pagesbyike 5/15/17 pagesbyike 5/15/17

PGI's May Girl- Banke (Businesswoman, Easy Peasy)

Banke and I have talked about many things from flowers, to jobs, to school, to business to marriage, to husbands who like to cook, and to food-processor-made pounded yam. We talk about hair and the care of it. She taught me to have a pair of scissors for my hair; a girl can't use the same pair of scissors to cut up Christmas craft and then trim her hair an hour later, with the same pair. My hair deserved its own pair of scissors, she said. It did? (Don't judge me lol!) She always had these really useful tips on her Instagram page and I knew she knew hair. Of course, she had to do something with this passion and skill she had, so we talked some more about dreams and possibilities. Then one day Banke stopped the talking and did something. On this day, I was scrolling through Instagram and on Banke's page was displayed a jar that read "Butter by Banke". She had done it! Just like that! She had launched a hair-care product line- a brand, she was suddenly an entrepreneur! The day that jar popped up on my timeline, I was so excited. She did it! She birthed a dream just like that. Without drama, or drumroll or cymbals. Her story is so simple and inspiring, she'll make you want to start that thing you think is a big deal in a snap!

Here she is, making business look too easy since 2016...

What's your full name?

Oluwabamike Olaoluwakitan Adewale (nee Ogundairo)

Cutest nickname(s)

Bankymoon; Kilolo, short for Bankilolo

Least cute nickname

Ban-ku-seh

My fave quirk about me...

So not sure this is a quirk or normal but most mornings for breakfast I have bagel slathered with crunchy peanut butter and then a dollop of jam to add some sweetness ... a salad for lunch for "a neutralizing effect". I'm too sure I'm not the only one that does this

How long have you had your natural hair?

About 4 years

I'm thinking about leaving the "naturalista" life soon. What parting words do you have for me?

Don’t go!!!!

Do you ever think about leaving too?

Nope!

Do you feel the pressure to stay natural?

Not at all! I love my hair and it’s actually the reason I started Butter by Banke.

I love that name, Butter by Banke. It has this softness to it. I feel like I'm a getting a massage. Lol! How long did it take you to come up with that name?

Not very long. I thought it was cheesy at first but ran it by a few people who liked it, so it stuck. We have one product line for now, expansion is definitely in the works. It's called Shea Deliciousness, it's an organic hair and body butter and it’s for men too!

I assume Shea Deliciousness is the secret to your beautiful hair? What's your hair night time routine?

Yes and it's so easy to use, I wet my hair first, add the butter and style. I also use it to steam my hair after every wash. Night time routine: If I have my hair done (crochet braids or box braids) I simply wear a static net satin night cap. When I rock my hair in a puff, I scarf it down to have the front flat. In the morning, I apply Butter by Banke, re-scarf for a bit and I’m good to go! I get compliments all the time.

How did it all start?

While planning my wedding, I wanted to give out wedding favours and found an idea on Pinterest- lip balms! I also wanted to make and hand out jars of body butter, so I ordered the containers. I made the lip balms but I never got around to making the body butter in all the frenzy. After the wedding, I made it and gave out jars of the butter to friends and family. Then it happened. They would call me up and say, "Banke, I've run out of butter. Make more!" I had the jars so I kept making more. I had most of the ingredients and the jars too, so I kept at it and my husband, Yinka convinced me to start selling. Voila!

What challenges did you face starting this business?

My main concern was whether people would be interested in my product in such a saturated market. I started to overthink everything. My husband was there. He encouraged me and affirmed the validity of the idea. He encouraged me to focus on using and investing what I had already (jars, knowledge and skill).

What would you say to someone facing the same challenge in their business?

If someone were to ask, I'd say what he told me "Only invest what you can bear to lose. Don’t focus on the profit, focus on the value you’re giving to people."

What principles guide your business?

I have a three-point set of principles:

Simple. Natural. Effective

Simple: Our product is simple to use. Using Shea Deliciousness eliminates having to mix 9 products yourself. Simplicity is genius.

Natural: Only natural ingredients are used, which is undoubtedly helpful to hair and skin

Effective: It works. I’ve seen it work for me and others and we believe in the product.

