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Health and Wellness

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Omnessa’s Piece.

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Mukaila Kareem, DPT

Motivational Moments

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Chronicles Of An Immigrant

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Style and Fashion

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vomÉ Magazine Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Oremeyi Kareem Contributing Editor Adefunke Grimsley Creative Director Oremeyi Kareem Photographer Andrea Elizabeth Gabriel Graphic Designer www.enejodesign.com PA/Journalist Tabitha Olatoyan

Contributors Ericka Herd Kimberly Vaughn Omenesa Oruma Akomolafe Dr. Mukaila Kareem Shaakira Barber Adefunke Grimsley Vome’ Magazine Photographer Andrea Elizabeth Gabriel FB: Aesthetic Aperture IG: @loveandi Makeup Artists: Antoinette Hearn ,Tia Mao, Tiara Fuqua, Brittany Chapman Front cover: Dress Designer: Tabitha Wiafe

Vome’ Magazine is published Quarterly by House of Debonaire’ 332 West Broadway suite 1604 Louisville, KY 40202 502-536-7547 IG: @vome_magazine vomemagazine6@gmail.com Advertise: Call 502-536-7547 or email vvomemagazine6@gmail.com

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letter FROM THE editor in chief Happy 2017! I am excited to share this new year with each of you. It’s a year of New beginnings and a year to live out those dreams, goals and purpose in your life. As I sit and ponder on the journey I’ve been on, I’m grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to pursue my passion for fashion. Born and bred in Nigeria, West Africa, I have always had a flair for fashion, I have always been intrigued by the beauty and uniqueness that each of us have as individuals, and the innate ability to achieve whatever we set our minds to.

I came to the realization a few years ago that the discovery of your gift and purpose in life sets the tone for all that you’re born to achieve. I believe that in each of us lies greatness, waiting to be unleashed. In the words of the late Muhammad Ali, “don’t count the days; make the days count and “he who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. I encourage you to take those little baby steps to launch you into your purpose this year, allow faith to conquer those fears that you have.

Ask yourself this question- if the fear of failure was absent from your life, what could you possibly discover about your gifts and talents and what

greatness you possess! Look deep into your soul, ask this questions, and there lies your answer. To the men and women out there, to the young people out there, don’t let fear of failure or rejection hold you back from your dreams and goals. Go for it! Go in faith! Someone is rooting for you! If I can do it, you can!!!!!

I encourage you to join us on this journey as we discover the world, its beauty, style and fashion, and experience all that it has to offer.

Vome’ will be a Quarterly magazine with an emphasis on style and fashion, with an African and western flare, it will also put a spotlight on the creativity and purpose-driven lives of many and much more.

I hope you enjoy this inaugural issue.

With much Love, Oremeyi Kareem January 2017

oremeyi kareem Editor-in-Chief and Publisher

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HEALT AND FITNESS

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fitness tips for the new year

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ith the new year comes new goals and aspirations. Have you decided on what yours will be in 2017? You always hear the cliche’ phrase, New Year New You. What does that really mean? How will you make 2017 better than 2016? What will you do differently to make that phrase reality?

Society is facing a fitness craze like never before. Many people are skating to gyms in search of recreating a new sense of self. More people are hoping to trade waistlines for muscular lines. What fitness goals do you have? Do you want to lose weight, develop muscle, or implement clean eating habits? Whatever goals you want to achieve first starts with a few simple steps.

The latest literature encourages you to create a list of short term and long term goals. If you want your goals to manifest, it is not enough to just think about them. You need write them down on paper. Then attach a date beside each goal to hold you accountable to the decided proper time frame. For example, you may write down 1) Obtain a gym membership by January 3rd; 2) Get a personal trainer by January 10th; and 3) Lose 30 pounds by April 1st.

You then need to post your goals somewhere that is frequently visible to you. This method again holds you accountable to the goals that you set. It important to see these goals daily as a reminder as to what you are trying to accomplish. Constantly seeing these goals will allow

you to imagine yourself going to the gym, working with a trainer, and ultimately losing the weight. A good place to post goals are on refrigerators, computer screens, bathroom mirrors, vehicle dashboards and in your wallet.

Another way to help you accomplish the New Year New You goal is to find a picture of someone you admire, someone who has what you want and post that idol near your goals. For example, you may want to have a figure like the Olympian Bikini Fitness Model, Nathalia Melo. Find a photo of your “hero” and post it right beside your goals. This is another method to help you stay focused.

New Year New You is a mindset that comes from within. You can reach all your goals whether it is buying a home, going back to school or starting a fitness journey. Think about your goals. Write them down.

Post them. Recite them daily. See yourself reaching those goals. Before you know it, the new you will have emerged.

photo credit: Ronnie Louis

By Ericka Herd

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Health & Wellness

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eight gain or loss

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should never be the reason to engage in regular exercise. Just like a good hygiene habit is the best infection control, regular exercise, along with moderate food consumption, is the costless measure to prevent, delay and control modern chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, strokes, hyperlipidemia and certain cancers.

Introduction It never fails! Every time I have a discussion about regular exercise with friends, family or complete strangers, the response is always the same: they either say they stopped exercising because the weight did not come off or they would start exercising because they need to lose some weight!

