PGI's May Girl- Banke (Businesswoman, Easy Peasy)
Banke and I have talked about many things from flowers, to jobs, to school, to business to marriage, to husbands who like to cook, and to food-processor-made pounded yam. We talk about hair and the care of it. She taught me to have a pair of scissors for my hair; a girl can't use the same pair of scissors to cut up Christmas craft and then trim her hair an hour later, with the same pair. My hair deserved its own pair of scissors, she said. It did? (Don't judge me lol!)...
Banke and I have talked about many things from flowers, to jobs, to school, to business to marriage, to husbands who like to cook, and to food-processor-made pounded yam. We talk about hair and the care of it. She taught me to have a pair of scissors for my hair; a girl can't use the same pair of scissors to cut up Christmas craft and then trim her hair an hour later, with the same pair. My hair deserved its own pair of scissors, she said. It did? (Don't judge me lol!) She always had these really useful tips on her Instagram page and I knew she knew hair. Of course, she had to do something with this passion and skill she had, so we talked some more about dreams and possibilities. Then one day Banke stopped the talking and did something. On this day, I was scrolling through Instagram and on Banke's page was displayed a jar that read "Butter by Banke". She had done it! Just like that! She had launched a hair-care product line- a brand, she was suddenly an entrepreneur! The day that jar popped up on my timeline, I was so excited. She did it! She birthed a dream just like that. Without drama, or drumroll or cymbals. Her story is so simple and inspiring, she'll make you want to start that thing you think is a big deal in a snap!
Here she is, making business look too easy since 2016...
What's your full name?
Oluwabamike Olaoluwakitan Adewale (nee Ogundairo)
Cutest nickname(s)
Bankymoon; Kilolo, short for Bankilolo
Least cute nickname
Ban-ku-seh
My fave quirk about me...
So not sure this is a quirk or normal but most mornings for breakfast I have bagel slathered with crunchy peanut butter and then a dollop of jam to add some sweetness ... a salad for lunch for "a neutralizing effect". I'm too sure I'm not the only one that does this
How long have you had your natural hair?
About 4 years
I'm thinking about leaving the "naturalista" life soon. What parting words do you have for me?
Don’t go!!!!
Do you ever think about leaving too?
Nope!
Do you feel the pressure to stay natural?
Not at all! I love my hair and it’s actually the reason I started Butter by Banke.
I love that name, Butter by Banke. It has this softness to it. I feel like I'm a getting a massage. Lol! How long did it take you to come up with that name?
Not very long. I thought it was cheesy at first but ran it by a few people who liked it, so it stuck. We have one product line for now, expansion is definitely in the works. It's called Shea Deliciousness, it's an organic hair and body butter and it’s for men too!
I assume Shea Deliciousness is the secret to your beautiful hair? What's your hair night time routine?
Yes and it's so easy to use, I wet my hair first, add the butter and style. I also use it to steam my hair after every wash. Night time routine: If I have my hair done (crochet braids or box braids) I simply wear a static net satin night cap. When I rock my hair in a puff, I scarf it down to have the front flat. In the morning, I apply Butter by Banke, re-scarf for a bit and I’m good to go! I get compliments all the time.
How did it all start?
While planning my wedding, I wanted to give out wedding favours and found an idea on Pinterest- lip balms! I also wanted to make and hand out jars of body butter, so I ordered the containers. I made the lip balms but I never got around to making the body butter in all the frenzy. After the wedding, I made it and gave out jars of the butter to friends and family. Then it happened. They would call me up and say, "Banke, I've run out of butter. Make more!" I had the jars so I kept making more. I had most of the ingredients and the jars too, so I kept at it and my husband, Yinka convinced me to start selling. Voila!
What challenges did you face starting this business?
My main concern was whether people would be interested in my product in such a saturated market. I started to overthink everything. My husband was there. He encouraged me and affirmed the validity of the idea. He encouraged me to focus on using and investing what I had already (jars, knowledge and skill).
What would you say to someone facing the same challenge in their business?
If someone were to ask, I'd say what he told me "Only invest what you can bear to lose. Don’t focus on the profit, focus on the value you’re giving to people."
What principles guide your business?
