Robinah Nansubuga: My main drive is to always create alternative spaces
The African art scene in Africa is growing, developing and more exciting than ever. With many African artists making a name for themselves – both at home and around the world – how does one get into the art scene when not being an artist yourself? Robinah Nansubuga is an Independent Curator and Set Designer based in Kampala, Uganda. She implements strategies to promote artists and develop the artistic network in East Africa. She has curated and led artistic projects across the continent and the world. Robinah was the artistic director of MTN Nyege Nyege 2018 – a festival organized with grants from the British Council. This Motherland Mogul is also a former committee member for Laba! Street Art Festival, Arterial Network Uganda Chapter, a judge curator at the National Civil Society Fair art Competitions (CSO), co-curator of the Kampala Contemporary Art festival – and much more arts festival across the region. How did you become an independent curator of arts festivals? I have always been a huge fan of festivals they were my get away from everything that one place that I felt included and happened to forget the things happening home and in my life at that time. After having worked for two galleries in Kampala (Afriart and fas fas gallery) I became an independent curator in 2012. I wanted to experience art in a space where audiences and makers get to meet. Therefore I started curating ‘’EKYOTO UGANDA ‘’ during the Bayimba International Arts festival. Ekyoto was a bonfire project that I curated to bring together people through games like ‘’Dulu’’ – which today would come close to being a pool table. Integrating the social aspects with Ugandan traditional ways of entertainment turned out to be a big success. From there, I started to think and focus on how to create arts and cultural events that are inclusive and show a variety of art forms. What skills do non-artists need to make it in the arts sector? Organizational skills! Arts festivals usually do not have big budgets. So being efficient, conscious of costs and committed to timelines are key to make any festival a reality. Also, it’s very important that you are good at collaborating. Festivals are all about collaborations, not only with the other people on the team – but also with the artists and don’t forget the audience. Successful arts festivals can only be realized by listening to all involved because in that way new ideas can develop. I would also suggest that it’s good to develop some creative skills yourself. This will help you understand who you are working with and it will help you develop your own creative vision. And finally, practical skills – from basic electrician know-how to carpentry and designing – will always come in handy during the actual festival. Tell us how you develop your own vision and execute that vision? I am fortunate by now I get invited by festivals to work with them because I have built a name for myself through my vision. Through the exhibitions, I created my main drive is always to create alternative spaces. My vision developed over the years. Whenever I would attend arts of the cultural festival I would look for the things I felt were missing and that would have been of added value to the festival and the audiences. However, when being approached by a festival you usually have to work in teams meaning that the vision is not yours alone. What have been your biggest challenges in the cultural scene? And how did you overcome these challenges? Being a woman who looks really young definitely didn’t help. I really had to push hard to make sure my ideas were not being undermined, but actually listened to. It’s a very male-dominated sector so as a woman you have to bring yourself to think like a man, be able to do all the physical and mental jobs they can do in order to have a smooth working relationship. Another challenge that needs political navigation is that the cultural scene can be very much of a clique scene at times. This can mean that collaborating with on one project, might mean you are not able to be involved in another. That is one of the main reasons why I became an independent curator as I’d like to focus on the work instead of potential conflict of interests. I believe that sooner or later, every challenge can be overcome. You can start by educating yourself, trying to surround yourself with the right people who believe in your goals. And, at times you have to be ready to compromise while staying passionate. plus let your work speak more for you. I am lucky I earned my respect in the industry and for that am still very thankful to many artists and people that still believe and believed I could do more than I was doing. You recently curated the Kigali Photo Fest. How did you decide what to include in the exhibition? Kigali Photo Fest has a vision and mission that really resonated with me. It’s about celebrating Africa’s diversity through photography as a medium of art. The theme of the first edition was ‘In search of relevance – locality and remediation’ – which is about sharing and navigating ideas of identity, memory, experience, intimacy, presence, and connection, in order to co-opt a narrative through a selection of subject matter and presentation. They present a historically, socially significant moment and can frame the conversation around those moments, therefore, it wasn’t so difficult to include. We approached artists with the vision and the theme of the festival and many responded positively. It is a special project that hopes to include many African photographers and teach photography as a medium of art to earn its respect, to start looking for new audiences and to mostly tell stories about other places in Africa that one might not be able to visit but have an idea
What went down at the #IAMORIGINAL Boss Brunch & Panel – Johannesburg