Modern man has radically tamed his environment that his so called inherited “thrifty gene” (no such gene exists biologically) is having a hard time adapting

However, their ability to store energy during times of feasting and draw from the stored energy in times of famine allowed them to adapt to their harsh environments. Modern man inherited the same nomadic thrifty gene that was advantageous to our an-

cestors but this has metabolically turned against us due to a mismatch between uninterrupted food supply and low energy expenditure. As a matter of fact, the frequent obligatory movement for survival by our forbearers, has been reduced to basic short distances within our houses or offices and it now appears that the only mandatory movement is the bathroom or toilet trip.

Excessive energy storage, with inappropriate deposits in the stomach, liver, THE skeletal muscle, around MISCONCEPTION the heart and other wrong ABOUT HEALTH AND places is trigREGULAR EXERCISE gering chronic · by Mukaila Kareem, DPT · immune responses just in Health like the introduction of Mukaila Kareem, DPT an antigen in an infectious to the excessive consumption of state. This is causing modern high dense calories and salty di- chronic diseases such as diabeets in a sedentary environment. tes, hypertension and certain This is extremely different from cancers. the times of our forbearers who lived in extraordinary hostile en- The “Benefits” of Exercise We vironments and had to be on the often talk about the benefits of constant move in search of un- exercise in a way that suggests predictable paltry food supplies. that there is another fundamenPhysical exertion in pursuit tal activity superior to exercise. of irregular food supplies was The fact of the matter is that therefore mandatory and the exercise confers and sustains idea of planned weight loss was health. While some have certain inconceivable to our forbearers.

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preferences for certain food and a few need some drugs to resolve some disease conditions, however without exception everyone needs to engage in exercise at varying levels of tolerance. The American College of Sports Medicine has declared that “exercise is medicine”.

Nigerians are familiar with various forms of concoctions being peddled on public transportation in our major cities as “gbogbonse” or polypills. In fact exercise is the most potent and costless polypill that is yet to be dispensed. It is so appreciated that everyone wants to get in it and oftentimes it is highly under-appreciated, as they quickly abandon it when the expectation of weight loss fails to materialise soon enough! The truth is that I have not met anyone on maintenance medication for hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol who gets off their medications just because they could not lose weight! The beneficial effects of a bout of exercise are much more and not physically visible, just as you cannot see the physical benefits of your hypertensive or diabetic medicines.

The World Health Organisation recommends 30 minutes of brisk walking five or more days per week for health maintenance. This is generally safe and tolerated by most people.

Remember, those who exercise to lose weight will ultimately gain it!

A bout of exercise such as brisk walking promotes the ying-yang balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory “juices.”

It also reduces blood pressure via a phenomenon known as post-exercise hypotension that can last up to 22 hours. Furthermore acute exercise has the immediate effect of increasing the sensitivity of skeletal muscle and therefore improves insulin action to maintain physiologi-

cal blood glucose levels. Did I mention that the acute effect of brisk walking increases the good cholesterol level and decreases the long term risk of strokes and hypertension? By the way, these two diseases prematurely kill over 200,000 Americans, and a possibly a whole lot more Nigerians, every year due to lack of physical activity and other unhealthy choices like smoking.

Exercise and Weight Worries There are many immediate benefits of exercise that would not show on your weighing scale! Overall, the protective health effect of chronic exercise reduces frequent doctor visits, reduces multiple medications (polypharmacy) and promotes physical fitness with a good quality of life. Personally, I have not stepped on the scale for several months but I do engage in regular exercise more days than not. Why not weighing often?

Weight gain or loss should never be the reason to engage in regular exercise. Just like a good hygiene habit is the best infection control, regular exercise, along with moderate food consumption, is the costless measure to prevent, delay and control modern chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, strokes, hyperlipidemia and certain cancers. In fact, a study stated that wild animals are not known to have chronic diseases and that these conditions are hardly present in modern hunting and gathering societies. The positive side effect of regular exercise is weight loss but it takes time. Trying to exercise purposely to lose weight is like putting the cart before the horse. Remember the thrifty gene? Yeah, it is meant to conserve and would “fight” to hold onto every pound of stored fat but stays on the sidelines as we eat ourselves to death.

This article first appeared on the August 6th, 2016 edition of Premium Times Nigeria.

MOTIVATIONAL MOMENTS

photo credit: publisher

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ighting a fire is one thing, but to keep it burning is another. So many people have been dreaming since they were toddlers. They’ve imagined what life would be like in the future. Some dreams are farfetched, while others seem quite realistic. Regardless of how attainable or unattainable a dream may seem, it can come true.

Unfortunately, there are so many people dreaming, but very few wake up. You have to wake up in order for your dream to come true. Your dream will not come true without your involvement.

In order to become a Judge, you must first go to law school and you must pass the bar exam.

How on earth do you expect to pass an exam that you didn’t study for?

Even after taking the bar, you still have a long way to go to becoming a Judge. Once again, involvement; that’s the key. In order to bask in your dreams, you must stop dreaming.

That’s deep.

Flaming your dream is the involvement I’m talking about. This is when you’ve gotten up to write that book you’ve always dreamt of writing. This is when you open that

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Flame your dream!

WAke up restaurant you’ve been dreaming of for 5 years. Start baking those cakes, begin designing those clothes, start painting that wall.

There is something very intriguing about fire, about the flame; about passion and zeal. Sometimes you feel the heat, but it has moments where it just stays calm. People stare at the beauty of the flame and its silent presence. It seems still, but it is wide awake. How do you think the candle melted? It is awake. The flame is alive and well. The flame is burning. The heat is penetrating.

