Practical Ways To Turn Your Dream Into A Reality

Practical Ways To Turn Your Dream Into A Reality

As we step into a new year, envisioning your most remarkable achievements is just the beginning. This is the year to dream big and turn those aspirations into tangible success. Join me on a journey of inspiration and actionable steps as I dive into practical ways to turn your dream into a reality.

1. Envision Your Success

Take a moment to imagine where you want to be in the new year. What does success mean to you? The clearer your picture, the more powerful it becomes. Let it inspire you, and use it as a roadmap for your journey ahead. Visualizing your success isn’t just dreaming; it’s the first step in turning your ambitions into reality.

 8 Practical Ways To Turn Your Dream Into A Reality

 

2. Set Realistic Goals

Now that you’ve imagined where you want to be in the new year, let’s break it down into achievable goals, taking it one step at a time. small victories that pave the way to your big wins. It also helps create a pathway where progress is not just visible but also deeply satisfying. And you can acknowledge that every small step brings you closer to the grand achievement you’ve envisioned for the year.

 8 Practical Ways To Turn Your Dream Into A Reality

3. Stay Inspired

Keep things positive around you. Seek inspiration. Connect with people who share your goals. Make a habit of boosting your enthusiasm every day. It’s like adding fuel to the fire of your passion. Remember, staying inspired isn’t just a choice; it’s a promise to keep the excitement alive on your journey to success in 2024.

8 Practical Ways To Turn Your Dream Into A Reality

 

4. Take Bold Actions

Dreams come alive through action. It’s not just about dreaming; it’s about doing! Embrace challenges as opportunities, step out of your comfort zone, and make things happen. Each bold move is a step closer to turning your aspirations into reality. Remember, the journey to success in 2024 is not just about wishing; it’s about taking confident strides, confronting challenges with courage, and turning your vision into tangible achievements.

 8 Practical Ways To Turn Your Aspiration Into A Reality

5. Celebrate Progress

Take a moment to recognize and celebrate every step forward on your journey. Whether big or small, progress is a reason to rejoice. These moments remind you of the distance you’ve covered. 

Celebrating progress isn’t just about the destination; it’s about appreciating the effort you’ve put in and the growth you’ve achieved.

So, as you navigate toward your success in the new year, make it a habit to pause, acknowledge your advancements, and let the joy of progress fuel your motivation for the road ahead.

 8 Practical Ways To Turn Your Dream Into A Reality

 

I hope you are now ready to embark on this exciting journey of envisioning and by now you have learned the Practical ways to turn your dream into a reality this year.

Cheers to your dreams, your journey, and the incredible successes that await!

5 Reasons Why You Should Choose African Fashion

In the dynamic world of fashion, diversity, and uniqueness are the keys to making a statement. Africa, with its rich combination of cultures and traditions, has always been a source of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Bellafricana Marketplace is a platform that celebrates and showcases the vibrant, authentic, and creatively diverse world of African fashion. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the heart of African fashion and introduce you to the incredible offerings of Bellafricana Marketplace.

The Essence of African Fashion

African fashion is not just clothing; it’s a story, a reflection of heritage, and a celebration of identity. It combines tradition with modernity, resulting in a unique blend of colors, patterns, and designs that captivate the world. Bellafricana Marketplace is at the forefront of this fashion revolution, promoting African fashion that speaks to the soul.

Heritage and Tradition

African fashion is deeply rooted in the diverse cultures and traditions of the continent. From the intricate beadwork of the Maasai people to the vibrant kente cloth of West Africa, each piece tells a story. Bellafricana Marketplace honors these traditions by offering a curated selection of fashion items that embrace Africa’s rich heritage.

Unique Craftsmanship

One of the hallmarks of African fashion is its unique craftsmanship. Creatives across the continent pour their heart and soul into every piece they create. Bellafricana Marketplace connects you with these skilled craftsmen, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each item, whether it’s a handwoven accessory, handbag, or beautifully tailored Ankara dress.

Sustainability

Sustainability is an integral part of Bellafricana’s ethos. Many of the products featured on the marketplace are crafted using eco-friendly and locally sourced materials. By supporting African fashion, you not only embrace unique styles but also contribute to sustainable fashion practices that prioritize the environment and local communities.

Exploring Bellafricana Marketplace

Bellafricana Marketplace is a treasure trove of African fashion and lifestyle products. Here’s a glimpse of what you can discover:

Fashion: From contemporary clothing to traditional attire, Bellafricana offers a wide range of fashion items that cater to every style preference. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for a special occasion or everyday wear, there’s something for everyone.

 

Accessories: Elevate your look with stunning African accessories such as beaded jewelry, leather bags, and headwraps. These accessories add a touch of African elegance to any outfit.

