SUTRA
003
BUTORS
CONTRI
COCO + CHIS
Morountodun Sowemimo Saleema Sanni De'Ja Robinson - @dejayosha Uche Umolu Konyinsola Akinrele - @Life_withkoko Aïssata Diallo - @aissatadiallo Beatrice Kamau - @theselflovefix Seyi Alawode - @chlhub Aasiyah Abdulsalam - @therenatural Wendy Asumadu - @wendysworld_xox Ore Ogunbiyi - @oreogunbiyi
+ YOU SUTRA FAM
CONTENT 005.
024.
042.
Letter from Chis + Coco
Aissata Diallo
CC Playlist
008.
032.
044.
My Crown
Coco's Picks
The Wig Fix
016.
034.
046.
Chisara's Picks
Embracing Your Life Story
Wendy Serwaah Asumadu
018.
036.
054.
22 Questions with Koko
Seyi Alawode
Ore Ogunbiyi
Hi Sutra Fam,
Welcome to the third edition of the Sutra Digital Magazine (yay!).
Thank you for sticking with us throughout the year, it really has been
such an amazing journey; one that has been so rewarding. Launching
this Magazine in March has brought us so many opportunities.
We got to team up with some amazing, dynamic and relatable women.
If there's anything we want you to take from this edition, it's that you
deserve to make your heart proud. Embrace what makes you happy,
push yourself outside of your comfort zone (that's usually where
growth happens), be bold and create something that would help
others. Also, have fun doing it!
As the new year approaches, know that you are able and know that
you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.
WE BELIEVE IN YOU!
love always,
Coco & Chis xx
M Y
C R O W N
De'Ja Uche
Have you always had natural hair?
tesolcsytsric@
Why don’t you relax your hair anymore?
Favorite hair product: AVOCURL Conditioning Butter (Natural)
I can’t afford to go to the hairdresser every four-six weeks plain and simple. I am getting older and since moving to New York City I am financially independent, so some things I have to reconsider. Also, I have never had problems with my hair. My hair has always been full and healthy so I didn’t have issues with relaxing my hair in the past. Relaxers made it easier to manage, but my hair is 100% healthier than before after going natural. I feel more confident and beautiful with natural hair.
De'Ja Robinson
I have not always had natural hair. I was in my dorm room taking my protective style out, and I stood in front of the bathroom mirror thinking, ‘what am I going to do with my hair?!’ Like, almost in tears. I couldn’t go home to my hairdresser because I didn’t drive, I didn’t want to cut my hair because I was so in love with the length, I didn’t want to relax it out of the fear of not knowing how to use a relaxer properly, and the last thing I thought about was wearing an Afro because I never saw anyone walking around campus with natural hair. I didn’t have many options or time because I had to go to class in three hours. So, I looked up some YouTube videos on how to style natural hair or “transitioning natural hair” and that was the last day I ever relaxed my hair. I rocked Bantu knots and an unkempt Afro for a while, but my mother helped me with maintaining my hair while it was transitioning, Thank God! Thinking about it is so mortifying, but so humbling lol. I didn’t do the big chop until I moved to New York City in 2017 and it was life changing I felt like a new woman in a new city!
How do you take care of your hair? I wash my hair once every one-two weeks and ensure it stays moisturized 24/7 because my hair is very thick and nappy! I shampoo my hair twice, then follow up with a detangling hydrating conditioner and freshly extracted Aloe Vera gel. I detangle my hair with a wide-tooth comb and let the conditioner and Aloe Vera sit in my hair for 30 minutes. I two-strand twist my hair while the products set and then I wash it out in cold water with the twists still in. The twists make it easier to apply the product when I finish washing. After washing my hair, I apply all my products while my hair is wet because I find my hair takes in product better when it’s wet. I use a leave-in conditioning cream on my hair and then add in all-natural conditioning butter. I try my best to wrap my hair when I sleep whether it is styled or not. Trimming my hair is only necessary when I feel I need a trim and that varies. Every six months or after having braids in for a while, I deep condition. I stay away from products with alcohol as an ingredient! I am turning to more natural ingredients now and making my own products at home. My styles vary. I wear Bantu knots or a slick back bun if I don’t feel like wearing my fro, or different flat twist styles usually for dance auditions and classes. When my hair starts giving me problems, I will wear it in braids for a long period of time.