I have a three-point set of principles:
Simple. Natural. Effective
Simple: Our product is simple to use. Using Shea Deliciousness eliminates having to mix 9 products yourself. Simplicity is genius.
Natural: Only natural ingredients are used, which is undoubtedly helpful to hair and skin
Effective: It works. I’ve seen it work for me and others and we believe in the product.
Does your husband secretly use Shea Deliciousness?
He uses it unashamedly! He even complains when I finish it! *laughs* He makes me make more!
What would you say to anyone who is reading this and is full of self-doubt about their brand?
First, you have to believe in your brand. Believe in it, people will see the passion and believe in it too. Start small and invest resources you don't mind losing. If it doesn't work, you know you tried and there was some collateral lost, but not too much. Don’t let fear keep you down. Try.
The first day you filled your first jar of Butter by Banke, how did you feel?
Excited! When I put the stickers on the jar is best feeling!
How do you strike a balance between your day job with running Butter by Banke?
I am a Communications and Marketing strategist in a financial institution by day.
I run Butter by Banke on the weekends and evenings.
Morning person/Night person?
Morning person. My mum is a morning person and raised us that way.
What's the best thing about having 9 older sisters?
The support system. It’s a good conversation starter. It stops everyone in their tracks.
How many hours can you wear heels for before your first "oowww"?
First, 4 inch heels are best I can do. I can stand in them for about 2 to 4 hours. I don't try to take the heels off in between and wear again, it makes the pain worse. I just sit down often and have flats ready in the bag.
Who is your hugest style influence?
Hair: Pinterest
Clothes: I don't have one fashion style because I had a lot of hand me downs.
Though I'd say Sister number 7 ("Tomato") has some influence on me. We all go to her for style advice.
The one meal you know you kill every time?
Pancakes (I don’t like to cook!)
One item you beg people to buy for you from Nigeria?
Groundnut!
One place I have visit when I go to Nigeria
Terra Kulture. I love Nigerian theatre. The play I’m really looking forward to is the Secret life of Baba Segi’s wives. I loved the book.
Last 3 items bought
Okra
Sofa covers.
Stickers with the Butter by Banke logo
Thank you, Banke for being our May PGI girl!
4 Things I learnt...
1. Stop talking about it and do it!
2. Focus on the value you provide, not on profit
3. You have the jars. Don't stop pouring in and creating.
4. She loves pancakes, I love pancakes. I guess that about seals this friendship
Thank you so much, Banke, for being PGI's May girl! I can't wait to see the wonderful things Butter by Banke rolls out soon. Love you loads!!
Get your Shea Delicious hair and body butter. I can feel it on my fingertips already.
Contact: Instagram @butterbybanke
PGI's July Girl: MOPE (The Dope Girl-Next-Door)
On Friday afternoons, when the yellow school buses line up across my street to pick up the school kids, chances are that I am listening to Mope Oyetunji's distinctly chirpy voice, discussing inspirational topics with her guests on the TGIF radio show. Most of the time, I find myself hollering my opinions at my radio, hoping that they are a little telepathic. Lol.
I’ve known Mope for about 5 years now and in that "short" time, I can testify with both hands on the holy book that she's remarkably special, she inspires me with her heels, her words, her happy heart, and her dedication to God. During our interview, she touched my heart more than once, without preaching a sermon and that’s not something you see everyday.
She's a Corrosion Engineer. She used to be a model, working with brands such as Oando, Iamisigo and orange culture.
She also has a truck load of girlfriends, if you are a guy, you might want to get her number. Be warned though, her husband is over 6'3 tall and I will not rescue you, I repeat, will not. Lol.
She discusses the key to work-life-God-self balance; her experience "living with a boy"; busts a popular modeling myth and insinuates that Moimoi trumps Akara. Let's meet her, and the many sides of her colorful Rubik's cube personality!
Warning: We laughed for a good part of this interview. Bear with us, laugh with us!
The Style-lover
First things first, I will start with the most important question to ask a style-savvy Engineer:
Is it possible to look good in a hard-hat?
Yes! *laughs* with some lippie and a great smile!
What was the best part about modeling?
The Giveaways! I’m kidding, the ‘Dress up’.
How did you get into it?
