all for your support. Until the next issue, enjoy and stay present. Do feel free to DM me connect and with Erlendur Magazine and the team on all social media platforms.
Love to you from team here at Erlendur.
Contents
Guillaume Demerliac
Giella
Taiwo
UngenitaPrevost
Guillaume Demerliac
Photographer and Designer
Photo by Guillaume Demerliac
Photo by Guillaume Demerliac
" I developed a passion for remoteness and photography"
For as long as I can remember, I have been a creative person. As a child, I was always fascinated by the idea of mythical and uncharted worlds. I dreamed of discovering new worlds as the great explorers once did before me. Thanks to my parents, I grew up fortunate enough to travel to many countries and also lived in different countries.
Through traveling, I soon developed a passion for remoteness and photography. As you can imagine, Iceland quickly came up on my list of places to visit, explore and capture through my lens.
I quickly found a job in restauration where I got a feel for the Icelandic lifestyle which suited me perfectly. I had to go back to England for some months not long after to finish my degree but came back to Reykjavik straight after to continue my life here. I have now been in Iceland for about 3 and a half years and I currently work as a designer and photographer.
Photo by Guillaume Demerliac
By Guillaume Demerliac
French, 26 years old
Photographer and Designer living in Reykjavik
I already had a small connection to Iceland prior to moving here as my parents briefly lived in Iceland in 1989, before I was born. A few years later, in 2017, some friends and I decided to fly to Iceland and rent a car for 6 days to drive all around Iceland. I very quickly fell in love with this country, its landscapes, and its culture. Not more than a week after coming back to the UK, I decided to come back to Iceland to live here.
Photo by Guillaume Demerliac
surrounded
by the NATURAL beauty OF ICELAND
Living in Iceland has enabled me to pursue my passion for photography as we are quite literally surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Iceland, to me, truly has a certain mysticism that inspires me, calms me and I cannot imagine that magic feeling ever going away for me. It truly feels like, after living in so many different places, I have finally found my home here in Iceland. Experiencing different cultures is probably the most valuable experience one could have; they truly open the mind. In this same way, adapting to the Icelandic culture has always been such a pleasure, a fascination and I like to believe that it is enriching me as a person. I am still working on my Icelandic, that is clearly the hardest hurdle to overcome for me here!
Regarding my photography in Iceland, there is an analogy that I like to use to describe the relationship between what I see and my result: When I am in a place, surrounded by Icelandic beauty, there is an emotional manifestation within me that cannot be captured by just taking the photograph. The photograph will always show what is there, but it will rarely convey the emotional feeling that takes over. In my work, I try to convey not only the beauty of Iceland but also the emotional beauty of this place. However, I do not like to add or take away anything from my photographs as that takes the realism away. My personal style, I think, is quite monochromatic and atmospheric; I like to play with the shades of the dominant colours and not have too much complexity. This way I can emphasize the emotional aspect of the scene as much as the visual detail.
Photo by Guillaume Demerliac
by Guillaume Demerliac
"My personal style, I think, is quite monochromatic and atmospheric"
Ungenita Prevost
CONVERSATION
wit h Ungenita Prevost
By Carlotta
The Founder of FEMME 500 Global Feminine Leadership Network,
Networking IN STILETTOS™ + BILLION DOLLAR ROLODEX.
Former Hollywood body double and music video dancer turned award winning feminine leadership expert and international sales trainer.
My conversation with queen Ungenita, the Creator of Networking IN STILETTOS™ and FEMME 500.
Carlotta: Have you always been so bold and confident? I must ask because you connect with people effortlessly.
Ungenita: I don’t think I was fearless and bold until I got older. I felt that my background and the experiences I gained growing up, had a great impact on me. I was able to develop the bravery and the tenacity to just go out and get things done. I have an innate ability to move through obstacles when others think it is impossible. I have always had a "can do it" attitude. Although there were indications that painted a different picture, it may not work or will not work, I still pressed forward.
“I net work to build social capital."
Carlotta: We met through your BILLION DOLLAR ROLODEX Facebook group then I went on LinkedIn and joined your Networking IN STILETTOS event page. What made you decide to start this network focusing on women?