Does your husband secretly use Shea Deliciousness?

He uses it unashamedly! He even complains when I finish it! *laughs* He makes me make more!

What would you say to anyone who is reading this and is full of self-doubt about their brand?

First, you have to believe in your brand. Believe in it, people will see the passion and believe in it too. Start small and invest resources you don't mind losing. If it doesn't work, you know you tried and there was some collateral lost, but not too much. Don’t let fear keep you down. Try.

The first day you filled your first jar of Butter by Banke, how did you feel?

Excited! When I put the stickers on the jar is best feeling!

How do you strike a balance between your day job with running Butter by Banke?

I am a Communications and Marketing strategist in a financial institution by day.

I run Butter by Banke on the weekends and evenings.

Morning person/Night person?

Morning person. My mum is a morning person and raised us that way.

What's the best thing about having 9 older sisters?

The support system. It’s a good conversation starter. It stops everyone in their tracks.

How many hours can you wear heels for before your first "oowww"?

First, 4 inch heels are best I can do. I can stand in them for about 2 to 4 hours. I don't try to take the heels off in between and wear again, it makes the pain worse. I just sit down often and have flats ready in the bag.

Who is your hugest style influence?

Hair: Pinterest

Clothes: I don't have one fashion style because I had a lot of hand me downs.

Though I'd say Sister number 7 ("Tomato") has some influence on me. We all go to her for style advice.

The one meal you know you kill every time?

Pancakes (I don’t like to cook!)

One item you beg people to buy for you from Nigeria?

Groundnut!

One place I have visit when I go to Nigeria

Terra Kulture. I love Nigerian theatre. The play I’m really looking forward to is the Secret life of Baba Segi’s wives. I loved the book.

Last 3 items bought

Okra

Sofa covers.

Stickers with the Butter by Banke logo

Thank you, Banke for being our May PGI girl!

4 Things I learnt...

1. Stop talking about it and do it!

2. Focus on the value you provide, not on profit

3. You have the jars. Don't stop pouring in and creating.

4. She loves pancakes, I love pancakes. I guess that about seals this friendship

Thank you so much, Banke, for being PGI's May girl! I can't wait to see the wonderful things Butter by Banke rolls out soon. Love you loads!!

Get your Shea Delicious hair and body butter. I can feel it on my fingertips already.

Contact: Instagram @butterbybanke

pagesbyike 11/3/16 pagesbyike 11/3/16

PGI's November Girl: Akor(The Techy Creative)

I was torn between "The Techy Creative" and "The Inspiration Sparkle" for Akor's PGI Girl tag. "Inspiration Sparkle", because she literally goes around sprinkling inspiration dust without even knowing. I find her oblivion darling and refreshingly modest! I tell you, I spent 4 months trying to convince her to be a PGI girl. Her argument was that she had nothing to share and she wasn't aware of any inspiration she was responsible for. Well, think again. At the end of the post are 4 things I learnt during this interview with Akor.

After cyber-stalking her for a while, she finally said Yes! I think she was trying to get rid of me. Haha! I'm joking. Akor is a creative writer who works in I.T. In our interview, we chat about creativity in I.T. We also chat about boyfriends, banga soup, and modeling experiences! Did we laugh a lot? Errr...definitely!

Please meet the beautiful and wonderfully witty Akor.

You have the prettiest name. What is your full name? Where are you from?

Akorwuotomi Oluwatowoju Akpenyi;

Agbor, Delta State

I love your names! What do they mean?

Akor means Wisdom is life

Oluwatowoju means God is enough to look upon (Yoruba)

What's the coolest thing about Delta state?

Our pounded yam and banga soup. Not of this world!

Banga soup...hmmn! I almost lost an ex to banga soup one time...

Yeah, you didn't stand a chance *straight face*

Yep, I think it ended that very moment. I have many questions about banga soup. What's the magic? What's the most important ingredient of this soup?

*laughs* Palm oil makes all the difference, in my opinion. Fish, stock fish or meat make it good but if you get the palm oil wrong, I don't think there's a remedy.

Three ideal ways to start your day?