My friend, Bubu, recruited me. She had just started her label, iamisigo and she needed someone to help her model her clothes, so I volunteered. I did some other jobs after, mainly through referrals. Even though it was short term, I made the best of the experience and enjoyed every second of it.
What skills do you need to begin a modeling career?
Confidence. Courage. Strength. It's important to look after yourself- face, body and overall health. Also developing networking skills is a plus, referrals are big in the fashion industry.
Any modeling myths, you could bust for us?
The most obvious myth would be that models don’t eat! That’s not true at all. I’ve met a model who eats like a horse. Sometimes, it’s really just their genes and other times it’s eating healthy as well as portion-control. It’s all about those portions!
Do you dance in changing rooms?
Absolutely! Who doesn’t! *laughs*
Your hugest style influence?
My Mother. I call her "Fashionista Mama". My friends back in Nigeria go to her sometimes for material choices for events.
Do you ever hide an outfit in the store with plans to return to buy it?
Hahahaha! Definitely! Especially when it’s on SALE and I need to do a quick inspection of the clothes in my wardrobe that go with it!
Cyber shopping or store-shopping?
Cyber shopping (only because I don’t have the time)
What was the last thing you bought but had to return?
A pair of Mustard heels from Zara.
You are in a Men's clothing store, name two items you'd grab for your outfit?
Oh la la! Suspenders and those shocking brightly-colored socks.
*********
The Friend-Lover
What's the key to maintaining great relationships with girlfriends?
Loyalty and discretion. You shouldn’t tell Girlfriend C what Girlfriend A has told you in confidence.
What’s the key to being friends with guys?
Being truthful. Boys love the truth!
So girls don’t love the truth?
Hmmmmn
*we both burst out laughing*
What's the hugest lesson you've learnt from being married?
Compromise! In marriage, you’re a team and for two people to work together as a team, each member must give and take once in a while. Note: I said once in a while (no one should be a door mat)*laughs*
What's the coolest thing about "living with a boy”?
You get to wear his shirts, when you can’t be bothered about dressing up around the house!
**********
The God-Lover
How did you meet God?
I grew up in a Christian home but never really knew God for myself until 2006 when I was involved in a car accident in Ghana. I had a divine encounter with God and I remember saying “Lord, I am Yours, I want to be a vessel fit for Your use. I dedicate myself to You, use me for your Will.” From that day on I began a journey to enter a new spiritual life through God's Holy Spirit.
What's the coolest thing about Him?
His Sense of Humor! No jokes- I’m here asking God for akara meanwhile He has moin-moin in the oven waiting for me but I just don’t see it. His plans are always grander than mine.
Do you serve in church?
Yes I do, I’m a Junior Church (Children) teacher primarily. I’m involved in the Broadcast department where I host radio shows and present the news on Sunday (Visual). Lastly, I’m in the Virtuous Women’s Committee which is built to guide, strengthen and encourage women in the church amidst their busy schedules in life.
*Side eye* I just want to say for the record that I serve in ONE unit in church and I still feel a little overwhelmed! How do you do it? How do you balance it all-life, God, work, marriage, friends… all in heels?
*laughs* I think what works for me is ‘Prioritizing’ I’ve always used Jill Briscoe’s word Picture: picture each priority in your life as a box. Don’t try to completely fill each box or you’ll be exhausted. I ask God which boxes should be first in line for the season, even for the day. I reorganize them accordingly and then only fill up the first ones in line, voluntarily leaving the others only minimally filled, there’s that calm. That’s my balance – filling up what God wants me to and leaving the rest for another season because I’m no super girl. *laughs*
Describe hosting a radio show with one word?
AMAZING (A mix of Splendid and Unpredictable)
That’s 7 words!
I know! *laughs* Hosting is unpredictable because you never know what the audience is thinking and what their response might be on the other side.
Does it help to look pretty going to the radio show even if you won't be seen? Like, does it
help you get into host-mode or help your show-biz psyche? Lol
Hahaha! Sometimes, but saying that I think a lot of times my mood dictates my style for the day as opposed to the other way round.
Do you ever feel like not talking on the day of the talk show? Let's assume you've had a long, tiring day, do you scowl at the mic?