Ungenita: I had been dancing with the idea of teaching millions of women how to monetize their networks for some time now. While coaching my private clients, I would often introduce people to them and create partnerships that turned out to be quite lucrative. Tapping into my network would change their business and/or career significantly. Then with LinkedIn, people started contacting me to connect and I noticed that I always had a resource, referral or introduction for my connections. It’s definitely a gift.
It took me a couple of years to launch my philosophy around building social capital. I had to sit down and say to myself, how do I do what I do and how can I turn this into a system women can follow and get results? Networking and building social capital are so natural for me.
" I wanted to share my methodology with other women."
I saw that there was a need in the marketplace (filling the gender “network gap”) with my systems and processes. It was time to package my style of “feminine networking” and share with women how I turned networking into an asset and up levelled my business, career, and life.
I network to build social capital. I invest in people.
“Working with Steven Spielberg skyrocketed my confidence in Hollywood.”
Carlotta: I must ask how was it working with the legendary Steven Spielberg as well as Janet Jackson? I am curious.
Ungenita: Working with Steven Spielberg skyrocketed my confidence in Hollywood. I landed the role in Amistad networking in Hollywood with Casting Directors. I had a Clevel agent at the time in Hollywood, which meant I had to submit myself for roles to book gigs. I attended casting directors' workshops, dropped off headshots/zed cards for “bit” parts in films, TV, and commercials.
I landed the role in Amistad when Casting Director, Christopher Gray called me and asked if I would like to play a slave in the movie Amistad. I can vividly remember what he said, “but you will need to go all-natural, no relaxers, no hair extensions, no weaves just all-natural and that includes your birthday suit”. It was definitely a pivotal moment in my life. I asked my “mother” for advice. It was one of the few times I reached out to my biological mother for help. She picked up the phone and I told her I was offered a part in the Steven Spielberg movie, and I would be playing a role that required me to undress and bare “all of my parts". She said well, you are going to play a slave which is part of history and there is nothing provocative about that. Keep in mind most of the parts I played called for a “sexy outfit”.
I danced in music videos. I was a beer girl for Heineken, Black Star and Budweiser. No! I don’t drink beer. I washed Ashton Kutcher’s car in “Dude Where’s My Car”. I wore a snakeskin blue bikini. Fun shoot! I even landed another coveted gig as Janet’s stand in/double. But this was a different part. I called the casting director and accepted the part. I showed up on set, grabbed my chains, and dropped my rob. We had the choice to wear real chains, but I opted for fake chains. It was too much to bare. I still have my chains from Amistad and a scroll signed by Steven Spielberg and Debbie Allen. Hollywood memorabilia that I own out right!
So, here’s how my epic shot hit the big screen. Steven Spielberg asked me to eat the food off another “slaves” face. He said imagine you haven’t eaten in days. This is your only chance to eat. Yes! I was uncomfortable. #1 The set was quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was staring at me. #2 Steven Spielberg was standing next to me repeating the Director’s lingo “Ready, roll camera...ACTION! #3 I heard him loud and clear. I was in shock (naked, chains, shackled on a boat with water splashing everywhere and Steven Spielberg directing me in a movie. Wow!
Yes! It was awkward and made me sad at times while on set. I got over “taking my clothes off ”. All in all, it was one of the most rewarding experiences in my career and I will always be grateful for that opportunity to showcase history.
MINDSET MAKEOVER
Ungenita is committed to helping women become bold, provocative thought leaders who refuse to compromise their feminine power & diminish their earning power
Carlotta: Can you share some key life lessons you have learnt over the years that have impacted how you work?
Ungenita: Believe in yourself, learn from your mistakes, and don’t let your mistakes take you out of the game. It’s not about the fall, it’s what you do when you get up. Develop your skills: my top 3 are sales, communication, and networking (I’m sure that doesn’t surprise you). Cultivate these skill sets, and you will transform your financial trajectory. I guarantee, I001%!
Carlotta: What advice would you give to young women who are thinking of starting a business?
Ungenita: Have a mindset makeover and start working on your inside. Success is 99% mindset. If you can work on your inside, you can achieve so much, it will give you the conviction to act and execute. Note this, if there are self-doubt issues and a sense of diminishment these must go. Therefore, by working on your mindset, will give you the confidence to enter a new industry to take on new challenges. Finally, take advantage of connecting with someone new and do not underestimate the power of connecting. Literally, you are one person away from an opportunity; one person away from meeting that person that will help move you to the next level.