A) Most ideal: wake up on the beach, just before dawn, watch the sun rise and maybe do a dance to God for creating such a view *dreamy look*

Back to Reality

B) Wake up before dawn, still, spend some time quietly recalling and meditating on the last bible scripture I read. Ideally, I'd like to stay there until the thoughts of God’s love and care make me smile.

C) Someone interrupts my sleep before dawn to give me gist! *laughs* I don't want you to think I like gist! I know it sounds like I'm a morning person but I'm not (at least not yet). I prefer to be up before dawn to prepare for the morning.

Favorite smell? Dodo or Rain?

Rain! Babey, rain! *laughs*

What are you reading these days?

The Greatest Salesman in the World (A life-changing read). Even though it's a book that teaches the principles of marketing and sales. It also holds a lot of life lessons applicable to our daily lives. It actually has helped my spiritual life. It taught me to personalize my confessions, scriptures prayers and God's promises.

The most challenging thing about being a model?

I have to think back as it's been a while. I haven’t done any professional modelling jobs in a bit. Finding an inner excitement for every picture, even if I had been on my feet for hours and entirely famished

How do you keep that beautiful face so straight?!

I think of the final picture. No one wants a smirk in a fierce look

A reader of PGI once advised models to “flirt with the lenses?” during shoots. Is that what you do? Are lenses lovers? #modelwisdom

Well, for ‘flirting’ I think it depends on the mood of the shoot e.g. a sexy shot. But in general, I just look at the lens like it is the eyes of someone who loves me. Someone who sees no wrong in me. It boosts confidence regardless of the context in which you’re shooting

How did you get into modeling? What’s your fave part of a shoot?

I just finished NYSC. I needed to make money, also I was bored.

Every part of the shoot can be great with the right music and amazing crew. But makeup is the least interesting for me. I actually hardly wear makeup to work. On Fridays, I do, much to the delight of my colleagues *laughs*

What do you do for work?

I work at an IT firm as a business analyst/Innovation incubator

How much creativity are you allowed in IT?

Well, not much, until I joined my current firm in this new role. My role involves me thinking about creative ways to make IT attractive to the average individual (mostly Nigerian), and then actually getting them to use it! *laughs*

What skills would you say are most important to survive working in IT?

There are different skills peculiar to the different IT roles. For technical roles, Certifications! Certifications! Certifications! In general, I’d just say read the news…stay abreast of IT trends and forecasts. The possibilities in technology are almost endless.

Do you doodle or daydream?

Doodle

Okada or Napep?

I’d rather trek (no kidding)

Okada riders in Lagos are auditioning for "Fast and Furious Naija", I've never been a fan. A few months ago, I would have chosen Napep, until this thing happened...I was in a Napep and we almost got crushed by an oncoming truck because the Napep driver drove so recklessly. I asked the guy why he drove that way, and he goes “Ah! Na God hold our life, if he say time don reach, e don reach”. In other words, he was suicidal.

So, yeah, if I had to choose between Okada and Napep, I'll buy a bottle of water and start my walk.

The word ‘man’ is synonymous to …..

Dab? Ham? *smiles* ok, Dude, Protector, Motivator.

What age did you begin to write?

I was about 14, it got me through a difficult time of my life.

Favorite poet?

@writtenbyHim

What’s your most recurring writing theme?

“Live the hell out of life” (literally too)

If you had to write "Live the Hell Out of Life For Dummies" what would be the summary of the book in 3 sentences?

You are enough. Don't store up your magic because you worry about running out; so put your first foot forward everyday and watch how you evolve into new wonders each day. Love brings meaning to everything.

3 things on your bucket list?

I've had to redo this list a number of times *laughs* but somethings have stayed a while:

A) Perform in/ organize a flash mob

B) Get photographed by Jeremy Cowart

C) Learn a rap song

What’s your weirdest muse?

I love to read God’s message to the people of Israel at different times in the bible. It portrayed a very intense love involving a lot of chasing and wooing and vexing and loving proclamations. lol

For example, just look at Isaiah 28:12

“God has told his people,

“Here is a place of rest;

let the weary rest here.

This is a place of quiet rest.”

But they would not listen

So the Lord will spell out his message for them again,

one line at a time,

a little here,

and a little there,

so that they will stumble and fall.