*laughs* No! There have been a couple of times when I’ve been super knackered after a long week but you’ll be amazed how the topic in itself motivates you or even simply getting in front of the Mic and thinking ‘No one wants to hear grumpy’, you just kinda shake it off.
What types of topics throws the station into an excited, air-pulsating frenzy-with phones ringing off the table and guests almost off their seats?
Haha! Relationships!
The Self-Lover
Do you ever have me-time? What do you do then?
Oh yes, I do- it keeps me sane and re-energizes me. I read inspirational articles (online- I don’t do books), listen to podcasts or I go for a run (if the weather plays nice).
5 things in your handbag right now as we speak:
Cocoa butter lip therapy Vaseline, my bunch of keys hanging off a cowboy-boots key-holder, nail file, spare earrings (just in case I leave home in a hurry), tissues.
Eau de Parfum or Eau Naturale?
Eau de Parfum. Ike, don't even play like that. *laughs*
4 Things I've learnt
1. Put spare earrings in all your handbags! They are the easiest things to forget in a hurry.
2. Daily priority list- ask God to tag the most important items for the day!
3. As a girl, I really should listen when my friends advise me and I should try this baked moi-moi recipe…hmmm.
4. Opportunities arise from being a blessing and being selfless. Who needs a model for free? *Grin*
Thank you so much, Mope, for being PGI's July girl!! Love you to style heaven and back!
Catch the TGIF show on Fridays at 7pm GMT, here!
PGI's May Girl: Ufuoma (The Organized Bride)
PGI's feature for the month of May is the beautiful, ambitious bride-to-be Ufuoma Ukueku! She talks about working in Real Estate, planning her wedding and how she deals with marriage horror stories!
Many brides have wedding planners and if they don't, they, at least have 5 different notepads where they scribble all their wedding ideas and plans or a scrapbook or Pinterest board. Ufuoma Ukueku is a different type of bride, one who is very keen on detail and plans to have a flawless, hitch-free wedding without a wedding planner! She applies her vocational skills to her wedding planning in a super-impressive way. She's blessed with fab planning skills, a trait she apparently got from her mum! Where was Ufuoma when I was planning my wedding and forgot to pick up my cake! Lol!
About her crazy organizational skills
What do you do for work?
I work as the Assistant General Manager of a Real Estate company in Lagos
How do you balance your busy lifestyle with your wedding planning?
I prioritize, analyze my tasks. I tend to take everything I do as a project, applying my management skills and knowledge to them. I manage well, balancing my personal life, work and wedding plans
Have you had any Bridezilla moments?
Not yet. I'm hoping not to! (laughs)
How many bridesmaids do you have?
I have 11 bridesmaids! (laughs)
Have you asked them if you've been showing any Bridezilla signs?
I haven't. I should ask them.
How do you keep a tab on your wedding planning? Do you have a wedding planner?
I actually don’t have a wedding planner. Excel spread sheets are the best wedding planner tool anyone could have! My work has taught me to plan, document and track progressions in any project, in this case, the wedding plans. I have an excel document with different sheets for various things I need to plan for. I just need to check every week to make sure nothing has been forgotten, then from time to time I show the document to my friends so they can contribute, so I don’t miss out anything .
From Ufuoma's doc
Pretty amazing! Are you a natural planner?
Yes, I am. Majorly influenced by my mum. She is super-organized; the best planner I know. She has a file for the wedding with "Seyi and Ufuoma" written on it! (Laughs) She saves programmes from weddings, documents everything as it progresses and is very hands-on with the preparations which I really appreciate.
Your dress! How did you find it? How many dresses did you have to try on?
My dress! My dress! People say it's difficult finding a dress but I always told myself that it would not be difficult for me.
It was helpful that I knew what I wanted already! I tried on about 6 dresses. The first store I went to is called Perfect Bridal Occasion. I had seen a dress they made for a bride on a friend's display picture. I felt the lady wearing the dress and I had similar figures, so i made inquiries about the dress, went for a fitting and that was it!
The only reason that i tried other dresses after finding this one was to get a sense of pricing on wedding dresses in general. The store stylist asked me to go to other stores to have an idea what their prices were like relative to the quality of the dresses and in all honesty I did not see any thing better. So I stuck with this one regardless of the price. I found it about 6 months before the wedding!
