November - December 2016
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The Pacesetters of 2016
Issue 6 Volume 2
#SayitwithChamy w w w. c h a m y p e r f u m e . c o m
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Editor’s letter
Merry
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love this season. Time to merry and time to take count. It’s time when those who worked harvest and prepare for the new year of sowing. For those of you who have worked so hard this year, it’s a time to sit back, relax and smile at how far you’ve come and also look forward to the next phase of the journey. It couldn’t have been the best time to showcase women who are extraordinarily changing the narrative. It’s often asked, “can a woman have it all?” Whatever that means. These women have it all. They’ve got class, they’ve got poise and they’re on to a great story. Shaking up things as they go. In the league of their own yet parts of the jigsaw that’s gradually fixing up to bring women to the forefront of world leadership. From the grassroots to the top of the league you have seen women take control, positioning themselves as the next group to be the change. If you read our last issue, you would note our coverage of the 4 top world women leaders and how they’re cleaning up the mess left by their men counterparts. This is what women have been doing for donkey years. Our Pacesetters are proving that women no longer belong to the ‘kitchen , sitting room and the other room’ as Nigeria President Buhari tried to imply. Yes, we own those rooms and also have come to own both the boardroom and the world leadership room. In this issue we bring you the women PACESETTERS of 2016. And more…
Remember to slay in health while you eat and celebrate.
Still your girl,
Faustina Anyanwu Fauntee
Chief Editor
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THE PACESE
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hen women come together, great things happen. This has almost become a cliche but, this time we bring it to a real time practise. For the first time ever, we’re bringing you our Pearlwoman Pacesetters of the year. Five outstanding women shaking up the world around them have been shortlisted . Their stories and accomplishments so diverse yet strongly represent all that Pearlwoman magazine stands for. Women of colour are doing incredibly very well particularly in the UK, leading the way and making it happen against all odds. From running their own thriving businesses, to creating platforms to elevate other women and holding a successful career. These women have it all. In this year’s listing we bring you, multi award winning author and show host, Ibitola Ojoye-Adebayo, Faustina Anyanwu, Chief editor C. Hub magazine and founder Divas of colour, Caroline Popoola CEO, Alphacare chain,Patricia Stephanie Gillian CEO Universal Business women and Sheila Gatonye CEO African women dinner.
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ETTERS
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PACESETTER
Faustina Anyanwu 6
(AKA FAUNTEE BON) From being a Nurse/midwife to internationally accomplished entrepreneur .
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an a woman have it all? Our Pacesetter Faustina Anyanwu is a wife, mum of three, Author, Magazine Editor, Proofreader, Media consultant, Brand manager, Business and motivational speaker. She has been dubbed, serial entrepreneur. Faustina can best be described as simple, humble and spirited, self-motivated achiever. The nurse midwife who has in the last four years unleashed her creative talent to change what you hear and read about African and Caribbean descents and the entire Black race. Faustina is an inspirational woman with a vision and passion to influence a positive identity for African heritage. She is the co-founder of Faunteewrites publishing, the Co-founder and Chief editor of C. Hub magazine, founder of MBW PR, Co-founder & Chief editor of Pearl Woman magazine and also the founder of Divas of colour International women’s forum. When Faustina arrived in UK, she quickly was moved to do something about the heavy negative media narrative about Africa, Black people and especially women of colour. She immediately began her first blog promoting the positive attributes and achievements of Black women. On discovering that so many Black women had small businesses and needed help with PR and branding. The blog was converted to a PR and branding agency, now MBW PR. With her husband, Emeka Anyanwu , Faustina Co-founded C. Hub magazine in 2012, which is the first and only Afro-creative magazine in the UK, in just 4 years, C. Hub magazine has become one of the most powerful voices of Afro-Caribbean creativity in the UK and beyond. Has been generously awarded both in the UK and the US. And has a readership of over 200,000 per month.