They will be injured, trapped, and captured”

Song stuck in your head these days?

Holy Spirit by Kari Jobe

If you had God over for dinner, what would you make?

I’m not a great cook, so I think I would dance for Him instead. Really, I have this dance choreographed in my head for God. I plan to perform for Him when I get to heaven.

What song would you dance to?

Ty Bello's 'Dance for you' and Big Daddy Weaves's 'Without You'

Do you drive in Lagos? Ever outsmarted LASTMA?

*sigh* Yes, I drive o. haha I haven’t outsmarted them. Unless you agree that refusing to ‘tip’ them and choosing to pay the normal fine was pretty smart *laughs*

What’s your idea of a perfect date?

Lots and lots of laughter, food and great music and maybe some randomness- some dancing.

Favorite nail polish color?

Nude

What’s your hidden talent?

I must say I’m pretty good at the Rock’s “Can you smell what the Rock is cooking?” eyebrow thing…for both eyebrows! A pretty big deal I know.

I loved our Skype call but this hidden talent was the highlight of it all! Thank you, Akor!

4 Things I Learnt

1. You can lose your boyfriend, if he is lured away with Banga soup. Fact.

2. During your quiet time with God, sit there until you feel Him. Feel His love and His arms.

3. A camera does not judge you.

4. Do not hoard your magic or your best work! Always put your best stuff out there!

Thank you so much, Akor, for being PGI's November girl! Love you loads!

PGI loves to honor everyday people who inspire. The great news is, we are all capable of inspiring! Do you know someone who inspires? Click here and share with us!

pagesbyike 5/6/16 pagesbyike 5/6/16

PGI's May Girl: Ufuoma (The Organized Bride)

PGI's feature for the month of May is the beautiful, ambitious bride-to-be Ufuoma Ukueku! She talks about working in Real Estate, planning her wedding and how she deals with marriage horror stories!

Many brides have wedding planners and if they don't, they, at least have 5 different notepads where they scribble all their wedding ideas and plans or a scrapbook or Pinterest board. Ufuoma Ukueku is a different type of bride, one who is very keen on detail and plans to have a flawless, hitch-free wedding without a wedding planner! She applies her vocational skills to her wedding planning in a super-impressive way. She's blessed with fab planning skills, a trait she apparently got from her mum! Where was Ufuoma when I was planning my wedding and forgot to pick up my cake! Lol!

About her crazy organizational skills

What do you do for work?

I work as the Assistant General Manager of a Real Estate company in Lagos

How do you balance your busy lifestyle with your wedding planning?

I prioritize, analyze my tasks. I tend to take everything I do as a project, applying my management skills and knowledge to them. I manage well, balancing my personal life, work and wedding plans

Have you had any Bridezilla moments?

Not yet. I'm hoping not to! (laughs)

How many bridesmaids do you have?

I have 11 bridesmaids! (laughs)

Have you asked them if you've been showing any Bridezilla signs?

I haven't. I should ask them.

How do you keep a tab on your wedding planning? Do you have a wedding planner?

I actually don’t have a wedding planner. Excel spread sheets are the best wedding planner tool anyone could have! My work has taught me to plan, document and track progressions in any project, in this case, the wedding plans. I have an excel document with different sheets for various things I need to plan for. I just need to check every week to make sure nothing has been forgotten, then from time to time I show the document to my friends so they can contribute, so I don’t miss out anything .

Pretty amazing! Are you a natural planner?

Yes, I am. Majorly influenced by my mum. She is super-organized; the best planner I know. She has a file for the wedding with "Seyi and Ufuoma" written on it! (Laughs) She saves programmes from weddings, documents everything as it progresses and is very hands-on with the preparations which I really appreciate.

Your dress! How did you find it? How many dresses did you have to try on?

My dress! My dress! People say it's difficult finding a dress but I always told myself that it would not be difficult for me.

It was helpful that I knew what I wanted already! I tried on about 6 dresses. The first store I went to is called Perfect Bridal Occasion. I had seen a dress they made for a bride on a friend's display picture. I felt the lady wearing the dress and I had similar figures, so i made inquiries about the dress, went for a fitting and that was it!