What do you love the most about it (the dress)? (Don't spill anything you don't want us to know)
I particularly like the fact that it’s very fitted, I have always loved body-con dresses.
What do you think are the top three things a girl needs to have to be well-put-together?
Great hair, Glam heels, Shaped eyebrows
What's your morning beauty routine?
Foundation and eyebrows are super important to me
Are you on a diet for the wedding?
To be honest, i'm always on one diet or the other, its already a way of life for me. Yeah, I would say i am on a diet
Shoes or Handbags?
Shoessss! Anyday, any time. ( I give all my bags out all the time. I have about 2 bags left and i'm like what is the point of buying bags)
Shoe-colour preference?
The family of purple (purple, lilac, magenta , plum)
About her wonderful job!
Did you choose your industry or did your industry choose you?
Well, I would say both based on the circumstances of the employment. I met my boss on a project that I was working on at the time and he offered me a job!
Why did you choose your industry?
It was all just me following that inner voice saying, "this is an opportunity of a life time".
What do you love the most about your job?
I love that ownership quality that comes with working here. Even though, it's not my company, i still feel responsible for the outcomes of certain decisions made. I love everything about my job, really! It’s the best decision I have ever made (laughs) This is not for my employer o! I mean it.
How have you developed your skills and knowledge of Real Estate?
Experience. I work in the construction aspect of Real Estate. A lot people think its only when you are an engineer that you can understand construction- that's so not true. Experience is our best friend and for the past 5 years, I have been learning and getting better at it .
What would you change about your industry?
Improved skills for artisans; I'd like to set up a training school for them. They have the enthusiasm and energy to work but they have very low level skills which could have adverse effects in construction. It's something that should be looked into in Nigeria.
About marriage and twerks!
What are you looking forward to the most in marriage?
Really looking forward to actually living with my best friend
How long have you and Seyi been together?
5 and half years
About 3 years ago, I had a conversation with you about your goals as a couple. I still remember very clearly. You guys set goals you hoped to achieve before you got married! Have you set your goals as a married couple yet?
Well, yes we have been working on our goals for marriage and the marriage counseling classes have also helped us redirect some goals as well.
Have you heard any marriage horror stories?
Yes, I have, especially couples that did not get married from their tribe(my fiancé is Yoruba). We hear all sorts but for some reasons people also say Deltas don’t really attach tribal issues to anything, so for me, it doesn't bother me or maybe it's because of the person I am getting married to
How do you deal with these stories?
Just prayers and working on my relationship daily.
Have you ever tried twerking?
Hmm, yes o! (Laughs) I used to know how to dance in the past!
Kilishi or plantain chips? Let's see where you are on the Vegetarian-Carni spectrum!
Plantain chips any day, that kilishi ‘s pepper can kill (laughs)
What would you say to your 20 year old self?
"Well-done for taking great opportunities at a very early age and well-done for setting good morals and values but we could have done better."
What would you say to your 30 year old self?!
"30 is the new 20s, so stay positive and aim for better"
4 Things I Learnt...
1. Take your work home with you, i.e apply some work skills in your personal life too (except, of course, if you are a wrestler)
2. As you grow vocationally, don't forget to develop subordinates and junior staff
3. Ufuoma hands out bags; i love bags....we should work something out
4. We eventually become our mums (tell me about it!) Love you mum! Happy Mothers' Day!
Thank you so much, Ufuoma, for being PGI's May girl! ! We wish you all the blessings of God in that thrilling adventure called marriage! Love you loads!!
PGI's January Girl - Joko
I met Joko 6 years ago within the walls of NYSC Lagos orientation camp, Iyana Ipaja. Of course, we spent all free our time in Mammy market, eating indomie and drinking Berry blast on those hot, lazy harmattan afternoons and at night we nibbled pancakes or skewered suya with Milo (little wonder we got fat in camp LOL!). Who says serving the country is not fun?