Curated within the beautiful landscape of Jozi on a peaceful Sunday, She Leads Africa in partnership with The Cut Life and Originals by Africa’s Best held a Boss Brunch and panel with the finest Motherland Mogul influencers of Africa. The location was a hidden oasis of tranquility, The Gabriela’s Tea Room, perfect for some girl chat, champagne was flowing, the crowd was buzzing. What a beautiful Sunday. In the era of feminism and self-love, you do find some false prophets that don’t live up to their campaign inside as loudly as they may be online. What was important about the #IAMORIGINAL panel and brunch was that it focused on the challenges black women struggle through. The theme that stood out from the event was the need for women to back each other up and actually mean it. For the older and younger generation to join minds and create solutions for the Motherland Moguls that follow. The event kicked off with a warm welcome from the bubbly Shanon Stanislaus of Originals by Africa’s Best. She spoke about the benefits of their new Coconut Creme range that has nutrition rich formulas, helping your natural hair with the foundation its needs for hair goals. I tried some of the samples from the gift bag and I am sold on the products, which are available from Clicks nationwide or through The Originals by Africa’s best website. We then proceeded into an hour-long networking bingo session, that had our Influencers and Motherland Moguls buzzing through the room, the energy was so lively- It felt like the best girl chat session I’ve been to in ages. We held bingo cards that had questions such as “Who in the room has three pets, Who is an only child”. These were great ice breakers, especially for an introvert like myself. Back to our tables, we were served incredible dishes by The Gabriela’s Tea Room patrons, everything delicious and mouthwatering. This amazing panel was moderated by Tahira Joy of The Cut Life joined by Shanon Stanislaus (Originals by Africa’s Best), Enhle Mbali (Actress), Azania Mosaka (Broadcaster) and Jamelia Donaldson (Founder of Treasure Tress). They spoke on self-care and beauty, ways to effectively run your business and respect yourself and values in the process. We all got a few tips on how to reach your next Boss level in entrepreneurship through their stories, lessons and best practices. Azania Mosaka dropped so many nuggets that had all the women in agreement throughout. In the entertainment industry women are made to choose to get ahead either giving their bodies or having to dumb down their intellect so at to seem less of a threat to colleagues. As shocking as it may sound, these are challenges most women are still overcoming. A recurring theme throughout the Boss brunch and panel was how women need to remain educated and curious in our endeavors and not forgetting the people we build our dreams with. “If you’re starting your race, be invaluable to your team.” – Shanon Stanislaus.. There’s only so much you can do as an individual, once you realize your expertise is invaluable, the impossible is just as attainable as anything. We truly are better together. On the theme of staying curious in what your interests are, Jamelia Donaldson of Treasure Tress stated… “ You don’t know what you want to do until you’ve tried it all”. This tied in so well with the events hashtag of the day #IAMORIGINAL, when you apply yourself and work on what your secret sauce is, what do you really have to lose ? All in all, this was an event, unlike any other networking event I have been to, which is saying a lot as I have been to a ton of networking sessions and gone home feeling as though I barely received much value from the speakers. It could be just how intimate the brunch was or the fact that everyone left their egos at the door and simply wanted to celebrate each other. I have nothing but praise for what these women aimed to share through the event and I believe that we can all learn from them. As Motherland Moguls we are constantly inspiring those around us, we may not realize it a lot of the times, the best thing we can do is live an intention-driven life in our goals, decisions, and actions. Work within the passion and not ego, power or status. I’m definitely looking forward to more events from these powerhouses. Sponsored Post.
Why Every Nigerian Girl Should March
We March so that the girls who come after us can walk freely, and run without being chased. If 2018 was a chapter in a history book, it could be titled The Year of Female Activism, and aptly so. The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements raised awareness on sexual harassment in workplaces for women worldwide. 2019 was the year of Serena and the catsuit, and the Women’s March Anniversary. It was the year that women in Saudi Arabia were legally allowed to drive, and even closer to home. It was the year Ethiopia and Rwanda and South Africa both named their first 50% female cabinets. ‘Good things arrive in multiples’, just as movements worldwide were being transformed from ideas to action. In Nigeria, on the 20th of October 2018, @MarketMarch opened a twitter account, and its first tweet – …sounded like something straight out of a UN document. The Twitter account – a creation of Brand identity designer Damilola Marcus, immediately blew up, receiving massive support from popular activists on social media, celebrities, and regular citizens who could either relate or at the very least understand why the Market March needed to happen. It also received support from groups like YALI, Whole Woman Network, andseveral media houses. Marcus, when interviewed previously, stated that her prior attempts to galvanize action from law enforcement officials on sexual harassment in markets, were met with the reply: It was not a ‘common problem’. Going to the Market in Nigeria is sometimes a war. Your armor is comfortable footwear (for ease of movement), covered up clothes, (to avoid sweaty fingers) and if you’re a woman, definitely no short skirts, unless you have a ‘strong mind’. Purchasers are often dragged, and upon resistance, insulted with sentences often chock full of sexual innuendo. And yet, it is not uncommon to find the traders leading a protest to our protest. The first #MarketMarch took place in December 2018 at Yaba Market, Lagos. Marchers then, just like us, were called prostitutes and lesbians. Just like us, they were injured, manhandled, heckled, thrown at, cursed at, for protesting the rights of female to walk unobtrusively in a public place. Public transport in Enugu Nigeria requires fortitude. A journey time of 30 minutes is easily tripled once you factor in wait time in bus parks, constant stops, and roundabout journeys. Nevertheless, I and three of my friends set out on a journey from Agbani -which for all intents and purposes is on the outskirts of Enugu- to Ogbete Market to participate in the Market March on Saturday the 23rd March 2019. With approximately 40 marchers, male and Female, indigenes and visitors, united by a common cause. On my first trip to Ogbete, the tour guide proudly informed me that it is the biggest market in the State, abundant in all, and lacking in nothing – a shoppers haven. The market march reached its climax at the clothes section of the market, populated by predominantly male vendors. One man called us Lesbians, and others then pitched in to deliver a fervor- filled ‘Holy-Ghost fire!’