Home Decor: African fashion extends beyond clothing. Discover exquisite home decor items like handwoven baskets, Ankara-print cushions, and intricate pottery that bring African culture into your living space.

Beauty and Wellness: Explore natural skincare and beauty products made with indigenous African ingredients. These products not only enhance your beauty but also support local artisans and communities.

Conclusion

Bellafricana Marketplace is more than just a platform; it’s a celebration of African culture and creativity. It’s an invitation to embrace the essence of African fashion, where tradition meets modernity, and craftsmanship reigns supreme.

By choosing African fashion, you not only adorn yourself with unique and beautiful items but also become part of a global movement that values authenticity, sustainability, and cultural diversity. So, why not embark on a journey through Bellafricana’s virtual aisles and discover the magic of African fashion for yourself? Your wardrobe and your soul will thank you for it.

5 Elegant Handmade Decorations For The Home

Handmade ceramics by opulent ceramics on bellafricana marketplace

Home is where you feel safe to be yourself and where your heart is. Home should be a place where you can be at peace and feel warm and cuddled. We spend a lot of time at home and as a woman, home is our castle.

And the festive season is here again, you might likely be inviting your friends and well-wishers over for the season. Oh yeah, that’s what’s this celebration is for. But while having those guests around, you wouldn’t want your house looking like a complete mess. So I am going to showcase 5 insanely beautiful, handmade decorations for the home to light up your space.

1. Decorative Vase

These beautifully simple-shaped porcelain pieces are a lot of features to any space. It comes in different subtle colors, shapes and sizes. This will stun your guest as they look really appealing and elegant. Opulent ceramics never fails in curating aesthetically appealing ceramics. From teacups, flower vases, dinnerware, table decorations and lot more. Also, with its infusing of different hues, your effortlessly add taste and luxury to your space.

Handmade ceramics by opulent ceramics on bellafricana marketplace

2.Decorative Clay Pieces

When it comes to wellbeing, lifestyle and beauty. I chose to include this clay by Marienne craft, not because it’s only a decorative tool but because it is environmentally friendly and healthy too. clay by Marienne uses her craft to create adorning clay pieces that will serve as decorations for our hones, hygienically water bottles that contains alkaline that detoxifies the body and saves from germs.

clay by marienne products on bellafricana marketplace
3. Cup Holder

This beauty is a signature of Mitimeth Ng, this brand helps to transform waste into usable products using water hyacinth. Other than just producing table cup holders, its also uses fibers to make baskets, wall clocks, decorative pieces and even fashion pieces. When you let your home tell a story or create an emotion that brings out the aesthetics of such space. With Mitimeth, Versatility meets functionality in these carefully crafted coasters and caddy. Whether you are looking to add a touch of glamour to your table or wall decor, these one of a kind coasters are just what you need, nothing extra!

water hyacinth woven by mitimeth by bellafricana marketplace

4. Laundry Baskets

Yasmin crafts also makes use of fibers to create pleasantly looking home decorative pieces. This laundry basket will help the house look more interesting and less boring. It is time to get rid of that old looking cloth storing and adopt this contemporary storage. Yasmin craft uses her craft in creating usable baskets, nice interior items as well as dinning wares.

Laundry basket on by yasmin craft bellafricana marketplace

5. Pouffe

There’s nothing quite like putting your feet up after a long day of being out and about, and if your sofa isn’t quite big enough to stretch out on, a pouffe is an ideal fix for all your lounging needs. Not only does a plump pouffe prop your legs up, but it also acts as handy extra seating, a convenient side table, and a place for pets to sit, too. Plus, it’s an easy way to make your living room feel cozier in an instant. If you have a busy home, a pouffe with storage is also a great option if you want to keep soft furnishings tucked away when not in use. Talk about versatility. Grab your beautiful pouffe from Apoti of Lagos.

Boho square pouffee by Apoti of Lagos on Bellafricana marketplace

Conclusion

It’s the festive season, and it’s the time of the year where everyone gets together to celebrate, be merry and be grateful of what they have. We all love spending time with family and friends during the festive period, and in order to create a good ambience in your home, you can use some beautiful handmade decorations to make your home gorgeous and give a relaxed feel to your home. To order more handmade decorative items, click here.

 

 

5 elegant ways to style using accessories

bags by Ethnik Africa Utu on Bellafricana marketplace

Accessorising is an art that not everyone can master. It’s easy to add accessories to your clothes, but it’s a lot harder to do so without making it look like you have a lot of accessories. Don’t get me wrong – accessories are fun and they’re great to show off your personality, but only if you do so without looking like you’re trying too hard.

