OSIME SAIBU IS THE LADY OF MANY PARTS BEHIND THE EMERGING FASHION BRAND- SIMEOGIEME which means 'GOD SENT ME'

MAESTRO'S MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

OSIME SAIBU OF SIMEOGIEME

 
We came across the quiet, but brilliant Osime Saibu at the just concluded Africa Fashion Week London 2013. Her designs from the emerging label - Simeogieme were quite simply- 'classic, body shape enhancing and very functional' , to us a breath of fresh air.

She got everyone's attention because prior to her showcase, she just moved around without any 'airs' and inconspicuously not wanting to draw to herself any undue attention.

But the moment the models came out one after the other, wearing her creation with much aplomb! Everyone immediately exhaled that they were seeing a 'bright star' in the making, a fashion meteorite has landed, ready to make an impact. She was one of the highlights (BRIGHT SPARKS) of the 3 days fashion extravaganza at the old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch.

We had a great interview with the Creative Director of the emerging label and it was qyite insightful. 
Interview was conducted by Abiola O. Aloba for Maestro's Media. ENJOY!!!

SIM SIMMA 2O14 COLLECTION AS SHOWN AT THE AFWL 2013

How did you come into fashion? What made you embrace it as a career path?

I have always been interested in fashion since I was a child. I believe the interest developed as a result of being around the tailors my mum hired for her tailoring business, which was established using the garage of my home in Lagos, Nigeria. I was interested to see how yards and yards of fabric could be transformed into something really elegant for women to wear, so I would always help out after school. My mum eventually taught me how to sew. I enjoyed sketching, so I would imagine different dresses and sketch them on a pad. This was a hobby at the time.

As I became an adult, my interest in fashion increased especially as I had moved to live and study in London, the fashion capital of the UK. So I bought a sewing machine and for practice, I would cut up bed sheets to make little dresses and skirts. Also, sketching designs during lunch breaks at work became a habit. My interest had become a passion, and this led me to ask Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah if I could intern with him. He agreed.

Then I was asked to be a bride’s maid at my friend’s wedding and the bridal train had to buy a particular fabric “aso-ebi” to make dresses with for the wedding. I decided to sew my dress for the wedding myself. This was the first time I would make a dress which would be worn for an occasion. At the wedding, which was in Washington DC, I received several compliments on my dress and a few people asked to take pictures of my dress. This was a massive confidence boost for me, and that led me to establish the business.

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What's your brand called and what made you name it so? What particularly do you hope to reflect with the name?

My brand is called Simeogieme. It’s gotten from my full name Osimeogieme which means “God sent me”. I am from Edo State in Nigeria. With the name I hope to reflect purpose. We are all on a journey in life, and we all get dressed for journeys. I want to help prepare women for their journey, as I am being helped as well.

What is your design ethos?

I am one of the believers of the quote “Simplicity is Sophistication”. So I decided my design ethos would be Simplicity, Sensuality & Sophistication. My ethos is reflected in my designs which I believe are simple, sensual and sophisticated.

Where does inspiration come from and what helps to energize the process?

My inspiration comes from different things or places. I do not limit my designs to particular types of fabric or particular cultures. I decide on a theme I want to explore for a collection and then inspiration comes. It could be from tranquility or from chaos. For example I got the inspiration for the hooded bandage body suit (in the Sim Simma 2014 Collection) while sitting on a red and black Kawasaki Ninja motorbike. The image for my design came to me and I sketched it on a pad later.

Wait a minute. Do you ride bicycles or power-bikes? 

Not a pro or anything like that. A friend of mine got me to take lessons with a guy in Lagos and that's it. I was fascinated by my friend's Kawasaki Ninja so that got my interest. I ride both bicycles & power-bikes. Though I do not own my own bike for now.  

Would you ever buy a power-bike for yourself in the future?

Yes! Absolutely. But that would be when I can afford it, and also after I buy my Range. I think Power-bikes are SEXY!!!!!

