Bellafricana published in Arts & Crafts, Beauty, Gift Items, Inspiration

Valentines Gift Inspiration for loved ones

Zivanora jewelries on bellafricana marketplace

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion that celebrates love and affection between intimate companions. Here are some valentines gift inspiration to show your loved ones how much you care.

Here are some gift ideas to help you make your loved one feel special this Valentine’s Day:

  1. Personalized jewelry:

A custom piece of jewelry can be a unique and meaningful gift for your loved one. You can have a special message or initials engraved on a piece of jewelry, such as a pendant or a pair of cufflinks. If you are looking something more meaningful and valuable then this Zivanora cuff bracelet is a good option for you. This brand handcrafts the best accessories with a touch of finness added on every piece.

Zivanora jewelries on bellafricana marketplace

        2. Candlelight dinner:

Cook a special meal for your loved one, or arrange for a candlelit dinner at a romantic restaurant. This intimate setting is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together and enjoy a delicious meal. I know you will say this is quite traditional, but no it isn’t. This is intimate that having to go out to eat, and do not forget to infuse the environment with nicely scented candles from Raale Lifestyle. Create a warm and comfortable atmosphere for you and your loved one’s.

Raale Lifestyle Candles sold on bellafricana marketplace scented candles

    3. A thoughtful note card

Write a heartfelt and personal note to your loved one, expressing your love and appreciation. You can include this note with any other gift or simply give it on its own. Most emotional feelings are conveyed in words, and what special way to tell your loved one’s how much they mean to you other than with these magical Not Just Pulp cards. Yea, their absolutely magical because they convey feelings in the most subtle, romantic, fun filled ways.

Not just pulp cards on bellafricana marketplace

    4. Gift scent box:

This is another exceptional gift item for valentines. This gift box is a combination is indeed will be a perfect gift as everyone loves to smell nice and we all love to stay in well scented environment. It is a combination of scented candles and perfumes. This product is a signature of Abela scents, I will highly recommend this brand, cos it fragrance is unique and it has a long lasting smell.

Abela Gift Box scented candles and diffusers on bellafricana marketplace

     5. Customized throw pillows:

This Bosh design throw pillow is another unique valentines gift to recommend. It is soft, fluffy and very comfortable. It is also very appealling to the eyes and can be customized as well. This can be used to enhance the beauty of any space. It is a great decorative piece for homes, offices, recreation centers and lot more. You can never go wrong with this val’s gift.

Throwpillow by bosh design on bellafricana marketplace

CONCLUSION

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion that should be celebrated with a thoughtful and meaningful gift. I hope these valentines gift inspiration was helpful. Whether you choose a romantic getaway, a couples’ spa day, or a personalized piece of jewelry, your loved one is sure to feel loved and appreciated. To check for more beautiful valentine’s gift, click here to order.

  • no reactions
0
Share
Bellafricana published in Beauty, Health & Beauty

6 Effective Natural Remedies For Acne

Oriki face oil by Oriki on bellafricana marketplace

There are a lot of speculation as to what really causes acne and can often be daunting to find effective natural remedies for acne. While some will argue that the food we consume has a lot to do with facial breakouts, others are of the opinion that bad hygiene has its role to play, and also it could be genetically transferred or environment too matters.

All these speculations seems true and can be argued. I used to have terrible acne and I remember being told that was my season for it. Until I got myself good home remedies and skincare products to ultimately set me free.

For people suffering from these, here are 6 effective natural remedies for acne problems that was my last resort solution:

1. HYDRATING FACE CREAM

Hydrating face cream is one of such solution to acne problems. as dry skin more often than not tend to cause acne problems. The skin contains lots of hair follicles from which hair grows. Acne is the result of these becoming blocked. Tiny glands near the surface of the skin produce sebum, an oil that prevents the skin from drying out. They can produce too much sebum, which blocks the hair follicle. Other debris, such as dead skin, also builds up. With the Treda organic hydrating face cream, this gives the face the right amount of moisture that it deserves, thereby keeping the face smooth and silky.

Face care kit by treda organics on bellafricana marketplace

      2. ANTI-ACNE CREAM

This is a special anti-acne treatment, This is a product of janeli global and this is also very effective for the total eradication of pimples spot on the face. What prompted me to purchase this products was how well my friend hyped it.As small as it may look, it does big magic to the face. If truly you are tired of acne, then rush and get this janeli global anti pimples cream.