Here are 5 elegant ways to style using accessories without looking overdone.

  1. Add earrings to your style effortlessly

Accessorizing is all about adding those final touches that can really make an outfit pop. When it comes to styling with accessories, less is usually more. A few well-chosen pieces can really elevate your look, while too many can be overwhelming. One way to style with accessories is to choose one or two standout pieces and build your outfit around them. For example, if you have a great pair of earrings, you can let them be the star of the show by keeping the rest of your jewelry simple. Or if you have a fabulous statement necklace, you can wear it with a plain top or dress to really let it shine.

Another way to style with accessories is to use them to add a bit of personality to your look. If you tend to dress on the more conservative side, injecting a bit of fun with your accessories can really liven up your style. A pop of color or a funky pattern can really make an outfit more interesting. So don’t be afraid to experiment with your accessories and have fun with them!

Bracelet by kunmbi work on bellafricana marketplace

 2. Add to style your outfit with a bag to make your outfit pop

From bags to suits to shoes, accessories are the key to your outfit. And remember, you don’t need many accessories to be stylish. simple accessories are the best way to elevate your style. Most certainly, some type of bags are the center piece of your dressing, so go get your beautiful bags in place and if you are still wondering where to shop for those beautiful bags, ethnic has got you covered. Lets help you look stylish on budget.

bags by Ethnik Utu on Bellafricana marketplace

3. Add a stylish hat

A bucket hat is a great way to add a touch of style to your outfit. They can be worn with just about anything, from a casual t-shirt and jeans to a more formal dress. Here are a few tips on how to style up with a bucket hat:

-Pair it with a denim jacket for a casual look.
-Wear it with a sundress and sandals for a beach-chic look.
-Layer it over a hoodie for a sporty look.
-Dress it up with a blazer and heels for a night out.

No matter what your style, a bucket hat is a great way to add a little personality to your outfit. So go ahead and give it a try!

Ethnik Africa bowler hats

Also Read: 7 Women’s Handbags To Shop For In Nigeria

4. Never lose sight of a nice jewelry

There are many ways to accessorize with nice jewelries. One way is to choose a piece that compliments your outfit. Another way is to choose a piece that makes a statement. You can also mix and match different pieces to create your own unique look. When accessorizing with jewelry, it is important to keep in mind the overall look you are trying to achieve. If you are going for a more understated look, then choose simple pieces that will not overwhelm your outfit. If you want to make more of a statement, then choose bolder pieces that will really stand out.

Mixing and matching different pieces is a great way to create your own personal style. Try pairing a delicate necklace with a chunky bracelet, or a colorful scarf with some statement earrings. By mixing and matching different pieces, you can create a look that is truly unique to you.

zivanora jewelry culla collection trio necklace on bellafricana marketplace

5. Add a tote bag for glamour

When trying not to look so over the top, try using a nice tote bag. Thanks to Dhoney Adire, where you say bye bye to boring looking tote bags. With these tie and dye fashionable tote bag, be sure to look stunning. African tie and dye tote bags are the perfect way to add a touch of style to your outfit. They can be worn with any type of clothing, from casual to formal, and they add a touch of personality to any outfit.

Tote bag by dhoney on bellafricana marketplace

Conclusion:

Nowadays, it’s not just about how you style your accessories, but also about the accessories you choose. Luxury accessories have become popular and are often an excellent way to elevate an outfit. If you’re looking for a gift for that special someone on your shopping list, consider any of these 5 elegant ways to style using accessorize . After reading this blog, you won’t be stuck on the thought of how to style with accessories. Now, click to shop all accessories.

BONA EXPO 22 sets to change the Course of Green Beauty in Africa!

BONA EXPO 22 sets to change the Course of Green Beauty in Africa!

Bellafricana is pleased to announce that BONA EXPO 22, sets to change the Course of Green Beauty in Africa! Go, Register!

BONA EXPO with her maiden edition themed   Mother Nature Africa”  is the Pioneer Exposition for Green Beauty Manufacturers In Africa, Africans-In-the-diaspora & a select few Internationals looking to gain entrance into the Continent.

Lorraine Dallmeier of Award-winning,  accredited formulation school Formula Botanica in The United Kingdom in her June 8, 2021, Podcast title excerpt says “ Today, for the most part, the rest of the world has little exchange with the African beauty industry apart from its commodities. But we hope this will change, and soon.”

The Botanical, Organic & Natural Africa Expo has spotlighted its vendor interests from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Uganda, Uk, Canada & USA.