Anyway, i met this bubbly, fun girl who was an entrepreneur and had mentioned this fact in the first 5 minutes of us meeting. Entrepreneurs my age, 6 years ago, were pretty rare, so i uuuuuuh-ed and aaaaaaah-ed in wonder, in my head. Also, much to my amazement, she had brought along with her to Ipaja, her newly printed business cards, which she handed out to anyone who cared to receive them. For the first time, i was observing a real business owner first hand, networking and actively building a business! It was thrilling and inspiring. She was completely oblivious to the effect she had on me but I think she might have sowed a crazy entrepreneurial seed in me that day. It has been more than a delight seeing her business grow and her passion and hard work payoff over the years.
Jokotade Omojirade Shonowo is the girl behind the renowned PoshClick Portraiture and this exceptionally talented business woman is PGI’s January Girl! She has a Bachelors degree in Microbiology from Olabisi Onabanjo University and made a career change to photography in 2010!
Ok, time to hang with Joko! And we are going straight to the point of this post with the first question!
Joko................Gala or plantain chips?
Plantain Chips
(You can tell a lot about a person from the answer to that question)
How long have you been a professional photographer?
About 6 years now
How did you know this was what you wanted to be and how did you make the career transition?
It wasn't cast in stone from day 1 but I definitely had an unwavering passion for photography and I pursued it against the odds.
I pretty much started photography actively during my service year in 2010 whilst serving at Recreate Consult as the Client Service Representative.
What was the model of your first camera?
Canon 400D
[Thief: Your camera or your phone?
Joko: ?]
My Phone.... In fact, none😂😂😂
Your favorite Photography mentors or blogs?
Ty Bello , Sue Bryce , Elizabeth Messina and Susan Stripling
Where is your favorite place to visit?
Seychelles
Is PoshClick like your second baby?
PoshClick is actually my first baby but of course it had to move over for Demilicious to assume her rightful position.
How many photos of Demi do you have? Rough estimate
Over 5,000
Is she ever there while you work?
Yes, sometimes. In fact, she went with me to a product shoot last week and was extremely good. She’s mummy's little helper😘😘😘
What are your hours like?
I have 20 hour-work-days. I'm a walking zombie sometimes.
How do you get yourself out of bed after a long night working?
I would rather sleep in but the only thing that drags me out of bed after a long work night is a DEADLINE.
What do you love the most about your job?
Finding beauty through my lenses
9 pm, Thursday night what are you doing?
Spending time with family
What was the last item you bought ?
Cod Liver Oil - Orange Flavour
What do you sing in the shower?
Nothing- I’m always quiet, I strategize in the shower
Lagos traffic survival kit?
Good Music/ Good Company , Gum and Water
4 THINGS I LEARNT
1. Do what you love and Network! Even Iyana ipaja NYSC camp is a great networking platform. Who knew?!
2. Set deadlines for yourself and sometimes, be quiet in the shower (Note to Self, Ike!)
3. Follow your Dreams, even as a mum!
4. Orange flavored cod-liver oil exists, i can’t even begin to ask whose idea that was
Thank you so much, Jokotade, for being PGI's January Girl!!! Love you loads!
PoshClick Portraiture:
Phone: +2348023655153
Instagram @poshclick
PGI loves to honor everyday people who inspire. The great news is, we are all capable of inspiring! Do you know someone who inspires? Click here and share with us!
PGI's December Girl- Ike
If you thought being a student was fun and you spent it in a perpetually nifty state, looking like you just stepped off a runway, every minute of the day, put your hands up! ..........Now ignoring those people. Lol, kidding.
This month our PGI girl is someone, who does make student life seem a little more glamorous than I would imagine! By contrast, my student make-up life comprised of bad hair days, stress pimple surprises, some eyeliner (usually drawn in a hurry and all squiggly), brow pencil, a little mascara and a dab of Vaseline lip therapy. I'd eye the liner blunder, ignore the pimple, cover up with large geek glasses and burst out the door!
You see why I feel the need to honor all the girls who make the effort to look good to class or work or bed, even? A thousand salutes and loads of respect. It really is something to be admired and celebrated.
A couple of weeks back, I had the pleasure of chatting with the wonderfully stunning Ike Saliu, she's someone whose style I greatly admire. She has a fun and brave sense of style and upholds this all while being a student! In case you missed it, we have the same name! She's the 'Ike' that actually cares about her fashion life as a student; I wish I had her around during my bad-liner days.