Acne cream by janeli global on bellafricana marketplace

      3. FACE OIL

Back then I use to avoid face oil, as I thought it was the reason why I had severe breakout. Until I bumped into this matolo face oil. This was wonders, it worked like magic. This face oil is a combination of apple extracts and rosewater with its antioxidant richness, then that was my final bye bye to acne problems. My face stopped wrinkling, it was greazy and super glowy. I would forever remain grateful to this matolo face oil product. Yea!

My Matolo face-oil Effective Natural Remedies For Acne on bellafricana, sold on bellafricana marketplace

Also read: Natural beauty brands in Nigeria

      4. GLOW FACE WASH

Apart from using good creams on the surface of the face, what we also need to pay attention to is what we wash our face with. Some people spend more money on getting good face creams only to allow bad facial wash spoil the work. Matolo skincare product is one I would always vouch for, No matter the skin issues, This brand will help restore your beauty, confidence and smiles back. Trust me, Acne can cause depression atimes.

Matolo Botanicals facewash on bellafricana marketplace

       5. FACE WASH

Three years ago I was a top fan of Oriki face oil product, from moisturizers, body oil, body wash etc, I used them a lot. Those were my best products to use. This oil free Acne wash will perform the exact same thing I use to experience when I use this brand. I will always recommend this brand because of the high value I have received by using it.

Oriki face oil by Oriki on bellafricana marketplace

     6. FACIAL SUNSCREEN CREAM

The use of sunscreen helps slow down the development of wrinkled, premature-aging skin. It helps to prevent facial brown/dark spots and skin discolorations. This l’avyanna face sunscreen is super effective.

FAcial sunscreen bty lavyanna on bellafricana marketplace

  CONCLUSION

These products were carefully selected from my personal experience with them and also from lot of reviews and recommendation received on each brand. If you also want cream that will help your skin look bright and ageless, click on this link to order for more.

  • no reactions
0
Share
Bellafricana published in Furnitures, Gift Items, Home & Living, Painting, People & Culture

5 Elegant African-Inspired Home Decor

My Africa Throw Pillow by Pillow Talk 9ja sold on Bellafricana Shop and Marketplace

Your home should have a touch of elegant African-inspired home decor telling the story of who you are and be a collection of what you love. It’s no doubt that public areas like hotels, conference centres, and recreational areas. This helps to bring out more sparkle, flamboyance, and embellishments to the space.

The beauty of African decorative items is the combination of vivid colors combined with earth tone and vibrant colors like green, yellow, and red to resonate beauty in a way and add glow to a space. 

Adopting these 5 Elegant African-inspired home decorative pieces for your space will transform your space

  1. AFRICAN PRINT THROW PILLOWS:

African print throw pillows are very catchy and beautiful to stare at. It serves as a decor accent to a space; bedroom, sitting room, office spaces, and corners. African throw pillows makers tell stories, using our rustic lifestyles, our commonness, and what makes us unique as Africans. Apoti Lagos, Bosh Designs are design and craft companies that manufacture artistic throw pillows, with beautiful colors, patterns, and craft designs to add feelings and emotions to your space.

Bosh Designs
Danfo throw pillow
Bosh Deigns African Drum throw Pillow sold on bellafricana shop and marketplace
ilu gangan throw pillow

1B. AFRICAN INSPIRED PILLOWS

Pillow Talk 9ja is another creative pillow design maker that uses Nigerian tales to craft elegant pictorial designs and messages. The brand uses relatable Nigerian themes such as festive events, Lagos lifestyle, folklore, and African traditional experiences. It also crafts personalized messages and seasonal/festive celebrations.

My Africa Throw Pillow by Pillow Talk 9ja sold on Bellafricana Shop and Marketplace

2. AFRICAN ARTS AND PAINTINGS

Art pieces are placed in strategic positions like accent walls, shelves, sidewalls, corner spaces to give details to a space. Ronke Scott, an artist has an interesting way of telling African cultural and traditional stories through her edifice. From capturing local and rustic to creating people’s experiences and realities, as well as emotions and doctrines. One of her great pieces of work, “psyche of a black woman”, examines the great features African women possess, strength, struggles, challenges, resilience, beauty, creativity, and uniqueness. Let your home always tell a story.