BONA EXPO 22  2-day exposition will hold on the 10 & 11 February 2022 at The Landmark Centre, 3&4 Water Corporation, Oniru, Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria with activities from Welcome Night Dinner, Exhibitions & Unique Experiences, Masterclasses by International Speakers, Panel Discussions, to Wrap-Up-Party.

*To know more about the event, simply click on the images*
Presenting our Country correspondents:
NIGERIA CORRESPONDENT- JOYCEE AWOSIKA OF ORIKI GROUP

ORIKI - BONA EXPO 22 sets to change the Course of Green Beauty in Africa!

GHANA CORRESPONDENT- VIOLET AWO AMOABENG OF SKIN GOURMET

BONA EXPO 22 - GHANA CORRESPONDENT

SOUTH AFRICA CORRESPONDENT- RUBEN OKPOKO OF RUUTOS

BONA EXPO - SOUTH AFRICA CORRESPONDENT

KENYA CORRESPONDENT – ZAHRA HASSAN & FADUMA ABDI OF QASIL BEAUTY

KENYA CORRESPONDENT - ZAHRA HASSAN & FADUMA ABDI OF QASIL BEAUTY 

AFRICAN-IN-THE-DIASPORA UK CORRESPONDENT – ALEXANDRIA AGGREY OF MADAM ORI SKINCARE

UK Correspondent - BONA EXPO 22 sets to change the Course of Green Beauty in Africa!

AFRICAN-IN-THE-DIASPORA CANADA CORRESPONDENT- OYETA KOKOROKO OF OKOKO COSMETIQUES

Canada Correspondent - BONA EXPO 22 sets to change the Course of Green Beauty in Africa!

AFRICAN-IN-THE-DIASPORA USA CORRESPONDENT- CHRISTINA FUNKE TEGBE OF 54 Thrones 

USA Correspondent - BONA EXPO 22 sets to change the Course of Green Beauty in Africa!

BONA EXPO 22 PROJECTION:
  • 4000 on-site attendees
  • 6000 online attendees
  • 60 brands
  • 9 Countries
  • 2 International Speaker
  • 8 Masterclasses
  • 8 Panel Discussions
  • 48 Panellists
  • 1 Wrap Up Party

What to expect at the BONA EXPO 22 sets to change the Course of Green Beauty in Africa!

Target Audience:
  • Local Manufacturers
  • African Manufacturers
  • Africans-In-The- Diaspora Manufacturers
  • International Manufacturers
  • Retailers, Distributors, Importers & Exporters
  • Regulatory Bodies
  • Agricultural Sector- Farmers & Middlemen
  • Cosmetics Dermatologists
  • Financial Sector- Agro-Support Banks

Natural products - BONA EXPO 22 sets to change the Course of Green Beauty in Africa!

Objectives:
  • Actively Engage and immerse the Green Beauty Industry & its Stakeholders in a quality, value-adding, and indelible brand experience.
  • Sensitize the public on the choice & importance of clean and safe living driving ultimately our sustainability program.
  • Re-establish our Natural Ingredients as a part of tangible African heritage, therefore, driving & creating policies to its effect.
  • Lead Generation: Increase the number of qualified sales leads across sectors.
  • Promote thought-leadership agenda and positioning for the Green Beauty Industry in Africa and her African Manufacturers as well as increase opportunities for more entrants into the Industry and Continent.
  • Drive sustainable conversations around the African organic & natural Beauty Industry in the hope that it sensitizes the discontinued use of chemical-based products.

Register for the Bona Expo 22

BONA EXPO 22 sets to change the Course of Green Beauty in Africa! Go, Register!

Calling on Sponsors, Partners & Brands!

For more information, visit www.bonaexpoafrica.com 

 

ACE Awards 2021 Official Post Event Press Release

ACE AWARDS 2021

Bellafricana held its 3rd edition of The African Creative Exhibition and Awards, [ACE Awards], on Friday, the 29th of October, 2021 to laud the works of African creatives and celebrate their contributions to their respective industries/sectors.

The event attracted a host of notable personalities, such as Mr Olusegun Awolowo [Executive Director of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) & President ECOWAS TPO Network], Mr Tobi Asehinde [CEO/Founder Digital Marketing Skills Institute], Mrs Yetunde Aina [CEO of Jadeas Trust], Mr Lanre Basamta [Group Head, Mobile Financial Services, Interswitch Group], Mr Lanre Adisa [CEO Noah’s Ark Communications].

We also had in attendance, Prince & Mrs Adefulu, Ms Lerato Lekena-Okoro [Real Estate Advisor], Mr Oluwaseyi Adegoke-Adeyemo (Vice-Chair, Events committee) of Nigerian-Britain Association [NBA], Mrs Eyiyemi Olivia [Compere, OAP & Dress maker], and Mrs Nnena Fakoya-Smith [Tourism Promoter & Visibility Coach].