Within the C. Hub magazine brand, they have created the most prestigious award for Africans in the UK – CA award (Creativity Award) with audience of high rated personalities, and international celebrities. In 2014, Faustina founded Divas of colour International women’s forum. The largest gathering of world’s most influential women of colour from around the globe. The forum which celebrates the best of women of colour is a whole day gathering includes activities such as conferences, fashion show, trade show and award ceremony. Faustina is a regular face on reputable national and international media. She has been featured on the front page of The Voice newspaper in UK as women succeeding against all odds. She was also featured alongside MP Diane Abbott as one of Black women doing it, in their Sisters doing it for themselves series. She also speaks on why she wants to honour Black women. Faustina was also named at number 8 in the African Doers listing by Tropics Magazine and No.2 on the six leading African women in UK by Afrokanist magazine. Faustina speaks exclusively with Naija Living magazine on her journey as an entrepreneur. Faustina has been featured as one of Africans building Africa all over the world. She has been shortlisted to receive two awards in the US in September for , Influential woman of the year and Extraordinary editor of the year at the Extraordinary people’s award. She is also a known voice at speaking out against racism and underrepresentation of women of colour.trade shows, and
award dinner. The platform every year focuses on issues affecting women, working closely with their chosen charity in raising awareness and funds. Faustina vehemently refuses to accept the narrative that Black history should be based on slavery alone. She argues that, it does not only undermine the achievements and contributions of Black people , it also creates an aura of inferiority and low self esteem for the young generation. Faustina has won and been a finalist for several awards including; •
Most influential woman of the year 2016 - Extra-ordinary People’s award USA
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Best Magazine Editor - 2016 - Extra-ordinary people’s award USA .
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Star award - 2015 - Lift Effects UK.
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Best Magazine of the year - BEFFTA UK, 2014.
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And among 100 finalists for Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2016.
Best Quotes by Faustina “If you give the world the best of you, the world in turn gives you all that you need.” “The only way to see up is by looking up.” “Love is the only virtue that will take you through the journey of Life.” “Your voice may not be loud enough but, the song that you sing will last for generations.Always sing your best.”
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Celebrate This Christmas with
African Inspired greeting cards By Special Touch Designs
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ritish-Born Nigerian Georgina Fihosy is the creative entrepreneur behind the African Inspired greeting cards company Special Touch Designs that seeks to celebrate the diversity of the UK. Her gift for designing and hand-finishing greeting cards, which merge bold African wax print fabrics and quality textured boards, was realised in the summer of 2015. Whilst on maternity leave from her profession as a Pharmacist she made the decision to nurture her creativity and create a brand that would celebrate her Nigerian heritage and culture, showcase her love for fabric and design and recognise the diversity of Britain The first range of cards is called the ’Live in Colour’ Collection - 30 distinctive cards all individually designed and hand. The fabrics have been carefully selected on the basis of their unique patterns and vibrant colours. These cards are an undoubtedly fresh and Afrocentric addition to the greeting cards market with a distinct urban edge. The Live in Colour collection is a true celebration of cultural beauty and ethnic diversity in the UK
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www.ioadebayo.co.uk
PACESETTER
Ibitola Ojoye-Adebayo Scientist turned internationally acclaimed author and entrepreneur.
Ibitola
Ojoye-Adebayo is a UK-based International multi-award winning author, podcaster, host and creator of The Insight of an Author Show and the creator of the ‘Lizzy Adams Brand’. Ibitola is a graduate of the University of Portsmouth with a BSc in Pharmacology. Her genre of writing is Contemporary Romance with a twist, which is a portal into her mind and soul. Sparked with a passion for gothic horror, mystery and romance novels; her top writing influences include Virginia Andrews and Stephen King.
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IBITOLA OJOYE-ADEBAYO’S WORKS: Ibitola’s best-selling books which are a series of fictional stories called ‘Acceptance’ and then the sequel, ‘Acceptance: into darkness’ brought her to limelight in 2014. The Acceptance series is a powerful testimony of Love, Loss and Betrayal. The book speaks of a mother and daughter’s non-existent relationship, it speaks of how a loving marriage can go horribly wrong, it speaks to us of how the act of war can damage one’s soul, and it speaks of the reason why people migrate through no fault of their own. An average woman can relate to the main character of the book and see a part of herself in her and realize that she is a normal person who is capable of making mistakes, and overcoming the consequences of those mistakes, yet finding ultimate fulfilment at the end of the road. Ibitola Ojoye-Adebayo is committed to inspiring people because she started her journey alone and she came across many rejections as well. But eventually she came across someone who believed in her and her dreams. As part of her commitment to ensuring authors and lovers of books interact, benefit and get thoroughly inspired by the stories they all share and the passion they all have, she created a show called, ‘The Insight of an Author Show’. The show which she also hosts, is a platform where up-coming as well as established authors gather some helpful nuggets that they could apply to their lives as writers or authors. Guests on
the show share real life experiences, the best and worst of circumstances on their publishing journeys. This has therefore led countless young people all over the world especially in Nigeria her way; especially young girls requesting her mentorship and guidance as it relates with their writing interests and their dreams of becoming successful authors.
