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Anjola Ajayi published in bellafricana, Community, Events, Inspiration July 4, 2024

TALES Event Schedule Unveiled: Get Ready London, for the Ultimate Culture Experience

Hey Creative, Anjola your friendly Community Manager here. As you know, we are in the month of July 2024 and TALES is just around the corner. A week-long celebration of African Lifestyle, Innovation and Creativity! I am filled with joy to announce the highly anticipated event schedule for ‘The African Lifestyle Experience by Bellafricana’, taking place in London (Gallery Different, 14 Percy Street) from July 4th to July 10th. This week-long celebration promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the best of African culture and craftsmanship in diverse industries ; Fashion, Beauty & Wellness, Home & Living, Food and Music.

In addition to numerous preparations in place for the success of TALES, we recently concluded our “Na My Thing” campaign. The roll out was absolutely amazing, the feedback both parties received was nothing short of successful. This campaign was created to celebrate what makes everyone special by way of your creativity and self-expression by providing them with a platform to share their passion/businesses with the world. We believe that everyone has a special “thing” that makes them unique and we want to hear all about it. It could be in the form of talent, style or a cause you are passionate about. If by chance you happened to miss out on this roll out, check out @bellafricanauk or @bell_africana on instagram to see all the beautiful people that took part in this campaign, here’s a sneak peek.

If you are interested in participating, join the conversation using the hashtag #TALESbyBellafricana and share what you are passionate about for the chance to be featured on our page.

With that being said, I introduce to you, your very own TALES agenda that I suspect will come in very handy for you and your friends.

Event details:

Date: July 4th – July 10th 2024

Time: 10am – 9pm Daily

Venue: Gallery Different, 14 Percy Street, London W1T1DR (near Oxford Street, off Tottenham Court Road).

RSVP for free using this link

Make sure to mark your calendar so you don’t forget <3 …. Thank me later

Wednesday, July 3

All Day: Event Setup

6:00 PM – 8:00PM: TALES Connect (Invite Only)

Networking session for Creative Entrepreneurs and Industry Experts
Opening remarks
Guest speakers/panel discussion
Q&A session
Closing remarks

Panelists:

Victoria Omobuwajo : Founder of Sunmo Snacks, a revolutionary brand in the food industry that redefines and inspires health-conscious living with its innovative product range. With a remarkable journey showcasing her tenacity, creativity and business acumen, Victoria has made a significant impact on both the retail and direct-to-consumer industries. Within just two years of its launch, Sunmo has secured retail spaces in esteemed establishments such as Selfridges and Sainsbury’s.
Amanda Simone : Founder of No.27 The Concept Store, a space created to keep small brands in business. As the first of its kind, The Concept Store provides a boutique for small businesses to regularly host memorable in-person experiences with their clients. After launching the No.27 Membership Programme in April 2024, members have been granted access to independent store use, Brand-Building Masterclasses, one-to-one consultations, guidance and general support with No.27 Director, Amanda Simone. She also sits agency-side as the Media Planning and Marketing Strategy Manager for CHANEL UK and Ireland.
Therese Oertenblad : Wholesale Expert, has been in the home & gift industry for 15 years. Since 2018, Therese has been working with purpose-led, product based business owners who want to create a consistent income stream for their businesses. Her clients and students include Studio Wald, Claude & Co, Sister Paper Co and many others. Many are now stocked in Liberty, Selfridges, Oliver Bonas, Anthropologie and more independent stores in the UK and abroad. Therese is also on the National Committee for The Giftware Association, and hosts a seasonal business podcast called Let’s Talk Shop, sharing industry specific business advice.
Elizabeth Stiles : A fashion & textiles brand consultant with 15 years experience in the retail industry working with Next, New Look, River Island & Urban Outfitters as a buyer & sales manager. Elizabeth is incredibly passionate about helping creatives earn more in their business via online coaching focusing on manufacturing & marketing. For the past 3 years she has focused on launching & scaling independent brands including Olive & Frank, and Olivia Rose the Label.