What are your thoughts on the statement 'natural hair is too much work and too expensive to take care of’? Everyone has their opinion on natural hair and I believe if you have the patience it is easy to achieve beautiful healthy hair. I still believe having natural hair is more affordable than going to a hairdresser every four-six weeks. LONG LASTING PROTECTIVE STYLES AND WIGS, need I say more?
@cirstyscloset
UCHE
When & why did you decide to cut your hair? I cut my hair in September 2018; a month after I launched my first consent workshop in Toronto. At that point I felt a change coming in my life and I wanted my hair to reflect that change. I was doing something bold- especially with leading a me too movement in the Nigerian diaspora that summer, and so I feel empowered. Cutting my hair off and being able to have a different kind of freedom made me feel good and matched the energy of starting a movement. How do you take care of your hair? I have a very simple hair routine. My daily products are blonde toning shampoo and conditioner. After that I tend to use a leave in conditioner and I seal with moisturizing oil which is usually castor oil or shea butter. Why Blonde hair? Honestly? It looks good on me and suits my features. It also represents a fun personality somewhat. Its a loud but simple color that describes me.
UMOLU
Did/Do you receive any backlash for being a girl with short hair? I mean I wouldn’t say I get “backlash“. But they are stereotypes about my identity and the kind of person that I am back home with having short blond hair especially as a black woman. Then there is also the side of my corporate (tech) career where I’m almost certainly sure that my hair creates a more complex outlook for me. Job hunting requires mental decision to pick up a wig or not. Nowadays i tend to not care and rock my hair. What are your thoughts on the statement ‘black hair is too much work and too expensive to take care of’? It’s somewhat accurate to be fair. We are blessed with beautiful, thick hair. But I wouldn’t say it’s hard work. Instead what we should recognize is the systematic issue of how we treat black women and their hair. There’s the issue of black women hairdressers who are being restricted from expanding and scaling their businesses. Making it harder for we as a group to access more black hairdressers, who can take care of our hair properly. There is also, in the retail world, the issue of price hike on Black hair products are. These are the nuances that make our hair seem problematic and yes very expensive.
What’s one of your favourite hair products? John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Tone Correcting Shampoo and Conditioner.
Currently into skincare right now because I recently had an allergic reaction so i've spent a lot of time trying out different products to help clear it all up & these are a few of the things i'm obessed with atm
CHISARA'S PICKS
Hydrafacials
(once a month)
Lemon Water
Microdermabrasion
(every 6 weeks)
Green Tea
Elocon Ointment
(lifesaver!)
Zinc tablets 50mg
Aveeno Positively Radiant 60 Second In
Shower Facial
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer
with SPF
Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive
Night Cream
Vitamin A (10,000 IU)
22 QUESTIONS WITH KOKO
What is your morning routine like? I’m usually up at about 7:00/7:30am, even on the weekends, but lately I’ve had really late nights back to back, so I’ve awarded myself a lie in. I try not to be on my phone first thing but it’s my alarm so it’s a little hard! I always say thank you to God for waking me up, keeping me healthy and keeping me safe. The world is pretty scary and his protection is everything to me. I brush my teeth and head to the kitchen for a cup of fresh lemon, Manuka honey and hot water - great for your digestive system by the way. Whilst I’m sipping on that I like to plan my day. Then I hop into the shower, get dressed and start my day! One thing people would be surprised to find out about you? I studied Natural Sciences at University, and I know no one knows what that is so I’ll tell you! It’s Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths.