The only reason that i tried other dresses after finding this one was to get a sense of pricing on wedding dresses in general. The store stylist asked me to go to other stores to have an idea what their prices were like relative to the quality of the dresses and in all honesty I did not see any thing better. So I stuck with this one regardless of the price. I found it about 6 months before the wedding!

What do you love the most about it (the dress)? (Don't spill anything you don't want us to know)

I particularly like the fact that it’s very fitted, I have always loved body-con dresses.

What do you think are the top three things a girl needs to have to be well-put-together?

Great hair, Glam heels, Shaped eyebrows

What's your morning beauty routine?

Foundation and eyebrows are super important to me

Are you on a diet for the wedding?

To be honest, i'm always on one diet or the other, its already a way of life for me. Yeah, I would say i am on a diet

Shoes or Handbags?

Shoessss! Anyday, any time. ( I give all my bags out all the time. I have about 2 bags left and i'm like what is the point of buying bags)

Shoe-colour preference?

The family of purple (purple, lilac, magenta , plum)

About her wonderful job!

Did you choose your industry or did your industry choose you?

Well, I would say both based on the circumstances of the employment. I met my boss on a project that I was working on at the time and he offered me a job!

Why did you choose your industry?

It was all just me following that inner voice saying, "this is an opportunity of a life time".

What do you love the most about your job?

I love that ownership quality that comes with working here. Even though, it's not my company, i still feel responsible for the outcomes of certain decisions made. I love everything about my job, really! It’s the best decision I have ever made (laughs) This is not for my employer o! I mean it.

How have you developed your skills and knowledge of Real Estate?

Experience. I work in the construction aspect of Real Estate. A lot people think its only when you are an engineer that you can understand construction- that's so not true. Experience is our best friend and for the past 5 years, I have been learning and getting better at it .

What would you change about your industry?

Improved skills for artisans; I'd like to set up a training school for them. They have the enthusiasm and energy to work but they have very low level skills which could have adverse effects in construction. It's something that should be looked into in Nigeria.

About marriage and twerks!

What are you looking forward to the most in marriage?

Really looking forward to actually living with my best friend

How long have you and Seyi been together?

5 and half years

About 3 years ago, I had a conversation with you about your goals as a couple. I still remember very clearly. You guys set goals you hoped to achieve before you got married! Have you set your goals as a married couple yet?

Well, yes we have been working on our goals for marriage and the marriage counseling classes have also helped us redirect some goals as well.

Have you heard any marriage horror stories?

Yes, I have, especially couples that did not get married from their tribe(my fiancé is Yoruba). We hear all sorts but for some reasons people also say Deltas don’t really attach tribal issues to anything, so for me, it doesn't bother me or maybe it's because of the person I am getting married to

How do you deal with these stories?

Just prayers and working on my relationship daily.

Have you ever tried twerking?

Hmm, yes o! (Laughs) I used to know how to dance in the past!

Kilishi or plantain chips? Let's see where you are on the Vegetarian-Carni spectrum!

Plantain chips any day, that kilishi ‘s pepper can kill (laughs)

What would you say to your 20 year old self?

"Well-done for taking great opportunities at a very early age and well-done for setting good morals and values but we could have done better."

What would you say to your 30 year old self?!

"30 is the new 20s, so stay positive and aim for better"

4 Things I Learnt...

1. Take your work home with you, i.e apply some work skills in your personal life too (except, of course, if you are a wrestler)

2. As you grow vocationally, don't forget to develop subordinates and junior staff

3. Ufuoma hands out bags; i love bags....we should work something out

4. We eventually become our mums (tell me about it!) Love you mum! Happy Mothers' Day!

Thank you so much, Ufuoma, for being PGI's May girl! ! We wish you all the blessings of God in that thrilling adventure called marriage! Love you loads!!

pagesbyike 12/12/15 pagesbyike 12/12/15

PGI's December Girl- Ike

If you thought being a student was fun and you spent it in a perpetually nifty state, looking like you just stepped off a runway, every minute of the day, put your hands up! ..........Now ignoring those people. Lol, kidding.