Representatives of Access Bank and W-Community – Mrs Abiodun Olubitan [Group Head, Women Banking team at Access Bank Plc], Noah’s Ark, Inside Watch Africa, Cybertron Ads, Pride magazine, Jordan FM, Exquisite magazine, Arise Television were present to cover the event and of course, the reason for the event, the 45 nominees for the 15 different categories, their guests and a host of others.

The 3-phased event: The Creatives Connect, Exhibitions [and shopping for attendees] and The ACE Awards Dinner which garnered a lot of attention pulled a crowd of 1,000 Attendees, 20 Exhibitors, 15 Awardees and over 2million Social Media Reach just for the event.

Creatives Connect & Exhibition 2021

Everyone was held spellbound as the hosts for each event expertly took us on a journey of fun, intrigue and surprises.

For the creatives connect & Exhibitions, we had experts address attendees, business support basket raffle, exhibitors from different industries display their beautiful and unique items, while shoppers eagerly shopped to their satisfaction. And of course, connecting, conversing, networking, and item 7. It was fun, enlightening and everyone left with smiles on their faces.

Exhibitions is ongoing - ACE Awards 2021
Shoppers buying at the Exhibition

The ACE awards dinner, which was themed: A touch of Africa, was a spectacular one. With everyone glammed up as they sauntered in, making their way to their seats, ready to be thrilled and entertained. The entertainment was nothing short of mesmerizing. There were musical performances by Blue Note – The Saxophonist, spoken poetry by Ms Shola Amaraibi and a host of others. Roars of applause filled the air as the winners were called and endless speeches and pictures ensued – as it should.

 

Spoken words @ ACE Awards 2021
Spoken Words by Shola Amaraibi
Music @ ACE AWARDS 2021
musical performances by Blue Note – The Saxophonist
ACE Awards 2021 Winners
See the full list below:
  • Best Indigenous Textile Designer – Afrikstabel
  • Best Beauty Brand – Jaga Beauty
  • Best Fashion Brand (Clothing, Shoes) – Aspen
  • Best Startup of the Year – Just Journal
  • Best Accessories Brand (Jewelry, Bags) – AABOUX
  • Best Eco-friendly Product Innovation – Trash2Wealth
  • Best Innovative Product of the Year – Clay world by Marienne
  • Best Pioneer Craftsman/woman of the Year (Over 10 years) – Raule Royal
  • Best Food Produce Innovation – Klay Foods
  • Best Creative Child Entrepreneur – Zees Shea Hub
  • Best Creative Social Enterprise of the Year – Solar Sister
  • Best Creative Children’s Brand – 9ijakids
  • Best Arts & Crafts Person – Hooked by Lade
  • Best Home & Lifestyle Brand – Yasmin Crafts
  • Best emerging African Brand – Kua Designs

See their pitch videos at ACE Winners 2021 – ACE Awards Africa

Winners - ACE Awards 2021 Official Post Event Press Release
Winners of the ACE Awards 2021 alongside Mr & Mrs Asehinde

Mrs Bukky Asehinde, Founder of Bellafricana and the ACE Awards initiative, gave a compelling and heartfelt speech. Speaking on the journey thus far and her hopes and dreams for the future.

Bukky Asehinde - ACE AWARDS 2021
Mrs Bukky Asehinde, Founder of Bellafricana and the ACE Awards initiative

What is arguably the best part of the evening, was the surprise announcement from the Executive Director of NEPC & President ECOWAS TPO Network, Mr Olusegun Awolowo, who awarded the winners the Export Expansion Facility Programme [EEFP] Grant. An unexpected but wonderful gift, that got the room erupting in applause, shouts of joy and a few tears shed. He did not stop there. He then proceeded to call on stage the Founder of Bellafricana – Mrs Bukky Asehinde, in what seemed to be commending all her efforts and this initiative, he then, right there, inducted her as the Zero Oil Ambassador for Nigeria. It was nothing short of a night filled with wonder.

Inducting Mrs. Bukky an Ambassador at the ACE Awards 2021
Mr. Olusegun Awolowo & Mrs. Bukky Asehinde

Newly inducted Ambassador

With this riveting third edition, Bellafricana’s African Creative Exhibition and Awards continue to be the most prestigious gathering of Enterprising Creative Afrocentric Brands in Nigeria (Africa). This leaves us looking forward to the next edition of the ACE Awards.

ACE AWARDS 2021

Head on to @ace_awards to see more pictures from the event. Until next time, be good and be safe!

NEPC sponsors ACE Awards 2021

ACE Awards gains massive support and backing from The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), as it sponsors this year’s ACE Awards ceremony.

