• FEATURES
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  • LIFESTYLE

JULY/AUGUST ISSUE

Posted by Editor On JULY - 18 - 2011

Time flies, can you believe we are already past the half year mark? Just the other day we welcomed the New Year with long lists of resolutions. Well, the year doesn’t feel so new anymore, it’s that time of the year when energy levels sink, we get sucked into the routine of life and many times become complacent. All these are symptoms of Mid Year blues.

MAY/JUNE ISSUE

Posted by Editor On JULY- 18 - 2011

Growing up, I was a ‘someday girl’. I had dreams of someday publishing a book, someday working for a newspaper, someday being an editor, someday. Until one day many years later I woke up to the realization that someday was today; the only assurance we have, not 2 years from now or tomorrow but today.

APRIL ISSUE

Posted by Editor On JULY - 18 - 2011

For some April habitually brings in to mind Spring; sunshine, blooming flowers, the green of trees and sliding into flip flops. For me, April is just April because luckily where I live the beauty of ‘Spring’ and getting high on Vitamin D is something I experience every day.

MARCH ISSUE

Posted by Editor On JULY - 18 - 2011

As I kid, one of my all time favorite TV shows was 'The Jefferson’s'. As I write this, the theme song is playing in my head. “Well we’re movin’ on up, to the east side, moving on up, to a deluxe apartment in the sky. Moving on up, to the east side, moving on up,we finally got a piece of the pie.

FEBRUARY ISSUE

Posted by Editor On JULY - 18 - 2011

February is a special month, apart from the red roses, boxes of chocolate, great deals and the romance, it’s also the month we celebrate the history and contributions of African American men and women to society in the name of Black History Month.

JANUARY ISSUE

Posted by Editor On JULY - 18- 2011

Happy New Year!Yes, I know I'm a little late on the wishes just like the way I'm late with our new January Issue but it's finally here. New year, new layout, new name, basically, new things. Its all about the new new! For all those who knew this blog as The Ladies Room, I now introduce you to AfroElle; a blog for women of afro-descent from all over the world.

DECEMBER ISSUE

Posted by Editor On JULY - 18 - 2011

The year has literally flown by, I can't believe it's already December. To many, December is a month of in depth self evaluation and stock taking; taking that walk down memory lane to see if you accomplished the goals you set at the beginning of the year.It's also about looking at your present to see what has worked for you or what you need to eliminate before you head on to the new year.

Showing newest 11 of 26 posts from May 2011. Show older posts
Showing newest 11 of 26 posts from May 2011. Show older posts

Editors Note: SANKOFA

Posted by AfroElle On 1:11 AM 1 thoughts
Growing up, I was a ‘someday girl’. I had dreams of someday publishing a book, someday working for a newspaper, someday being an editor, someday. Until one day many years later I woke up to the realization that someday was today; the only assurance we have, not 2 years from now or tomorrow but today.

I remember while in my sophomore year of high school, for two terms I published a Christian newsletter, 20 copies for two terms, even though it was little, it only proved to me that we can dream and wake up and make our dreams a reality.

This is the start of another year for AfroElle Magazine and before we look forward we have to look back. "Sankofa is an Akan word that means we must look back to move forward so that we can understand why and how we came to be who we are today."  You will notice this word in three different features in this issue. A year ago in May, I shared the idea of starting this space with two friends; Samantha and Agnes and I haven’t looked back since then.

After many nights burning the midnight oil editing interviews, proofing pages, designing layouts and dealing with stress induced deadlines, here we are with AfroElle’s Anniversary issue and first digital issue. Yipee! I know I still have a lot to learn about this publishing world but I’m grateful for this far I have come.

And because life is about creating your own Oscar moments, *clutching imaginary award*, I’d like to thank my Lord for His strength and guidance and for making all things possible with Faith. Much gratitude to my family for believing in me and my dreams and encouraging me to push on, I’m equally grateful to my friends and the strangers who have supported me and offered words of encouragement along the way. Special thanks to our team of contributing writers; JoVonna, Iman, Adeola, Nonie, Nicole and Lynn, who take the time to submit articles and ideas amidst their busy schedules and to you the reader for taking the time to read AfroElle! Thank you all!

Apart from our usual interviews, features and articles, this anniversary issue has a special feature called ‘Women Making Moves’ where we profile amazing women, from different parts of the world, sharing their stories of success. I hope you enjoy the read, feel free to contact me with your feedback and suggestions and let us know how we are doing so far.








MAY/JUNE ISSUE

Flip Through Our Digital Issue here.