"People play the lottery with the hope of winning so why not play the “connection contest”. See how many people you can connect with and invest in building those relationships. You’re one person away from a life-changing opportunity. Remember that!
Ungenita Prevost
Ungenita Prevost FEMME 500™️
Watch later
Share
Watch on
Meeting Ungenita taught me the importance of building Social Capital.
Working with Ungenita is just amazing. I felt I had to share some of my conversations with
the Erlendur readers.
I hope she will contribute again to Erlendur. So many words of wisdom.
Thank you Ungentia, sending love from all Erlendur readers. Ladies, continue Networking IN STILETTOS™
www.femmeglobal500.com
Paula Gould
Co-Founder of Women in TechIceland
Director of Floatandgather
WomenTechIceland
WomenTechIceland is a non-profit organization that connects the Iceland tech industry to members of the global tech community, whose interests include engaging with expert voices from Iceland's strong community of women in tech and who are focused on the interests, issues, and opportunities of women in the tech industry.
We were founded to bring together and mutually support the cross-section of siloed organizations at various schools, businesses, and community organizations and the government at the intersection of STEM, and connecting these groups with international organizations.
Likewise, we address the networking barrier for the growing population of tech-interested, tech-skilled and techemployed immigrants living in Iceland and Icelanders returning home after living abroad, who feel either isolated or on the fringe of the sometimes insular Icelandic tech community.
By Paula Gould Co-founder WomenTechIceland and Founder of Float and gather.
Over the last few years, we have built an inclusive community, composed of folks born and raised in Iceland and those who moved here from abroad. We’ve either partnered with or been supported by a number of international and local entities including JSConf and Mozilla, RIPE78, Arion Bank, Frumtak Ventures, Dohop, Tempo, The British Embassy, CBS Feminist Society (Denmark), WomenGoTech (Lithuania), Rannís, Geko, Float and gather, FKA, Startup Iceland, Icelandic Startups, Iceland Innovation Week, and most recently, Huawei and Huawei Women in Technology, with whom we will bring a series of events and initiatives to our community over the next year.
With our partners, we’ve been able to increase visibility and knowledge-sharing from the dynamic and talented members of our community, offer discussions, events, resources to upskill, access to programs and events abroad and create an intersectional community of local and international women in tech for networking and support. We’ve also fostered important dialog around inclusion within Icelandic society and businesses.
Our goal going forward is to continue to grow our community and build stronger partnerships with the local and international businesses, government entities, like-minded organizations, and influential visitors we’ve worked with since 2017, and who want to partner with us in the future.
The with Iceland Innovation Utopian came to lifeAt in 2015 a mission to help companies build memorable brand identities. Building a brand strategy is essential for ensuring long-term success, and at Utopian we aim to make our clients the memorable brands of tomorrow.
4
Week
Valenttina Griffin the
co-founder, of WomenTechIceland moderating the panel discussion on the positive impact of inclusive teams for better products and services.
At The Iceland Innovation Week.
Martyna Daniel Photo by Claire Paugam
Meet Martyna Daniel a painter and cinematographer originally from Geneva, who is the Intercultural Specialist for the City of Reykjavík at the City Libraries. She shares her experience moving to Iceland, co-founding the artist-run space Listastofan, and her current role exploring the future of the library.
The Birth of Listastofan By Michelle Spinei
Photo by Juliette Rowland
Why did you move to Iceland?
I moved to Iceland in 2014 with my Icelandic boyfriend. We met while I was studying cinematography in Prague. It felt like a potential adventure.
It was the second of January, so it was very dark, and I didn’t know anybody. I stayed in our apartment for a couple of months and just painted loads and it was not a bad experience at all. I didn’t feel isolated. The weather was horrible, I didn’t have any friends yet, but I wasn’t worried. I thought, OK I just moved here. I was sending out emails looking for jobs and I spent my days listening to podcasts and documentaries while I painted.
Did you establish yourself right away in the art community? How did you find other artists to connect to?