Ronke Scott Gallery Artworks MINIATURES sold on Bellafricana Marketplace
Ronke Scott Gallery Artworks MINIATURES sold on Bellafricana Marketplace

 

  3. WOODEN HYACINTH LAMPS

Wooden hyacinths products are handcrafted fibers (otherwise known as waste or environmental menace). Waste products are recycled into beautiful furniture pieces. Adding beautiful wooden items can make your space look extra, on the edge and fabulous. MitiMeth creates unique and beautifully handmade hyacinth using fibers to produce crafts for dining chairs, rugs, tissue boxes, storage baskets, and a lot more. Mitimeth does fabulous items using waste fibres which are repurposed into usuable items for the home. 
Lamp hyacinth sold by mitimeth on bellafricana marketplace, African inspired home decor
Lamp hyacinth sold by mitimeth on bellafricana marketplace
 
  Also read: Top 6 Afrocentric Gift Ideas

4. AFRICAN THEMED PERFUME DIFFUSER/ SCENTED CANDLES

Do you know perfume diffusers have a lot to do with your wellbeing? There is nothing better than your favorite scent welcoming you as you walk into a space. Diffusers/candles not only smell great but look great too. They are stylish additions to window sills and act as great minimal centerpieces to tables. Have your house tenderly and nicely scented with Abela World scents perfumery. Abela world scents can last for up to 12 weeks, thereby causing a long-lasting scent in your space. 

Perfume/Oil diffuser sold by Abela scents on Bellafricana marketplace
Perfume/Oil diffuser sold by Abela scents on Bellafricana marketplace
Scented candles sold by Abela scents on bellafricana marketplace, African inspired home decor
Scented candles sold by Abela scents on bellafricana marketplace

5) TISSUE BOX

This tissue box is a very excellent way of having your space free of littered tissues. This Ankara covering helps protect it from getting destroyed easily and stylish. Mitimeth  helps repurpose waste from natural fibres into good decorative pieces suitable for any space. Adding finesse to your space with this great item will not only improve the glow of your space but also adds that edge and color harmony to any vicinity. its infusion of nice ankara material and fibre makes it more catchy and elegant to any space.

 

African inspired home decor

 CONCLUSION

Afrocentric designs add elements of personality, charm, edge, uniqueness, emotions, warmth and inspiration. This fusion of bright and vibrant colors sends great appeal and sentiment to any environment. To order for your beautiful home decoration, click here

  • no reactions
0
Share
Bellafricana published in Arts & Crafts, Furnitures, Gift Items, Home & Living

6 Beautiful Modern Craft Ideas

Adinkra florals footstool - 6 inches sold on bellafricana marketplace

Craft has been in existence for over centuries, and has no intention of going into extinction. Modern Craft is here to stay and has been handed over to us since our forefather’s days, has been revamped, renewed, and reshaped to fit our technological world.

Places like Egypt, Babylon, and other ancient cities are well known to be Pioneers of Craftsmanship. The word craft itself signifies strength and skills, skill in planning, making, and execution.

Modern craft has evolved over the years as lot of people are diving into it to make honest living. Here is a list of 6 Beautiful Modern Craft ideas that we use in our everyday life.

1. Tissue Box

This tissue box isn’t just the conventional one that uses papers. This is a woven Hyacinth tissue box made from waste fibre and recycled tyres. Yes, remember I said craft is revamped, reused and reshaped. Apart from the innovation that comes with this, its adds glamour, beauty and color to any space. Most people use it as well in their cars. This craft idea is designed by Mitimeth, and this brand has been known for being exceptional in repurposing waste items into usable form.

Tissue Box by mitimeth on Bellafricana Marketplace

2. Hand Woven Bags

Another wonder our craft making is this raffia woven bag. well, this really no surprise at all to the modern craft, since it was actually borrowed way back, it would be crafted into woven hunter’s bag even storage bags for the house. it has be refurbished to serve as outting bags, party bags and even official bags. However, this elegant handmade bag is crafted by Yasmin crafts and its is indeed a beautiful piece to add to your wardrobe.

Handbags by Yasmin Craft on Bellafricana Marketplace

3. Cushion Box

This beautiful cushion box is a great piece to have in any space. It can also serve as a storage basket and a corner stool. This box is well sequenced with wonderful patterns and covered up with a touch of African Fabric. Unlike the traditional boxes that looked boring, this box adds accent and edge to any space it finds itself. This is the great mind of Apoti Lagos. A furniture design company.