Thursday, July 4th

10:00AM : Official opening of TALES 2024

Welcome address
Introduction to the event activities and schedule
11:00AM – 9:00PM : Shopping and Vendor Exhibitions

Exhibitors on Thursday:

PRESTIGE STYLE FASHION
EFATA BY JUBA
LITTLE WEAVERS
TENIADE MACAULAY
MASSASSI B
SOCK OF A KIND
URBAN ESE
AKPOS UKUDU
ACCESSORIES BY OREOFE
ZANETTA FASHIONS
AILAKOKO
YOUNG MARY’S
IJAN TOLA

Friday, July 5th – Sunday, July 7th

10:00AM – 10:00PM: Set Up
10:00AM – 9:00PM: Shopping and Vendor Exhibitions
12:00PM – 2:00PM: Food Tasting Sessions
4:00PM – 6:00PM: Dance Off Competitions
8:00PM – 9:00PM: Evening Entertainment

Exhibitors on Friday:

EFATA BY JUBA
LITTLE WEAVERS
TENIADE MACAULAY
MASSASSI B
SOCK OF A KIND
URBAN ESE
AKPOS OKUDU
ACCESSORIES BY OREOFE
ZANETTA FASHIONS
AILAKOKO
YOUNG MARY’S
MAP IHEKUBI
BETHAN CLOTHING
NEEDLE POINT
MOT THE LABEL
MELIA BY JADE
ST DYMPHNA LAGOS
BEDAZZLED N MORE

Exhibitors on Saturday:

PRESTIGE STYLE FASHION
EFATA BY JUBA
LITTLE WEAVERS
SOCK OF A KIND
ANDREW TABITHA
ACCESSORIES BY OREOFE
JOLAADE DESIGN
AILAKOKO
YOUNG MARY’S
MAP IHEKUBI
BETHAN CLOTHING
NEEDLE POINT
GIA 1 FASHION
UPPER KLASS BOUTIQUE
MOT THE LABEL
HEALTHY WARRIORS COOKBOOK
BEDAZZLED N MORE
MELIA BY JADE
ST DYMPHNA LAGOS

Exhibitors on Sunday:

PRESTIGE STYLE FASHION
LITTLE WEAVERS
ACCESSORIES BY OREOFE
AILAKOKO
YOUNG MARY’S
MAP IHEKUBI
BETHAN CLOTHING
NEEDLE POINT
MOT THE LABEL
MELIA BY JADE
ST DYMPHNA LAGOS
BEDAZZLED N MORE
GIA 1 FASHION
ZANETTA FASHIONS
ANDREW TABITHA
JOLAADE DESIGN
ISURA
JANAE STYLE
CLADINI MINI
HEALTHY WARRIORS COOKBOOK

Monday, July 8th – Tuesday, July 9th

10:00AM – 8:00PM: Sip and Paint & Doodle and Paint
10:00AM – 9:00PM: Shopping and Vendor Exhibitions
2:00PM – 4:00PM: Doodle and Sip Session
6:00PM – 8:00PM: Sip and Paint Session 2

RSVP for free to participate in Doodle, Sip & Paint sessions at TALES using –> this link

Wednesday, July 10th

10:00AM – 2:00PM: Final Shopping and Exhibitions
6:00PM – 10:00PM: Closing Party
7:00PM – 8:00PM: Entertainment, Dance and Celebration
8:00PM – 9:00PM: Closing Remarks and Awards

Calling for volunteers for TALES

We are seeking a handful of enthusiastic volunteers to fill a variety of key roles and partner with us for the upcoming TALES by Bellafricana to contribute to the success of the event.

Event Highlights :

Dates: July 4th to July 10th, 2024.

Time: 10am – 9pm Daily.

Venue: Gallery Different, 14 Percy Street, London W1T 1DR.

Available roles are:

– Videographer

– Photographer

– Sales Representative

– Event Coordinator

– Social Media Manager / Content Coordinator

– Set Manager

– Logistics Support

– Security Volunteers

– Clean up Crew

– Flyer Distribution / Models

Are you interested in joining the TALES team? Or do you know someone who may be interested in joining us? Spread the word and send applications in.

Aspiring TALES Volunteers should send an email to [email protected] or a Direct Message to @bellafricanauk on instagram with the subject ‘TALES Volunteer’. We look forward to partnering with you to make The African Lifestyle Experience a resounding success.

Quick Break

Now, if you don’t mind and have 30 seconds to spare, I’d love to hear from you.

→ Yes, thank you, click this link (here for this 1-question form) to let me know who/what you’re looking forward to seeing at TALES by Bellafricana this July.