. Repeatedly. All the while making lewd remarks at us. In some other quarters of the market, we faced passive aggression. A man stroking the arm of a marcher holding a big ‘No Touching’ sign, all the while looking her directly in the eye, smug smile intact. Or a wheelbarrow pusher deliberately and quickly driving his machine through our midst. But it wasn’t only the men. A woman queried us softly in Igbo ‘Are we not human beings too? Why should we not touch you?’ and another, still in Igbo lowly snarled ‘You should tell the girls to dress better when they are coming to the market’ But it was not all negative. We received thumbs-up signs from some female traders, quiet nods from the male vendors, and the occasional ‘Well done’ or ‘Yes!’ Some, in solidarity, chanted back at us ‘Nwanyi bu Ife’ or ‘Nwanyi Bu ike’ which in its simplest translation means ‘women matter’. The market leaders, predominantly men, wore our shirts and marched with us. They led chants and spoke with the traders at different parts of the market, as they guided us to open spaces where we could address crowds. They largely acted as chaperones. On three different occasions, when the chants at the Market March turned rhythmic, the market women danced with us. It is not often that ‘twitter activism’ results in real-world action, and yet, the March has defied all rules to become a national movement. Testimonies from the first March at Yaba started pouring in almost immediately after. Too many to name, they all echoed the same sentiment: The March had changed something. My fellow Marchers were not particularly special people. We were University Students, traders, women’s rights activists, and white collar workers. Some of us did not speak Igbo, but we learned the chants to perfection on that day. We were united by sweat and a common purpose. In Nigeria today, marching is more than a sport. We March so that the girls who come after us can walk freely, and run without being chased.
Colleen Higgs: Digital publishing has brought new opportunities for publishers
Colleen Higgs started Modjaji Books in 2007 as an independent feminist press that publishes southern African women’s fiction, poetry, and biographies. She felt African women deserved to tell their stories on an authentic and conscientious platform. Many Modjaji book titles have gone on to win numerous prestigious literary awards both locally and internationally. In this article, Colleen Higgs talks about her work and what it takes to be a feminist publisher. What are the top three things someone needs to consider before opening a publishing business? Do you have enough starting capital? Publishing requires money up front and it takes time to earn that money back. Think carefully about why you are doing it. After many years of publishing, you might find it tough to deal with all the many demands made of you, the lack of appreciation for what you have done for writers and how little money you make from doing the work. What is your focus going to be? It is good to have a very particular focus, it will help you to find an audience and to make decisions about what to publish. Tell us about your work as an independent publisher. Being a writer I understood what it was like to want to get published and the inflation and deflation of the relationship with a publisher. It didn’t prepare me for all the work that it takes though, the ongoing attention to the big picture and to detail that the publisher has to manage. Publishers do a vast number of things. You don’t just read through submissions and select books to publish. There is a huge amount of admin. You work out a vision and focus for your company and keep a firm eye on the money and cash flow. You must constantly maintain relationships with all the people you work with: printers, writers, editors, illustrators, artists, proof-readers, shareholders, accountant, book-keeper, bookstore owners and employees not to mention participating in book fairs and doing interviews! Why was it important to open Modjaji Books as a ‘feminist’ print? Modjaji fills a gap by providing an outlet for writing by women that takes itself and its readers seriously. Having lived through and enacted publishing only women, I became aware of how this has been a deeply political act. When you think about the way publishing is owned, media is owned, who gets to make the decisions, and how women are represented, here and internationally it just made sense. Women do have a different experience of the world – not just because they are women, but because of the way power is structured and filtered. I had experienced my own writing not being taken seriously because it is too ‘confessional’. I wanted to make a way that other women could be published where a set of values and perceptions that were not patriarchal and were not centered in the “Dead, White, Male canon” would make the decisions about what should be published. Many of your authors have been nominated to win prestigious literary awards. How do you feel about this? Modjaji has been lucky enough to publish the work of very talented writers. I like to think it is also because we have done a good job of editing the manuscripts and because of how the company is positioned and how we have framed and spotlighted particular works. We have published a lot of debuts short stories and poetry collections, many of these have won prizes, and yet they are books that most commercial publishers would not touch. How has society changed by reading your published books on infertility, stillbirth, homosexuality, etc. I have seen how these books have added to a growing discourse on topics that were taboo or not in the mainstream but now have a more prominent place. I’m proud to have had Modjaji Books be at the cutting edge of this kind of publishing here in South Africa. Haven run Modjaji for twelve years, have you faced any challenges running an African press? Yes, there are challenges, we are not