How long now have you being designing and do you have hands-on experience?

I’ve been designing dresses that get made just for me since I was 16. But as a business, designing to make and sell, I’ve been doing this since 2010. Like I said, I interned with Yemi Osunkoya in 2008. I chose him because I like his designs which flatter a woman’s body and makes the wearer comfortable with and confident of her body. The little time I spent in his studio watching him work and assisting, plus the advice he gave on design and the fashion business influences my design approach and business decisions till date.

Who are those that you consider as inspirations in the business and why?

Apart from Yemi whose work I am in awe of, I am inspired by Deola Sagoe. I find her work very artistic, and she pushes boundaries with her designs. In my early years when my interest in design was developing and she had recently started her business, I remember looking up to her as an inspiration. She still is. Other designers I am inspired by are Vivenne Westwood; her designs are quirky and colourful, and Victoria Beckham. I like Victoria Beckham because her designs are simple, sophisticated and chic.

How fulfilling is your life as a designer?

As a designer, the last few years have been hard but very fulfilling. Hard because starting any new business is not easy, especially as resources are limited and it is crucial to learn to maximise what’s available, but also because of sacrifices one has to make. However, it is extremely fulfilling to see what starts out as an idea in your head, sketched on paper and created to be seen, and then brought to life on a runway. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to share your ideas with many and see your work appreciated. For me, fashion designing is absolutely fulfilling.

What is your educational attainment up till date?

I studied quite a few things. I’m naturally very inquisitive; I like to learn new things. I completed a degree course in Accounting (B.Sc), and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). I also have an Oracle Database Administration and a Project Management Practitioner (Prince2) qualification. I have gained valuable experience in the corporate world in Nigeria and the UK, and I still take up occasional contract work in Project Management Offices here in the UK.

How would you rate your showing & participation at the recently concluded Africa Fashion Week London 2013?

I participated in the recently concluded Africa Fashion Week London 2013. This is the first time Simeogieme would be showing at the AFWL , and the first time at a grand fashion show. I say “grand” because it is the biggest Africa-inspired event to take place outside Africa, which caught the attention of news giants like CNN and BBC. This brought a lot of attention to the event and raised the profile of the event which the designers that showcased have benefited from. Simeogieme had the honour of showcasing on the last day of the event alongside many established designers like Zizi Cardow, and my designs were well received. Also, the models were so happy to wear my designs. So I am pleased to say Simeogieme did well.

You seem to have favoured the bandage stripes made famous by the legendary Herve Leger brand, Why this?

I chose woven yarn bandage strips as the central theme for this collection because I want to dress women in colourful, bold and beautiful pieces that emphasizes flattering attributes of the female body, to celebrate femininity. Herve Leger made bandage dresses legendary, and I love his work so I decided to explore my own ideas on how I envisioned bandage stripes could be arranged, and also combined with other fabric, and I was pleased with the result.

What is the Sim Simma 2014 collection all about?

It is about celebrating femininity. According to the urban dictionary, "Sim Simma" is a phrase used as a declaration or recognition of greatness by oneself or another person, an exclamation in response to anything worthy of admiration. The vision Simeogieme had with the Sim Simma Collection is to dress women in colourful, bold and beautiful pieces that emphasizes flattering attributes of the female body.

From the body fitting pieces to the maxi dresses, which cascades elegantly on a variety of female forms, the wearer will be worthy of the admiration of all... including herself

With so many designers on the market and many more emerging daily, what helps to stand your brand out? What's the distinguishing factor?

It is commonly said that the bottom is crowded, but there is so much space at the top. Simeogieme strives for excellence and is committed to exploring fashion forward designs, making quality dresses and using quality fabric. As long as we continue striving for excellence and delivering on quality, we will always stand out and we will get to the top. Getting to the top takes commitment and persistence. It’s very easy to give up or settle for mediocrity, but harder to climb and persist. Like I already said Simeogieme aims to reflect purpose. Purpose persists.