It is active. It may seem calm and

quiet, but it is doing its job; it is flaming.

I wrote the above to encourage you, as you may sometimes feel like you are not progressing.

But as long as you’ve got the flame, you’re burning, baby.

You may seem totally clueless and nonchalant to certain people around you. Folk may tease you and laugh at your ideas. You may even seem incompetent to your own self, but if you decide to wake up daily and apply at least 1 hour, bit by bit daily, you too will burn a candle.

That’s a good thing. You will then be the reason why there is light where darkness once ruled, until you shone.

The world is not complete without your idea. The universe needs you to complete its puzzle. You are important. It is time to wake up.

You’ve probably worn a coat of low self-esteem for years, preventing you from taking your place in this world, but it ends now. It ends today.

You must know that you are light. You are flame, so light your world. It’s time for brightness in your life, don’t you think so? You can only make a difference when you are different.

So, there is nothing wrong with you.

You may be too eccentric for their liking. You may have ideas that seem farfetched to some; don’t worry, the world needs it. We need you; I need you.

There is something I must tell you though.

While you decide to wake up, you

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must know that passion is not necessarily a lead to your purpose. The fact that you are completely fired up about something does not mean it’s worth burning the midnight candle and all your energy for. Though fire and passion are good virtues, you must be able to attain your purpose wholeheartedly.

Ironically, your dream still doesn’t have to make sense to others. I’m sure inventing the toilet didn’t seem like such a big deal hundreds of years ago, but it obviously is now. So

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it must not make sense in order for it to be purposeful. The questions you should ask yourself are: 1. Does it solve a problem?

2. Can I do it for free?

3. Will I be happy doing this till I die?

If your dream does not offer a solution, then it’s more likely really just a dream. A purpose should fix some-

thing. You being able to do it with no commercial interest apparently means you are either stupid or you were born to do it (LOL). Be honest with yourself. More than likely, you were born to do it, so go ahead and do it. Can this dream keep you content without having to dream other dreams? Do you mind sleeping in a cave for this dream? What if the cave becomes your permanent home? Would you still be content? I can’t answer that for you.

Another thing. There are very few

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Flame your dream! WAke up people who dream only one dream, but there are a few who dream many dreams. I must tell you, if you are dreaming right and waking up correctly, you will find that one dream will beget another. That’s okay. Usually the more you dream, the more challenging the next dream becomes. It’s all to stretch you.

When you are stretched, you do more. You are more effective.

You are more needed and relevant. Allow me to reiterate, the world is in need of you. You are important.

So how do you fan the flame of your dreams?

1. You must first determine that you have a dream.

2. Always have a pen and notepad handy. .

3. Write in the pad every day. Pretty much your plans on how you will make your dream become a reality. If you want to become a caterer, you will have to learn how to cook and know all the rudiments of the business, wouldn’t you?

4. Title your dream. The name of this magazine/book, has a title.

The name of this article has a title. You have to name it to own it.

Imagine having a child that has no name. You will never be able to get its attention, and attention yields. Once you have gotten a name, your dream will answer you.

5. The name keeps you on your toes and forces you to embody the name in every manner you can. It becomes a good challenge and a motivational factor for where you’re headed.

6. Beware of naysayers and spectators. They will be there to offer pessimism and wrong advice. They will squeeze their faces and hiss at your ideas. Don’t be shocked at this; don’t be caught off guard. Just prove them wrong.

7. Pray. Yes. Have a higher power which you run to, which you pray to, which you commit everything to. Jesus. Muhammed.

Budhha-whatever God You serve, be mindful that you CANNOT walk this journey alone.

8. Work every day to turn your dream into a reality. This article didn’t get into your hands by solely wishing and hoping. I had to write it, edit it, and then send it off to be published.

9. Remember not to completely burn the candle till it dies. In as much as you’re fanning your flame, you must lower it or switch it off a few hours a day. Sleep and rejuvenate, or else, you will burn out, severe cases have ended up in death. Be wise.

10. Surround yourself with people who love you; folk who cheer you on; people who can’t wait to see your dreams come to full fruition.

Don’t hang around people who sleep all the time, because those who sleep all day, only dream, and we don’t want that, do we? I don’t think so.

11. Don’t be so hard on yourself. To accomplish dreams do take

time. You have to learn to work, pray and wait. Sometimes the wind just wouldn’t blow your way. I don’t advise you to chase the wind. Let the wind take you on its wings. It’s easier that way.

Don’t become a control freak; just let it be.

12. Keep dreaming. As the ideas pour in, don’t ever think it’s too much. Keep inventing. Keep singing. Keep baking. Keep painting. Keep dancing. What is it you want to do again? Yea, keep doing it. You will get better at it someday. The better you get, the more relevant you become. The more needed you become, the more change and influence you will have.

13. Don’t compare yourself to people. Everybody has their own road to trod. Stay in your Iane.

14. Accept ideas and advice from others. Somebody will always know something that you don’t know. So when you wake up every day, do have an open mind and be welcoming to advice.

15. Celebrate yourself. Pat yourself on the back. Even when you don’t see much progress, root for yourself. You’re the only one who can dance to your innate beat. Don’t wait for others to drum and dance on your behalf. When they get tired, what happens then? Learn to appreciate your efforts. Dance! Do it yourself and shake what your mama gave you. Remember that you only have control of now, so you must be kind to yourself today. Applaud yourself for doing such a great job.