That happened in a very spontaneous way and a lot of it is down to luck. Someone I met in film school had lived in Iceland and he had a roommate called Emma, so I connected with her when I got to Iceland.
Emma was a visual artist and we ended up sharing a studio to paint then they sold the building. Emma and I were like, what should we do? We wanted to rent a bigger space and gather a few more artists. Emma introduced me to other artists, and we all didn’t feel like we had space where we could show what we wanted to. We felt a bit marginalized, I guess. I don’t know if we suffered from it, we were still creating a lot, but in a way, it felt like we were completely living on a different island. No one knew about us or our work and we didn’t attempt to exhibit in a lot of places.
That’s how Listastofan was created. We thought we are going to create a space where we feel good and can show our work. We were already a mix of foreign and Icelandic-born artists, so it wasn’t just about being foreign artists, but it was a lot about this intercultural feeling. It became so much bigger than we expected because there was a huge need for it in the community. I wasn’t alone running the space, because I always had a full-time job and a family. All of it was always 100% volunteer.
The end of Listastofan
What was the reason that you closed it? Was it because it grew too much, and you didn’t have time?
At that time, I had been running the space by myself for a few months because the other co-directors Emmanuelle, Lina and Gabi moved to other countries, and I was this pillar that was still there, so I was facing a choice. I could find new people to run it with me, because it was, of course, impossible to run it by myself. We didn’t have any real funding, so it was a lot of pressure and a lot of responsibility. The lease was coming to an end and I had to decide, and I thought it felt like the right time to move on.
I loved Listastofan and the community that happened there, I still do. People just need a space and then they do the rest themselves. I see people that met at Listastofan that are still creating together. All of this is very well alive, people just move on to other projects. Really what closed is just a physical space, so it never felt like I was closing a story or anything.
I had this wild dream that I could one day have a job that I loved that also brings me income because I loved my job at Listastofan but that cost me money. I needed to change my life and start over this when I started painting again.
Photo by Patrik Ontkovic
Starting something New
What did you do in your current role?
One day three of my friends, who don’t know each other, all sent me the same link to apply for a job. They said, “This has your name written all over it, you need to apply to this job.” I looked at it, and I felt intimidated because it felt like it was my dream basically and it’s intimidating to be facing something like that.
Now I work as an Intercultural Specialist for the Reykjavik City libraries. We are a team of people who organize different events for the libraries and also look into what the future of the library is. My role on this team is to keep the needs of various users: users with different languages and cultural backgrounds in mind. So, who belongs in the library? Who feels good in a library? Who wants to come back? Who wants to be an active participant? These are all questions we need to answer and of course, the answer is that we want everyone to belong, and we want everyone to feel this way regardless of nationality or languages they speak.
The majority of the information that is put out is in Icelandic, which is, of course, normal, so in that environment, how do we make sure that people who for example do not speak Icelandic feel like the library is also for them because it is, even more importantly, how do we bridge between users that already feel like they belong to space and users that have never even been inside one of the libraries nor never saw it as a space relevant to them.
It's not about catering to just foreigners living in Iceland.
It's about making sure that our programs are relevant to a lot of different people and that our intercultural program is visible and relevant to Icelandic speaking users too. That’s why we use the word intercultural and not multicultural. There are so many groups you have to take into consideration because it's not only language, but also socioeconomic background, cultural background, and country for example. The idea is for all those bubbles to interact, not only to meet but to make connections.
Dr. Madlena Kantscheff
The journey started in Bulgaria and continues in Germany
I have worked for 25 years as a dentist. I started my own dental practice in Bavaria, Germany. I have experienced the ups and downs of the medical profession. After dealing with a life-threatening disease in 1998. I have become very resilient now which has taught me important life lessons. Now I can help overwhelmed Health Care Professionals to restore the balance in their lives and find inner peace. Reconnect with the easy workflow and reignite the passion for their medical profession.
My life started in Bulgaria, I was born in a middleclass family. My parents had a vision and desire for me: to become a dentist. As an obedient daughter, I did my best to fulfill their desire. At the age of 23, I found myself completing my dental study and obtaining a doctor‘s title in dentistry.