You currently live in Lagos, what's the best way to spend a Saturday in Lagos? It honestly depends on how I’m feeling! I typically spend my Saturdays in one of 3 ways; I either have a chilled day in which consists of me staying home, reading, watching some youtube videos and maybe I’ll squeeze in some organizing of my closet, to get rid of things I no longer wear or to style items I haven’t worn yet. In Lagos you’re always surrounded by people so I really love my alone time to re-charge and just not have to think you know? When I’m feeling more social I’ll go for lunch or maybe drinks with friends. I really love RSVP for lunch and Salma’s for dinner, drinks and Shisha! When the weather is beautiful like it is now, the beach is where I like to spend my Saturdays! Super excited because the sunny Lagos Christmas I love is finally here so hopefully my Saturdays will be spent lounging beside a body of water! Greatest Lesson Learnt in 2019? Everything I’ve learnt from building a business in Nigeria! If you’re thinking of starting a business just remember that perseverance is key and don’t loose sight of your original vision for the company. A lot of people will have opinions on what direction you should steer it in and a lot of them are coming from a good place but at the end of the day, it’s your company. So take in all the advice and make a decision based on how you want it to grow. What's one skill you want to learn in 2020? How to speak French
Zodiac sign: Aquarius Best personal Trait: Put me in a room with a random group of people and I think I can get along with most of them What advice would you give 13 year old Koko: Don’t conform to what people think you should be! Be true to who you are and don’t be afraid to say whats on your mind, especially when you’re uncomfortable. What's the best way to decompress: Turn off the lights, light some candles, pour yourself a glass of wine and listen to your favourite feel good music on a good pair of speakers (the speakers are key). My go to’s are any Ariana Grande song, Teyana Taylor - K.T.S.E & Jhene Aiko - Sail Out
Current favourite skincare product: Origins GinZing Refreshing eye cream Braids or Wigs: Both, I’m forever changing my hair style so I can’t imagine one without the other Current Favourite hair care product: Henna Powder! It helps strengthen your hair and retain length. What's your favourite fashion trend of all time: I don’t have one! I pretty much wear what I like, whether it’s on trend or not. At the moment I’m really getting into statement pieces, so anything with sequins or a cool pattern, I’m buying. Probably because the Holiday season is around the corner so look out for my upcoming looks on the gram!
What’s the most important aspect of your style? Probably my hair. I’m not very experimental with colour but I change the style quite often to match the look/vibe I’m going for and sometimes even a specific outfit I plan on wearing. How would you describe your style? Preppy meets street style with a girly classic feminine silhouette. What TV show are you loving at the moment? The Morning Show, but my all time favourite is Bob’s Burgers Who's a historical figure you would love to have dinner with? Princess Diana Who are you currently listening to? Summer Walker, Chance the Rapper & Dua Lipa
You have a Cookie company called 'Koko's Cookies'. What inspired you to start this? It’s funny cause I’m not a pastry chef or anything like that! I just wanted to build a company in Nigeria that had great vibes, great aesthetics with a quality product. Cookies are one of my favourite sweet food items and I happened to be baking cookies a lot about 2 months before I started the company. I took them to a friends house warming party and got a ton of compliments! People said they would buy them and thats kind of where the idea came from! What's your favourite cookie flavour? White Chocolate Chip with Honey comb. Although ironically I don’t sell this flavour! I thought I’d stick to the classics, Chocolate Chip and White Chocolate Chip Gooey or Crunchy cookies? Gooey, every time! Favourite Midnight snack? Salt Popcorn, Fizzy Strawberry Laces or Watermelon
AĂ?SSATA DIALLO
"Being black of African descent, Muslim woman who is also below modelling height requirements puts me at a disadvantage compared to the next model. However, I did not let anything stop me from doing what makes me happy. The journey isn't easy, and I'm still not where I envision myself to be."
@brianziff
AĂŻssata Diallo is a model and influencer who at the age of 16, was sure she was going to be a pediatrician in the future. She earned her bachelor of science in human biology, pre-med. However, it wasn't until after graduating that she realized she was scared of blood, cuts, needles, and everything that has to do with being a doctor - basically. Now, she's in the process of building her own brand, a lasting legacy. Since she started modelling, the industry has taught her resilience, above all. "As a model, you're not always going to have a great day, you will witness a lot of things you might not agree with, and you may also experience bias...Being resilient is the only thing that will keep you together", she says. Fortunately, She has not directly encountered racism, which she says may be because she is in the commercial industry which is much more diverse, but she does have friends who are in the high fashion industry and encounter racism regularly. The 26 year old deeply believes that her role in the industry is to break stereotypical barriers, and show that one can achieve anything they put their mind to. Being black, of African descent and a Muslim woman who is also below modelling height requirements puts her at disadvantage compared to the next model. However, she does not let anything stop her from doing what makes her happy. "The journey isn't easy, and I'm still not where I envision myself to be. However, if I can do it, so can you!" Having people who SUPPORT her journey has been the most exciting thing for her in her career. "Money cannot buy that especially when they see my face in stores and take pictures and tag me in it. *EYE*, myself, get geeked whenever I see myself plastered in store windows haha, so surreal."