→ Trivia of the Week

To keep things light and fun, let’s play a game.

“How well do you know Africa?”

The question of the week is : Which of these African countries is an Island?

The options for the answer are as follows:

A. Morocco

B. Kenya

C. Madagascar

D. Ghana

Leave your answer in the comment section, remember this is just for fun.

→ When you’re done with that, feel free to check out our social media channels ↓

Join our Instagram community

We’re getting popular on Tiktok

Click to connect with us on Linkedin

Join our followers on X (twitter..?)

Subscribe for our Youtube videos

Read some more Articles

& Don’t be a stranger, leave a follow or a like or two. Better yet, comment something like “Keep the blogs coming” to stay in the loop, also so we know you were here .

__

If, for some ~~weird~~ reason, you’ve missed hearing about Bellafricana before now, allow us to introduce ourselves:

Bellafricana is more than just a platform; it’s a thriving community of African creatives dedicated to supporting and empowering entrepreneurs in the arts & crafts, fashion, beauty, and home & living industries. Led by our visionary CEO, Bukky Asehinde, we’ve been championing African creativity for over a decade, providing the right business support and structure for our members to thrive in a global market. Essentially, we want to see African creative entrepreneurs win internationally.

At Bellafricana, our mission is clear: to be the premier destination for buyers worldwide seeking quality African-made/inspired products. We uphold the highest standards of business ethics and integrity in every interaction with our members, customers, partners, and employees. Through our dedication to excellence, we not only drive economic progress in Africa but also inspire others to contribute to the continent’s development and social advancement.

We understand the importance of business management in creative enterprises, which is why we provide valuable resources and insights on natural skincare products for different skin types. Most importantly, we chronicle African creative culture through the distinctive perspective of Africans for a global target audience.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the world, starting with Africa.

In summary: Bellafricana is more than just a platform; it’s a vibrant community where African creativity flourishes. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a buyer, or simply passionate about African culture, there’s a place for you here. Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to empower African creatives and showcase the beauty of our continent to the world.

As we come to the end of this read, I thought it best to conclude with this.

TALES is more than just a pop up event happening in London July 4th-10th 2024 – it’s a movement that empowers African creatives, promotes cultural exchange and celebrates the continents rich diversity. By attending, you’ll be part of something big; a community that is shaping the future of African creativity and entrepreneurship.

Get Your Tickets Now – you don’t want to miss out on this unforgettable experience, secure your spot today and be part of the ultimate cultural celebration!

You can RSVP for FREE using this link.

We at Bellafricana look forward to welcoming you to TALES: The African Lifestyle Experience!

On that note, see you at TALES.

Bye for now.

Anjola Ajayi published in Community, Events, People & Culture, Travel June 26, 2024

Get Ready for TALES by Bellafricana in London: Your Ultimate Guide to the Venue!

Hey creative, Anjola your friendly Community Manager here. The sun has been shining in the United Kingdom and other countries lately, that means it is Summer time!

Are you ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of London? I sure am. From July 4th to July 10th, 10am to 9pm daily – join us at Gallery Different (14 Percy Street, London W1T 1DR) for TALES: The African Lifestyle Experience. A week-long immersive and vibrant celebration of African creativity, innovation and cultural diversity that will leave you inspired, energised and connected. Click here for the event schedule and here for the list of creatives that will be showcasing at TALES by Bellafricana.

To ensure you have a stress-free and fun-filled adventure, follow our handy checklist and guide to get to the venue like a pro!

Please note:

This event is free by way of RSVP using this link, it should take less than 1 minute to do this, go right ahead and remember to return to continue reading. Thank you, now let us begin.

Checklist:

Wallet : don’t forget your cash, cards and oyster!
Phone and portable charger : capture memories and stay connected, share your experience on social media using #TALESinLondon or #TALESofAfrica – your instagram/tiktok followers will love it.
Comfortable shoes : you’ll be dancing, walking and exploring at TALES so the least you could do for your feet is wear comfy shoes – whatever comfortable looks like is completely subjective to you so feel free.
Sun protection : TALES will be taking place indoors, at Gallery Different W1T 1DR. However incase the sun is really “sun-ing” that week, please come with a hat, sunglasses or apply some sunscreen before you leave home so you are prepared for some outdoor fun!
Dress to impress : all are welcome at TALES…however…if your friend tells you “I’m not really dressing up today” side eye. We can’t wait to see your style! The theme of TALES is “Undiscovered Africa” so it’s only right that the dress code is in alignment.