supported by government policies that help us to grow and increase our sales. Recently the SA Book Development Council funded our participation in the SA Book Fair. I don’t think this goes far enough. I think there needs to be an active policy of buying local books for libraries. If we as independent South African publishers knew that even as few as 500 of our really good titles would be bought by the library system, it would make it all much more viable. Trade routes and avenues of distribution into other African countries are not nearly as strong as are those to Europe and the US. It would be great to see work on this taking place at a national level Publishing is a very expensive industry. As a publishing brand, how do you approach your need for commercial success? I have to confess I have not focused too much on commercial success! I thought that if I published something that needed to be heard it would be commercially successful. This has not been the case. I have tried to publish books and voices I have loved. With the increase of digital books, self publishing, and rumors of the “death of print”, how do you plan on staying relevant in the industry? If one continues to publish books that are well written, powerful and have a clear voice, a particular story, we as publishers will remain relevant in my opinion. It is important not to get stuck in a particular mind set and to be open to new technology and to new voices and perspectives. Having said that, there have been many changes in the last 12 years. Social media has become a force for publishing books, and for writers to connect with each other. Digital publishing has brought new opportunities for publishers. Self-publishing has its place, but there is still a great deal of room for publishers to work
How Black Millennials are Moving to the Organic Lifestyle
Kinky hair, coarse hair tied up in a bun, and natural hair that can be styled into endless patterns to rock those Ankara outfits are not just great, they look fabulous. All over the world black women are reclaiming their roots and redefining what it means to be beautiful. This generation of young black women is demanding a wider variety standard of beauty. We are letting the world know – “we get to be our own beauty standard, not someone else.” We can all remember a time in our lives where our hair had to be dragged and stretched after our hair strands have been deconstructed by relaxers. Now, organic hair is the standard, and this shows that we can decide what’s cool and what’s not. The millennial generation is a unique one, we are not just absent-mindedly taking in everything given to us by the media. We want to make an impact, and we are doing it in many ways, one of those ways is switching over to a more organic lifestyle, and here’s how we do it: The Water Challenge – The Life Challenge In an effort to drink more water, we bring to you the water challenge. Here’s what we do. For a chosen amount of days, (usually a month) we pledge to take just water or to take a stipulated amount each day. We ditch our favorite drinks, soda, release ourselves from the addiction of carbonated drinks and we like, okay, for this time, for just this stipulated amount of time we would take just water. It’s usually great to do pair up with a boss lady like you, what gets to remind you daily, have you drank your glass of water. Before you go buying tons of products and organics, flush out toxins in your system with water and watch that skin glow and pop. What’s fashion if we destroy the earth in the process? Can clothes be fashionable and sustainable? Can clothes save the world, or change the way we do things? Is it possible that a piece of item we wear can be made from materials that are renewable and do not take from our natural resources but give back? There’s a word for that, it’s called Eco-fashion. According to Stepin.org, Eco-fashion is about making clothes that take into account the environment, the health of consumers and the working conditions of people in the fashion industry. Young people are choosing to build businesses that promote ethical fashion and balances the impact of an industry that does not harm the earth. No plastics please, we’d rather save the earth More than 8 million tons of plastic is dumped into our oceans every year. How this is our problem? Plastics take thousands of years to decay, as these plastics particle break down, they are able to get into fishes and wildlife we eventually eat. Direct toxicity from plastics comes from lead, cadmium, and mercury which are overly dangerous to our health. A friend of mine arrived in a Tanzanian Airport and was shocked that she couldn’t get through with her plastic cups, all over the world, the government is tightening the entry of plastics in its borders and businesses are doing the same. Every action no matter how small can save us from the plastic tragedy. Here are a few habits that are fun and chic… We have our fun straw bendable straws We bring our bags from home when shopping, yes we are that cool Organic wraps instead of plastic bags, cool. Choose natural, one product at a time From natural hair care products to natural beauty products, we switching up those alternatives. The African beauty care industry is a billion-dollar industry and black women are beginning to take a fair slice of that pie. Beauty products made by black women for black women are emerging into the markets, they are not just a great way to support a MotherLand mogul in your community, they are better alternatives to the paraben filled products in the market. A beauty blogger, Sike Gbana reviews great products for skin and hair. You’d find a list of beauty entrepreneurs on our blog, which we have gone through the pains of listing out for you. Know what materials your products are made of And if it came from illegal poaching or through the effort of child labor, we don’t want any of that, we have our ears and eyes open and on the lookout for businesses who not only have great products but possess a good ethical standard to back it up. If you’re on the other side, are you thinking of making a switch? How can we support businesses and entrepreneurs who are daring to create a healthy trend? What ways are you switching your glow up? Is there a business in your community you know that is all about living an organic lifestyle? We want to hear from you. Give us a shout out on social media.