I remember very clear back in 1985, asking myself a significant question. Do I want to live in a society, where I didn't feel free to express my opinion, especially when it does not fit the dogma of the government?. For the record-from 1944 until 1989 Bulgaria was a communist country, where freedom of thought and speech was very restricted.
In 1986 I got married and moved to Germany, there I was in a foreign country, I didn’t speak the language….not knowing what life is going to dish out for me. I kept steadfast knowing I will somehow succeed.
Determined to do whatever it takes to make it my new home. I went to university to learn German.
In 1987 my daughter Nadine was born. My life changed in 1991 after going through all the protocols and examinations. Finally I was able to open my dental practice in Bavaria wow want a journey, I was on top of the world.
Only 30 years young, having achieved so much after moving to another country. Then only 6 weeks after I opened the doors of my dental office, my husband died.
My life changed overnight. 30 years young, a huge loan by the bank, 4 years old daughter, who lost her father and a mother in law, who has lost her third child…all of a sudden I had to be strong. In a way, I never knew what I am capable of.
You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is the only option you have.“ I felt like life threw me in a black hole but I never gave up. During the period of when I was going through all the challenges in my life. I found God and established a deep connection with God, which carried me through this particular challenge and the ones to come.
Here is also my invitation to you.
I would say do visit Bulgaria-a small country in southeast Europe. With wonderful beaches at the Black Sea, mountains covered with snow when you like skiing. Or with green meadows when you prefer hiking. World - famous rose oil. Friendly people, who love to spoil you with delicious Bulgarian food.
Bulgaria will forever be in my heart, but my heart and soul are very much here in Cologne. My unshakable faith in God brings me every morning out of bed facing one miracle after the other. Today I can step up boldly and share with all of you: Germany is my home.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau, Germany
Photo by Eric Marty
Bertha Wensah
Culture shock! I'm Bertha Wensah, I was born in the Northern part of Ghana in a town called Nalerigu; raised by my grandparents. At the age of 8yrs old, I moved to the United Kingdom to be with my mother. My first trip back to Ghana was in 1999, it was a culture shock. I saw great possibilities and opportunities that I wanted to tap into, I decided to make it a yearly trip.
In 2014, I returned to Ghana with the intention of staying for only 3 months, to get an idea of what life would be in modern Ghana. I needed a change of scenery, my visit to Ghana turned into a long stay. It was an experience I will never forget for so many reasons. I had the opportunity to gain more cultural insight and knowledge which ignited my passion for art
Words by
Bertha Wensah
www.yal-art.com
BLACK WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARD
Upon my return to England and starting a business; using recycled African fabric
to create art. This was purely a God idea because I had no intention of starting a business. However, I was inspired during a period of unemployment, where I simply
tapped into my creative ability and drew out what was already there.
In 2019 I was nominated for an award in the category of Business
Start-Up of The Year for Black Women in Business and I won that category.
I feel like my journey has just begun. I am currently the owner of an award-winning luxury bespoke handmade art brand for the Afrocentric individual.
"My Art is intrinsically linked to my cultural identity"
www.yal-art.com
Maxine Willocks
I am Maxine Willocks this is my story.
I was born in Jamaica, I lived in Fort Mc Murray Canada.
In 2016 when the wildfire engulfed the community, over 88,000 residents were forced to evacuate from their homes. My restaurant Chez Max was the first dining facility opened during the fire locals labeled ‘the beast.’ I supplied meals for first responders, essential services, and The Red Cross.
recognized
In 2016, I was recognized alongside an extraordinary bunch of residents, who supported the community during the disaster. In addition, was invited to the Rocky Mountaineer Train for Heroes.
My devotion to my community no matter the risk led me to go on to achieve many firsts.
My restaurant was The top-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor, Female Business Leader in 2017, and being honored with a visit from the CEO of the Red Cross, Conrad Sauvé.
I felt starting a business thought me how to be resilient and scalable. I was able to connect with new people every day. I even had the pleasure of hosting, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson known to man as the World's Strongest Man. He is also known throughout the world for his role as The Mountain in Game of Thrones
Transformation
2020 was a year of transformation in my personal and professional life. My community experienced a devastating flood of many residents' homes were destroyed including my home. My business was closed. I had to start over. The Trauma that I had passed through and the lessons, I learned along the way was the catalyst that pushed me towards.