__

Getting to the Venue:

By Tube : Take the Northern line to Tottenham Court Road Station (just a 5 minute walk to the venue, 3 minutes if you usually brisk walk – easy peasy!)
By Bus : Hop on the 14, 24 or 29 bus to Percy Street (stop: Tottenham Court Road – pretty straightforward this way)
By Car : Limited parking available nearby – consider other transport options or carpooling (we’re eco friendly too!)

To make things even easier, this link will take you directly to google maps where you can find out the distance from where you currently are – stress free.

Event details:

Date: July 4th – July 10th 2024

Time: 10am – 9pm Daily

Venue: Gallery Different, 14 Percy Street, London W1T1DR (near Oxford Street, off Tottenham Court Road).

RSVP for free using this link

Make sure to mark your calendar so you don’t forget <3 …. Thank me later

Quick Break

Now, if you don’t mind and have 30 seconds to spare, I’d love to hear from you.

→ Yes, thank you, click this link (here for this 1-question form) to let me know who/what you’re looking forward to seeing at TALES by Bellafricana this July.

→ Trivia of the Week

To keep things light and fun, let’s play a game.

“How well do you know Africa?”

The question of the week is : In terms of population, what is the largest city in Africa?

The options for the answer are as follows:

A. Lagos

B. Cairo

C. Nairobi

D. Marrakesh

Leave your answer in the comment section, remember this is just for fun.

→ When you’re done with that, feel free to check out our social media channels ↓

Join our Instagram community

We’re getting popular on Tiktok

Click to connect with us on Linkedin

Join our followers on X (twitter..?)

Subscribe for our Youtube videos

Read some more Articles

& Don’t be a stranger, leave a follow or a like or two. Better yet, comment something like “Keep the blogs coming” to stay in the loop, also so we know you were here .

__

If, for some ~~weird~~ reason, you’ve missed hearing about Bellafricana before now, allow us to introduce ourselves:

We understand the importance of business management in creative enterprises, which is why we provide valuable resources and insights on why email marketing is essential for businesses. Most importantly, we chronicle African creative culture through the distinctive perspective of Africans for a global target audience.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the world, starting with Africa.

As we come to the end of this read, I thought it best to conclude with this.

Get Your Tickets Now – you don’t want to miss out on this unforgettable experience, secure your spot today and be part of the ultimate cultural celebration!

You can RSVP for FREE using this link.

We at Bellafricana look forward to welcoming you to TALES: The African Lifestyle Experience!

On that note, see you at TALES.

Bye for now.

Bellafricana presents The African Lifestyle Experience (TALES) London’s latest lifestyle event of the Year!

MaryBarbara published in Exclusive Interviews July 28, 2021

Meet The Founder Of EONL (Exclusive Interview)

Eyiyemi-Olivia Rogbinyin, a verified member of Bellafricana, wears many hats, one of which is her passion for tailoring. She is a graduate of Architecture from the University of Jos with more than 25 years post experience in the fields of Architecture and Interior Design, Broadcasting as a Television and Radio presenter, Make-Overs and Dressmaking which she has a Passion for.

I am very excited to be introducing this amazing Founder and her brand to you. Keep reading to Meet the Founder of EONL (Exclusive Interview).

Please introduce yourself and your background

My name is Eyiyemi-Olivia Rogbinyin an architect, broadcaster, actor, tailor.

Tell us about your work. How did your company start?

I started tailoring professionally in the year 2000 after a short stint in broadcasting. leveraging on the gift of sewing my mum had helped hone almost 20years before. Having the idea to show off what else we could do with ankara fabrics apart from Boubous and iro and bubas

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

I started with Olivia concept (Olivia is my middle name) and registered EyiyemiOlivia Nigeria Limited in 2012 as a limited liability company.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

Detailing, detailing, detailing. Finishing has to be one of the most underrated skills used by tailors. We say you can wear our clothes inside out. We also love to show our versatility with local fabrics.

Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

Everywhere and Anywhere. Mostly though from The Holy Spirit

Can you remember one of the first products you made? What makes it memorable?

