Meet DESTINATION MARKETING POWERHOUSE
Stella Fubara-Obinwa Ambition, leadership and promoting global destinations to the African diaspora.
1.
STELLA FUBARA-OBINWA. GIVE US 5 WORDS YOU USE TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF? Loyal, Objective, Driven, Happy, and Loving.
2. WHAT WERE YOUR EARLIER
YEARS LIKE, GROWING UP NIGERIAN? I was born in Columbus, Ohio to Alabo Prof. DMJ Fubara & Dr. Mrs Vinolia Fubara, but our family comes from Opobo Town, Rivers State, Nigeria. I am the second of 7 children, and the first daughter. I was chubby and always around food, and the family announcer of supper time (for which I am still mercilessly teased). I had an extremely loving childhood. I don’t think a day went by with my parents not expressing love to us. Even when we got spanked (which was rare), a hug and a kiss followed right after the spanking. I recall only 1 spanking incident as a child – my older brother and I were both spanked for riding our bikes late into the evening, and we were hugged right afterwards! My father’s hobby was photography, and he would take pictures of us at every opportunity, capturing all the family moments. My parents were very involved in our daily upbringing and Christian education. They facilitated all kinds of academic, cultural, musical, and gastronomy experiences for us. When I was 8 years old, we moved to Enugu, Nigeria. My father wanted us to know and understand where travelessencemag.com
we come from, and who we are. It was a little bit difficult for me at first because I couldn’t understand any Nigerian language or the style of communication. I recall that mosquitoes tormented me, and left scars on my skin which further highlighted the fact that I was not “home grown”. It took quite a while for the scars to fade. My American accent alienated me even further, and I was careful not to speak up too much in elementary school. Female classmates made fun of my accent, my dressing, and my skin…but even then, I maintained the happy spirit I am known for today. My saving grace was that my older brother Michael and my younger sister Ayayi were very popular. They were star TV kids, so I latched on to their stardom and did everything they did! I was also an avid piano player and performed at a few concerts at the British Council in Enugu. We were close to our grandparents too. My grandfather, Firi Shoo Peterside, adored us all, and spent a lot of time nurturing us. He is the reason I am a very good Opobo dancer. I did 2 years of elementary school at Ekulu Primary School, and 5 years of boarding school at the Federal Govt College Enugu and Federal Govt Girls College Abuloma. I loved my early years, and I’m blessed with wonderful parents who ensured we had every tool necessary to succeed.
3.
WHAT DREAMS DID YOU HAVE GROWING UP, THAT WERE TO LATER GUIDE YOUR PROFESSIONAL PURSUITS? I dreamt of becoming an air hostess or pilot. I thought air hostesses were so glamourous! I also wanted to go to Aviation school! My father said for me to
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