Click on Individual Stories below.


In This Issue

Special Feature: WOMEN MAKING MOVES


Featured Cause : Amani Liberia
Featured Couple : Martavis and Ashely Stickland
Featured Interview : Ayanna Molina ‘No Longer The Runaway Girl’ by JoVonna Rodriguez
Fashionista : Millie Trendy
Business Spotlight : Knots and Locs
Insecurely Confident by Donnie Nicole
Back to The Basics of Relationships by JoVonna Rodriguez 
Happy Feet by Iman Folayan
Summer Goddess by Adeola Gboyega
The Word by JoVonna Rodriguez
Imagine, Drive, Grow by Nonie Maingi
Making Dreams Come True by Lynn Irungu


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Sesame Mosweu Making Moves

Posted by AfroElle On 9:57 AM 4 thoughts
Sesame Mosweu is taking Bostwana media industry by storm; a true MOGUL in the making. She is not only a radio and TV presenter but an actress, lawyer and entrepreneur. Sesame has been on radio for 4 years and television since she was 19 years old. Her television career began when she presented a kids show called 'Bounce' that was aired on Botswana Television for 13 successful episodes. She then expanded to action with a role in the Number One Ladies Detective Agency, Soul City One Love Campaign; 'Second Chances' film and Re Bina Mmogo Season 3 (a local series that airs on BTV) and presented the Mascom 1 Million Pula Cash Give Away.

Sesame currently presents The Fat Boy Challenge; a reality show that focuses on people who change their lives and lose weight for charity thats airs on e-Botswana (a sister station to e-TV) annually. The FatBoy Challenge happens to be the first reality show in Botswana and it is an initiative by Yarona FM.

What does your work entail?

As a radio presenter, I host an evening show on Yarona FM, the biggest youth radio station called The Nightcap that is between 19h00-23h00. It is the second most popular show in Gaborone according to the National Broadcasting Board Radio Survey results conducted in 2010.

My biggest project right now is putting together my legal show. I graduated in 2010 from the University of Botswana with a Law Degree and I can finally conceptualize a show that will merge my two passions; Media and the law. I am at the point of putting together sponsors for the show.

Are you living YOUR dream?

Partly, I am because I do what I love. I enjoy working in the media industry so much that I would do it for free. If my radio and television jobs did not pay me I’d get a job to pay bills and still do them for free simply because I enjoy them so much. I am not where I want to be as yet, my dreams are HUGE, so big they scare me and they get bigger as I reach each goal I set for myself. I want a media empire and I will get there, without a doubt.

I also want to act in a continental project; I am ready for that kind of responsibility and challenge. It’s been 6 years and I am ready. I would love to see my legal show finally on air but because of my perfectionist nature I understand everything has to be in order before it airs.



What’s your definition of success and how has your journey been like to where you are now?

Success is a state of balance. Where all aspects of my life are in check and are at harmony with one another that is financially, spiritually, physically and emotionally. I wouldn't want to be a billionaire but be a bad mother. However at this point my career is a very pressing priority, I am 100% focused on it.

My journey to this point in my career has been a learning process; I am always trying to learn something new. Even in difficult times I ask 'what can I learn from this?’ Once am confident in the lesson I have learnt, I move on.

The number one lesson I have learnt is DO YOU! I focus entirely on me and what I would like to be, where I want to go. I have learnt that nothing is for free, if you want great things, your work ethic better be great, and your challenges will be great too, what matters is what you do in those times of challenges.

Any words of advice or role models that have inspired you or changed your life?

There are numerous people whom I have drawn inspiration from over the years; I love people who have turned nothing into something because they refused to give up even when the going got tough. Perseverance is an inspiring trait right up there with creativity, hard work, patience, vision and dignity. So people like Oprah, Steve Jobs, and Thomas Edison to name a few. Never let anyone tell you that you are incapable of doing something, it’s your dream, why would you let anyone kill it.

What advice would you give women so that they can go out of their comfort zones and start making moves in their lives and society?

I was made aware of a little difference between men and women, this of course has exceptions. That women are more afraid of rejection that women and for you to be the best at what you do, you must knock on doors, ask for more opportunities and milk what is at your disposal like your life depends on it. We women hate to be turned down, I would like to believe men do too its just that they can brush it off quicker and move on. Don't be afraid of rejection, it’s just a word. You will be amazed how many doors can open when you won’t stop knocking.