We used aso oke to make a cropped top and long fitted skirt for twin sisters for a wedding. Nothing like that had been done in a long time. It literally shot us into the limelight.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

Maintaining clientele and being consistent with marketing.

Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?

Not a single one.

What is your most popular product?

Right now our Auta jogger pants. We’ve had a really good run with our Omorinsola jacket as well.

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?

That was the whole point of setting up the business and we are very passionate about using locally sourced indigenous fabrics for our garments.

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

That has changed over the years, now it is to impact those who are struggling in the industry and shorten the number of potential hot spots they will encounter. As for myself, I am working on my journey with getting to know My Father better and doing His will.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

😂😂 I’m not sure there’s anything. I’m an open book.

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this Industry?

Already done a few.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

Understudy someone in the industry who’s willing to show you the ropes.

And finally, please share images of some of your work and tell us a little about each product

Auta Jogger Pants, POW Doodle t-shirt blinged or eco friendly hand painted

Draping services for your photoshoots.
Don’t want the hassle of choosing fabric, designer, fittings etc. Be draped in the lushest fabrics and be guaranteed of unique styling, one you won’t find anywhere else.

Amarachi set chiffon top and micro pleated 34 length wide leg pants

And that is it from here, for more details about the brand, check out their Instagram page here: Eyiyemi Olivia Rogbinyin (@eyiyemiolivia) • Instagram photos and videos

EyiyemiOlivia Nigeria Limited

Meet The Founder Of EONL (Exclusive Interview).

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews March 30, 2017

Meet The Founder Of Bimbeads Concept | Exclusive Interview

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] Bimbeads Concept Founder and CEO, Bimbo Balogun, is an exceptionally talented and focused lady. I am indeed excited to introduce her to you today. I am sure there’s a lot we all can learn from her.
When we meet such interesting individuals at Bellafricana we don’t keep how wonderful they are to ourselves alone. We generously give you an insight to how amazing they are. So come on beautiful people, let’s meet Bimbo Balogun, founder of Bimbeads … [/dropcap]
Continue reading

Bellafricana published in Meet The Founders February 15, 2017

Meet The Founder of Jedidiahs Place | Exclusive Interview

Oluwatosin is the Creative Director at Jedidiah’s Place and has a City and Guilds Certificate in Creative Techniques in Textiles, a Diploma in Jewellery Design and Repair and was tutored privately in designing and making leather handbags in the United Kingdom by Katherine Pogson. She is at present working on another diploma in Jewellery design, which has a business module. She has handmade and sold accessories over a five-year period. She is also a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and has practiced law for over 20 years. Let’s meet her…

Q & A

Please introduce yourself and your background.

My name is Oluwatosin Lewis. I am a Lawyer by formal training and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992. I was in full time legal practice from 1993 till 2013 when I started my business – Jedidiahs Place. I am what you will call a Designer Maker. I work in different kind of media. I also run my own law firm along with my business.

Please tell us about your work. How did Jedidiah’s Place start?

Jedidiah’s Place is an accessory design and manufacture business. Our main products are genuine leather bags. However, we have introduced series of small leather and fabric goods, some semi precious stone jewellery, craft kits for adults and children and one-on-one training. We are also in the process of publishing some eBooks. The whole concept of Jedidiahs Place started some eight to nine years ago through a simple act of one of my cousins resident in the United Kingdom. She sent me a book on glass painting and said when she saw it in a bookstore, it had reminded her of me! I was really surprised as I had only taken art in the fourth form and had refused to continue art studies because I felt it was rather impractical. I thanked her nicely and put the book away. Almost a year later, I came across the book and sat down to go through it. It seemed interesting and so I decided to try my hands at some glass painting. I got some glass paints and asked a carpenter to cut me some glass panels. The first set of six paintings I made sold the very day I made them. At the time, I had not yet framed the glass or even cured the paints and could not put prices on them and buyers were like whatever it costs, I want that! And more people placed orders for some. And I thought hmm! It created a thirst in me for knowledge. I wanted to learn how to make anything that could be made. I bought books and taught myself how to make anything I found interesting. And so I had this huge hobby where I created a lot of different things when I got back home from work. And I sold a lot of my work. Glass Paintings, Jewellery, Handbags, Mosaics, Greeting Cards, Fabric Paintings, Decorative Paintings on wood.