African Creative Exhibitions and Awards gain massive support and backing from The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), as it sponsors this year’s ACE Awards ceremony.

ACE Awards is an important annual occurrence aimed at attracting an audience that includes Captains of Industry, Investors, Upwardly Mobile Youths, Marketers, Trade Delegations & Missions, Procurement Officers, Brand and Business Managers, Art Lovers, Governmental Representatives and Key Decision Makers. Nigeria is an import driven nation and if we are looking to diversify and become an export-driven nation, it starts from MSMEs. Starting with Nigeria and taking it one African Country at a time. This is one of the numerous reasons why NEPC sponsors the ACE Awards 2021 and supports The ACE Awards.

NEPC sponsors ACE Awards 2021

NEPC sponsors ACE Awards 2021

If you happen to be an ardent follower of the annual ACE Events, then you should know that it is no secret that this event, powered by Bellafricana has been endorsed by The Lagos State Government, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Crafts, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Nigeria-Britain Association and The Nigerian Export Promotion Council. The latter has shown its support of this Laudable event since its inception in 2017. It has yet again, sponsored The ACE Awards 2021.

Having the backing of such a prestigious and governmental body towards an event such as the ACE is not only a sign of approval and growth but also a nudge to continue in its effort to ensure that enterprising Nigerian (African) MSMEs have access to a wider internal and international markets and investors seeking joint-venture partners.

Bellafricana (organizers of ACE Awards) is grateful for this continued support and backing, as this has certainly made it a force to be reckoned with. It has helped in giving more credibility and in propelling it to where it is today.

Event Details:
Theme: “Creativity and Innovation in Nation Building”
Dinner Theme: A touch of Africa
Date: Friday, October 29, 2021
Venue: BWC HOTELS, 1228B Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria (Opposite Eko Atlantic).
Time for Awards Dinner: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Call: (+234) 808 636 3970

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

Register: https://aceawardsafrica.com/

For more information, kindly visit the website: www.aceawardsafrica.com or follow on Instagram: @bell_africana @ace_awards

The top 5 nominees are up!

TOP 5 NOMINEES ARE UP!

Ladies and gentlemen, the top 5 nominees are up!

ACE Awards is back and with a bang! Nominations for this year’s ACE Awards opened on the 30th of August, 2021, with 15 categories and votes have been coming in, so much so that it nearly crippled the site! Yep, you read right. There were over 7,000 votes within the first few days and approximately 15,000 within 2 weeks! There was no doubt that the nominees came with their A-game.

An exciting journey it has been and it is my absolute pleasure to announce that the top 5 nominees are up! They are:
1) Best Indigenous Textile Designer
  • Afrikstabel
  • Akwete Fabrics by Beeju
  • Lowo Africa
  • Shayfaari Fabrics
  • Asologe Fashion House
2) Best Beauty Brand
  • ORIKI Lagos
  • Modara Naturals
  • Jaga Beauty
  • Mint Organic Care
  • Amila Naturals
3) Best Fashion Brand (Clothing/Shoes)
  • K.Aspen
  • 87 Origins
  • Ako Africa
  • Kkerele
  • Babayo
4) Start-Up of the Year
  • Just Journal
  • Anesi Lifestyle
  • Hafsat Signatures
  • The Lightning Artz
  • Dhoney Nigeria
5) Best Accessories Brand (Jewelry, Bag)
  • AABOUX
  • Becawax
  • Ola House of Accessories
  • Helade & Sola Bags
  • Kuvaah
6) Best Eco-friendly Product
  • Oke Partners
  • Trash2wealth Initiative
  • WHY WASTE IT
  • Mariep Creations
  • Spectabilis Creations
7) Best Innovative Product of the Year
  • Marienne Clay World
  • 1851 Agidingbi
  • My Sibi
  • Nibcard Games
  • The Da Brand
8) Best Pioneer Craftsman/woman of the Year (Over 10 years)
  • Sahara Sunrise
  • RAULEROYAL
  • Yetroslane
  • Kijipa Couture
  • Bosh Designs
9) Best Food Produce Innovation
  • Lim Lim Dried Fruits
  • Jam Coconut Foods
  • Ologi
  • Klay Foods
  • Adys Agro Processing Limited
10) Best Creative Child Entrepreneur
  • Amarachi Uyanne
  • Raeslimebar
  • Praise Emmanuel Adebayo
  • Zees Shea Hub
  • Sammy’s Special
11) Best Creative Social Enterprise of the Year
  • Help Mum
  • The Creative Hub
  • Chanja Datti
  • Kids Clean Club
  • Solar Sister Nigeria
12) Best Creative Children’s Brand
  • 9ijakids
  • Wealah Kids
  • Clove Kids
  • PreshLight Creations
  • Bqsafewash
13) Best Arts and Crafts Person
  • ARTINI
  • Adams Anne
  • Presley Artz
  • Vudoh
  • Hooked by Lade
14) Best Home & Lifestyle Brand
  • Doormats Nigeria
  • Ekondo
  • Yasmin Crafts
  • Q Candles By Kanyin
15) Best African Brand
  • Kua Designs Ghana
  • Florinyah Tanzania
  • Imiso Ceramics (South Africa)
  • Tekura Designs Ghana
  • Deepa Dosaja (Kenya)