How to rock these 5 Corporate Styles effortlessly
At the concluded MET Gala, head swooped and ears buzzed, we saw fashion statement from the future, from Queen mother Serena Williams’ magnificent dress, to Tracy Ellis Ross’ – Mirror in the wall black emblem. We are trying to not mention Cardi’s overflowing regalia and Lupita Nyong’o statement headgear. Nonetheless, Zendaya was the star of the ball or MET rather. She came dressed in an outfit that lit up from a wave of a magic wand. With her very own fairy Godmother or father. Wouldn’t it be great if we all had fairy godmothers that would wave a wand at our swarthy wardrobes and Gbam, we are all glammed up. While we are still waiting for a fairy godmother/Wakanda father, we put together a number of ideas and ways you can switch up. Let’s take a more practical approach to our wardrobe. These makeover and outfit ideas are for that goal-getter who knows she can slay and deliver at the same time and is doing just that, while she might be able to stretch her budget. This boss lady wants to be in the know of fashion trend, she wants to be creative and classic, turning both eyes and heads at the meeting, for her we’ve set up an array of methods to switch that glam up We don’t leave the entrepreneur out, she’s making boss moves, she’s running from an event venue to meeting with her clients. She wants to make sure everything works well for her small business, and she wants to look like she means business to clients. She can’t bust a thousand box on clothes. What ways can she creatively switch up the narrative off her wardrobe from “please-help-this-newbie-entrepreneur” to “here’s -why-you-should-invest-in-my-business entrepreneur”. The Statement Stiletto A stiletto can transform your look from plain to classic. First, it elevates your status, gives you more moral to look people in the eye, and a statement stiletto draws eyes from your heels all the way up to your face. A statement stiletto can be stylish while remaining formal. They usually stand out in just one color. A bright red is an all-time favorite, a neon green will go too. Whatever you choose, make sure to pair them off with soft brown colors and power glasses. Make a statement without saying a word The Formal Ankara What better way to stand out than in an all in one Ankara print pants or skirts. While you rep the Wakanda nation. you bring with you that extra sauce and excitement that is otherwise drab in a suit and tie setting. Note: Ankara prints can get busy so it’s best to pair them off with single color, mainly white or black and minimal accessories. The Stylish Joggers Whoever told you pants can’t be stylish lied to you. There are days when a Motherland Mogul has to be on her feet, moving around to keep things in check, trying to meet up and staying all late to make orders move in the next morning. This is certainly no time to do a catwalk. When you really need that flexibility jump in from one car to another, a jogger’s gat you baby girl. It’s light, free and flexible, allowing you to be comfortable all day long. Paired with a jacket you can quickly make the switch from entrepreneur to the boss lady The Classic Pants Pastel pants come in all shapes and colors. Single-colored pastel pants bearing softer shades like woody brown or pastel pink are great together. Layering a turtle neck tee shirt or a tank top underneath the statement jackets makes your outfit pop. It’s easy, soft and comfortable and you can always switch from feeling classic in a jacket to party style in a tee-shirt styled into a crop top to fit at a party. However you choose to wear it, this outfit works for different occasions. The Multipurpose Jacket A bright colored jacket Is a must for any wardrobe. There’s barely anything you can’t rock with it. A bright colored jacket can be worn on a little black dress, a dinner gown, or even with a corporate dress. You can pair it up with a tee-shirt and you make a unique fashion statement. And if you dare, mix it up with sneakers or all stars. Now you have it, survey your wardrobe to find combinations that work. Here are 3 tips to help you recreate a new wardrobe in a week. Ransack your wardrobe, you would probably find a statement piece you didn’t know what to do with or a jacket you forgot from a long time ago, now is the time to bring out the slayer in you. Pair each outfit by color and accessories them. Next, you’d want to take photos of each outfit you think cuts the mark, scan through your Mirror, Mirror on the wall, and select the dopest of them all. Here are a few online thrift stores you can get clothing from, all of which can be found in Mall of Africa. Zara Boho Pretty Little things Budget shopping Fashionaova All outfits and dresses in this article can be found at StyleAmira’s fashion and lifestyle page. You can also find them on the gram. Till next time, let us slay together.