"Don't compare your journey to someone else's, trust the process"
@nvmwendy
Out of all your shoots, which one do you have the fondest memory of? Or rather, which one held the most importance to you? "Over the years, it has been a couple. Most recently tho, my fondest memory and the one that held the most importance to me is my shoot with L'Oreal hair's Dark and Lovely fade resist colour dye. They haven't changed the design of this box in over decades now. So, not only did I grace the same box that Beyonce once graced, I am being part of the next generation. Also, this was an all black team for this project. This means so much to me, this is REPRESENTATION". What's one international country you would love to shoot in? Omg this is hard because I LOVE to travel and I love exotic locations. I think I will go with Jordan, in the Middle East.
Are there any other models (upcoming or established) that inspire you? How? Do Rihanna and Zendaya count as models? because yes!.... Otherwise, Alton Mason! I know he is a guy but he has such positive energy, such an amazing model, humble, and I love that he is unapologically himself.
Do you ever see yourself branching off into other fields? For sure, I have a huge passion in healthcare and education. Ultimately, I do plan on being an entrepreneur/philanthropist by opening my own health center + after school program for the disadvantaged.
Can you share 2 tips for people trying to navigate between a said field and modelling? 1- Time management. This is so important. You have to be able to prioritize your time, and your tasks. Write things in your calendar and your notes if you have to. Moreover, make sure you add some time for self care. 2- Never give up: as many no's you'll get, you will get that one yes that will change your life.
@garren.pryce
A Journal writing down my thoughts and feelings as well as 3 things I'm thankful for at the end of most days
Bath & Body Works Peppered Suede Candle Dr. Jart Clearing Solution Sheet Mask Urban Skincare Rx Retinol Treatment Homemade Body Scrub Cane Sugar + Essential Oils
Pixi Glow Tonic Evening Primrose Oil Tablets Homemade Body Mask Tumeric, baking soda, lemon, essential oils + water
Indie Lee I-Waken Eye Serum Green Tea + Matcha w a dash of ACV
Since Fall started, I've been really into self care in all shapes and forms - here are some of my essentials for these types of days. Journalling specifically has been so helpful and essential to my life, especially since my final year in college started. It's where i'm 100% vulnerable about my thoughts and where I hold myself accountable.
COCO'S PICKS
EMBRACING YOUR LIFE STORY
“I wish I never did that”- does that sound familiar? How many times do we regret? How many times do we beat ourselves up about what we have done in the past? We look at our past and we lament over the things we have done and we wallow in self-embarrassment, ruminating over and over on the things we have already done. We think to ourselves that the more that we self-analyze, the better that we will feel. The truth is- although it seems that we can find comfort in analyzing our past- we can actually find the most comfort in letting go of it. The beloved Maya Angelou once said “when we know better, we do better”. You see, nowhere in that quote did Maya Angelou say to dwell on the past or to feel embarrassed about the past, she simply encouraged us to understand that mistakes happen and as they happen, we should use them as an opportunity to learn and to grow. We are not defined by what we have done in the past simply because what was then is not what is now. All we ever have is right now. All we ever have is this moment. Everything that happened before is no longer and you now have just this moment. Now I have a question for you, in this moment, are you going to allow the past to keep you stuck in a position that you are no longer in, or are you going to allow yourself to grow and use your past to turn lemons into lemonade?