The knowledge and experts I have gain as a chef and entrepreneur as well as my own personal experiences have how equated me to guide women who feed stuck in toxic situations, relationships, and environments to increase their quality of life. I take a holistic approach using movement and nutrition, mediation as well as natural healing techniques.
sTILLNESS
I launched my own line of homemade body butter this year after moving to Toronto. The product is all vegan and cruelty-free. Each butter serves as a second function, aside from improving the quality of the skin, my 'Stillness' line provides relief for insomnia and anxiety whilst my 'Movement' line reduces aches and pains.
T o
O R S H A R E Y O U R
S T O R Y I N E R L E N D U R
C o n t a c t u s
A D V E R T I S E
L e t ' s Ta l k F a s h i o n and beauty
With
Bianca Hallveig
Fashion writer /Stylist
inspiratio
n
GIELLA POBLOCKI
www.giella.com
it 's SUCH A HASSLE TRYING TO FIND Make up t hat fit 's MY skin tone
@biancahallveig
I always go natural, not that I mind however, at times I would love to even wear a little foundation. It’s so hard to find makeup that fits my skin tone. Living in Iceland my mother and I have found it so challenging to find make-up as well as other beauty products that work or fit our skin tone. I guess I am not the only one having this issue…
I decided I wanted a foundation that will fit my skin tone then after searching online I came across Giella products. I decided to contact her to know more about her products as she was creating makeup for all skin types. In this world of technology, we can connect with anyone anywhere anytime. From her New York home, we had a great zoom beauty chat it was just an amazing experience alive with Giella. She was also able to tell me so much about my skin tone as well as give me recommendations and tips. I know you too would love to know more about Giella and her brand.
Check out our chat
MY MOTTO
At erat pellentesque adipiscing commodo elit at imperdiet. Non pulvinar neque laoreet suspendisse. Suscipit tellus mauris a diam maecenas sed enim ut. Praesent elementum facilisis leo vel fringilla. Non pulvinar neque laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur libero id faucibus. Vel quam elementum pulvinar etiam non quam lacus.
G I E L L A P O B L O C K I GIELLA Custom Blend Cosmetics
"I can help you design the perfect cosmetic product. based on your hair, eye and skin color as well as your personal preferences".
lET'S talk TO Geilla
By Bianca Hallveig
Bianca: What has been the biggest challenge of your career so far?
Bianca: You have an incredible career and beauty business – what have been your highlights?
Geilla: Launching our line in Henri Bendel, NYC in 2002. Our products and banner were featured in the 2 front window displays on 5th Avenue in NYC. Being featured in Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, In Style, Family Circle, Elle, Marie Claire, New York Times, Baltimore Sun, In Style, and BuzzFeed. Partnering with Lincoln Automobiles in a promotional offering for bespoke.
Bianca: Where do you get your inspiration from?
My Inspirations come from so many things: environmental, political, social, recreational, nutritional, and lifestyle trends. I am constantly absorbing what is happening in our world on so many levels and am inspired to find better ingredients, packaging, and solutions to offer in our product range.
Geilla: Well, the biggest challenge has been finding a partner to see the MAGIC of what our company offers. We can make the foundation, concealer, highlighter, powder, blush, lipstick/gloss, pencils, nail polish, and skincare right before your eyes, in minutes!! Products are made just for you at a competitive price. In order to grow, we need a strategic partner with capital to take us to the next level!
Bianca: How does your brand promote diversity?
Geilla: Diversity is the reason our brand exists. We celebrate diversity as no one else can. We accept that challenge with every skin color matching request and feel successful only when our clients are satisfied. If everyone had the same skin color there would be no purpose for our line. We believe that every single person on this earth is unique and we can serve them all!
Surround yourself with things and people who make you happy
Bianca: What advice can you give to young women like me who are keen on going into fashion and beauty?
Geilla Be BOLD. Surround yourself with fashion and beauty: subscribe to fashion publications, observe streetwear trends, keep a lookbook of ideas and inspirations.
Bianca: What does beauty mean to you?
Geilla: Beauty means feeling good; it is pleasurable to your senses. It may mean many things for different people. However, beauty brings a positive mindset. I always say, “surround yourself with people, places, and things that make you happy!”