She has huge dreams of becoming a TV/media director one day, a day not too far away. She talks about slaying as a student, her favorite make-up vloggers/ lifestyle bloggers and what she misses about Nigeria.
Let's meet her!
Where do you go to school?
York University, Toronto
What are you studying?
Human Resource Management
What's your morning phone app sequence?
First, I reply messages i left hanging after falling asleep; then What’sApp, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr. Pose. Then my Bible app, then Elevate and Lumosity for my regular brain exercises.
Your student life makeup fix?
I draw my brows (they’re essential), apply foundation, set it with powder. If I am having a presentation, I’d put on eyeliner, apply blush and put on a nude lipstick but if I’m not, I'd simply use mascara. I usually go with a natural look for school.
How long does it take you to get ready?
1 hour, 30 minutes, if i have braids on. If I have a weave, 2 hours because i have to style it. It takes me 30-45 minutes to wear my makeup.
Favorite Makeup Vlogger?
I LOVE talking about my favorite YouTube make-up artists. I watch an awful lot of them but my two favorites would be Msrosposh and Sonjdradeluxe.
Recommended makeup remover?
Biore or Global beauty care make up cleansing wipes.
Clothes or Makeup?
I finally know what it feels like when people say they’re in love with two people. *laughs* I love and i’m crazy about both equally! That being said, if I am to pick, I’ll go with what had my heart first, since i was 6 years old; Make up
A makeup mugger is trying to steal your makeup purse, in a dark alley. He gives you a chance to take 3 items from it. What would they be?
Oh, this is a hard one, my Guess by Color Pop Lipstick, my eye liner(i feel naked without my liner) and my brow pencil, i can't go out without brows. Also this pencil can't be gotten in Canada, so respect that and step away, mugger.
Favorite nail polish color
Burgundy!! I also like purples, pinks and blues
What song describes you at 5.30AM?
Future ft Drake , Where Ya At? Tbh it describes me 24/7
Night time habits/routine?
When I get home, the first thing I do is open the pot/fridge/cupboard to search for food or snacks (this is because I am always hungry, no matter the time of the day). *Laughs* I make some tea and change into comfy clothes, wash my face (make up or no make up) , clear the bag I took out (i just love my bags being empty), turn on my laptop to either research, watch a movie or Youtube video or complete an assignment. If I'm home all day, I’ll look for food as usual, wash my face and be on my laptop .
What do you miss about Nigeria?
I miss being driven in a car! *laughs* I miss that i don’t get taxed when I shop. I miss the hawkers (i don’t know why). I miss suya, agbalumo (the best fruit ever), Christmas at home, my mom’s cooking, my parents and friends.
Favorite Blogs
Kummy-kaybee.blogspot.ca, Pages by Ike (I love it so much), E-online, Justjaredjnr, Blvckcosmic.tumblr.
What are you reading these days?
School texts, ugh .
What would rather be reading?
I'd rather be reading the books in my cupboard and Malcom Gladwell books
What are your winter study time must-haves?
Tea. A show or movie during my study break. Snacks. Chewing gum
4 Things Learnt....
1. Empty my bag/clutch when I get home (maybe I'll finally find that tub of lip color I've been looking for).
2. Wash my face every night, whether or not i put on makeup during the day
3. Learnt that Ike likes Future! ....... at 5.30am! Lol. Someone's clearly a morning person.
4. It's possible to look good as a student
Thank you so much, Ike for being PGI's December girl!!! Love you!
PGI loves to honor everyday people who inspire. The great news is, we are all capable of inspiring!
If you would like to be a PGI feature or would like to recommend someone (male or female) who is inspiring in anyway, please contact me here, or send me a DM on Instagram . Remember to mention in less than 4 lines why you think you or this person is inspiring. Brag Away 😎
PGI's November Girl: Laju
One toasty warm Saturday afternoon in Lagos and by contrast a windy fall day in Madison, i had the awesome pleasure of chatting with the beautiful and talented Utseoritselaju Omagbitse Joanne (popularly known as Laju) via FaceTime. We have no photos from this event because we both were in Saturday-chill-mode. Pardon us.