Photos by FifyLoewen
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Jinna Mutune Making Moves

Posted by AfroElle On 9:42 AM 0 thoughts

A young, energetic rising star, Jinna Mutune is an aspiring Director from Eastern Africa whose native country of East Africa provides the perfect backdrop and inspiration for her creative mind. Jinna majored in Directing and Producing at the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance [AFDA, Johannesburg, South Africa] and a course in Film Studies from the Houston Community College in Texas, USA and Fitchburg University (MA) 

Jinna’s idealist spirit means that she is future focused with an eye on achieving her potential. This is why 15years down the road, Leo has gone from an idea to a dream to a reality. Her temperament allows her to promote personal growth and to push herself beyond limits where most others would give up. A go-getter by nature she is the primary driver as well as creative mind behind Leo.

For the readers who may have not heard yet, what is LEO the movie about? 

Leo Movie is a simple story about a Maasai boy who thinks he is a superhero, fails to be a superhero and discovers that he is a hero in a different way. It's a simple story of a child who is opened up to the possibilities of dreaming.

Are you living YOUR dream?

Yes: since I discovered at the age of 17 years that my purpose was to make multi-cultural films that would entertain, educate and inspire the audience. I have been on the dream journey that has both arduous moments and memorable magical moments where everything works out. Film development can be unpredictable and full of unanticipated obstacles. I believe that the process of making an independent film is almost like trying to launch a rocket to the moon. The astronauts may not likely agree, but I am sure all the independent film makers agree.


What’s your definition of success and how has your journey been like to where you are now? 

Well success is fulfilling your God given purpose. There's nothing that makes me sleep like knowing that I am passionate about my work and that I am changing lives.

I honestly don’t think any dreamer should live for one break in the journey to achieving their dream: rather, I am convinced that every small achievement and set back is a step towards the dream. They say that achieving your dream is more of journey rather than a destination. It’s not one big hit that brings down a tree; it’s more like the little strokes that fell the 100ft tall giants that have grown over decades. So each step is like one stroke but ultimately, anything is possible if you believe, and don’t give up.

Any words of advice or role models that have inspired you or changed your life?

There are three things that I would love to leave with your readers

a) There's that gift that stirs your soul and stirs the souls of men: when you find it, you shine the most. Search it out, siscover it and use it well, knowing that you will give an account before God.

b) Start small; small things add up to big things.
“A butterfly flapping its wings in South America can affect the weather in Central Park.” [Lorenz]. 

It’s amazing that a tiny little creature’s action could have a ripple effect thousands of miles away. This truth is embedded in many things and it makes life seem somewhat magical. My little, handwritten plays from childhood have created a pedestal for me to grow as a Film Director / Producer. My initial notion about this film has grown over many years to give me a deeper understanding of the truth that big things grow from little things.

c) I read this expert from this book and it left me inspired; Live Your Dreams by Les Brown … Be Persistent. “If you want a thing bad enough, go out and fight for it; work day and night for it; give up your time, your peace and your sleep for it. If all that you dream and scheme is about it and life seems useless and worthless without it. If you gladly sweat for it and fret for it and plan for it and loose all your terror of opposition for it. If you simply go after that thing you want with all your capacity, strength, faith, hope and confidence, stern persistence and tenacity… if neither cold, famine…nor sickness, nor pain of body and brain can keep you way from that thing you want.If dogged and grim you beseech and beset it…with the help of God you will get it.”

What advice would you give women so that they can go out of their comfort zones and start making moves in their lives and society?

Well, it's great being a woman especially in this century. There's so much that a woman can do. I think the trick is finding the balance between being a career woman and a home-maker; between the CEO in the corporate world and Honey or Mommy in the home. The balance between running multi-million dollar corporations and making multi-billion dollar decisions, and submitting when you get home and finding the time to distress and the skill leave work at work. 

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Lisa Mundembe-Chuma Making Moves

Posted by AfroElle On 9:32 AM 0 thoughts
Apart from being an International Speaker for Schools in the UK, Lisa Mundembe-Chuma, originally from Zimbabwe is also the founder of Inspirational Woman Magazine a global women’s magazine that promotes unity amongst all women and celebrates women despite possible differences. Lisa has her own radio show; Lisa’s Inspirational Talk Show which is aired every monday night between 8pm – 10pm GMT (www.zimonline.com). She mentions that her desire is to make a positive impact in the world and see women come together in unity worldwide. 

“I always encourage women to realize that they are very important in their own way, which makes us all unique and if we accept that we can become a stronger community because we will have different things to offer.”

I am a great believer of women should start to complete each other and STOP competing against each other.”