Shop at Giella
GIELLA products are free of harmful chemicals, never microwaved and handmade right after you order them to guarantee freshness. What you put on your face matters.
LOVING TH IS
OR YOU F T S U J E MAD CustOM
Customizing Foundations with The Harle… Harle…
www.giella.com
Yaa Kankam Founder of
“I want to have a big brand that supports the black community not just for the media but all the way through, from the sourcing of raw material to the people I employ and to my customers”.
Yaa Kankam
When I developed a sensitivity to big named products, I began doing personal research and discovered the irritants and chemicals that lurked in the ingredients. After exploring more natural alternatives, I was blown away by the abundance it gave my skin. It became apparent to me that our skin is not as complex as others make it seem. We need to integrate the secrets of Mother Earths' beauty gems.
Eboni Cosmetics produces natural, handmade, and eco-friendly products that are kind to both your skin and the environment. We are driven in creating safe and effective items while cultivating an inclusive community surrounding joy and passion for all thing’s beautiful. We want each person who shops with us to feel powerful in their skin and radiate in their admiral features. Unlike many cosmetics brands out there we have an extremely short ingredient list, not confusing customers. We also source our raw material directly from Ghana making sure to pay the ladies the fair price that they deserve. We really pride ourselves on this and want this to continue throughout with the hope of helping build these communities in Ghana.
www.ebonicosmetics.com
Taiwo Paul Meghoma
stylist & Personal Branding consultant
PASSION
FOR FASHION
I'm Taiwo Paul Meghoma. Stylist and Personal Branding Consultant based in the United Kingdom. My work in the fashion industry has taken me around the world; I have worked with luxury fashion brands and given talks on personal branding (Brand You).
I also specialise in boosting people's self-esteem and guiding them on how to be perfect in all aspects of their endeavors.
I have always had a passion for fashion because of my parents. My dad always looked smart in his military uniform and a pair of sunglasses, and mum always looked radiant in her power skirt suit and high heels.
As I watched how confident they both were, I wanted to emulate them. I can recall how fashionably dressed they were, especially for social events.
My mother would ask me, “Taiwo, how do I look”? I would say, “mother you look amazing”. I could see the beam in her eyes. I also noticed the friends of my mother would visit seeking advice from her about fashion.
style with Taiwo
A stranger changed my life
My keen eye for fashion and my love for colours, and embracing my African culture as well as my style, have given me a vast range of opportunities internationally and locally.
On my first visit to Kuala Lumpur, I was approached by a gentleman on the street who asked if I was based in the city. I asked "why", and he said, “I love your style”. I found it strange because it was so random. Well, he gave me his business card.
Sometime later, I came across the card, so I decided to contact him out of courtesy. He invited me for a shoot, and it turned out that he was one of the top photographers in Kuala Lumpur, and oh my gosh, the photos he took were stunning. Not to be boastful, but I looked amazing.
He invited me to a social event with his family and friends, who were also impressed by my knowledge of styling and fashion. After that event, I went head-on, full-time, and I have not looked back. That experience birthed “Style with Taiwo”. I got my ha-ha moment and all I needed to fuel my desire to pursue my passion, which is fashion. I needed to believe in myself so people could believe in me.
I see a great future for African fashion; our love for color and different textures make our style stand out everywhere we go.
Africa is the focus of scrutiny by big brands. These brands are exploring the rich culture we are exporting to other continents of the world.
I would love to see the great established African fashion designers and industry leaders helping talented individuals who are keen to learn and get exposure.
I am a member of the board of 360 Creative Hub based in Lagos, Nigeria. 360 Creative Hub is a fashion hub fully dedicated to developing young creatives by investing heavily in training and giving the workspace needed. I am proud to be part of this initiative.
I am presently working with a great brand called David Wej based in London as the fashion Public Relations Director. I am a Co-director of Nigerian cultural day Berlin, in Germany. It is an international event showcasing the rich heritage of Nigeria through fashion, music, and art and will feature Nigerian artists, fashion designers, and writers. I have been asked, by people—what is my mantra? The answer is to believe in yourself. I feel each person, no matter their cultural background has something amazing to offer this world. So use your talents and gifts, and let us live together as one.
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