This month our PGI girl is someone, who does make student life seem a little more glamorous than I would imagine! By contrast, my student make-up life comprised of bad hair days, stress pimple surprises, some eyeliner (usually drawn in a hurry and all squiggly), brow pencil, a little mascara and a dab of Vaseline lip therapy. I'd eye the liner blunder, ignore the pimple, cover up with large geek glasses and burst out the door!

You see why I feel the need to honor all the girls who make the effort to look good to class or work or bed, even? A thousand salutes and loads of respect. It really is something to be admired and celebrated.

A couple of weeks back, I had the pleasure of chatting with the wonderfully stunning Ike Saliu, she's someone whose style I greatly admire. She has a fun and brave sense of style and upholds this all while being a student! In case you missed it, we have the same name! She's the 'Ike' that actually cares about her fashion life as a student; I wish I had her around during my bad-liner days.

She has huge dreams of becoming a TV/media director one day, a day not too far away. She talks about slaying as a student, her favorite make-up vloggers/ lifestyle bloggers and what she misses about Nigeria.

Let's meet her!

Where do you go to school?

York University, Toronto

What are you studying?

Human Resource Management

What's your morning phone app sequence?

First, I reply messages i left hanging after falling asleep; then What’sApp, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr. Pose. Then my Bible app, then Elevate and Lumosity for my regular brain exercises.

Your student life makeup fix?

I draw my brows (they’re essential), apply foundation, set it with powder. If I am having a presentation, I’d put on eyeliner, apply blush and put on a nude lipstick but if I’m not, I'd simply use mascara. I usually go with a natural look for school.

How long does it take you to get ready?

1 hour, 30 minutes, if i have braids on. If I have a weave, 2 hours because i have to style it. It takes me 30-45 minutes to wear my makeup.

Favorite Makeup Vlogger?

I LOVE talking about my favorite YouTube make-up artists. I watch an awful lot of them but my two favorites would be Msrosposh and Sonjdradeluxe.

Recommended makeup remover?

Biore or Global beauty care make up cleansing wipes.

Clothes or Makeup?

I finally know what it feels like when people say they’re in love with two people. *laughs* I love and i’m crazy about both equally! That being said, if I am to pick, I’ll go with what had my heart first, since i was 6 years old; Make up

A makeup mugger is trying to steal your makeup purse, in a dark alley. He gives you a chance to take 3 items from it. What would they be?

Oh, this is a hard one, my Guess by Color Pop Lipstick, my eye liner(i feel naked without my liner) and my brow pencil, i can't go out without brows. Also this pencil can't be gotten in Canada, so respect that and step away, mugger.

Favorite nail polish color

Burgundy!! I also like purples, pinks and blues

What song describes you at 5.30AM?

Future ft Drake , Where Ya At? Tbh it describes me 24/7

Night time habits/routine?

When I get home, the first thing I do is open the pot/fridge/cupboard to search for food or snacks (this is because I am always hungry, no matter the time of the day). *Laughs* I make some tea and change into comfy clothes, wash my face (make up or no make up) , clear the bag I took out (i just love my bags being empty), turn on my laptop to either research, watch a movie or Youtube video or complete an assignment. If I'm home all day, I’ll look for food as usual, wash my face and be on my laptop .

What do you miss about Nigeria?

I miss being driven in a car! *laughs* I miss that i don’t get taxed when I shop. I miss the hawkers (i don’t know why). I miss suya, agbalumo (the best fruit ever), Christmas at home, my mom’s cooking, my parents and friends.

Favorite Blogs

Kummy-kaybee.blogspot.ca, Pages by Ike (I love it so much), E-online, Justjaredjnr, Blvckcosmic.tumblr.

What are you reading these days?

School texts, ugh .

What would rather be reading?

I'd rather be reading the books in my cupboard and Malcom Gladwell books

What are your winter study time must-haves?

Tea. A show or movie during my study break. Snacks. Chewing gum

4 Things Learnt....

1. Empty my bag/clutch when I get home (maybe I'll finally find that tub of lip color I've been looking for).

2. Wash my face every night, whether or not i put on makeup during the day

3. Learnt that Ike likes Future! ....... at 5.30am! Lol. Someone's clearly a morning person.

4. It's possible to look good as a student

Thank you so much, Ike for being PGI's December girl!!! Love you!