By, Beatrice K. Kamau, MS,RD Creator of the Self Love Fix Brand & Podcast
SEYI
ALAWODE
Who Is Seyi Alawode? I’d say a go-getter, to begin with. I think of stuff and make it happen -- it’s like my drug. I’m also incredibly opinionated and not afraid to voice it. I go for what I want and almost always get it: like I can’t really be told no, unless it’s within reason. I guess that sorta makes me rebellious? I dunno, lol.Seyi loves to work and she loves to play. She loves securing the bag but is also a sucker for a good night out -I’m talking partying into the early AM and then speaking at a conference four hours later (this really happened and I do not recommend). But it’s all about balance.I love to be around good energy and try my best to give good energy and uplift others, especially women that look like me. I’m a girl’s girl.
When did you discover your purpose? I’m not a huge fan of the rhetoric behind ‘discovering your purpose’. I do believe that we’re all here for a reason and it’s an exciting journey when you begin to figure out why, but then I think… ok I’ve ‘discovered my purpose’, now what? What if I have multiple purposes? That being said, I feel I was put on here to inspire, to be different and to motivate people to think and do different. I’m not really sure when I did realise that but it’s literally been my ethos ever since. Then again, I could be 101% wrong, who knows?
How important do you think networking is in the creative industry? Networking in any industry is hella crucial. In an industry as exclusive as the creative, media & tech’s, where 60% of jobs in advertising for example allegedly go unadvertised, you have to get your people skills on. Nepotism rules the world, unfortunately. You have to be liked, especially when running a creative business, trying to increase your clientele or job-hunting. It’s tough, but hey. Being at Cannes Lions taught me that you’re more likely to get a job offer by attending an industry-filled party than sending in your CV. Peak, isn’t it? People are your greatest asset. You need an army of cheerleaders to get you to your goal, people that can vouch for you in a room that you’re not even in. Mean people don’t get very far within this industry. Stick to your morals and be yourself. Don’t kiss ass, but don’t be one either.
CHL
Seyi Alawode graduated from a super prestigious British uni, which was very white and uppity, and as a result, very corporate. During her first year of uni, she noticed that the university provided talks, schemes and guidance for students studying in the finance/consulting, law and engineering fields, and seemingly them only. "No offence to anyone within those industries, but I find corporate careers boring as shit. I’ve worked 3-month-long internships in both law and capital management and dreaded almost every second, so I knew there was NO WAY that 95% of the students at my uni were as enthusiastic and interested in these careers as it was made out to be. I knew there were alternative industries out there, but just knew nothing about them! It was the university’s job to make me and other students aware of alternative careers, but they weren’t doing that. I have creative skills and was almost certain there were industries out there willing to pay me for these skills, so I took it upon myself to bring these underrepresented sectors to us, right there on campus". She and her team began hosting women-only events, then all-gender inclusive events to bridge that knowledge gap that so desperately needed to be filled. Trailblazers and entrepreneurs from all aspects of the industry -- from Youtube, to Buzzfeed, to Universal Music, ASOS and so on were invited to speak at these events. The last event reeled in an audience of almost 200 which proves just how many people are interested in non traditional fields. Seyi has had a skyrocketing number of opportunities and has recently developed CHL has developed into a youth-marketing agency that still connects young, underrepresented creatives to the creative/media/tech industries. Now, CHL also helps brands reach out to this demographic through collaboration.
Seyi is the youngest person in Campaign Magazine's 2019 Faces to Watch List
Now that you have graduated from Uni, how do you hope to grow CHL? Do you want to keep your events within universities or expand beyond that? Now that we’ve moved into London with our new, cool agency-ness, things are looking pretty exciting. I set up a network of student ambassadors to help keep that creative culture going on campuses, but our current focus is the youth creative scene within London. There are SO many underrepresented creative minorities that deserve to be put on and access creative opportunities, but the scene is guarded by industry gatekeepers. And I hate gatekeepers. So CHL is coming to turn the scene right on its head.Â
CC Darkoo & One Acen - Gangsta
Hamzaa - Phases EP
Shaybo - HB Freestyle
Summer Walker & 6LACK - Like It
Tory Lanez - Still waiting ft Trey Songs
Chris Brown - Overtime
PartyNextDoor - The News
Krept & Konan + Spice - First Time ft Tory Lanez
Tinashe - Feelings
M.anifest ft Simi - Big Mad
Tory Lanez- The Take ft Chris Brown
Kash Doll - Doin Too Much
PLAYLIST
Where are you originally from? I’m from Nigeria, born in London.