What does your work entail?

I am the founder and editor in chief of a global online women’s magazine with a difference. I started inspirational woman magazine because I want to see change amongst women relationships, I want women to stand together in unity despite race or other possible differences, I want young girls to dream and to be given the chance to those dreams a reality, I want to be more influential than I am now to as many women as I can, I want women from all over the world to help each other, appreciate each other, inspire each other, to promote each other and support each other. This is what our magazine is about, I bring the change through a magazine that will impact all women positively all over the world and because I want to see all this, I believe it is my responsibility to make it happen. I have made it my responsibility to ensure the change happens. I cannot expect someone else to do it but myself. It is my desire and I am making it a reality every day.

Our ethos is for women to unite and they is no other magazine in the world doing that. We want women to see beyond color, height, past experiences, background etc but instead see the strength that another woman has and appreciate it, appreciate their hard work and acknowledge it, see the struggle of another woman and stand up to help, to see women beyond what you have and what I don't have.


We aim to support and help women become better women and in return these inspired women will help others around them. We are not a magazine for just our readers, we want our readers to also commit to say when they have been inspired, they are also going to make it their duty to inspire others and go on that way so not just our reader’s benefits. We are making this a global impact - are you inspired, inspire me too. We are aware not everyone has access to the magazine but it does not mean they can not be inspired or do not want the inspiration. If we use the are you inspired, inspire me too rule everyone will benefit.

We are also running a very powerful campaign in aid to our ethos: inspirational women pledge unity. We are encouraging women to pledge unity to other women in their lives. We are in the process of publishing this campaign as a book and will be available alongside our one off print issue some time next year.

Are you living YOUR dream?

I cannot say I am living my dream yet but I know I am in the right direction; soon I will be when our readers are above 4 billion a year. Having said that, I feel very proud of myself to have come this far.

What’s your definition of success and how has your journey been like to where you are now?

My definition of success is being able to have a very wealthy business and stay humble.
I learnt alot over the years, one is focus, it is very important to focus on one thing, integrity in business is important, business success is not yours alone so always acknowledge others, I have learnt to respect other people’s points of views, I have learnt to work hard even if I am not getting paid for it and to always stick to my word.

Any words of advice or role models that have inspired you or changed your life?

I love Oprah and a lady in the united states called Brittany K Earls. These two women have truly inspired me.

What advice would you give women so that they can go out of their comfort zones and start making moves in their lives and society?

If you give up on your dream the person who will lose the most is yourself. Remember because you dreamt it, it means you can attain it and it is yours. The question is how bad you want it and do you want to change your situation. Never give up on your dream because if you do it means you are letting other people down in society who need what you have to offer. People that could have possibly fed their families had you created a job. We all have dreams and your dream is your dream, it's never to big for you. It all depends on how you tackle it and whether you want to create opportunities or just look for opportunities from others. You have far more to gain by following your dream remembering to leave footsteps for others to follow so go for it, why not when it is yours.

A few words from Lisa ‘Let us embrace each other remembering sisters are just not biological, lets us stand together to make the world a better place, let us help and support each other through experiences and tackle issues together. Together we can celebrate our successes/failures without the fear of sharing them. Let us desire to LOVE more and disappoint LESS.’


Check out the marvelous work Lisa is doing with Inspirational Womans Magazine , you can also join Inspirational Womans Magazine and take a pledge of unity Please visit our website of how you as a woman can be involved and be part of this amazing campaign www.inspirationalwomenconnecting.com
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Tiffany Aliche 'The Budgetnista' Making Moves

Posted by AfroElle On 9:26 AM 1 thoughts
Tiffany Aliche, better known as ‘The Budgetnista’ describes herself as a preschool teacher/tomboy/travelnista/social butterfly/chatterbox turned financial coach, speaker and author. A passionate teacher of financial empowerment, the New Jersey native earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Montclair State University and passed up a career in corporate America to teach undeserved youth in Newark, NJ.

Tiffany believes that the purpose of life is to live a life of purpose and that’s why she started her own financial consulting company called CLD Financial Life LLC where she helps others master their money.

What does your work entail?

I specialize in teaching fun and engaging financial literacy under the name "The Budgetnista", for clients like American Express, Columbia University, Princeton University, The Boys and Girls Club, Mary Kay, Newark Housing Authority, public schools and the like. My new book, The One Week Budget and I have also been mentioned in Essence Magazine, USA TODAY and various other media outlets.

Are you living YOUR dream?