So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. Flame Your dreams.

Fan them. Believe that you are not a mistake. You have a mission to accomplish. The world is waiting on you. I am waiting on you.

Go get your world!

PART 2 I am someone who has a lot of dreams that are emerging. At the moment, I have some stuck in my head while others are already in a form of an actual building. I can truly say that I didn’t get to where I am by just wishing and hoping. It also wasn’t with just waking up. I got here by positive thinking and daily affirmations.

So here are a few affirmations I have researched for you. Recite them every day if you can, and watch yourself accomplish great things.

48 Best Success Affirmations for Dream Success: Catherine Hughes http://www.8womendream.com/48- best-affirmations-forsuccess- to-achieve-your-dreams 1. Dream success and great fortune flows toward me right now in a river of superabundance.

2. I now attract success with my dream ideas.

3. Dream achievement is a natural outcome for me.

4. I am fully capable of achieving my dream.

5. Despite current appearances, my dream is coming true right now.

6. My dream of [name your dream here] is coming true right now.

7. My dream to be [name your dream here] appears in my life right now.

8. Dream opportunities naturally appear with each step that I take toward achieving my dream.

9. The positive outcome is always mine.

10. Successful dream achievement is my natural state of mind.

11. My dream salary of [name amount] is here right now.

12. Today is the day that I make my dream come true.

13. Doors of opportunity now fly open for my dream.

14. I am a living example of dream achievement.

15. I am fearless in achieving my dream of [name your dream here] 16. I am not too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.

17. There is always something to be grateful for on this dream journey.

18. I am open and receptive to everything that happens to me on my dream journey.

19. I now have the power to achieve my dreams today.

20. I am a [insert dream name], richly paid for my creations.

21. I give thanks for the satisfying fulfillment of my dream.

22. My life is glowing with radiant beauty, radiant wealth, and radiant good.

23. I refuse to give up on my dream.

24. It is my divine destiny to achieve [name your dream].

25. Dream miracle after dream miracle now manifest in my life.

26. My dream plan is now moving quickly towards fulfillment.

27. All financial doors are open, [dollar amount] now flies to me without delay.

28. I am rich in dream abundance.

29. Every day in every way, my dream is coming true.

30. I have all that I need for dream achievement.

31. My dream possibilities are endless.

32. I now receive dream guidance from expected and unexpected sources.

33. I have all the time I need to achieve my dream.

34. It is easy for me to complete my dream goals.

35. Every day in every way my dream life gets better and better.

36. I accept that fear means I am on the right track towards an amazing life.

37. Today I face my fear and take a risk to make my dream come true.

38. Today I seize every dream opportunity that comes my way.

39. Setbacks are simply soft stepping stones on the path

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to achieve my greatest dream.

40. Every positive effort I put out there to achieve my dream will be equally rewarded now.

41. I enjoy dream achievement every day.

42. I am comfortable moving forward on my big dream.

43. I am committed to achieving my dream of [name your dream].

44. Nothing will stop me from achieving my dream.

45. I am living the life of my dreams.

46. Money is flowing into my dream of [name your dream] now.

47. I have all the energy I need to achieve my dream.

48. I am surrounded by love and support for my dream.

Remember to write down or say your dream affirmation 40 times a day for a minimum of 40 days. It takes 40 days to impress a new idea upon the unconscious mind.

You want to find yourself naturally repeating the affirmation until the situation is the reality that you desire.

Some people write their affirmations on their bathroom mirror, others on an index card so that they can keep the affirmation with them.

You can create a song out of the affirmation and sing it when driving. You can say it every time you are stuck in traffic or at a stop sign.

You could print it out in large font and tape it to your ceiling so that you say it just as you are going to sleep and when you wake up in the morning.

The important thing is that you create a way to remember to confirm to your mind the positive outcome you expect to see in your dream life.

Affirmations are very powerful and are an important component to staying on track with your dream.

You really can make your dreams come true. .

Omenesa Oruma Akomolafe Preacher/Singer/Emotional Nudist Follow Omenesa on…

Youtube: Omenesa Oruma Instagram: @omenesa_pearls Facebook: Omenesa Oruma Akomolafe Aka Lady O

moments with omensa

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jewellry pieces by Colokial &

photo credit: aesthetic aperture.

FRAncis lewis

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COLOKIAL BOUTIQUE

Statement Jewellery

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Featured Boutique: Colokial Boutique

colokial

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photo credit:Colokial

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FEATURED BOUTIQUE: COLOKIAL BOUTIQUE

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Colokial: Owners- Ali & Daniel Guess 219 Pearl street, New Albany, IN 47150 Fb: Colokial IG: @colokial

Featured Boutique: Colokial Boutique

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natural hair q & a

By Shaakira Barber 1. What are some essential products that you use?

The essential products that I use for my hair would be the shampoo, leave-in conditioner, Curly Curl Sealer from Taliah Waajid and Cantu co-wash conditioner.

2. What does your daily regimen consist of?

My daily hair regimen consists of applying water and oil to my hair daily. I preferably use the Jamaican Black Castor Oil with Coconut and warm water in a spray bottle.

3. What tips do you have to maintain healthy hair?

To maintain healthy hair I would use less manipulating hairstyles and little to no heat.

4. Do you watch natural hair vlogs? If so, who?

I personally do watch hair vlogs.