THE
When did you start wearing wigs? I think when I was about 17, I used to install them for other people way before then but didn’t start consistently wearing one myself until my late teens
WIG FIX
What was your experience with wearing wigs and how did you come up with the idea for The wig fix? It’s an interesting one, wigs are so low maintenance and flexible however they can require a lot of work to make them look and feel relatively real.So I tried using the wig grip/comfort grip/ sure grip for about a year, they were was unsanitary, bulky and didn’t barely secured the wig. Elastic bands gave me headaches and also didn’t secure my wigs. Glues and tapes are awful for everyday/frequent use and we’re time consuming to apply. I was searching for something better, I couldn’t find it so I decided to invent it. How did you spread the word about wig fix and get it to where it is now? Alot of influencer and digital marketing, also creating and sharing relatable content to build a community interested in wigs in general. What’s your favorite part + least favorite part about running a business? Favourite part is definitely bringing your ideas to life. It is surreal to see thousands of people now using the Wig Fix as part of their daily routine.Least favourite part is the juggling you have to do in the early days. You have to literally do everything until you build a team and it can get overwhelming sometimes.
What does the wig fix do? Security: Provides rollercoaster proof wig security Protects and grows natural hair: The Wig Fix is made out of pure solid silicone which helps skin and hair retain its natural oils. The nodes of the Wig Fix gently stimulate the scalp while it's being worn which can induce natural hair growth. Universal fit: Its uniquely thin size and transparency makes it adaptable for all skin tones and head sizes. The WIG FIX fits head sizes from 45cm to 65cm. 98% of the worlds adult population is within this size range. Seamless Application: Remove and attach within seconds. Safety: It does not pull on hair/ irritate the scalp and is hypoallergenic. The silicone base is soothing for the perimeter of delicate hairs on the hairline. Cost effective: Costing our customers £25 we’re not only saving time and comfort, we’re saving our customers potentially £100s of pounds per annum. Easy to clean: The Fix can also be cleaned easily and quickly with a wet wipe or cloth.
ASUMADU
WENDY SERWAAH
Before getting into makeup, Wendy had a fine practice where she created documentaries exploring the importance of personal authenticity. Discovering and defining one’s identity is important to her and this most translates in her work. She is an artist, one that loves painting, makeup is one way of expressing that.
Wendy started wearing foundation secretly around the age of 15 but never really got into makeup until she was 22 and the first makeup product she owned was the Collection Glam Crystals Gel Eyeliner. Growing up in her teen years, Wendy never felt comfortable in her skin and this affected her relationship with beauty. She was very conscious of colourism & it affected how she saw and valued herself. She didn’t feel beautiful simply because society labeled people with lighter complexions as more attractive than her. As she got older, she began to not care about what other’s thought anymore so decided to love and embrace her skin color. That’s the best thing anyone can do. Her love for Ghanaian Kente Fabric and abstract art inspires her makeup concepts and her creative process. When asked what her first product will be if she could create her own makeup line, she said “BRONZERS. I think there are only two indie brands that sell bronzers deep enough for dark skin. I’ve only just recently found about this and hope to try them out. But I personally think that it is completely unacceptable that bronzers for dark skin aren't readily available like every other skin tone. It’s really frustrating. But I know for sure that eventually, a major brand will finally bring out bronzers for dark skin and the rest will follow (like they always do)”. Two important aspects when it comes to doing makeup for Wendy are a good base and clean tools. “You can do the most with your makeup but if your skin care isn’t on point, you've really wasted your time. Makeup applies and looks so much better when you’ve taken some time out to really nourish and prime your skin. I love using the Lush UltraBland cleanser followed by Nyx Hydra Touch Oil Primer to give my skin a lovely glow before applying makeup. Clean brushes are not only more hygienic but prevent any bacteria created from using the brushes away from your skin.