AWARDS/RECOGNITION:
2015 •
Won ‘The Author of the Year Award’ at the Divas of Colour Awards UK 2015.
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Nominated for ‘Author of the Year’ at the Women4africa Awards 2015
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Ibitola’s fan base has doubled considerably within a very short period of time. She campaigns strongly for the girl-child and one of the best ways in which she is able to do this is through her stories. This ambition consequently birthed of her upcoming book, ‘MY NAME IS LIZZY ADAMS’ which is the introductory part of the Lizzy Adams Boarding Mysteries series; a young adult fiction novel which is due to be launched December 2016. This new book also gave birth to her new initiative ‘THE LIZZY ADAMS Brand’.
Received a recognition award at BEFFTA Awards 2015
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Won ‘Author of the Year’ at the CHUB Creativity Awards 2015
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Won ‘Author of the Year’ at the African Women Rock Awards UK 2015
Ibitola wants to change mind-sets that have long-prevented girls from pursuing their dreams. Her aim is for the girl-child to reach their full potential and live their best life story. Her ‘Lizzy Adams’ platform aims to empower the girl-child by directing them through the path that would empower and inspire them to becoming the very best at their chosen career paths. Through this platform, the girl-child will be able to speak out and address the issues facing her generation, and act as a role model to younger peers. Ibitola’s ‘LIZZY ADAMS’ brand means the girl-child remains silent no more because every girl has a story to tell.
2016: •
Won ‘Diaspora Writer of the Year’ Award at the Nigerian Writers Awards 2016
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Nominated in the ‘Romance Writer of the Year Category’ at the Nigerian Writers Award 2016
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Upcoming awards 2016:
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Nominated for ‘Think Gender Award 2016’ -Women Advancement Forum
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Nominated for ‘Best Author 2016’ award -BEFFTA AWARDS 2016
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Nominated for ‘Best Author 2016’ award – CA Awards
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Nominated for ‘Best Fiction Writer 2016’ –CA Awards
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Nominated for ‘Outstanding women of the year award 2016’ –Black African Women Rock
SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS :
ibitola Ojoye-Adebayo @ibioadebayoofficial @ibi_o_adebayo
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Muibat Kikelomo Caroline Popoola
From being homeless to a successful entrepreneur
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aroline is a wife, mother, philanthropist, and a successful entrepreneur. Caroline is the CEO of Alpha Chains Limited and Alpha Childcare Limited. A thriving child care chain in UK with over 60 staff of diverse background. Born in Hammersmith London UK and at the age of 7 was taken to Nigeria when her parents relocated. At the age of 17, she came back to England by herself. Lived with a family friend for 1 year. “I hated it so much that I moved out and squatted in a flat in Peckham for another year. I became homeless as I did not want to stay there as the house was infested with cockroaches and rats. I was then moved to a hostel called Beacon House in Aldgate East.� She worked in the same company till the age of 21 when she finally decided to look for something else in Insurance that came with training. She moved to Travel and Personal Underwriters where she
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gained enough experience and qualification as an insur- informing anyone that cared to ance underwriter. She also had the opportunity to lead a listen that she was looking to start a nursery (which no one believed, they just laughed). team of 8 staff. From henceforth, her life would not be the same again. Caroline worked at Lloyds for London and other companies in the city for approximately 12 years. During this period she changed job literally every 2 years and knew that she always got restless and bored. She knew she wanted more but not sure what it was she wanted to do or needed to do. Studying was the last thing for Caroline, in her own words, “I hated studying but forced myself with the help of a friend who enrolled me to study Business communications and PR part time (because she said I can talk for England) thinking I will probably be a journalist. After my BA (Hons) at London School of Printing Elephant and Castle, I still worked in the city. The last company I worked for in the city, the manager called me into the office and said they were sorry but they had to let me go. I did not understand that because, I was brilliant at what I did. Came early, left late, worked hard. They walked me out of the building with a Mercedes Benz waiting outside to take me home. I only had 30 minutes to clear my desk and say my goodbyes.” She was made redundant. “Got home, told my husband and he said ” oh well you have always hated your job and always bored. You can retrain and I will look after the house for the next 2 years”.