5. How do you deal with your edges?

I use the Cream of Nature Argan Oil edge control for my edges and use a scarf to secure my hair in place.

6. What hairstyles do you typically wear to work?

I typically wear my hair in a high bun or in a wash and go style for work.

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7. What step do you take to straighten your hair?

I do not straighten my hair.

8. What’s your hair type?

My hair type is 3C/4A

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9. How do you keep your hair moisturized?

I keep my hair moisturized by using a leave in conditioner daily.

10. How long have you been natural?

I’ve been natural for almost 2 years.

11. What are some of your hair health goals?

My hair health goals is to grow my hair to my bra strap.

12. What do you currently purchase the most of when it comes to natural hair products?

I mainly purchase edge control and a curl sealer for my wash and go.

13. What made you decide to be natural?

I decided to be natural so that I could wear my hair in its healthiest state.

14. What do you find challenging the most about being natural?

The most challenging thing about being natural is detangling my hair on wash day.

15. How do you typically wear your hair?

I typically wear my hair in a high bun.

16. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about natural hair?

The most important thing I learned about being natural is to value your beauty in its purest form.

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photo credit: aesthetic aperature

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TIPS FOR NATURAL HAIR

photo credit: aesthetic aperature

natural hair

CITY FASHION

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city FASHION “never looked so glamourous”

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Designer: Tabitha Wiafe

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CITY FASHION

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Designer: Tabitha Wiafe

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colokail city fashion never looked so good

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SPOTLIGHT ON THE YOUTH

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She kicked off her entrepreneurial journey as the Vice President of her family’s Asphalt Sealcoating business, Jim Reynolds Asphalt Sealcoating, which has been around for over 20 years and has acquired over 1,000 regular customers.

Working with her family’s business afforded her the intimate opportunity to learn the power of building relationships with others, as well as the priceless knowledge that people do business with someone they like and trust.

Chelsea was able to help with the smooth running of the company, growing it rapidly using online marketing. She recognized early on that online marketing was an integral tool for growing any business today, and used it to propel the company to the front pages of search engines such as Google, while also garnering A+ ratings on sites like Angie’s List.

Her success in her family’s company as well as all the amazing things she learned there, sparked a desire in Chelsea to educate as many people as she could reach on how to live more positively as well as how to become successful entrepreneurs.

She realized that in the school systems teachers rarely instill in students the fact that they can become their own boss or create their own businesses.

In 2015, Chelsea began growing her personal brand, “Fail to Success”, which is an educational consulting firm that specializes in highly interactive and motivational presentations, workshops, online training courses and key note presentations. Within the first year of operation, she worked with top clients such as high schools, universities, nonprofit organizations and more.

The inspiring young woman has also been featured on the cover of La Femme Magazine, Urban Maxx Magazine and The Turn Up Show. These achievements inspired

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Chelsea A. Ellis

photo credit: publisher

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helsea A. z is the definition of a driven, young entrepreneur with a steadfast ambition to be successful. In 2013 she graduated from Eastern High School, located in Louisville, Kentucky and soon afterwards she delved into entrepreneurship. Raised by a self-employed mother, Sandra Ellis and entrepreneur father, Sam Ellis, naturally, she believes in the power of personal freedom.

Chelsea to start her own radio segment on 104.7 FM titled “Chelsea’s Corner”, and her own online show titled “The Chelsea Ellis Show” which is dedicated towards interviewing young entrepreneurs and teaching others how to “fail to success.”

Chelsea plans to continue growing and reaching as many people as she can, with her mission of teaching people that you can truly turn your “passions into a paycheck” when you dream and do

whatever it takes to reach your goals.

Websites: http://blueprint. failtosuccess.info/ http://workwithchelsea.com http://thechelseaellisshow.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/ chelseaellisfanpage Instagram: http://instagram.com/ chelseaellis95

spotlight on youth

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Featured Aryea Kolubah

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ryea is much more than an emerging fashion designer, she is also the founder and current Executive Director of “Louisville Fashion NiteOut”. Aryea’s designs are infused with an Afrocentric flair, high fashion couture and enriched with international appeal.

Bent on upholding the legacies of her father and her mother (a businesswoman in Liberia), Aryea is passionately pursuing her education and career as a

In 2005, Aryea, who is originally from Liberia, joined her father, Prince Kolubah, in the United States. Prior to his untimely passing in 2011, Aryea’s father instilled in her a hunger for education, creative expression, a strong work ethic and a strong conviction to live out her dreams.

fashion designer.

In 2011 Aryea founded Jeffersonville High School’s first Fashion Club and in 2012 she created her

signature fashion showcase called “Louisville Fashion Nite-Out” and a clothing brand “Yia’Re Couture”, which is now Aryea Kolubah & Co. Aryea Kolubah & Co - is an African infused luxury contemporary clothing brand that meets the need of the modern stylish woman.

Aryea graduated from Jeffersonville high school in 2013 and currently holds a degree in fashion design from the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco California. “ My first passion is art. I love the freedom that art gives to me and through art, I found my love for fashion.”