Lastly, What does the future hold for you and your brand? Where do we hope to see you say in 2 years time? 

I usually say “I see the future”, not because I actually see it, but I see what I want it to be… “the expected end”, according to the bible. I am convinced the future holds good things for Simeogieme… a flagship store, a clothing line for men, a clothing line for kids… I have so many ideas. I think most importantly, in the next two years, you see me alive, God willing.

Creative Director: Osime Saibu
Design Label: SIMEOGIEME
Website: www.simeogieme.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/simeogieme.london
Twitter: @simeogieme

You have read this article AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON 2013 / AFWL 2013 / FASHION AND LIFESTYLE / FASHION LABEL / INTERVIEWS / MAESTROMEDIA / OSIME SAIBU / SIMEOGIEME with the title INTERVIEWS. You can bookmark this page URL https://sindyly.blogspot.com/2013/08/osime-saibu-is-lady-of-many-parts.html. Thanks!

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH THE FAST RISING MOVIE STAR- BEVERLY NAYA

Truth be told. We are in love with Beverly Naya. She epitomizes all that we desire in a superstar in the making. Gorgeousness, good attitude, talented, unbridled passion for the craft and a great, but still evolving fashion sense. To crown it all, she's witty and highly intelligent. In this chat, she allowed us into her world and points us to a future she desires. Enjoy as you read! We believe, she has already captured 2013 & you 'll soon see why we believe that. 

BEVERLY NAYA

MANY ARE OF THE OPINION THAT YOU ARE ONE OF THE NEW FACE OF NOLLYWOOD & BY EXTENSION THE FILM INDUSTRY. HOW COME THERE'S SO MUCH EXPECTATION CONCERNING YOU?

I think its because I have worked extremely hard to be where I am today, my belief in myself and my abilities has also inspired this. There is a high expectation of people who exude signs of diligence, dedication and passion. To others, such individuals instinctively represent people with a bright future ahead of them. That's probably the reason, I can do nothing other than thank God.

HOW & WHEN DID YOU CATCH THE BUG FOR ACTING?

I'd say I caught it whilst doing my A Levels which was at seventeen, that was when I became the first student in eight years to obtain a full mark distinction for my performance in Stoning Mary by Debbie Tucker Green. That is definitely when my passion for acting intensified, till this very day. So far it has been an amazing journey, it can only get better.

THE OLD NOLLYWOOD SEEMS TO HAVE A FEAR OF THE NEW & UPCOMING NOLLYWOOD ACTS LIKES OF YOU & URU EKE ETC. DO YOU THINK THIS SEEMING FEAR IS JUSTIFIED IN ANYWAY?

I believe that if one is comfortable and confident in themselves and achievements there really is no need to be intimidated or threatened by anybody else. I am proud of a lot of our older actresses because they have achieved so much, and hence paved the way for the new actresses, so in that respect there is absolutely nothing to fear.

HAS THE NIGERIAN FILM INDUSTRY BEEN A DISAPPOINTMENT? OR HAS IT BEEN HOW YOU HAD EXPECTED IT TO BE LIKE?

I feel that I have coped well, the Nigerian film industry is definitely better than I imagined. Our industry is continually growing, and I feel it can only grow stronger and more lucrative for all of us. 

HOW MANY PRODUCTIONS HAVE YOU BEEN IN SO FAR. AND HOW HAS THE EXPERIENCE BEING LIKE?

I have shot about ten films, the majority of them are scheduled for cinema release in 2013. It has been a bit of a roller coaster ride, but I love the thrill, it just keeps getting more exciting.

WITH YOUR ACCENT & ALL, WON'T THAT BE A CHALLENGE FOR THE PRODUCERS. WON'T YOU BE PIGEON-HOLED OR BOXED INTO PARTICULAR KIND OF ROLES?

Not at all. I have had the opportunity of playing a vast variety of characters. If I am required to tone down my accent then I am more than willing to do so for the sake of my character.