In September 2004 however, she started her first child care setting which now has over 10 branches of Breakfast / out of school / holiday clubs / pre-schools & nurseries settings across the Southeast and East London Caroline is a mother to 3 respectable, confident and adorable children and a wife to “My hunk and my rock Mr. Olakunle Popoola (the shoulder I lean on) for 16 years.” She is currently studying her Msc International Business Management at the University of East London.
Awards and recognitions. Caroline has generously been recognised and awarded both in her business sector and in the community for her achievements and contributions in community building.
Awards and Recognitions Entrepreneur of the year 2015 - CA Award by C. Hub magazine . Appeared on Career Nuggets as a top entrepreneur to watch.
Motivation and Mantra “what can I do differently today.”
Hence she decided to retrain as a childcare practitioner “Whose life can I impact.” “only for the money not for the love of children as I did “Making money.” not have one or looked after anyone’s child in my life.” Determined to become successful, she volunteered in a nursery and made herself known to the childcare team,
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heila is the Founder of African Women’s Dinner (AWD), an annual event held each March in celebration of Woman and coincides with International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day. The event’s mission is to CONNECT, INSPIRE and EMPOWER women. According to Sheila, there is nothing more empowering than to uplift another woman”. AWD was created as an inspirational event to bring people from all walks of life together through dining and entertaining to reduce social isolation and provide a positive enjoyable experience. My aim in life has always been to create a positive impact on people’s lives. As a philanthropist, I champion for the ‘forgotten and abandoned children of Kenya’, working closely with charitable organisations in Kenya to alleviate poverty and promote education. In Africa, there is a saying that ‘However far a stream flows, it never forgets its origin. Born and raised in Kenya before relocating to the UK when she was 15yrs, Sheila’s entrepreneurship journey took a turn in 2012 when she quit her accounting job to chase a lifelong vision that only she could see. I have always been a creative person whether it was
PACESETTER
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through Art, Fashion, music or writing but it took me years of doing different jobs that didn’t give me the job satisfaction that I craved for before I learnt to march to the beat of my own drums and the creation of Triple T Events and Talent Management. I started out in the fashion industry but still felt a creative element was missing. In 2013, I was out having coffee with a few of my friends who I hadn’t seen for a while yet we only lived a few minutes from each other. Work and family commitments had reduced us to social isolation. It was then that the idea for an African Women’s Dinner came about. A day when women can come together to connect, inspire and empower each other. Now in its third year, the event gives me the scope to incorporate the creativity elements of art, fashion, music and writing, connect with so many women from all corners of Africa and most importantly give back to our community through our charitable efforts. My journey is still a learning process and far from an overnight success story. We are currently working on other projects under Triple T events including Fashion with a Difference (FWAD), Fashion Forward Africa and Mr & Miss Kenya GB.
Sheila Gatonye
Tell me about your work or business? I am the founder of African Women’s Dinner which is run Triple-T Events and Talent management. The idea for African Women’s Dinner came about about 5 years ago when I was out for coffee with a few friends. We hadn’t seen each other for a while even though we lived close to each other. What I realised then was that most women in the diaspora live in social exclusion due to their work or family commitments. That’s when I decided on creating an annual event where women can come together to connect, inspire and empower each other while celebrating Woman, Mother’s day and International Women’s Day. What are some challenges, as well as proud achievements, you have faced as so far? In an industry where everyone wants to be recognised, looking for respect more than recognition is more important to me. I don’t seek to become the star of the show but rather to create a great show that can inspire and empower. The event has given me the opportunity to mentor other women and girls through our charitable efforts. What makes me feel truly empowered is the
knowledge that, through our annual dinner event, not only do the guests connect with each other but they go on to break down the barriers that prevent them from achieving their goals. What you’ve got to understand is that inspiration comes in many different forms.