While I was still in college I decided that I wanted to live a life of service. My favorite part of what I do is that I’m able to help people. I’m also a classic “social-butterfly chatterbox” and I LOVE meeting new people, talking and traveling. My business allows me to do all of that, as well as afford me a tons of freedom. So yes, I am truly living my dream. Ultimately my goal is to secure a regular spot on a TV show as the go-to-fun-financial-tip-girl!

What’s your definition of success and how has your journey been like to where you are now?

My definition of success is seeing one’s Personal Legend (dream) through to completion.
I learned that there are three keys to entrepreneurial success:

1) Crystallized focus
2) Extreme hustle
3) Positive attitude/energy

If you can clearly identify your dream, are willing to move heaven and earth to realize it and can maintain a healthy level of delusional optimism, there is NOTHING that you cannot accomplish.

Any words of advice or role models that have inspired you or changed your life?

My parents Irondi and Sylvia Aliche are my greatest inspiration. The most important lesson I’ve learned from them is that no matter how many detours or adjustments need to be made, continue toward your star and no worthy journey follows a straight path. Have faith without ceasing.

What advice would you give women so that they can go out of their comfort zones and start making moves in their lives and society?

SIMPLE and SOON. If you really want to change, you have to stop overcomplicating the process and take action now.

Its time to master your money, check out 'The Budgetnista' via her

FACEBOOK FAN PAGE
TWITTER
YOUTUBE
WEBSITE
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Amanda Ebokosia Making Moves

Posted by AfroElle On 9:12 AM 1 thoughts
Amanda Ebokosia is the founder and CEO of The Gem Project, Inc. The Gem Project is a nonprofit organization that educates school-age children, youth, and young adults about issues that are affecting them and their communities. Through the use of the organization's innovative programs, the Gem Project is able to hone the skills of leadership and community organizing skills of our youth.

What does your work entail?

My work involves the management of the entire company. I am responsible of delegating duties of all projects, creating partnerships, interviewing volunteers, overseeing nine divisions and programs for youth and young adults, and fulfilling monthly and yearly goals. I am also responsible for creating an amicable environment for volunteers, while nurturing and cultivating the relationships we have with our supporters.

Are you living your dream?

Yes, I am blessed to have the experiences that my line of work entails. I have a great team and we have witnessed so many wonderful things by just helping others. It has truly been this continuous ride of lessons, hope, and practice of humility. There are many moments where I feel like I am living my dream, but it became most apparent on April 27, 2011. 

I was with a Gem Project member one afternoon and we had just finished one of our programs for the youth called, The Gem Project Interactive Literacy Program. We interviewed casually two sisters about the current program and the last one before it, which occurred 3 weeks ago. The responses they both gave made us feel equally appreciated. At this very moment we felt for than connected, we felt needed within our society.

We were actually trying to interview them as another form of knowledge assessment to see how much they remembered from our last event. When I think of the Gem Project, I think of the moments where I met Christina Lugo, a mother who gave a speech about life raising an autistic son at a Gem Project autism awareness luncheon 3 years ago. I often think of marching with Bashirah Brown, a breast cancer survivor at age 24 in 2007, at a Gem Project College Campus march. I also have memories of her when we filmed our first Gem Project documentary called, " The Gem Project and Young People for Change." She spoke highly of the Gem Project. She was one of the many persons who we had welcomed into our lives in pursuit of positive change within our community.

What's your definition of success and how has your journey been like to where you're now? 

Success is the moment you feel when the world is acting in your favor and everything just seems to be in alignment. All the failures you have encountered, suddenly feel like stepping stones to your ultimate goal--your vision. Success and failure are like a union of marriage, you cannot mention one without the other. One valuable lesson I learned was that building a great team does not happen overnight, you have to be patient. 

Any words of advice or role models that have inspired you or changed your life?

Be focused, good things will come if you remain focused on your path.

What advice would you give women so that they can go out of their comfort zones and start making moves in their lives and society?

My advice is to go out and develop a support system or network of women who share similar goals as you. Build your contacts from networking events, social media, or join groups and associations. The road to success may be tough but it does not have to be traveled alone.

You can learn more about the GEM project via their

Website
TEAM/STAFF BLOG
Twitter
Facebook

Personal Site
Meet-up (empowerment site for women)
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TolumiDE Making Moves

Posted by AfroElle On 8:47 AM 0 thoughts

TolumiDE, pronounced toe-LU-me-day, is a Nigerian - Canadian Singer and Songwriter. Her name is a fusion of er first name Tolu and last name Olumide. TolumiDE who currently lives in Washington, DC was born in Toronto, Canada, she attended Primary and High School in Lagos, Nigeria and later studied Fine Art in the University in Toronto, Canada.