ARE THERE PARTICULAR RITUALS YOU UNDERGO, SO AS TO GIVE YOUR UTMOST BEST FOR ROLES GIVEN TO YOU?

I just like to feel as relaxed as possible. If my character is emotionally demanding then I'd likely spend a lot of time alone whilst on set just so that I can immerse myself in the character as much as possible. If the script is given to me early enough, I prefer to have all of my lines memorised.

WHAT ARE THE PLUS SIDE OF BEING A PART OF THE INDUSTRY?

It gives me the opportunity to build my career and mould it exactly the way I want to, that's definitely a huge plus. Having young people tell you that you have inspired them in one way or another is also a very humbling experience that I cherish.

WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO SEE YOU, SAY IN 4 YEARS?

In about the four years with God by my side, I expect to be the very brand I see in my heart and mind. The aim is to be not only a well renowned actress and mogul with an empire, but a philanthropist who has helped the youth and children of Nigeria as much as possible. We are the future.

WHAT ARE THOSE THINGS YOU ENJOYING DOING?

Shopping, shoes, traveling and exploring new restaurants.

YOU ARE A VERY STYLISH YOUNG LADY & MANY HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THE FACT. DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

My style is basically sexy but classy, I love to stand out wherever I am, and make positive fashion statements. 

WHO ARE YOUR ICONS IN THE BUSINESS & WHY?

I admire Bimbo Akintola, I think she is a fantastic actress, I saw her recently and told her this. I also admire aunty Joke Silva and uncle Olu Jacobs. They are a married couple that has been acting for decades. I love the support they have for each other. I want to grow old with the one I love just like they have, it's a blessing. 

WHY LEAVE THE UK TO COME BACK HOME TO ACT?

Why not? They say charity begins at home. 

YOUR EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT TILL DATE?

I attended Roehampton University, London and obtained a 2:1 bachelor's degree in film making as well as a 1st class in script writing.

WHAT'S A DEFINITE NO NO FOR YOU?

 Liars, fake, arrogant and pretentious people. Lets not forget copy cats. Be you!

HOW DO YOU DECIDE ON WHAT TO WEAR TO OCCASIONS...

It depends on what the invitation requires. However most times how I dress to events is a reflection of my mood. I have been wearing a lot of black to events lately, black makes me feel sexy and mysterious, I guess you get my drift.

DESCRIBE YOU IN YOUR OWN WORDS?

Fun, confident,  bubbly, energetic and a go getter. I'm usually pretty shy when I meet new people, but once we become friends, I am said to be quite funny and witty. Making people laugh makes me happy.

LIFE TO YOU IS........................

 ... A beautiful gift from God. My aim is to make the most out of my life by achieving every goal I have set for myself whilst enjoying every moment with the beautiful people I care about most. Everything is possible, I just want to live my life to the fullest.

Interview was conducted by Abiola Aloba, for Maestro's Media. All rights reserved. Use in whatever format without prior notification would be dealt with appropriately. 

You have read this article BEVERLY NAYA / ENTERTAINMENT AND LIFESTYLE / ENTERTAINMENT NEWS / FASHION AND ENTERTAINMENT / FASHION AND LIFESTYLE / INTERVIEWS / NOLLYWOOD STARS with the title INTERVIEWS. You can bookmark this page URL https://sindyly.blogspot.com/2012/12/up-close-personal-with-fast-rising.html. Thanks!

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF THE NEXT BIG THING FROM GHANA- DEBORAH VANESSA AKA SISTER DEBORAH

DEBORAH VANESSA

We met the very gorgeous and fantastically brilliant, Deborah Vanessa very recently. We had heard about how she had taken the Youtube by storm not too long ago. Having released a funny song titled- Uncle Obama, which had the lyrics- ''Uncle Obama, I love your banana'', the hilarious song not only went viral on Youtube, but also got the attention of CNN, as well as several media from around the world. We were so curious to know more about the author of the song, to the  extent that immediately we set eyes on her, we just had to have an interview done. The multi-talented, petite angel was all for it. It was a fun one, that also revealed much. So we thought to post our chat here for all to read. Here is a peep into the world of Sister Deborah- The hilarious artist, actress, designer and so much more......Enjoy! Uncle Obama's Banana video is found at the end of the interview.