Where did the idea for Jedidiahs Place come from? Where do you find the inspiration for your designs?

In 2013, I took stock and realised that I had invested heavily in this hobby! Although I had never been able to take time out for formal training, I had a lot of equipment, books and supplies. I even had a registered trademark. I then decided it was time to make it a business and be serious about things. I draw a lot of inspiration from nature. Planet Earth is full of colour and texture and I love those two things.

Can you remember one of the first things you crafted? What makes it memorable?

I think those would be a set of two glass vases that I painted and embellished with crystal beads in different sizes. The set were inspired by our local tambourine (Shekere). I had done just the two and my father had purchased them when he saw the work in progress. I get easily bored, so I had not repeated the design. However, anytime I go visiting my parents and see the set, I grumble and say to myself – those should be in my living room!

How long does it take to design and make a particular work? Can you give a short summary of the processes that go into each one?

The design process can be a long drawn out one as a designer takes note of his/her surroundings daily. I make notes and quick drawings in a notebook or sketchbook I have with me at all times. I also put down notes on my phone as ideas come to me. Some of those ideas might not see the light of day for another year. But one day, everything gets put together. Once the idea crystallizes, in bag making, the next step is to create sketches of the bag design, tweaking each successive sketch until satisfaction is achieved. Then decisions are made about which materials to use and what colour scheme would be best. Then, patterns must be made and mock-ups and prototypes created before the bag goes into production.

What are the challenges you face in business?

The main challenges I face are the availability of skilled labour, getting good supplies of good quality raw materials, the fear of bank loans to finance the business and the fine balancing between premium quality and the price the market is willing to pay.

What is your most popular item?

Our most popular item is a leather and lace handbag lined with vibrant Ankara fabric. It is available in three different colour ways. The one below is black guipure lace overlaid over black leather and trimmed with orange and yellow leather.

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?

My love for colours means our Nigerian fabrics have a natural magnetic pull for me, so I tend to line my leather bags in Ankara or have Ankara or Aso Oke accents on my bags. I also love to use semi precious stones locally available in Nigeria in jewellery making. Our card making kits have die cut Ankara pieces so that cards made using the kits would be uniquely Nigerian.

What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?

I would love to grow the business to a stage where I would hire a full time business manager and other key staff and just be what I really am – a Designer Maker. I want the business to be known for premium quality with several outlets both locally and internationally, which would of necessity lead to employment and growth opportunities. I spend too much time managing the business and this kills my creativity. I also believe that there is latent creativity in each person that just needs to be identified and then nurtured. I would love to teach and train people who would want to learn how to make one thing or the other but are unable to find the time to undertake some formal training. I have been there and I know what that is like. This is why we have now launched our creativity kits (The Explore! Series). Oh, and I would like a nice big light and airy studio in my home so that I can rest from Lagos traffic. To be honest, I find that I do work better and I am more productive when working from home.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I struggle with social media and social engagements and I am in the process of learning a new skill.

For someone who wishes to take up this kind of career, what kind of advice would you give them? Also, if you could give one piece of advice to youths who want to start their own company, what would it be?

I would say that self-development is key. Learn all that you can, whenever and wherever you can. Training must be continuous as the industry is growing in leaps and bounds and you don’t want to be left behind. I would also say to both parties – hang on tight; it’s not going to be a smooth ride. However, it’s a worthwhile ride that you will be very glad you made and will do over and over again if given the chance. The most important thing would be to get up each time you fall and realise that each failure is a step in the right direction. Seek and listen to advice but also listen very carefully to your instincts. As a Christian, I would say above all pray about any and everything.

And finally, I would like to give you this opportunity to share two to four images of your work and tell us a little about each.

clutch bag by jedidiahs place - bellafricana digest — This clutch bag is flat and oversized and has a chain feature that can also serve as a handle on its bag. The fabric is habotai silk that I painted by hand and trimmed with leather. The inside is fully lined with suede. The design comes as a full leather bag or mud cloth trimmed with leather. It is large enough to use as a case for a small laptop or notebook. It could also be used as a document file when off to those power meetings or a regular clutch on a night or day out.

These sets of bags were crafted with leather and Aso Oke. They are very structured bags and are fully suede lined. They are also available as full leather in different colours.