Where do you see your business or career in 5 years from now and what steps are you taking today to reach that objective? One thing I can say with any certainty is that we intend to be around generation after generation. Setting and achieving goals is the hallmark of any successful business and is a critical element of our strategic plan. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to start a business or invest in Africa? Passion and patience are the keys to success when starting any new business or venturing out as an entrepreneur. I’ll give you an example, think about the Chinese bamboo tree, You take a little seed, plant it, water it, and fertilise it for a whole year, and nothing happens. The second year you water it and fertilise it, and nothing happens. The third and fourth year the same and still nothing happens. This can be very discouraging for even the most patient person Then comes the fifth year. The Chinese bamboo tree seed finally sprouts and the bamboo tree grows up to ninety feet in just six weeks! Starting a new business is much akin to the growing process of the Chinese bamboo tree. In the beginning it is often discouraging when we seem to do everything right but the profits or yields do not match our efforts, time or money. To fully understand the concept, for the first four years, the little tree was growing underground, developing a root system strong enough to support its potential for outward growth in the fifth year and beyond. Had the tree not developed a strong unseen foundation it could not have sustained its life as it grew. The same principle applies to building any business. According to Forbes Magazine, nearly 80 percent of small businesses don’t make it past the first three years. This means quite a few people are looking to get rich quickly instead of taking the time to really build a foundation for a business that lasts. What inspires and motivates you? In a nutshell, I simply love what I do. I don’t do it for money, fame, or recognition;
I do it because I have a passion for it. I also have tenacity and I am not afraid to go for what I believe in. Growing up, I was always surrounded by strong-willed, hard working and purpose-driven women which in a way rubbed on me. How does your business or yourself participating to the advancement of women? The African Women’s Dinner brings together a fantastic program of speakers, entertainers and music in March around Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day to celebrate Woman though connecting, inspiring and empowering each other. There is an African proverb that says ‘Educate a man and you educate an individual but if you educate a woman and you educate a nation.’ I feel passionately about helping improve equality for women. I believe in the power of our brands to help women achieve their goals and break down the barriers that may prevent them from doing so. What does leadership mean to you? In simple words, ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader ~ John Quincy Adams. The tide is changing and there are more and more women being elevated into leadership roles and as they continue their upward trajectory, it is also unfortunate that they are still yet to be fully appreciated for the unique qualities and abilities they bring to any economic environment. Give us a glimpse into your typical day in the work or business you do. My days vary from one day to another. As a creative person, my mind never stops. I spend time What has been the highlight of your career? As the old saying goes, find something you love to do and you will never work a day in your life. I guess that’s where has been the highlight of my career”. What is one product you don’t do without for your personal care? I love sweet smelling perfumes. There is an aspect of perfume that goes beyond the smell itself. I guess for me it’s more of a mood lifter
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Patricia is the founder of Universal Business Women Association, a hub for women to connect and trade their expertise. An organisation that aims to help women grow their businesses from grassroots and offer start up loans. PSG was born in Harare where she completed her high school education. She obtained HNC in Business Studies at London School of Business. She went further to study a degree course in Social Sciences upon completion, she was employed at One World Group of Companies as a District Manager. 2 years on, she was hired to join John Lewis as a Budget Finance Manager. In 2015 she again called to join Debenhams as a Sales Manager and she has currently joined L’OrÊal as an Accounts Manager. As well as managing all the above, Stephanie is also the Director for Meggacom Group Plc, Program Coordinator for Institute of Modern Africa, Freelance Budget Finance Manager, Business Mentor, Motivational Speaker and Event Host.
Awards and recognitions.
ZIWA Motivational Speaker of the year 2014. Sesco Platinum Award Winner 2008. Lift Effects Star Award Winner 2015 16
PACESETTER Wife, Mother of 4, a successful finance manager and entrepreneur.
Patricia Stephanie Gillian 17
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