 Also Read: 6 Best Online marketplaces for handmade Items
4. Woven Wall Clock

Well modern craft is taking its place in interior decoration. Most especially, public spaces such as a hospitality centre, resort and offices, are now fine tuning their interior decoration using African talented Arts designs. This wall clock here is another wonder of the well put together craft by Mitimeth. Craft has been infused to several items and this makes any space catchy, grabs attention and adds finesse.

Woven wall clock by mitimeth on bellafricana marketplace

5. Resin Tables

If you have never watched how a resin table is made, I would Truly advise you do. The process is alluring and fun to watch. From a dead, wretched wood that should have been disposed, to this masterpiece you see here. Resin table are wonderful craft pieces that has been remade with earthy colors. The designs add a bit of natural feel and ectasy. Apoti Lagos using her resin craft to add glam in any space.

Resin Table By Apoti On Bellafricana Marketplace, modern craft

 

6. Laundry Basket

One fantastic thing about this modern craft laundry Basket is its well patterned and synchronized wood work. This design has a way of adding statement and flow to this piece of furniture. No longer will you have to put up clutter in easy to wear laundry basket, but you can hide it in the nice and pleasantly looking basket. Yasmin Crafts had wonderfully craft this with the intentions of storing in a more detailed and still put together way.

Vector pattern ankara ottoman by apoti lagos sold on bellafricana marketplaceVector pattern ankara ottoman by apoti lagos, modern craft sold on bellafricana marketplace

CONCLUSION

Craft has metamorphosed greatly over the years. As beauty, elegance and poise has been added to style up the usually boring and traditional arts we were left with.  Craft has gone interior decoration, fashion, music etc. These 6 Beautiful Modern Craft Ideas, are the one’s that are usable on a daily and are common to find. To get more on modern craft click here.

 

 

 

  • no reactions
0
Share
Bellafricana published in Articles, Exclusive Interviews, Furnitures, Home & Living, Meet The Founders,

Meet The Founder Of Ile Ila #Exclusive Interview

Hey there!

It’s been a minute. I just checked the date of my last published article and I myself was wowed! But hey! Let’s leave the past in the past shall we?

I was opportune to have an exclusive interview with the founder of an amazingly awesome furniture design brand called Ilé Ilà. The fist time I came across the brand was during the Bellafricana ACE Awards 2018 in Lagos, Nigeria, and I can remember just standing and staring at these sets of beautiful furniture made with Aso Oke. They were so colorful, looked very comfortable and all I could say to myself was, ”Oh wow, this is art!”

This interview gave me more insight to what this brands stands for, why they do what they do, and some of the challenges they face as a business. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce to you, Tosin Oshinowo, Founder and Creative Director of Ile Ila.

Please introduce yourself and your background

My name is Tosin Oshinowo. I am an Architect and run a design practice in Lagos, Nigeria called cmDesign Atelier. I am also a product designer and run a lifestyle furniture line called Ile Ila.

Tell us about your work. How did Ile Ila start?

Ile Ila, is a lifestyle furniture line designed and hand-made in Lagos, Nigeria. The brand design period-conscious furniture with a contemporary African content.

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

Ilé-Ilà, means House of Lines in Yoruba,

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

Our business is focused on accent chairs and ottomans. we really focused on the celebration and capsulation of Culture.

Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

We get our inspiration from everything around us. In particular we have a thing for color and textures and there is so much variety with Aso Oke.

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

One of the first chairs I made is still in my home. It’s an assortment of purple and lilac Aso Oke. It is really is one of the reasons who I got into the idea of color combination.

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

Biggest challenge has been scaling up of production due to capital costs of the carpentry machinery. Currently, production is slow due to the machinery available, if we can scale up we can reduce time and reduce production cost and pass this saving on the our customers.

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

Not at all. Because I have stayed in the realm of design and creativity both businesses feed off each other.

What is your most popular product?

It’s interesting but difficult to answer. different demographics like different things. All the chairs have done well but i can almost guess peoples preference if I know their background or gender. In terms of sales the Alaafia did exceptionally well.

Alaafia Rocker

 

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

We are all products of our experiences and exposures and it is this combination that is reflected in my work.