PGI loves to honor everyday people who inspire. The great news is, we are all capable of inspiring!

If you would like to be a PGI feature or would like to recommend someone (male or female) who is inspiring in anyway, please contact me here, or send me a DM on Instagram . Remember to mention in less than 4 lines why you think you or this person is inspiring. Brag Away 😎

pagesbyike 11/23/15 pagesbyike 11/23/15

PGI's November Girl: Laju

One toasty warm Saturday afternoon in Lagos and by contrast a windy fall day in Madison, i had the awesome pleasure of chatting with the beautiful and talented Utseoritselaju Omagbitse Joanne (popularly known as Laju) via FaceTime. We have no photos from this event because we both were in Saturday-chill-mode. Pardon us.

Laju is a successful Lagos-based artist who has been sketching and painting for as long as she can remember. Last September, she had her first art exhibition themed: "Woman in Bloom" along with other artists who were involved in this event, which sought to contribute to the discussion on the process of self-actualization for the woman in a typically patriarchal society. It's wonderful knowing people who use their talent and passion to develop and improve their community. It's what we all strive to do. It's what we are all made for.

Let's meet Laju!

Hey, Laju! What's "Laju" short for and what does it mean?

Utseoritselaju which means the work of the Lord is too great

Where are you from?

Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

What is your morning app sequence?

Hmm… Instagram, WhatsApp or iMessage…. Instagram…again.. *laughs*

What do you do?

I'm a banker with Heritage Bank

Describe your art?

My art is mostly acrylics on canvas. I started with charcoal but then again, i love color! Right now though, i paint acrylics on canvas.

Acrylic paintings dry fast and that works for me. Oil paint is beautiful but I'm not that patient. *laughs* I'm thinking about working with charcoal and acrylics.

I work with female subjects, i find them easy to relate to and for now, African females because the color of our skin is just beautiful in real life and on canvas!

How and when did you start painting?

I actually started very young. I remember in primary school, I’d draw match-stick people, then they evolved into box-like images. I was always fascinated by the cartoon images I saw on TV, and wondered why I couldn’t make my drawings look like the cartoons, so i'd trace directly from the TV or from Archie comic books. That really helped. And of course, my art teacher in college, class mates and even family recognized my talent and kept urging me to do better. Over time, I’ve nurtured this skill and improved on my style and techniques

Most interesting muse?

I’d say female mannequins. I fell in love with them recently; the fragility of their posture amazes me. They've opened my mind up to a thousand ideas. Hopefully you’ll get to see what I come up with in my future artworks

What does your creative work space look like?

*laughs* That’s funny because my work space is my bed and the floor of my room…. That’s where the magic happens. Haha. To answer your question, Newpapers on the floor of my bedroom.

What do you do when you have a creative block?

I just stay away from trying to paint or sketch, because the more I try, the more I end up making everything worse…which is deeply depressing, although, sometimes I go online and view thousands of images related to the ideas I had in my head, to come up with something unique. *laughs*. Apart from these two, I just lay in my bed and stare at my ceiling.

But on a more serious note though , what works most times is staying away completely, it helps me cool off and also gives me a different perspective on my work

What are your creative work must-haves?

An old piece of cloth to clean my brushes, my iPad/phone to refer to my saved ideas or the internet for clarification (when I get stuck)

Longest & Shortest time taken to complete a work

Longest, 1 month; Shortest, 4 hours

Default nail polish color

I usually don’t paint my nails *covers face* but if i had to choose, nude or purple

Who is(are) your greatest support system?

Family and close friends. They make me believe in myself

What song describes you at 5.30am?

Don’t wake me up by Chris Brown

I'm more of a 6am person

Quirkiest thing about you?

I like to sleep with the lights on. When I wake up in the middle of the night and there isn't power, I turn on the flashlight of my phone and fall asleep

Favorite cake flavor?

Red velvet

Favorite artist

Joseph Eze, Sara Golish, Nelson Makamo

Most frequent Lagos-traffic purchase?

Plantain chips, Super Yogo! *laughs*