You are one big sensation. We heard you are a big Youtube sensation, how did you get here?

I released a song I made with the FOKNBois in London titled Uncle Obama on July 15, 2012 on the net via Hulkshare. By September 15 the video I produced for it was ready and it was released on September 29 on the net via my personal Youtube account, Debrootz.

The video went viral after posting it on Youtube, getting over 150,000 views in four days and over 70,000 views in three days on World Star Hip Hop. After about three weeks, I was called and interviewed by Jeanne Moos of CNN and it was shown on CNN International right before the first 2012 ‘Obama/Romney’ presidential debate alongside the interview we did on Skype.

From the time the video was released till date, I have been featured on over 50 prominent blogs mostly in the US, France, Italy, Spain, Southern Africa, South America etc some of the blogs are Buzzfeed, Jezebel, CBS Tampa, This Is Africa, MTViggy, YouKu (China’s Youtube) and World Star Hip Hop.

The video has had 738,525 VIEWS as at December 10, 2012.

We also heard, you are a jack of many trades and master of it all-musician, model, actress etc, how come, why so multifaceted?

I have had a passion for many forms of art since I was little. When I was five years old I was painting as a hobby and the first play I acted and starred in was at that same age. I played the role of Eve (The Garden of Eden) from the Bible when I was in kindergarten.

I was also part of my school choir and took extra singing lessons at weekends. I attended Christ The King International School in Accra and did my entire basic education there.

I started modeling when I was nine years old starring in a car-rental and restaurant commercial in Ghana, however the biggest commercial I did when I started was for a fruit drink, Refresh, and I was 11 years old at the time. I remember that the pay was good and my father was managing me then.

At that same time, I danced ballet as well as R&B, Dancehall, Hip Hop and took part in a lot of kids’ shows and festivals where I did runway modeling too. My first two runway jobs were for Jimi Delaja at Kiddafest and Mawuli Okudjeto at the Golden Tulip Playback Show in 1995 and 1996 respectively.

In high school, which was Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast, I was the entertainment rep more often than not in each class I went to, although I was a science student, I did the choreography for most of the performances, produced all the promotional materials and founded the Art Club of Wesley Girls High School. When I completed in 2002, I was awarded Most Creative Student Award of my year group.

FULL INTERVIEW AFTER THE BREAK. PLEASE CLICK ON READ MORE

 

During my time at Wesley Girls, I was called to play a major role in a very important school play, which narrated the history of the school though I was not a member of the Drama Club. It was an honor for me.

I have always loved art and the limelight so I guess that answers why I am multi-talented.

 Where did this creative gene come from, and how have you been able to nurture it all so successfully?

As I grew, I found out that my father who is a Petro-Chemical Engineer by profession but now preaches and does other business as his occupation, used to sing in his high school choir and is a big fan of great art works like paintings and drawings. He also used to play the role of drag queen at high school, Adisadel College in Cape Coast.

My mother is an economist by profession and also practices it however; she is a talented knitter (if that’s a word). Her hobby is knitting. Her work is so loved by many that I turned it into a small business where you can order a garment hand-made by her no matter what country you are in. Google FOB-ed Knits.

My grandmother from my mother’s side was a teacher all her working life (may she R.I.P) and she was very good at children’s illustrations. She was also in the military choir and they would sing when the soldiers will return from the war. That’s probably how she met my grandfather in communist Romania.

I think art runs in my family to some extent and I believe I have been able to nurture it successfully because I put my passion first before the financial benefits.

How big are you in Ghana in your own words and what are the plans for the future?

Sizeless.