Voting has begun for the top 3, so hurry now and start voting for your favourite brand. Voting closes on the 12th of October, 2021 by 12.00am.

The voting process would determine the top 3 winners of each category. Thereafter, a judging panel will review the official 3 nominees and select the winners.

Visit aceawardsafrica.com/vote now.

👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾For guidelines and process, visit: aceawardsafrica.com/guidelines

Stay Creative, Stay Innovative.
ACE Awards team

Electricity Tariff Increase in Nigeria: How It Affects Businesses

Dear Business Owner in Nigeria,

Are you aware that come April 1st, 2020, you’ll be paying a lot more for electricity  than you presently do?  If you aren’t, there’s been an electricity price increase in Nigeria. This is no “April Fool” Prank. It’s the sad reality.

In the tariff review clarification notice from the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), the Discos said the tariffs would change from April 2020. “The tariffs shall remain an equivalent as they presently are (i.e. 2015 levels) until April 1, 2020 when there will be an increment to cater for tariff shortfall”. This shortfalls or losses shall be gradually passed on to the buyer until this is fully completed by the end of 2021.

According to the PUNCH newspapers, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has approved that an additional N8 to N14 per Kilowatt hour, will be added to the present tariff.

LET’S DO A QUICK MATH…

Let’s say you spend an average of N3 per Kwh, and you use, say 12,000 Kwh monthly. That’s 36,000 right? ( Still a lot but what can you do?). Now imagine that an extra N8 is added to the daily cost. That means you’ll pay N11 * 12,000. That’s N132,000 monthly! Wow!

Electricity Tariff Increase in Nigeria: How It Affects Your Business and what you can do about it

As a business in Nigeria, a constant struggle is trying to keep expenses to a minimum. With the unanticipated shoot in the cost of electricity, how are businesses being affected by the increasing cost of this unavoidable business expense?

HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU

  1. Increment in budget for power: Due to the tariff increase, Business owners will be forced to increase the amount budgeted for power. This might negatively affect the running cost of the business.
    Budget for Power
  2. High Running Cost of Buying Fuel: The increase of electricity tariff coupled with the low supply of electricity will lead to an increment of the daily consumption of Petroleum products by Business owners. High running cost of buying fuel
  3. Risk of Folding up: For businesses heavily reliant on electricity, the risk of closure might rear its ugly head. This might in turn, spike up the rate of unemployment.What then can you do, to ensure that this unanticipated electricity tariff increase doesn’t run your business to the ground?Consider Other Energy AlternativesBiofuel

    One of such alternatives is having renewable forms of energy supplying energy consumption demand at a business premises.

    Using the likes of biomass, wind and solar systems to deliver energy can help businesses save on energy bills, as well as help reduce their contribution to climate change.

    Solar Inverters and Bio Fuel might be Cheaper alternatives to the cascading power supply, in the long run. So, why not make some research and see if it’s a viable option?

    Installing a Prepaid Meter

    If you don’t already use one, a pre-paid electricity meter in your work environment may be a way to help you better monitor your electricity spend and usage.

    While this won’t cost you less in terms of cost per kilowatt hour, you’ll be more conscious of your electricity usage, as well as how much it is costing you per day. 

    Prepaid Meter: Alternative for Electricity

 

Limiting your Electricity Consumption

Remember the Warren Buffet Quote: “If you buy things you do not need, soon you will have to sell things you need.”
So, you might need to take a step back and do some analysis. Discard or reduce use of equipment you might not be needing. This will help motivate you to lower your electricity usage and better budget your monthly electricity spend.

 

Know better solutions to dealing with this  Electricity Increase Tariff in Nigeria? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below!

Travel Destinations: Vacation Spots in Africa

Vacations are like a break from school, work, or the stress of everyday life but whenever we think of vacation spots, we usually think Paris, Greece, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, etc but we never really talk about vacation spots in Africa. 