Tolu has been singing and entertaining since primary school and decided to pursue music as a 2nd career before she graduated from university with a BFA/Graphic Design degree and worked for a couple of years. Last year she received a Channel O (South Africa) Music Video Award Nomination for Most Gifted RnB and she was also a Covenant Awards (Canada) Nominee for Urban/R&B/Soul Gospel Album of the Year and an ArtScape SOUND-OFF Competition Winner for Stage Headliner in Baltimore, USA.


What does your work entail?

Constantly thinking about strategic ways to get my music to the masses. Still promoting 'My Love' music video on youtube and the debut full-length album available for purchase online Getting ready to shoot another video and also getting my band together for a Campus and Youth Event tour and upcoming bookings via my management team at tolumidemusic.com

Are you living YOUR dream?

Yes, being an Artist, Singer, Songwriter impacting & inspiring through art and music is awesome. My genre is unique fusion of RnB/Soul, Gospel & Afro-pop and I’m glad to be part of the new generation of Urban African Music and Entertainment.

Whats your definition of success and how has your journey been like to where you are now?

For me success is an extreme boost of happiness and fulfillment I feel when I’m able to accomplish a goal I set for myself. I get an extra boost when others are inspired as well and reviews are complimentary. The journey has certainly not been easy, requiring loads of hard work and money. I'm really grateful for God's gift of the talent to write and sing and the guidance He's given through the various challenges that have come to make me a stronger and better person. I've been blessed with an awesome family and network of people to work with as well. I'm so honored and grateful for the recognition I’ve received so far.


Any words of advice or role models that have inspired you or changed your life?

Set goals, no goal is too small or too large to achieve. Work hard, read a lot about the industry, ask loads of questions, take classes if you need to (knowledge is Power). Save money or seek help from people who believe in you. Always strive to put out quality and think about elements that make you unique.

My role models are people in my community that live trying to help and encourage others one way or another. Some artists that I listen to and inspire me with their voice and lyrics are Onyeka Owenu, Steve Wonder, Mary Mary, Anita Baker, Ledisi and Lira.
What advice would you give women so that they can go out of their comfort zones and start making moves in their lives and society?

Ladies, always remember you are 'Shining stars brightly radiating beauty in your life" That's the first line of my current single "Specialty".
We have all been wonderfully created by God and are blessed with unique talents. Just need to be confident with the gift and use it to the best of your ability with God's guidance.

You can listen to TolumiDE's music via
 itunes.com/tolumide
Amazon  and CDbaby
Website
Twitter (@tolumide) and Facebook (tolumideonline).

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Vickie Remoe Making Moves

Posted by AfroElle On 6:36 AM 0 thoughts

While in grade school, most of the comments from her teachers on her report card noted  "very clever but too talkative” what they did not know was that Vickie was destined for greatness with her skill. Born and raised in Sierra Leone, host Vickie Remoe, who is currently in Freetown, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Haverford College in Pennsylvania, U.S.A. She says she is in state of transition getting ready to go to New York to start graduate school at Columbia University. The Twenty something global citizen considers herself as an innovative serial entrepreneur. She is the executive producer of the Vickie Remoe Show, country director for Canoe Magazine (an African Lifestyle Magazine published in Ghana) and on Saturday’s she Co-Hosts the Morning Show on Free Radio 95:7.

What does your work entail?

To mark Sierra Leone's 50th Independence Anniversary we have just produced a DVD collection of our past season ‘African Adventure’ and ‘Ghana Film Industry’ both are now on sale and will be available in the US in August 2011. We are in production of a 4th season of the Vickie Remoe Show (VRS) which will include content from both Sierra Leone and neighboring Liberia in hopes to bridge and heal wounds across both borders.

In 2010 the Vickie Remoe Show filmed and produced 14 shows that were broadcast on Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation TV over a period of 16 weeks. The show was recorded in 5 Countries in West Africa including: Senegal Mali Ghana Nigeria Sierra Leone

This year I was also fortunate to meet and interview acting and singing talents such as John Dumelo, Jackie Appiah, Masjid Michel, Yvonne Nelson, Yvonne Okoro, Nneka, and Mo-Cheddah

In December 2010 the Vickie Remoe Show in partnership with Airtel Sierra Leone provided video media coverage of the MTV Music Awards for Africa in Lagos, Nigeria

Are you living YOUR dream?