Aryea Kolubah

featured fashion DESIGNer Aryea kolubah Contact info: IG: @aryeakolubah FB: Aryea Kolubah Email: aryeakolubah@yahoo.com

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photo credit: Albert Jones

Aryea’s 2017

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Feature Designer Aryea Kolubah

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FEATURE

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vitalis Lanshima Featured Vome Ambassador

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CEO of ASPIRE Juice Bar + Café

italis Lanshima is the President and CEO of ASPIRE Juice Bar + Café, a Louisvillebased company that has its humble beginnings as an alternative to pharmaceutical nutritional supplements. As a Paralympic athlete and World Record holder, Vitalis discovered that freshly made juices and smoothies helped him recover faster after intense workouts that physically depleted him, leaving him dehydrated, and mentally exhausted. He chose to share his experience through a business venture and inspire others to live a healthy lifestyle.

Vitalis’ life is an embodiment of determination, endurance, perseverance, and faith. At the age of 12 he was electrocuted and almost lost his life. Although his life was spared, he lost both of his hands in Nigeria, a country where individuals with disabilities are regarded as burdens. For five years, Vitalis relied on his family and friends

for his daily care and needs.

Vitalis was frustrated because of the lack of therapy and the immense burden he placed on his family. Thus, he began to experiment, learning how to complete simple tasks at home.

First, eating, bathing and eventually, he learned how to write, holding the pen with his stumps. With this new empowerment came aspiration. He enrolled 7th grade at the age of eighteen and

returned to athletics, breaking the barriers of stereotype and prejudice that the handicapped in Africa face on a daily basis. Life was tough, but he did not retreat.

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Vitalis thrived athletically and academically. In 2000, he set two World Records in the 200 and 400 meters, becoming the first double-arm amputee athlete to break the 23 seconds mark in the 200 meters and 53 seconds mark in 400 meters.

Vitalis was recruited by Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky to become the first ever disabled athlete to be recruited internationally by an NCAA accredited institution to represent them in any sporting event. In 2004, he shattered the 100 meters World Record with a time of 11:08 seconds. He also lowered his 200 meters record to 22:71 seconds in the same year.

In 2006, Vitalis once again raised the bar, lowering his world record times in 100 and 200 meters to 11:05 seconds and

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22:52 seconds. Ever since Sydney, Vitalis has remained unstoppable, winning virtually every event he entered, ranging from the U.S. National Trials, British Open, Canadian Open, and Endeavor Games.

In 2004, Vitalis was nominated for the Laureus World Sports Award, the equivalent of the Oscars. Vitalis is an entrepreneur and a public-school teacher,

and on the verge of earning a Doctor of Education Leadership from Northeastern University.

After 9 years as an educator and athletic coach, Vitalis chose to combine the 3 loves in his life – his devotion to his mother’s sacrifice when she closed her restaurant doors to stay home and take care of him, his passion for a healthy lifestyle, as well as his fitness

and nutrition experience. Thus ASPIRE Juice Bar + Café was born.

ASPIRE Juice Bar + Café is built around the passion to create a healthier community.

The goal is to utilize cutting-edge formulation used by athletes to help people live healthier lives and help create a healthier community. This model is used to help healthconscious individuals who are looking to manage their weight, improve digestive concerns, enjoy nutritious meals, or meal replacements, as well as people who want to recover from a strenuous day, or simply want to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

ASPIRE Juice Bar + Café provides fresh, tasty, and nutritious food that nourishes the body and soul. It is poised to become the leading Juice Bar and healthy Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding areas. ASPIRE offers a signature line of locally sourced, fresh, tasty, healthy juice and smoothies, combined with a line of healthy food offerings of premium salads, soups, and healthy breakfast.

VOME’ Ambassador, Vitalis Lanshima

VOME AMBASSADOR

FEATURE

VOME

Chronicles of an immigrant

By Adefunke Grimsley

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oming to America was the biggest dream I ever had. Like millions around the world, for me America held an undeniable appeal; I had to experience firsthand what so many had gushed about. I had to come to the States. As a teenager, I was nicknamed “Americana” because I was nuts for everything and anything America-books, movies, music, Historyabsolutely everything.

Over the years, I must have spent thousands of hours watching American movies, TV shows, music videos, etc.

That obsession with all things America somewhat prepared me for my sojourn to the United States, still there was a lot that was altogether dreamy.

Don’t get me wrong, I had an amazing life in Nigeria, a country that is the most populous black nation in the world.

With over 186 million people, Nigeria’s population is more than half the population of the United States.

Misconceptions About Africa One of the shocking things I learnt is that a lot of everyday Americans have little actual knowledge about Africa. There are so many misconcep-

VOME Magazine • Maidedn Issue

tions about the continent of Africa and Africans themselves! I blame mainstream media and this is because most of the coverage on Africa is focused primarily on the negative news or trends.

Coming from Africa is not synonymous to coming from poverty. Africa is much more than war, plagues or famine. I’ve had to clarify several times that Nigeria is just one of the countries in West Africa and monkeys or lions won’t pounce on you on the streets of Nigeria or any other street in Africa for that matter. No, we don’t live in jungles and huts. Yes, we own and drive the newest automobiles and keep up with international trends in technology, fashion, health and so on. We are not stuck in the Stone Age. We live in brick and mortar houses. There are 54 countries in Africa, Nigeria is just one of them. Yes, I’m African, but I’m Nigerian first.

There would be a discussion going on and one or two people will go, “You’re from Africa, you can relate with that.” Sorry to disappoint you, I never had to trek 10 miles to get a bucket of water, NEVER! Yes, Africa has its problems, but the people are well-educated and keep up with the rest of the world, much more than others, I must say.