Africa is actually one of the best travel destinations and vacation spots in the world regardless of how it is viewed by outsiders. From her wildlife to exotic cultures, delicious cuisines, crystal clear beaches, history and artifacts, Africa is one of the best places to be.

Are you planning a vacation but you cannot think of the best vacation spots in Africa to explore and unwind? I have come up with a few top vacation spots in Africa for you to visit, explore and have a wonderful time. Keep reading to find out these magnificent places.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia.

Vacation spots in Africa: Victoria falls
Victoria Falls. Photo credit: Trip Advisor

Victoria Falls, shared by Zimbabwe on the south and Zambia on the north is the largest sheet of falling water, the largest waterfall and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world!

Everything about this place already sounds so amazing as it is actually one of the most beautiful places in Africa! Known as “the smoke that thunders”, it is one of Africa’s greatest wonders as it can be seen over 40 kilometers away; a perfect place for an extraordinary, safari vacation.

Spending your vacation here, you can go swimming in the Devil’s Pool which is naturally formed pool just on the edge of the fall, witness the lunar rainbow that appears under the light of the full moon; one of Africa’s most distinctive sight.

You can  also witness the Victorian Falls Rainforest on the Zimbabwean side which is actually the only rainforest in the world where it rains every single day (I never knew this was actually possible).

During the day, you can go for a walk with rhinos (sounds interesting), go bungee jumping between Zimbabwe and Zambia, or go on micro-light flights above the fall.

Also home to elephants, lions, Buffalos, zebras, kudu, the rare rhino, cheetahs, hyenas, Eland and so many others, you get to witness exotic wildlife in Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls National Park or the Zambezi National Park.

There are just so many extraordinary things to do here and you would leave with so much memories, stories to tell and let’s not forget, amazing pictures! Now I’m eager to take a trip to Victoria Falls!

Luxor, Egypt.

Vacation spots in Africa: luxor Egypt
Temple of Ramsesses III, Luxor. Photo credit: Forbes

Egypt is actually on the list of Africa tourist attractions, and it is also one of my favorite countries of all time. If you are a lover of culture like myself, then this is for you. There is so much history, artifacts, deep rooted culture and captivating stories all in one place! Not to mention that it is a perfect travel destination for a vacation due to the adventure and wonders of this ancient world that awaits you.

Located on east bank of the Nile River, the city of Luxor, also known as “City of the Sun” is packed with history, temples, pyramids, tombs and let us not forget, the longest river in the world, River Nile, which is a must-see.

To start your vacation tour in this “outdoor museum”, you can enjoy a bicycle ride through the villages; along the bank of the Nile, go camel riding (take some sunscreen with you), or enjoy a leisure cruise by the Nile. You can visit the Karnak Temple which has many gigantic monuments, reducing you to the size of an ant when you go to witness the gigantic colossal statuary.

The Valley of the Kings is also another beautiful place to visit not just because it was a resting place for the Kings but, also because of its main attraction; wall paintings (there is a story behind it so you will just have to find out when you get there).

Other notable places to visit are Luxor Temple, Tomb of Nerfertari, Medinet Habu, Luxor Temple, Tombs of the Nobles, Ramesseum, Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Abydos, and so on. The list goes on because Egypt has it all! You can spend your vacation touring through this city and you would never get tired because there are so many things to see! 

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

Vacation spots in Africa: Serengeti
Photo credit: Serengeti-national-park.com

I doubt Tanzania came to your mind as a vacation spot but, Serengeti National Park, also knows an “The Land that Moves on Forever”  is an extravagant place to visit; and one of the safest cities in Africa.

Due to natural abundance of wildlife, it is home to the worlds’ greatest wildlife like wildebeests, giraffes, elephants, lions, and buffaloes.

Consisting of sunrises and sunsets, plains, sausage trees, swaying grasses, hills, crocodile and hippo-filled rivers, acacia trees and a significant amount of wildlife roaming around, this is the perfect safari destination to unwind and Anjou an “out of Africa” experience.

During the day, you can enjoy some safari game drives, bird watching, balloon rides to get a birds eye view of Serengeti, tour the Maasai tribe village to learn about their rich history and culture, walking safaris or nature walk to see the wildlife on foot, wildlife drive to feast your eyes on so many wildlife and you can spend the night in a camp that allows you feel at one with nature as you listen to the sounds of the wildlife whilst you sleep.

You can also visit the Moru Kopjes, Retina Hippo Pool, and Seronera River Valley.

There you have it! Some of the best vacation spots in Africa to visit for your next vacation and enjoy a memorable time. Have you visited any of these countries, or any other African country in particular? Do you plan on visiting any of these countries for your next vacation? What is your best vacation spot in Africa? Share your thoughts with me in the comment section below!

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