I am absolutely living my dream even though like most dream chasers, money is always an issue, I would rather be broke telling African stories than doing anything else.

What’s your definition of success and how has your journey been like to where you are now?

Success for me is being able to live a purpose driven life in which every day is a journey towards personal and professional growth. While success is not about happiness it should definitely be about satisfaction.

Hosting and producing my own independent TV show has been incredibly challenging in a country that up until 2years ago was primarily powered by generators. However, I felt that Sierra Leoneans after over a decade of war and strife needed to see positive media images of each other. Someone had to tell the story of post conflict Sierra Leone beyond the stereotypes of blood diamonds and child soldiers. As a people we are so much more than those images of conflict, and I try to share alternate stories of Sierra Leone and Africa on the Vickie Remoe Show and as a friend recently put it, ‘I am trying to find and showcase 'dignity in poverty'.’


Any words of advice or role models that have inspired you or changed your life?

I come from a family of strong independent African women so I never had to look outside my own family for inspiration. My grandmother who recently passed away had all the spunk, and wisdom a woman like me needed to get by in a modern world. From advice on men, to friendship, and work she always knew what to say and how to help me find understanding.

But I must also say that when I was based in the US, I found great comfort in the works of Chinua Achebe, Sembene Ousmane, Cheikh Hamidou Kane, Wole Soyinka, Fela Kuti and other African griots whose words empowered me in times when I felt that I could not. Living in the US, Africa is so negatively portrayed that we often forget the greatness that we have inherited.

What advice would you give women so that they can go out of their comfort zones and start making moves in their lives and society?

There is great strength and power in womanhood that lies deep within each one of us waiting to be awakened. Don't let anyone else define who you are or who you are going to be that power only lays within you. African women are naturally built to overcome. If all this abstract talk doesn’t do it for you, and you really want to get out of your comfort zone, I’d suggest going bald. It is the most liberating, experience I have ever had.

Find out more about Vickie

Watch the Vickie Remoe Show: www.vickieremoe.com orwww.youtube.com/vickieremoe

Follow on twitter: @vickieremoe

Find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/vickieremoeshow

Visit Swit Salone Blog: www.switsalone.blogspot.com

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Myne Whitman Making Moves

Posted by AfroElle On 6:31 AM 2 thoughts
Nigerian blogger and author, Nkem Akinsoto is greatly known in the blogsphere by her pen name Myne Whitman. The full time writer and blogger has a Masters degree in Public Health Research but decided to follow her childhood dreams of writing popular fiction to get people writing. Myne is also the founder and managing editor of NaijaStories.com a critique site for aspiring Nigerian writers.



What does your work entail?

I write mostly relationship articles and have published two romance novels. My blog -mynewhitmanwrites.com is a constant work in progress. I share first draft excerpts of any current manuscript, short stories, as well as being part of the blogging community. My articles have also been published by lifestyle magazines, both online and in print.

Are you living YOUR dream?

This is usually a hard question to answer but I can honestly say yes now. In 2008 I fell in love for the first time in my life and got married to my husband soon after. Also, as a child I dreamed of being an author and it is a dream come true to have not just one book but two in print within a couple of years on pursuing a writing career. I am working on more stories and hope to have another book out soon.

What’s your definition of success and how has your journey been like to where you are now?

My definition of success is being able to make a business of what you love doing and being happy doing it. It is equally important that you can touch other lives and positively affect the dreams of those coming after you. One thing I have learned in the time since my first book is that, it is essential to be able to balance work and life, and keep your feet on the ground even after success comes.

Any words of advice or role models that have inspired you or changed your life?

I have been inspired by women writers, who are also wives, mothers and successful business women. My advice is to set achievable time-bound goals, to be consistent and to keep your eye on the ball.

What advice would you give women so that they can go out of their comfort zones and start making moves in their lives and society?

I would like to encourage them not to be limited by what people say, or what they think that society wants or expects from them. We women need to make our own choices, and not be afraid of hard work.
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Amani Liberia

Posted by AfroElle On 6:07 AM 2 thoughts

When Becky Chinchen, founder of Amani, fled to Nairobi, Kenya with her family during Liberia's civil conflict in the mid-1990s, the experience of exile, grief, and loss common to refugees is what gave birth to the Amani project; a place where women affected by conflict and injustice can work together to find healing. Every month we feature great causes that empower women. One such organization is Amani ya Juu which means ‘higher peace’ in Swahili or Amahoro ava Hejuru in Kinyarwanda Amani is a skill training program for marginalized women in Africa seeking to restore hope.