My plans are to own a production company, produce my own TV show, launch my clothing line as a business as well as set up a graphic design and print studio and make a great impact in Africa and the world as a whole.

sista deborah performing

  What's on your mind constantly?

I constantly think of how I can be successful.

Do you see yourself as a brand and if so, what kind of brand?

 O Yes. A Superstar brand.

You are gorgeously beautiful and petite, how do you keep up looking so great?

I only eat when I am hungry and as much as possible I eat healthy. I also make sure I get enough sleep. I re-started boot camp recently as well for a healthy heart, stamina and a toned body.

Describe your style, what comes to mind when you want to go out. Who are your style icons?

I have tried to develop a personal style that works for me instead of following fashion trends. I use comfortable styles and I always add a pop of colour and great accessories to create my signature look: It can be tagged, casual but elegant with a hint of quirkiness. I use accessories like a unique beaded necklace or a pair of sunglasses to transform the look from chic to trendy, to effortlessly glamorous. I get a lot of inspiration from the 20s and the 50s for a distinctive and sophisticated look, which suits my creative free spirit.

I admire Audrey Hepburn, Victoria Beckham and Rihanna when it comes to style.

Who are your icons in the business and why?

Wanlov the Kubolor and Rihanna; Wanlov is free-spirited, talented, creative and real and Rihanna, is also talented, sexy, stylish and fierce in my opinion and I feel like a combination of those traits.

In acting, which would you consider your biggest production so far?

I have only done acting for TV so far and my biggest production was starring in an 8-part mini-series TV commercial for Vodafone Ghana shot with the RED by Film Director Ramesh Jai of Apex Ltd in 2010.

What makes you tick?

Negatively, liars make me tick and positively, a challenge.

What's a definite no-no for you?

Lies.

How do you relax, it’s so obvious you are a bundle of energy?

I go to bed early when at home… my brother, Wanlov says whenever I am home, I’m in bed, but that’s not true. Hehehe

A brief about your background, growing up, educational attainment till date etc?

I was born in Ghana to an Ashanti father and Romanian mother as Deborah Vanessa Owusu-Bonsu. Being from two different cultures has given me the ability to see things from more than one perspective and thus made me open to diversity, readily identifying the beauty in things as well as developing a genuine interest in people and cultures. Ultimately it has led me to being an extroverted woman with outstanding social skills.

I grew up in Accra, attended Christ the King Int. Sch., then Wesley Girls High Sch. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Publishing Studies from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana followed by a Master Degree in Book/Journal Publishing from the University of the Arts London in the UK. I have shown professionalism and passion for my chosen field by working successfully for both small enterprises as well as big corporations in Ghana, the United States and United Kingdom.

Naturally being the centre of attention since my childhood, I have always been a ‘show’ person of sorts and have since found the right balance between corporate work and the entertainment industry. My experience as a mentor through the Mannequin Academy, an initiative to give industry training to both professional and amateur models that I co-founded, gave me the confidence that I had the strength to take on greater things.

Going from strength to strength, multiplying experiences as a TV personality and a public figure, and constantly inspiring people I’m set to be a significant player on Ghana and Nigeria’s cultural scene and the best is yet to come.

Awards and recognition till date-

Most Creative Person of Wesley Girls high school 2002

1st Runner-Up Miss Malaika Ghana 2004
Best Written Children's Story of KNUST Publishing Department 2006

Vodafone 3030 Star 2010 
Best Dressed Celebrity Fashion101 Ghana Season1 2012

Ranked 3rd Hottest Female Celebrity on 4SyteTV Ghana 2012

Paint a picture of the next 2 years for us.

By the time the next two years are up, I want to have my clothing design business up and running as well as my TV production house and graphic design and print studio to mention priority… I want to have won awards as a fashion designer, an actress and one for any of my music videos.

FAMOUS VIDEO ABOVE-

Interview conducted by Abiola Aloba, for Maestro's Media, full copyright belongs to MM. REPRODUCTION IN PART OR IN FULL WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION, would be dealt with appropriately. 