Based and raised in London, heritage lies in Ghana Degree in BA (Hons) Fine Art A Creative – Makeup Artist / Content Creator Favourite makeup products are coloured liner and lipgloss Loves working with bright colours but is a sucker for orange or pink Favourite makeup artist is Giselle Ali Make-up tip: Just have fun with it
Platform LDN is a creative collective that gives young creatives a voice in the creative industry as well as connecting like minded people together. “We do this through having a monthly radio show, podcast as well as producing events/workshops”. Highlighting the value of young creatives and what they have to offer. Giving a platform for young creatives to showcase their skills and benefit from it. Wendy draws on the fact that it's not easy being a creative and highlights the importance of having connections. As the coordinator for the collective, she says “It is a lot of work as you need to keep on top of all the tasks and make sure that everyone in the team is doing what they need to do. too. But I always saw the potential in Platform LDN and with what we’ve already achieved, it's absolutely worth the long hours and nagging! So, I'm excited for the future of platform LDN."
ỌRẸ
@narcography
OGUNBIYI
" I think identity is what makes up who
you are, who you really are. It’s your
uniqueness, what makes you special,
what makes you stand out. I think
really, it’s who has God has called you
to be".
What was your identity tied to at the age of 14 and also now at 22? At 14, my identity was very centered around my friends, so much so that I can tell you a lot more about their identities than mine. I was very concerned about my reputation and held back a lot because I felt that I was too much, too loud, too talkative and so I think I used to dim my light a bit. At 22, I bask in it. I’m a lot more carefree and fearless when it comes to expressing myself. I’m a lot more unapologetic about who I am. I embrace the uniqueness, the flaws and my gifts in ways that I was much more afraid to when I was younger.
Who is Ore Ogunbiyi? Ore Ogunbiyi is a fun, wonderfully weird, Nigerian-British 22-year old woman who overthinks emotions, constantly wishes she was a better writer and who is scared that all the time she spends in front of screens will eventually catch up with her eyesight. Personally, I’m super friendly, but that means I sometimes overextend myself to help others to my own detriment. I think that covers socially too. Professionally I am a writer, a speechwriter and a special assistant to the President of Nigeria (residing in the office of the Vice President) @azcaptures
How has your identity changed over time? From living in 3 different countries with very different cultures I think living in both Western and non-Western cultures has meant that I’ve been exposed to various ideas of gender identity. But the overlap of being Nigerian-British has given me a space to kind of construct my own. Nigerian women are strong women and have been since precolonial times so I think we have to be careful, in our very Eurocentric ideas of what liberation and feminism mean, to not forget that the West aren’t the only ones who can lay claim to strong, defiant, feminist icons.
Being the only girl in your family I’m lucky enough to come from an (extended) family of lots of very strong women and that has helped how I have understood my gender identity over time. I see my womanhood as a source of strength and I think that’s largely thanks to them.
Now being a Nigerian woman newly living and working in Nigeria Well I think there’s a lot of proving yourself that comes with that. I am a young Nigerian woman too so I have to prove that I am who I say I am quite a lot. But I think it’s important that I can pave the way for other women to come after me.
When did you know your purpose? - Were there hobbies, internships/jobs or even relationships that helped you discover your purpose in life? I still don’t know if I know my purpose! I think my relationship with God has been very essential for me on this journey to finding that purpose but I still don’t know if I’m there yet. I have some great relationships in my life, people who encourage me, are there for me, give me honest criticism and show up without me having to ask. I’m grateful for them because they refine me and help me get closer to what that purpose might be. But I can’t say I’m there yet.
You studied at the University of Cambridge and Columbia, launched 'Taking Up Space: The Black Girl's Manifesto to Change' and you are now the SA/Speechwriter to the Vice President. With all this success, what is one achievement you are most proud of? This is a tough one because I think it’s really important to celebrate all my achievements, both the big and the small ones. But if I had to choose one, I think I would say writing Taking Up Space, completing it, and putting it out into the world
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Biggest failure and how did you deal with that? LSE rejected me and I am still bitter! There’s no pretty answer. I cried so much and convinced myself that Cambridge wasn’t going to take me either but alas!
What or who do you surround yourself with to ensure you're always confidently embracing your heritage? My house is covered in African art which I think I grow to value more and more and appreciate for the African history it represents.
The End.