Amani aims to sow seeds of peace in the hearts of women as they grow in community and in their faith together. Apart from the sewing and marketing skills they are taught, they also gain experience in management and design, book keeping, purchasing and quality control.

At Amani, the women work together through faith in God who provides higher peace that transcends ethnic differences. The peace initiative with roots in West Africa serves 70 women from 11 different countries. It portrays diversity as the women come from Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Uganda, Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and other African countries with sister centers in Rwanda, Burundi and now Liberia.

Amani Liberia was launched on May 14th with a goal to rebuild, empower and educate women to reach their full potential. For the launch, Amani Liberia held a fashion show dubbed; The Sankofa Fashion Show; a story of transformation told through fashion, dance and narrative. Sankofa means ‘looking back but moving forward’; which is Amani’s vision, to move forward and discover true worth and value despite the past, this vision also serves as Liberia’s reality.


Amani Liberia teamed up with Liberian born Korto Momolu; an international fashion designer and stylist and a runner up in Project Runway Season 5. Korto came back to Liberia after 23 years, for the Fasion show she made a 27-piece collection designed specifically for Liberia’s Fashion show. Ms.Momolu who has been featured in major international media outlets such as Essence, People Magazine and Women’s Wear Daily and she serves as a great example of the potential women have to develop their talents and obtain their dreams.

According to Amani Liberia’s contact, Kate Finley, the fashion show is to encourage and inform the people of Monrovia and around the world about Amani Liberia and the opportunity for the women of Liberia to work in peace and learn together. “We want to provide a way for women to earn an income and support their families within a positive, safe environment that restores their hearts and their sense of value. The women of Liberia are smart, strong and creative and we want to help them cultivate those qualities to reach their potential!” she said.

Amani Liberia is a peace initiative that not only teaches the women learn practical skills to improve their quality of life, they also experience God’s healing, moving them beyond their traumatic and difficult pasts.

Source : Amani ya Juu {www.amaniafrica.org}
Learn more about Amani Liberia from their blog 
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Q & A with Shailaun; 1st Face of Simply AfroSheek

Posted by AfroElle On 5:57 AM 0 thoughts
Shailaun Maninng who describes herself as poised, pleasant and ingenious is the 1st Face of AfroSheek, a competition that was for the first time held last year. The multi-talented Shay, as most people call her, sings and dances as a hobby but she is a professional model and actress. 

Being impersonalble as a majoy key to success is one of the valuable lessons she has learned as a model. 

“Your peers, your associates, your clients, and your audience all must find you pleasant and have a desire to have you around. Of course your talent and skills play a role in your possibilities of being booked, but ultimately, you are being booked because they would love to be your friend.”

Shailaun, who would like to be remembered by the world for her continuous courage and determination to achieve her innermost dreams and goals, hopes to become an international model, actress, and a household name starring in films and commercials all over the world. “ I see myself getting Grammy awards for best female actress and married to the man of my dreams , yes, I said married, and we’re exploring the world.” She adds.

What is Face of Simply Afrosheek all about and how was the experience like for you?

I believe the Face of Simply Afrosheek contest is about being inspired, being elegant, and unleashing the queen in you. Beautiful women of African descent are being judged on their personalities and their abilities to inspire an international audience.

When I became the Face of Simply Afrosheek, I knew right then and there that my life was under transformation. This contest was the first one that I have competed in and won. Immediately becoming a spokes model and 2011 summer edition cover girl of Equanimity Magazine was a thrill alone. Having the title has been uplifting and is surely a push on my professional resume.

 
How do you define success?

My definition of success is having your cake and eating it too. I’m kidding… well, not really. I get an idea, come up with a goal for it, work towards achieving the goal, and accomplish it. That is success.

Who is a woman of substance mean ?

A woman of substance is a woman of essence, a woman of soul. To me, a woman of substance means the world. She loves, she’s pleasant, and she utilizes power to believe in herself and survive for herself and uplift those whom she inspires and is inspired by. Wow! I really pulled that out of the deep and it’s true.


Any words of encouragement?

Everyone in the world was given a mind, but not everyone knows how to use it. Simply visualize where you want to be and what you want to do. If you can see it, you can believe it and if you can receive it, you will achieve it. Follow your dreams and never look back. Stay focused. That's the reality in a nutshell.
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AfroElle is an online destination for women of Afro-descent around the world.AfroElle's overall aim is to provide content for black women around the world and for them to find empowerment and encouraged to lead fulfilled lives through this magazine style blog.
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