10 MUST HAVE ITEMS FOR A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL’S CLOSET
In 2016 I moved back to my home country, Sierra Leone. Yes, sis— that tiny country on the coast of West Africa, no one knows much about. Sierra Leone has a population of approximately 7 million people, we have government institutions, a growing and healthy private sector dominated by the mining, agriculture, hospitality, and the FMCG industry— as well as a large NGO presence. With a range of middle-management and administrative job options so close, yet so far out of the reach of Sierra Leoneans. None-the-less I was determined to learn the political, economic and social landscape of the country, work for NGO’s whose mission statements I believe in, and start my own business! The only problem was that, at my big age of 24, I had no young professional wear! I was coming out of a two-year job in a tech start-up where we wore jeans to work every day. I quickly learned that to go on job interviews, or meetings with potential investors and clients for my own start-up, I needed affordable yet good quality business casual items in my closet. Below I will share with you my the top 10 items that saved my interview and client meetings game for two years of freelance consulting and building a start-up. Illustrating each item is the fabulous and unparalleled stylings by Fatouma Haidara, also known on the gram as @the_fashionartist_. 1. The high-waisted paper bag trouser A good quality high-wasted trouser in black or dark/navy blue goes with almost every professional shirt and even casual shirts. This piece changes any outfit from the casual to – “I’m fresh out of an important meeting” look. The tip here is that it cannot be a tight fit or fitted trouser. The slightly loose wear allows you to run around flexible all day from meeting to meeting as most bosses do. 2. The cotton poplin shirt Every woman needs this in every color! Start with the basic office blue and work your way from grey to every color under the sun! Even a basic office blue with different patterns like stripes and polka dots works. You can collect these over time. But if you find a store where they’re on sale, stock up! 3. The flounced/satin/silk blouse There are a million and one materials, cuts, colors, and designs to buy this in. Essentially, what’s great here is that its a stylish yet comfortable shirt that can be worn with many different kinds of bottoms while maintaining a professional/work-based air about your outfit. 4. The black ballet shoe Practical, comfortable and transferable! This is best for work when fully covered (no peep toes— most offices and interview spaces have either a written or non-explicit policy against this anyway). It is best to get this shoe in good quality leather (or good enough quality) so that it lasts long. I had an all-black one from Aldo with an alligator texture and a small gold zipper in the back, and it lasted me 3 years of daily wear! 5. Closed-toe low-heeled pumps Neutral colors like black, beige and nude are a good place to start. This has the same appeal as the black ballet shoe, however, I recommend having at least one or two of these because some offices require them for meetings. I find pumps most essential for networking events and conferences, they add an extra layer to my self-esteem for some reason. 6. The non-fitted high-waisted knee-length (or below) pencil skirt Yes oh, this one is mad specific because I find that if just one part of it is off, it doesn’t hold the professional gaze that I’m going for. Pairing this with any kind of top or a classic round neck jewelry piece is a quick and easy young professional look for your more relaxed days. 7. The blazer You may not work at a bank or in a law firm— but trust me, a blazer always comes in handy one day or another! 8. The Longchamps Pliage This one is a bit of a splurge and a luxury I know! But if you have something similar then go for it! What you truly need here is a black medium to a large sized handbag that is light even before you fill it with your planner, your lunch and your laptop! Carrying bags all day can be heavy, you want something easy on the shoulders. The pliage is also waterproof for those Harmattan/rainy season days. But if you don’t have access to one, then any good leather bag should do. Black is a practical color because it goes with every outfit. 9. The Pleated Skirt I could go on and on, but the skirt speaks for itself. This is my favorite piece for a work presentation, networking events and lazy days when I don’t want to be confined by more fitted clothing. It’s such an elegant piece, without even trying. 10. Your business card You know how they say “you’re never fully dressed without a smile”? Well for a young professional— you’re never fully dressed without your card! Not only does it allow potential employers to easily contact you but it’s a great avenue to use to ask people for their own business card in exchange for yours— so that you can send that follow up email and call later! Haidara is the Malian founder and CEO of the interior design firm Haii Designs and her work can be found on Instagram at – @haiidesigns_interior. In all aspects, Haii Designs, blends the traditional and modern birthing innovative and “never seen before” designs. Along with her clean, modern, and lively spatial designs, I have long been drawn to Haidara’s grown and #BossLady fashions! If you’re looking to purchase your next office ruling inspiration piece and jewellery after this article, explore tribia-by-hd.afrikea.com or @tribia.by.hd on Instagram.