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Culture Shock I remember walking through the doors of a Walmart at an Indiana neighborhood for the first time. I and a friend were greeted by a woman who could easily be in her 60s or early 70s. I was a tad puzzled. As we went from aisle to aisle I could see more elderly associates; these were grandmothers and grandfathers. Over the coming months I noticed elderly people driving, working and generally living independent lives. I was astonished as that is not the norm back in Nigeria. It was almost a given that the aged become dependent on younger family members. I’ve never seen aged people work in Nigerian stores, banks and other places of business, as much as they do here in the United States. In Nigeria, it seems the aged are barely seen in public engaging in work related activities. They are often back in the villages where they are usually well cared for and are treated with love, reverence and appreciation. They are not driving or working or going to Church by themselves. However, one wonders if they aren’t better off being financially and socially independent, like their American counterparts. I am yet to come across an Old People’s home in Nigeria. In the U.S., retirement homes abound; another huge difference.

One may argue that a lot of American elderly have no choice but to work in order to support themselves, still, how wonderful would it be if the aged are given a chance to work in Nigeria?

Mispronunciations Introducing myself is always almost an event on its own. My name is Adefunke. Simple, straightforward Nigerian name.

It’s not like its Chukwuebuka or Olanrewaju or Ekenedilichukwu or Olugboyega. Its plain simple “Adefunke”, or so I thought, until I had to introduced myself to an American.

This is how my name is pronounced- AH-DAY-FOON-KE (just like the “e” sound in ‘egg’). Oh boy! Do Americans know how to pronounce my name? Nah. No. Nope. Its either Adafunka or Adifunki or something certainly not my name. So, I found a solution. When I introduce myself, I say, “My name is Adefunke or Funke, but you can call me Latifah.” People invariably pounce on Latifah” which happens to be my middle name. Thank you Queen Latifah!

Living in the Midwest also means straining my ears to catch the drawls and cadences unique to Indiana and Kentucky, I assume.

Well, Americans are not the only ones guilty of mispronunciations. A lot of times I find myself repeating myself

because the person I’m speaking to can’t make heads or tails of what I’m saying. The way a Nigerian pronounces words is definitely unlike an American would. Britain colonized Nigeria and it wasn’t until 1960 that Nigeria got independence. What this means is that spellings and pronunciations of certain words are British. Added to that is obviously the influence of Nigerian native languages.

While English is the national language, people speak their native languages with family and friends in addition to various other languages. Nigeria has over 500 indigenous languages by the way. I speak two Nigerian languages fluently.

So obviously, I’m not going to be able to say words like an American would, but I’m adapting quickly. Early on, I realized that I had to speak a little more slowly than I used to and initially, I was only able to achieve near perfect American pronunciations by twisting my lips in a most unnatural and most grotesque angle, especially when speaking on the phone. Did my cheek muscles complain?

Yes. Did I succeed somewhat in becoming more coherent to fellow Americans? Yes! Weather Contrast For over 35 years I lived in Nigeria, which has a tropical climate, so obviously the American climate is a shock to my system. I remember stepping outside the doors of the airport and unto the curb of the arrival area at Washington Dulles International Airport, VA. I arrived in February and winter was definitely around. I was hit with a cold blast of air like I never experienced in my life. It was both exciting and terrifying. It felt like my fingers froze in nanoseconds. I thought to myself, yes, this is it, this is America. I was freezing, but I had made it. I had achieved my dream. True, the dream almost gave me hypothermia, but I still loved it. Winter is here, but Adefunke made it. .

photo credit: aesthetic aperature

kids edition

kids just want to have fun

kids edition

kids just want to have fun

photo credit: aesthetic aperature

featured model joia 43

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oia launched her career through hosting which led to her transition into the modeling world. She’s also appeared in international and national commercials and worked with some industry leaders on different projects. Through the connections made and opportunities provided, Joia is striving to achieve her goal of educating the public on social issues and is a huge advocate for the positive movement of African American natural hair. She teaches that staying healthy, eating clean, and exercising as indeed one of the keys to Healthy hair and body; this is a lifestyle that Joia relies on heavily and intends to leave that imprint on every soul touched.

Joia moved from KY to LA 3 years ago to further pursue modeling. She is a signed model with a primary focus on commercial and print. Her resume is pretty impressive considering she’s only been in LA for a short period of time. She’s done commercials, in which she was the main model, including Target, Wayfair, Living Spaces, Khols, and Heineken, just to name a few. Some of her print ads include, but are not limited to, Apple Ipad, Clairol, and Best Buy. She’s worked alongside Jidenna, Young Dolph, Snoop Dogg, and Trinidad James, as one of the principle models in their music videos. Most importantly, most of the things she’s done is credited to not only her talent but her hair which has been natural for almost 4 years and it’s the best decision she could’ve made not only for her hair but, for her confidence.

Healthy hair is a lifestyle and she’s found her true self through this journey Over a period of time, Joia decided to launch her own clothing line called Head High which reminds women that they are Queens and to always hold their head high so their crowns won’t fall. Women are strong, smart, and worthy of everything in which she never wants them to forget.

featured model joia

Her outfit Designer: Frances Lewis Jazzline Jewels, Colokial

VOME Magazine • Maiden Issue

photo credit: aesthetic aperature

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photo credit: aesthetic aperature. stylist: Ellis Traver.

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his style his way

photo credit: aesthetic aperature

MENS FASHION

MOTIVATIONAL MOMETS 2.