Laju is a successful Lagos-based artist who has been sketching and painting for as long as she can remember. Last September, she had her first art exhibition themed: "Woman in Bloom" along with other artists who were involved in this event, which sought to contribute to the discussion on the process of self-actualization for the woman in a typically patriarchal society. It's wonderful knowing people who use their talent and passion to develop and improve their community. It's what we all strive to do. It's what we are all made for.
Let's meet Laju!
Hey, Laju! What's "Laju" short for and what does it mean?
Utseoritselaju which means the work of the Lord is too great
Where are you from?
Warri, Delta State, Nigeria
What is your morning app sequence?
Hmm… Instagram, WhatsApp or iMessage…. Instagram…again.. *laughs*
What do you do?
I'm a banker with Heritage Bank
Describe your art?
My art is mostly acrylics on canvas. I started with charcoal but then again, i love color! Right now though, i paint acrylics on canvas.
Acrylic paintings dry fast and that works for me. Oil paint is beautiful but I'm not that patient. *laughs* I'm thinking about working with charcoal and acrylics.
I work with female subjects, i find them easy to relate to and for now, African females because the color of our skin is just beautiful in real life and on canvas!
How and when did you start painting?
I actually started very young. I remember in primary school, I’d draw match-stick people, then they evolved into box-like images. I was always fascinated by the cartoon images I saw on TV, and wondered why I couldn’t make my drawings look like the cartoons, so i'd trace directly from the TV or from Archie comic books. That really helped. And of course, my art teacher in college, class mates and even family recognized my talent and kept urging me to do better. Over time, I’ve nurtured this skill and improved on my style and techniques
Most interesting muse?
I’d say female mannequins. I fell in love with them recently; the fragility of their posture amazes me. They've opened my mind up to a thousand ideas. Hopefully you’ll get to see what I come up with in my future artworks
What does your creative work space look like?
*laughs* That’s funny because my work space is my bed and the floor of my room…. That’s where the magic happens. Haha. To answer your question, Newpapers on the floor of my bedroom.
What do you do when you have a creative block?
I just stay away from trying to paint or sketch, because the more I try, the more I end up making everything worse…which is deeply depressing, although, sometimes I go online and view thousands of images related to the ideas I had in my head, to come up with something unique. *laughs*. Apart from these two, I just lay in my bed and stare at my ceiling.
But on a more serious note though , what works most times is staying away completely, it helps me cool off and also gives me a different perspective on my work
Art-crushing on this John Madu painting
What are your creative work must-haves?
An old piece of cloth to clean my brushes, my iPad/phone to refer to my saved ideas or the internet for clarification (when I get stuck)
Longest & Shortest time taken to complete a work
Longest, 1 month; Shortest, 4 hours
I am in love with this sketch
Default nail polish color
I usually don’t paint my nails *covers face* but if i had to choose, nude or purple
Who is(are) your greatest support system?
Family and close friends. They make me believe in myself
What song describes you at 5.30am?
Don’t wake me up by Chris Brown
I'm more of a 6am person
Quirkiest thing about you?
I like to sleep with the lights on. When I wake up in the middle of the night and there isn't power, I turn on the flashlight of my phone and fall asleep
Favorite cake flavor?
Red velvet
Favorite artist
Joseph Eze, Sara Golish, Nelson Makamo
Most frequent Lagos-traffic purchase?
Plantain chips, Super Yogo! *laughs*
Most random Lagos-traffic purchase?
A paint brush which wasn't really made for art but I used it anyway!
Do you love Lagos?
Yes! I love the people, they are lively and it's modern
What would you say to anyone considering painting your form of art?
Go for it!
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Thank you, Laju, for being our first PGI Girl! Love you Loads!
Get your bespoke acrylics on canvas paintings by Laju this Christmas!
Email: laluch.art@gmail.com
Phone: +2348170789192
Instagram: @laluch_
A shot from the September "Woman in Bloom" exhibition
Banke and I have talked about many things from flowers, to jobs, to school, to business to marriage, to husbands who like to cook, and to food-processor-made pounded yam. We talk about hair and the care of it. She taught me to have a pair of scissors for my hair; a girl can't use the same pair of scissors to cut up Christmas craft and then trim her hair an hour later, with the same pair. My hair deserved its own pair of scissors, she said. It did? (Don't judge me lol!)...