You have read this article DEBORAH VANESSA / FASHION AND ENTERTAINMENT / FASHION AND LIFESTYLE / GENERAL INTEREST NEWS / INTERVIEWS / SISTER DEBORAH with the title INTERVIEWS. You can bookmark this page URL https://sindyly.blogspot.com/2012/12/welcome-to-world-of-next-big-thing-from.html. Thanks!

ISIO WANOGHO IS BACK WITH A BANG!!! SHE REMINISCES ON THE PAST DECADE & POINTS US TO THE FUTURE

TYRA BANKS DOPPELGANGER

HOT FLAMENCO DANCER!!!TAP! TAP!! TAP!!!

  The last time we spoke to you was a while ago, you were still in Milan, Italy then. We hear you are back, how was your sojourn abroad, what was the experience like and what were you doing while there?

Hi! It’s good to be back. Living in Europe was great. I did lots of traveling, made many friends. As you know, my primary reason for traveling was for my M.Sc. and to get business partners for my Design Company, which I hope to launch in 2013/2014. I have achieved both. Italy was lovely. Great food, fascinating culture and great people. I got to learn Italian and picked some Spanish as well. I loved it there.

     

We heard in the last few years, you graduated in flying colors, you have also gone on to do your master's, many wouldn’t have expected you were such a brilliant student. Tell us about it?

Hahhahhaaa! I guess you are referring to the fact that I graduated from UNILAG with a 4.21 CGPA and have 4 diplomas in Fashion Design, Italian Language, Computer Studies and Etiquette/Public Speaking respectively. Well, what can I say; I am a model that loves to read.

I love to study. Perhaps I am lucky, because I choose fields that I love and have interest in, so it never gets “boring” or overwhelming for me.

And my parents were very big on time management, so I picked up the multi-tasking gene from my teenage years. My first diploma (Computer Studies) was before I got into UNILAG. The second was from Poise Finishing School (Etiquette & Public Speaking) while studying for my B.A. After graduation I got another in Fashion Design, and the last one in Italian Language while studying for my M.Sc.

     Do you still model; if so it’s been a decade in the business, if not, in what area are you still involved in the modeling business?

A few years ago, I was offered a job by a corporate firm. While considering it, I asked the female boss (who had been in entertainment in the past) why she transitioned from that to her current job. She told me something that stayed with me every day since then. She said that a time would come in my life when I had to move from being the “entertainer”, to the one who was being “entertained”. It was a brief but excellent wake-up call.

I don’t model so much anymore, truth be told. Although I really love being on stage and in front of the camera, I would probably take one of 10 modeling jobs that are offered to me now. Not because I think they’re not good enough, but because my interests now are much more diverse. I have my Design, Corporate PR, TV presenting and most recently Luxury apartments marketing.

Last year I modeled in Vienna and Milan, and I just got signed on as the face of the new TURA beauty products (which is a purely antiseptic product now), via Bunor Creazioni (Frank Osodi’s) Modeling Agency so that’s exciting. To celebrate my 10^{th anniversary} as a model, I am working with Fashion Photographer and Painter Isaac Emokpae for a highly creative portfolio. I have been Emokpae’s muse for about 6 years now, and he is responsible for most of my images that have been released in the past.

...IS THIS NAOMI OR IS IT CLAUDIA OR IS IT IMAN

What majorly are you into now and why that particular business?

Currently I am the Creative Director of EmaajPR; a Corporate PR firm… we deal with corporations, governmental bodies and international brands that wish for a presence in the Nigerian market.

Like I said earlier in 2013/2014- My Italian business partners and I would (hopefully) launch our Design firm, which will cater for modular interior-architectural design and offer fashion design consultations to existing fashion brands and designers.

With iGroove Radio, I would have an online fashion segment for up-and-coming models, and I would be sharing knowledge acquired over my 10-year career as an African Model.

There are other projects I’m working on which will be unveiled in time.