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

We really want to push international sales. right now it’s expensive to export and this pushes up the price. short term we want to add more furniture lines to the brand.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I don’t know how to tie gele….. and I hardly wear Aso Oke.

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in the Furniture Design industry?

I probably would have been a visual artist.

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

Make sure you get your business properly registered and engage the services of an accountant from the start and make sure you pay your tax.

And finally, Here are some more images of pieces by Ilé-Ilà

Alaafia

ORUN-3

ORUN-2

Aparo

Connect with Tosin on Instagram @ile.ila or send an email to [email protected] or you can call, 08023789728.

Follow us on Instagram @bell_africana for more amazing creative indigenous brands, and to fine out more about the beauty of Africa.

  • no reactions
0
Share
Bellafricana published in Arts & Crafts, Uncategorized

These Home Decors Are A Must Have

Hello Bellafricana family, I trust you are doing great. So, I went visiting a friend at her house and the home decors she had made me wonder if my place is a house or a building. No jokes oh, I just couldn’t stop staring. It got me wondering where I had missed it while decorating my house.

Luckily for me, she is not one of those who won’t let out their good life secret. And as a sharp babe that I am, I asked her to give me names of where she got her home decor from. When I kept asking about almost everything in her house, she decided to give me a full list. LOL!!

Anyway, I figured I might not be the only one in need of some house decor, keep scrolling to see the list I got.

Home Decor You Should Have

Mirrors;

Think of it, having a mirror around the house gives it some kind magnificent feel and using these mirrors from Mitimeth would definitely give a good feel. Check this out;

Wall mirror by Mitimeth

Wall Mirror by Mitimeth

Flower Pots;

You can’t have a garden in your room but you can definitely have a flower pot as part of your home decor. Check this below

leaning pot by mitimeth home decor

 

Leaning Pot by Mitimeth

Chairs;

What is a home decor if there are no chairs? I am guessing you already know that the decor isn’t complete. So check out the lovely chairs below.

huta chair by Ethnik

HUTA Chair by ethnik

Okin chair by Ile.ila home decor

Okin Chair by Ile.Ila

Throw Pillows;

Is it just me or do they really give the house some warmth? You know, having something to hold onto while sitting. If you weren’t into them, I trust after seeing what I have below, you will be convinced. See below

Mitimeth throw pillow home decor

Throw Pillow by Mitimeth

adire lounge home decor

Throw Pillow by Adire Lounge

Table Mat;

Why leave your table without a cover when you can have a table mat? You didn’t know? Now you know, check below!

table mat by mitimeth

Table Mat by Mitimeth

Ok, that’s it from me to you, tell me if you make any changes to your home decor.

 

  • no reactions
0
Share
Bellafricana published in africa, bellafricana, Gift Items, Health & Beauty, Home & Living,

Ty Bello, Somkele Iyamah-Idhalamah, And The Nigerian Queens Of Fro

Natural hair growth seems to be a bold step most Nigerian ladies are beginning to adhere to. It is so amazing how like wild fire it has spread, and the popular faces seem to be leading the charge. Yes I’m a dude, but nothing speaks natural beauty more like a lady who grooms and wears her natural hair.Continue reading

  • no reactions
0
Share
Bellafricana published in Articles, Arts & Crafts, bellafricana, Gift Items, Home & Living

DIY Craft Series | How To Make Paper Flowers At Home

Paper flowers are a great form of creativity and bonding activity in the family. DIY (Do It Yourself) Crafts have definitely come to stay. This is why you see lots of series, pictures, tutorials and techniques on how to “Do It Yourself” with basically anything from fashion, home and office decor, arts (flowers) and basically almost any craft your imagination allows.Continue reading

  • no reactions
0
Share
Subscribe to our newsletter Now!

Join the Bellafricana Community of audacious, driven and courageous creative entrepreneurs

BELLafricana logo yellow gold

At Bellafricana our aim is to help you connect with creative, unique and quality African owned businesses.

We believe that every creative entrepreneur has a potential to grow sustainable global businesses. Bellafricana understands the challenges and is honored to be a part of the Creatives’ dream. Their dream is our dream

This is Home to creative entrepreneurs

Facebook-f Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin

Explore

quick links

Contact

STEPS TO MAKING

Massive Progress in your Business

Subscribe to get the free guide and learn step-by-step exactly what you need to achieve your goals.