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!)  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!

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7 Things Every Career Girl Should Know

Hello, Monday! There's no better time to evaluate your career goals and understand what areas need a little boost, than a Monday in June! We need to get on track before July gets in, you know how July gets, scaring us with its-second-half-of-the-year-what-do-you-have-to-show-for-it reputation.

Right below are some important skills and career building tips that every career girl needs to know. Hurry, before July gets in! Here goes: 

1. Value your work and skills in those heels

We work pretty hard but how much do we value our skills?

"Yeah, well, I'm great with CAD."

"I can build a website in my sleep." *shrug*

"So what if I can make 700 plates of party lunch plates in three hours."

"I take care of our home, run errands and take care of the kids. I wish I had a real job."

"I speak 4 languages but bleh..."

So many women have skills and they should be celebrated (which is why we have PGI girls!)! We should value our accomplishments and skills. True, there's always room to learn some more and to improve but value should be placed on that which we have accomplished and the tasks we achieve on a daily basis.

2. Negotiate circles around anyone

I understand some systems do not support equal pay between both genders but for some of us who have the opportunity to negotiate pay, we sometimes cower. Here's the fact, men negotiate pay. It's the fact.

When Ed negotiates, I cringe but he usually gets what he wants and I don't...I just get more wrinkles from cringing. Men are more likely than women to negotiate pay. As women, we are a little bit bashful about asking for more. Asking for more is a risk and studies show that women are more risk-averse than men. That maybe the reason, it may also be that we just don't value our skills enough to put a good value on it (see #1). You have to ask for more, to get more. There are no pink ponies and shimmery wands in the real world, and no one is going to drop extra cash on your lap until you ask! Ask for more!

3. Shop for a mentor

Hey, girls, so mentors! It turns out that females hardly get mentored and this is a three-pronged problem. Prong #1 There are far less women in managerial positions than men and so there are less female mentors to start with. Prong #2, some women in authority sometimes feel insecure and might feel like other female subordinates might be out to get their positions, so the ones who ask to be mentored only get very leveled teaspoons of advice and mentoring. No one is trying to still your job, Ma'am. Well, maybe some are, but others just want to learn. Help the younger women. Prong #3 Younger women hesitate before asking for mentoring, assuming the senior colleagues don't have the time or that they come across as bothersome. Reach out to your mentor-crush first, and if you get shut-down, move on to the next. 

4. Recommend people for positions

A female superior is less likely to recommend a subordinate for a position according to this study. This study by the Harvard review shows that men are more hands on with their mentoring, they help to plan their career moves and empower their mentees in new roles! It's not quite the same with women. Women in power need to mentor and pull more women up the ladder.

*Who you epp?*

5. Keep your home separate from your work as much as possible

The first thing I learnt in business school was this; your client doesn't care if you've had a bad day. Get it done. Honestly, your boss doesn't care, your client, customer. No one cares. Get it done!

OK, so you have a great boss and he does indeed care. It doesn't matter, act like he doesn't. At first, I thought this was a little harsh, slowly i discovered that it teaches you to be professional in your dealings, to execute tasks promptly and to show results. If you have excuses, leave them at home. If your child is sick, tell it as it is and get time off work. Don't get someone to sign in for you and then not show up.

Also leave your work at work. Finally, that double life you always dreamed of! 

6. Go the extra mile, still in those heels

There is always an extra mile, right after the publicly-proclaimed finish line. I learnt this from one of my classmates from school. She dotted all i's, crossed all t's, intersected all x's; her work was always of superior quality and it stood out because she chose to do more than expected! Go the extra mile.

7. Don't be afraid to ask for help

Girl-pride is great during empowering ladies' nights and karaoke renditions of "Independent Women", however, when it comes to achieving your career goals and contributing to your organization's objectives, it's a good idea to ask for help when you need to. Find a mentor within you company or industry, someone who can give you guidance for your task. If there's no one suitable, ask questions! Ask the people on your team for help. If need be, call a meeting and have a constructive problem-solving session. Don't feel like people are going to stare at you like you know nothing. People will always stare and judge, that's OK. When they are done, they will peel their eyes off you and stare at someone else. Ask questions, please. Gather information and execute your duties like you were made for it!

I hope this helped! Please don't forget to share! Thanks. What steps are you taking this month to launch that awesome career off the ground?!

Related posts: PGI girl, Joko; Your very own business idea; Improve your work-space with these tips!

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