FULL INTERVIEW & MORE PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK. JUST CLICK ON READ MORE

Has there been any improvement in the industry (fashion) in the past years and if so in which particular area?

Of Course there have been many great improvements in the industry.

Between 2002 and 2012- Look at the number and quality of fashion magazines we have now. So many talented stylists, great new designers that are recognized globally, new models that are strutting on runways all over the world. International fashion shows… and make-up artists that make us look better and better.

It is true we still have a long way to go, in terms of a proper structure for the Modeling industry, and the standard of new models seem to be falling, as are the model fees, which seem to be declining in a country where inflation has been steady the past 10 years. In 2002, my first fashion show got me a fee of N70, 000. Now, an average model is fortunate if she earns N40, 000 per show. Some still get N10, 000- N15, 000.  Luckier still if you get up to 10 of those jobs in a year.

One would have expected to see more superstars strutting the runway as a sign of progress, but the reverse seems to be the case.

Well, just like I said in the previous question. There is only so much you can do/ so much time you can invest in a venture that doesn’t do much to sustain your basic needs. So people move on… try other things. Modeling is a lifestyle; it’s NOT just a “job”. If you were a Giselle/ a Naomi and you were offered $300,000 dollars for a job, and you were in a structured industry with a team of agents and bookers who sourced your jobs… how would you NOT look great? Even if you become a size 18, or come from a family of curvy/heavy women, you WILL take that extra effort and make the necessary sacrifice required to keep your body a required size 6-8.

We know you to be a gifted artist (painter) how come you haven't allowed that gift more prominence?  

I haven’t painted in a while because I don’t have a painting studio/space yet. Once I get that I will start painting again. I still get to express my creativity through my fashion design sketches and Interior Design 3D Animations.

You have remained gorgeous all these years, what’s the secret?

I really don’t have a complicated beauty regimen. I don’t go out of my way to acquire fancy products based on brand name, but I use things that are more organic and still achieve beautiful results.

I DON’T diet, I just eat healthy. My style is to eat what I want WHEN I’m hungry and to STOP once I’m full. I just learnt about healthy food combinations and I incorporate that into my feeding habits. It’s amazing, and I feel stronger and fuller for longer. Most importantly, it helps food digest properly so I don’t have to worry so much about it being stored as fat. Luckily, I love to cook my meals, so I can control what goes into my food.

For exercise, I like Pilates and yoga.

Do you subscribe to any particular beauty routine?

Cleanse, Hydrate and Moisturize. I have a preference for Hammams, and I recommend it for everyone.

What's a definite must have for you?

My Black Opal loose powder and stick foundation. I find it excellent for dark skin.

 Paint us a picture of the past decade.

I have come into my own, finally. I have grown from a girl to a woman. Every year past I have tried to push myself to be a better version of whatever I had been.

Everything that I have done is intertwined and has been a stepping-stone to the other. From Modeling to TV Presenting, to Fashion/Costume Design, and then Interior Design, and now PR which has opened a new path into Architectural Marketing. I am quite happy and yet humbled by my journey so far.

On the last note what does the future hold?

I can’t say that I have a definite plan as to what I MUST be or do. Just like I knew when I was 6 years old that I would one day be a fashion model (which happened 12 years later), I just tell God the things I would like for my future. I know that I would like to be very successful. I know that I would like to be happy and content. I know that I would like to have my Design Firm and use it to create eco-friendly modular housing solutions for Africans, and I know that perhaps a decade from now I’d like to be a diplomat.

Whatever happens between now and then are just bonuses. Perhaps it is the artist in me, but I am always open to new experiences and paths because I believe that ultimately they’ll lead me to my dreams. So far I haven’t been disappointed, as I have gotten way more than I could ever have bargained for, so I guess FAITH is a truly amazing thing.

Interview conducted by Maestro's Media, any lifting or copying of interview without prior permission is frowned upon. it would be an infringement of our copyright. Please beware, plagiarism is not a little offense. THANKS.

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