The Importance of a ‘Capsule Wardrobe’ and Tips on How to Build One
Do you always find yourself shopping for clothes and shoes that you never wear? Or you have clothes in your wardrobe that you have not worn in over a year? It may be time to declutter your wardrobe. One of the benefits of the minimalistic trend has been the adoption of a capsule wardrobe. The term “Capsule Wardrobe” was coined by a London Boutique owner, Susie Fox, who owned a boutique called “Wardrobe” in the seventies. If you are wondering if a capsule wardrobe is a right decision for you, here are a few reasons to consider: You are looking to revamp your style Your style changes with the different seasons in your life such as school, work, college parties vs. the networking cocktail events and you may, therefore, find that your current outfits do not fit your current season in life. It is important to always evaluate your fashion needs with your current situation for example when it is time to get the classic LBD/LWD in exchange for the shorts that were your party outfits in your college days. As you are maneuvering this new season, keep your purchases to a minimum in order for you to identify which style works for you best. You want to save money you spend on shopping If you are an impulsive shopper and you always find yourself shopping outfits that never seem to fit into your current wardrobe – It may be time to consider scaling down on your wardrobe and your shopping. The best part about scaling down on your wardrobe as an impulsive shopper is that you will control your spending habits and that will help you save on that extra coin. The beauty of a capsule wardrobe is that you will get a clear picture of what your style is and it is, therefore, easier to shop with your style in mind. You want to reduce on the amount of time you spend picking out an outfit Whether you are dressing for work, a date, a cocktail party or any other event, you want to minimize the amount of time that you take to dress. The lesser the pieces in your wardrobe, the lesser the time that you will spend choosing an outfit. The essence of a capsule wardrobe is in adopting the pieces in your current wardrobe that you love to wear and that you feel great in. These pieces are your staples for what would ideally be considered a season (3 months) after which you switch them up as the season changes. If you come from a tropical area, then your wardrobe will change depending on whether the season is rainy or sunny. Tips to building on your wardrobe for each season: Go through your closet and pick the pieces that you frequently wear There are the basic pieces in your wardrobe that you love wearing and feel great in which are the pieces that will be your first choices. These will include; outerwear which will depend on the season, bottoms such as jeans, skirts and shorts, tops and shoes. Create a base for your wardrobe and build on your pieces This will be in the form of the classic white and grey tees, button-down shirts, dark colored pants, classic pencil skirts. The base that you choose mainly depends on your lifestyle and your day-to-day activities. The pieces that you pick to build on your wardrobe will be determined by the base that you choose for your base. When shopping, consider purchasing statement pieces that transcend “fashion” and can be incorporated into many outfits A capsule wardrobe is one that is meant to minimize your clothes into a small collection therefore when shopping ensure that you get classic pieces that transcend style seasons. Your best bet is to switch up on your outerwear and shoes while maintaining the basic pieces.
The Afropole Presents The Wax Print Festival Ghana: June 14 – 16
What does it mean to Build Black Globally? The Afropole, founded by Amma Aboagye has got answers. Amma believes that as the continent’s influence is experienced worldwide through food, music, and fashion, it is no surprise that various sects of blackness such as Africans, Caribbeans, Afro-Latinos, African Americans, Afropeans share similarities. With the objective of addressing market inefficiencies, The Afropole is a brokerage that connects African and Afrodiasporan businesses within the food, beauty, and creative industries. Through events, communications, merchandise, and business advisory, The Afropole aims to build trust and community, develop resources and enrich value chains to Build Black Globally. It has now become more obvious to tap into said similarities and likeness and celebrate our differences while encouraging unity through shared economics. About the Wax Print Festival… The Afropole’s Wax Print Festival is an event that provides an opportunity to showcase the creativity of African and Afrodiasporan businesses across the textile value chain in order to build those connections. The Wax Print Festival showcases all of the elements that The Afropole believes can Build Black Globally. With the recent controversy with Christian Dior, it is reaching a point where Africans and Afrodiasporans are unable to claim ownership or worse still claim inspiration about their own wax print industry: there is a continued surge of big brand names claiming ownership through trademark legalities. African or African-inspired textiles have key attributes that reflect our identity, heritage, ancestry, and dynamic cultures thereby making it hard to pass off these textiles as someone else’s. As it happens, there is an ongoing conversation about wax print that has people asking: Is Wax Print African? Through the Wax Print Festival, we hope to unpack prejudice and uncertainty about the topic, create informative experiences, and encourage new opinions about Wax Print and African textiles overall, in order to foster ownership and coordination in the industry. What to expect… Attendees of the festival should leave the event with informed answers to the aforementioned question that will spur them to take decisive actions to develop and innovate within the local textile space. The Wax Print Festival will be a three-day, cashless event powered by over 30 partnerships meant to add range and texture to the authentic African and Afrodiasporan experience attendees will have. This includes giveaways and other fun activities leading up to the event days. The festival will also feature the following: Exhibitions divided into four bits dubbed, The Past, The Present, Intersections, and The Future. Live demos on kente weaving, batiking and bead making The best food and other vendors across the region within the marketplace Music concerts each night Film The Quick Stitch Station which will be a fashion design kiosk where attendees can have clothing made from a menu within the duration of the time spent on the grounds Open Spaces described as good-natured conversations done in “un-panel style” about the African wax print industry. All this excitement is happening within the milieu of containers that make the artistic setting of The Untamed Empire. It will make its mark as part of the official “ Year of the Return” celebrations being promoted by Ghana Tourism Authority under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and is an opportunity for diasporans to also engage in this meaningful work. The Wax Print Festival will be a positive step and mark made towards Building Black Globally. Need Tickets??? The Wax Print Festival tickets are categorized into three types: Daily tickets, All Access tickets, and VIP All Access tickets. To purchase your early bird tickets please visit Egotickets or Wax Print Fest websites. Get 15% off your ticket purchase to the Wax Print Fest – using our discount code WPFSLA. The SLA team will be at the Wax Print Fest, so ensure to get your tickets now to save big. See you there. Whether the wax print is African or African-Inspired, The Afropole’s Wax Print Festival is an event for Ghanaians, Africans and Afrodiasporans alike to claim and celebrate what African textiles mean for us culturally and economically.