This lovely neckpiece is made from agate beads and a Botswana agate focal purchased in Nigeria. It is finished with a sterling silver clasp. Nicely chunky and classically simple, it is available in different coloured agate beads. This lovely neckpiece is made from agate beads and a Botswana agate focal purchased in Nigeria. It is finished with a sterling silver clasp. Nicely chunky and classically simple, it is available in different coloured agate beads. — This lovely neckpiece is made from agate beads and a Botswana agate focal purchased in Nigeria. It is finished with a sterling silver clasp. Nicely chunky and classically simple, it is available in different coloured agate beads.

I love this little darling clutch because of the burst of colours. The leathers used are yellow, green and black. As an accent, I overlaid green, pink and yellow Ankara with some handmade taffeta lace. The insides are lined with the Ankara fabric peeping through.

Here goes another beautiful entrepreneur, maximising her career in Law and chasing after her passion. We are truly inspired by Oluwatosin’s story.

I hope you were inspired reading too.

Don’t just keep that idea as a thought, you can make it a reality today. Just START!

Keep up the great work.

Thanks for participating in Bellafricana’s Exclusive Interviews!

Bellafricana published in Uncategorized August 15, 2016

Meet The Founder of Mint Organic Care | Exclusive Interview

Creativity can be expressed in a lot of ways. Often times, I have come to realise there is always a story behind a brand which is what brought about Bellafricana exclusive interviews. These people inspire me and I hope they inspire you too. Janada Ladidi Kwaji identified a real need in the skin care industry in Nigeria and decided to find solutions whilst exploring her creativity. You need to read her story…

Q & A

Brief info about who you are and what you do.

My name is Janada Ladidi Kwaji, I live in Abuja and I’m from Adamawa State, Nigeria. The middle child out of five children, I am also the second and youngest daughter. I was born in Lagos but moved to the United States when I was 2 years old and began school shortly after. I then went on to school in Lagos, Lome (Togo), Ottawa (Canada) and then finally back to the U.S again.

I got my undergraduate degree in Economics from The Pennsylvania State University and my Masters in Public Policy from Georgetown University in Washington DC. I moved back to Nigeria in November 2013, completed my NYSC (a compulsory service for Nigeria youths) a year later and started Mint Organic Care (MOC).

Please tell us about your work.

Mint Organic Care is a luxury handmade bath and body product line manufactured and packaged in Nigeria. Based in Abuja, we use the purest and most natural ingredients from all over the world to create the best products for skin. All our products are completely chemical and toxin free.

How did Mint Organic Care start?

MOC started out somewhat accidentally in that I never had any intention to go into skincare business. Anyway, it started shortly before I moved back to Nigeria. I have always had sensitive skin and not particularly beautiful skin. As a result I have at one point or another struggled with various skin conditions that plague a lot of individuals. After being put on countless topical medications, I decided to try organic products that were parabens and chemical free.

I saw a clear difference in the way my skin responded to these products and I truly just enjoyed the way they felt. When I moved back to Nigeria I found it difficult to find properly packaged and manufactured organic body products that I enjoyed using.

They were too raw, poorly manufactured or simply adulterated. I then had the idea to make my own products for personal use, and since they were for personal consumption I wanted to splurge on importing the best and purest ingredients I could get. I then took a class in Los Angeles to ensure that I knew what I was doing and made the best use of the ingredients for optimal health and luxury.

Eventually, friends and family enjoyed the products so much that I was encouraged by everyone around me to turn it into a business. I then took a more professional class to get certified in making the products and ensuring my methods were FDA certified. Mint Organic Care was born shortly after!

Where does your motivation for skin care come from?

A lot of my motivation is derived from the simple fact that our skin is the largest organ on our body and is the first thing people see. While some people are born with naturally beautiful skin, many of us are not. Rather than spending tons of money on inorganic products that have no nutritive value, I found that God has blessed us with the best ingredients for our body from nature.

Above all, I have a borderline obsession with skincare products, their ingredients and how they feel! Whenever I travel to a new country, I take time out to find their most organic store, find out what products and ingredients are indigenous to that country and learn about their health benefits.

I also wanted people to sincerely enjoy and feel pampered during simple daily regimens such as taking a bath; not only relishing the experience, but also feeling absolutely confident that they are using the best and healthiest ingredients for their body.

Can you remember the first product you made/sold?