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VOME

Wisdom Nuggets for the New Year

es! We made it! 2017 is here. Out with the old and in with the new. This includes cleaning out clutter, of items we no longer use. In our homes, our closets and our personal temple of our minds, our bodies, our spirits!

It is time to get rid of the outfits we can’t begin to get back into. Donate or throw out the boxes in the Basement or Garage claiming vital space we could use. But most importantly clutter from our minds, our bodies our temples to our soul. Three steps we can take can that will help us to achieve this major life goal is to take the personal time to REFLECT, to REGAIN, and to RENEW. Too many times we hoard emotions and fears of doing things differently within our life and hindering the potential of actually being at peace with ourself. And to accomplish the art of inner peace.

Learning to let go. What we have endured has no reflection into the future unless we give it permission to be . If it didn’t break us... then it helped make us.We hold on and add to the weight of what we carry around thus slowing our ability to run the race quicker. No one said this would be easy but happiness is a conscious choice. Letting go does not say you aren’t valid in the situation but choosing to begin living as a victor of the things in our past that once attempted to claim us as a victim. This part of living in the new we will call “The Reflecting” “The Refocusing” portion will follow.

In the Refocusing Process, taking in what lesson we were taught and begin to apply these lessons to the remaining life we’re going to live. Not dwelling but celebrating the evolving you! Moving into the best part of ourselves, which is always the” you that is yet to come.  Ask yourself the nouns. Who? What? When? And Why? Who are you? What are you? When are you going to be what your dreaming of you as. And When is this magnificent process going to occur. Taking the time to also pamper the body and the soul of our temple. Starting things to aid in the temple portion of us. Maybe making better choices of foods we eat or taking a class in yoga or sassy Zumba. Long soaks in the tub with candles and relaxing music! After all there will never be anyone that can ever love us better than the way we can love ourselves. Never forget this part of refocusing.

Finally Renew! Make the effort to hold yourself accountable for the changes you now place into action. Keep a journal of the new process. This enables you to be able to chart and measure the growth and the transformation. This is a new year! A new phase of you, a new chapter in your book of life! 2017 never looked so good on you!

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photo credit: aesthetic aperature

Taste of African style & Fashion

Taste of African style & Fashion

photo credit: aesthetic aperature

photo credit: aesthetic aperature

photo credit: aesthetic aperature

african fashion

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aesthetic aperture

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AFRICAN FASHION

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AFRICAN FASHION

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AFRICAN FASHION

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photos: aesthetic aperture

AFRICAN FASHION

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LOVE IS IN THE AIR

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photo credit: aesthetic aperature

VALENTINe GLAM

LOVE IS IN THE AIR, VALENTINE GLAM.

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VOME Magazine • Maidedn Issue

LOVE IS IN THE AIR, VALENTINE GLAM.

valentine GLAM

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featured talent

babacar sambe

Babacar Sambe’s work remains in high demand based on its uniqueness, high quality and same day turn-around on portraits. While other photographers are often limited to standard background features, his expertise in graphic design allows him to incorporate any background imaginable into his portraits.

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abacar Sambe migrated to Louisville, Kentucky from Senegal, West Africa in 2000, at just 18 Years old, with plans of pursuing higher education. He enrolled at the University of

photo credit: publisher

Louisville (UofL), taking General Education classes and because of his love for taking pictures, he also began taking photography classes at Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC).

“When I moved into photography I was required to take English classes because it was my second language. I didn’t speak English fluently because we [Senegalese] are a French speaking country.

I purchased English dictionaries to study in addition to my college English classes so that I could learn the language faster,” said Babacar Sambe.

Sambe earned his degree in Commercial Arts in 2005, amazingly, he worked at McDonald’s throughout his entire college career and built up his clientele in photography by taking personal portraits of clients when he wasn’t working and posting them on his Facebook page.

Those social media posts led to local nightclub owners booking him to capture the atmosphere in their clubs on popular nights and posting them on his social media page as a form of advertisement since he had so many friends and followers. His work at nightclubs also provided Sambe with the opportunity to photograph Bill Bellamy, Toni Braxton,

VOME Magazine • Maidedn Issue

Mike Epps, Nelly, T.I., R Kelly, K Michelle, and many other stars.

Following graduation, he felt his clientele had grown enough to support owning his own photography studio, so in 2007, he took a risk and made his dream of opening Sambe Photography & Graphics a reality.

Within a short time, Sambe became so successful that he was forced to expand the size of his original photography studio.

Babacar Sambe’s work remains in high demand based on its uniqueness, high quality and same day turn-around on portraits. While other photographers are often limited to standard background features, his expertise in graphic design allows him to incorporate any background imaginable into his portraits. Beaches, landmarks, or any other design can be custom placed into the photo as if the person was actually at the location.

This concept also applies to business cards, fliers, banners and invitations.

Sambe Photography & Graphics is open 7 days a week but primarily operates on appointments.

Don’t miss your opportunity to have your image captured by one of the most gifted and pleasant photographers in the metro Louisville area.

4229 Bardstown RD. Suite 219 Louisville, KY 502-819-1799 Babacar Sambe is the winner of the 2016 Kentucky Urban Award photographer of the year award.

JUICE BAR + CAFE

“Why settle when you can ASPIRE’’ 332 West Broadway, Louisville, Kentucky 40202 www.aspirejuicebar.com

502.554.9955