Memoirs from the Forbes Africa Leading Women Summit 2019 – dedicated to women by women
Getting an email that I have been invited to attend the prestigious Forbes Africa Leading Women summit on International Women’s day was everything I hoped for in 2019. I had to make sure that I made the relevant arrangements to ensure that I was a part of this. Forbes Women Africa hosted their 4th edition of their Leading Women Summit in Durban Kwa-Zulu Natal, and the event theme was – New Wealth Creators: the female entrepreneurs who are making a profit from unconventional ideas and industries. In addition to this, these phenomenal women are those who have created an impact in their various spaces by transforming a market or company, or innovating a product or service and are pioneering their organization(s) in generating new untapped streams of income. The nominees will have achieved positive financial results, have adopted sustainable development initiatives, increased shareholder value, created jobs, and have sound management and corporate governance, together with a set of values such as integrity, vision, and leadership. The idea of a new wealth creator, as described by Forbes Women Africa includes emerging industries that are disrupting the global landscape. What was this year’s summit about? The Forbes Africa Women Leading Women Summit 2019 took place on International Women’s Day (Friday, 08 March) at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and hosted around 500 influential women across the continent. Having been selected to attend last year’s summit with only 120 women at the Hyatt Regency in Rosebank, I was blown away by the platform provided by Forbes Women Africa. I was at an event dedicated to women by women and was taken aback by the caliber of women I got to interact with. Women such as Prof Thuli Madonsela, Vivian Onano, Rolene Strauss and other phenomenal women across various industries. This year, the summit brought together women that are disrupting their industries and introduced them to their first ever Forbes Women Awards. It also celebrated a collection of female entrepreneurs on the African continent running businesses and social enterprises that are new, radical and making an impact on the economy. Women from different industries and sectors and those who are changing the African business and societal landscape. The Keynote speaker was none other than supermodel & activist Naomi Campbell, who believes that Africa is one of the leading continents in the world. “Africa means a lot to me, and right now I feel that it is a time where in my industry that this continent is recognised by the fashion industry in having their footprint here” – Naomi Campbell I totally agree with her and believe that many industries feel the same. Africa is growing and it is indeed where organizations, people and economies should be investing in. My experience at the summit My mentor, Vivian Onano was attending the summit too and we were both taken away by the presence that filled Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. From women in government, CEO’s from various sectors, women in sport, fashion and television, it was a day worth celebrating. There were great women across the African continent spoke at the event including Linda Ikeji, Simidele Adeagbo, Noëlla Coursaris Musunka, Gugulethu Mfuphi, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and more. The day ended with the Forbes Africa Women Leading Summit Gala Dinner & Awards where remarkable women on the continent who have made significant strides to only change their industry but shape perception of Women across a variety of sectors we recognized, such as Sho Madjozi, Discovery Vitality Ambassador Caster Semenya, Arlene Mulder, and other phenomenal women, full list available here My Takeaways Being a woman in Africa who’s passion lies in women development and empowerment, this summit was the best experience ever. I am committed to being involved in initiatives like this that are dedicated to women in Africa and abroad. It was such a thrilling experience meeting phenomenal women, making life-long connections and being able to be in an environment that celebrates and puts women who are doing such great work in the spotlight. I strongly believe that more organizations should be involved in such initiatives, looking at where women are going, the impact women are having on their networks, communities, industries and the world. Watch the full video here.