I remember both! The first product I made was not the first product I sold. I first made cocoa butter hand soap, which turned out quite well! A few weeks later my friend ordered body scrubs and bar soaps for her company hampers for the Christmas holidays.

What areas of concern do you see the most in this industry?

Ingredient procurement, Information asymmetry and quality control- although I think the latter two are more specific to Nigeria as a country.

Would you refer to yourself as a skin care specialist?

No, I would not consider myself as a skin care specialist. As I mentioned earlier I “accidentally” fell into the skincare industry and had no prior specialised knowledge. I would confidently say however that I am very knowledgeable in natural skincare product making and skin health. I am learning everyday and may one day find it necessary to get the certification of a skincare specialist.

What are the challenges you face in business?

Honestly, I don’t believe running a business anywhere in the world is easy, not to mention Nigeria. My greatest challenge is trying to run a quality business in Nigeria while keeping fair prices. My second greatest challenge is specific to the organic industry and that’s procuring ingredients. Because they are natural resources, the unadulterated versions are available in limited supply. Furthermore, I try to acquire the various ingredients from their respective indigenous countries, so importation and custom duties are definitely a challenge.

What is your most popular item (include image)?

My two most popular items are the bath bombs and the creamy coconut bar soap.

Bath bombs by Mint Organic Care natural skin product — Bath bombs by Mint Organic Care

creamy coconut bar soap naturals by mint organic care — creamy coconut bar soap by mint organic care

What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?

I aim to expand MOC as an international brand with stores in various African cities. I absolutely will be going back to my degree in public policy and resolve to influence policy change that positively affects the way Nigeria functions as a country.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

My sense of smell and nose are ridiculously strong. I got it from my mother and I am very thankful as it makes my job a lot easier. God definitely had these plans for me before I had them for myself! LOL

For someone who wishes to take up this kind of career, what kind of advice would you give them? Also, if you could give one piece of advice to youths who want to start their own company, what would it be?

I would advise that they unquestionably have the passion and vision for skincare and organic products. For youths wanting to start their own company-

“pray for wisdom and strength and then go for it”.

It may not start out as the image you had initially, yet with hard work and dedication you will begin to see your vision materialize. However, I would stress to make sure you have a clearly written out business plan prior to starting.

Once the business starts you tend to get an overload of advice and input from various people, while at the same time things may not pan out as you thought they would. Therefore, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, side tracked and confused. When you have a written out business plan with realistic timelines and goals, you have that blueprint to keep you focused and on track.

And finally, I would like to give you this opportunity to share two to four images of your work and tell us a little about each (basically sell yourself, include the package for events & wedding etc).

One of the things I love most about what I do is the creative mobility. Each time I go into my lab to create something there is always an element of surprise with how the finished product turns out. This creativity is also often explored with customers for their events and weddings. Here are photos from a pink and gold themed wedding. I also enjoy putting together the gift boxes for customers, which are customizable by both colour and scent. Here is a photo of a men’s gift box customized according to the scent.

mint organic care products Nigeria bellafricana digest — Mint organic gift for a gold and pink themed wedding

If you are reading this and you have sensitive skin or you know somebody that does, kindly forward this interview to them.

Kudos Janada on your achievements so far, and I’m glad you have taken up the courage to fill a gap in the skin care industry in Nigeria.

I for one will be your customer as not only am I drawn to beautiful packages but I also love organic skin products. Like come on who doesn’t like smooth fresh skin 😉

You can reach Janada via her email on [email protected]

Thanks Janada for participating in Bellafricana’s Exclusive Interviews! We wish you the very best in your business and look forward to you opening your online shop at www.bellafricana.com

Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews September 3, 2015

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Event details:

Wednesday, July 3

Panelists:

Thursday, July 4th

Exhibitors on Thursday:

Friday, July 5th – Sunday, July 7th

Exhibitors on Friday:

Exhibitors on Saturday:

Exhibitors on Sunday:

Monday, July 8th – Tuesday, July 9th

Wednesday, July 10th

Event Highlights :

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Checklist:

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Getting to the Venue:

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Please introduce yourself and your background

Tell us about your work. How did your company start?

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

Can you remember one of the first products you made? What makes it memorable?

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?

What is your most popular product?

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this Industry?

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

And finally, please share images of some of your work and tell us a little about each product

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