There is something about women coming together in unity. Last Saturday at Fempower 2017, I saw young women of substance come together to build themselves. In conjunction with the International Womens' Day Celebration, Bestie Atti founder of Hello Bestie Network assembled young women from all over the country to support and build themselves. I can boldly say that it is the first of its kind in Abia State. I was so excited to see young women show up to add value to their lives.

@didi_inuk
Don't wear red and show up at my door with flowers. Buy a movie, junk food, and drag my ass to a quiet space with moonlight. No instagramming about it too.

@kim_be_ryl
I hate it when a guy makes it seem like he can show love only on Val's day. Make it like a regular date, just add something special to it.

@too_magic
DO NOT show up with a third party!!! Please I beg you, no friends or family or any extra person, I can't deal. Just add chocolates and plenty food to the package and I'm good.


@hollow_heart
Ah! please don't buy me red shoes or get me a red dress, Nooooooooooo. What's that one? And please don't take me to a regular fastfood, it has to be different and special that day.

@_herexcellency
Don't be cliche! Don't do the regular stuff, just go out of your way to do something different. Be spontaneous! I like surprises, so you know, surprise me. *winkz*

@themargaret_sandy
With the way this country is now eh, don't give me any gift that is not monetary. Keep the chocolates, flowers, ice-cream and food, just give me the cash equivalent. All that money can go into investing in my future, for rexample I need a shop now... Lol.
@vy_nessah
Don't expect sex on Val's day because you spent money. I mean what is all this Valentine's Day sex ritual? I think there's more to it than having sex that day.


You've read it all guys. I can't tell you there's any hard and fast rule about dates because women are very complicated species. So please, know what your woman wants and give her a treat. Money or no money, make her feel special and treat her like a queen everyday. Don't wait for 14th February, to let her know she's special. Remember to share love to people around you everyday, the world needs more of that.
Please do share your thoughts, do you agree or disagree with us? Whatever happens...

Remain Stylish
Love, Sharon.

The very first guest on "The Talk" this december is the beautiful internet sensation that inspired a lot of us. When her pictures broke out on social media, a lot of people were inspired and awed. I'll say that she is a very humble person and working with her on this interview, I learnt a lot. This is the talk with the amazing Dr. Dedun, enjoy!

Tell us about you

I'm Oluwo Adedunmola, from Ogun state Nigeria and a family of four, two brothers and my mum. I'm a christian, a medical doctor and entrepreneur (doctopreneur). I live in Hungary where I finished medical school, University of Debrecen. My hobbies are traveling, creating and learning, maybe I should include sleeping, ah..ah I enjoy sleeping.

I know everyone is very curious about this, how do you do it? How do you handle medicine, blogging, catering and makeup?

Med school was tough, draining and took it's toll on my hips and feet. From long hours of standing to sitting in a position to study but I was able to do it because I knew I had no choice. Failure was not even a consideration. When I know that getting school fees for a school year is not easy, I wouldn't subject my mum to extra years of stress at her old age, consequently, I took my tests and exams very seriously. On the flipside, because of the passion I had developed for business, I also had no option for failure. I was determined to win every challenge, and that determination alongside my faith in God pushed me through.

I came across your picture on Instagram and was I was inspired so I shared it on my facebook and some people objected and said it's selfish of you to do everything alone, what's your take on this? Do you really do it alone?

I explained this on my blog www.drdedun.com. If only people don't jump to conclusion and ask questions first, things will be better. I will quote myself
"most people that read my story probably think I'm running all four businesses at different "stores" everyday lol. It's not like that, everything is home based, I don't have a store hence no need for staff (so it's not like I don't want people to work for me) plus I don't have like 100s of things a day that will require input from others. Recently though, I hired two ladies to work with me on Hair by Dedun, so I'm expanding with small steps."

What are the challenges you face as a single Nigerian woman running different businesses?

As a single Nigerian woman? None. As a doctopreneur, joggling everything is quite challenging.

What do you do when you are not working?

Sleep, watch series or just lay on my bed and think think think.


Considering the nature of your work, do you have time for yourself, a relationship or people around you?

There's always time if you make time for something so yes! I do have people around me I dedicate time to whenever I can.

Who is your fashion icon (s)? 

Thinking... I'll go with Rita Dominic, she's bae.

On a lighter note, I've been itching to ask a chef this question; Nigerian jollof or Ghana Jollof?

Nigeriaaaaaannn Jollof! I literally shouted it! but seriously it can be either one depends on who's cooking it.

As a chef and a baker, do you believe that a woman belongs in the kitchen in light of President Buhari's recent statement about his wife?

A woman belongs anywhere she wants to be. When she's in her husband's house, she will be where her husband needs her to be and same goes for the husband, he will be where the wife needs him to be. 

Many people like me, are inspired by you, what is your message to them?

To never give up on their dreams. I was opportuned to listen to Mrs Folorunsho Alakija's speech at a conference and she reaffirmed my first statement. Always have the "can-do spirit" and stay positive even when everything around you is negative. Get rid of bad energy and push yourself forward even when the friction won't let you. Stay the best and stay blessed.

Thank you very much Dr. Dedun for sharing with us. She's on instagram @dedun05 and get her full story on her blog www.drdedun.com. Don't forget to drop your comments below.

Remain Stylish
Love, Sharon

He is hot, sexy, smart, enterprising, creative, and he is the CEO of a fast rising fashion Brand (Lordes' Nigeria). Mfon Etim bares it all in "the talk", enjoy!


Tell us about you

I'm Mfon Etim, fashion entrepreneur, law student, blogger and CEO of Lordes' Nigeria. I'm from Uyo.


What inspired Lordes Nigeria?

I'd say the basic inspiration for Lordes' Nigeria is the belief that fashion could be taken to another level in Uyo and Nigeria. Don't forget money *smiles* great inspiration.

How do you combine school and work?

Well it's been a year now, and yes for a law student, it's pretty challenging, but I believe passion always wins. So I've always created time for fashion helplessly.


Do you believe that labels make you a fashionista?

Hahaha that's a tricky question. But Yes I do believe in labels. A few years ago, I was always about the label. Labels make you fashionable but a fashionista must always understand the power of style over fashion. Label without style will still cause blunders. So I've learnt to thrift shop to create a blend of my personal style.

What's your style? What can people point out as your thing?

My style... quite a difficult answer. Earlier everything seemed to fit because I have a slim figure. So it was easy to slay everything. But I'd say my style is classy, I try to keep my outfits simple. I do take risks, but it must still be classy.

What's your most embarrassing style moment?

Wow! I've given this a long thought and personally I really don't think I have any. Well I'll say I've been slaying from birth. *winks*

Who is your style icon (s)?

Icons would be the appropriate word there, I believe creating a style cannot be a photocopy of one or two people. So my icons are Adam Gallagher, definitely David Gandy  (his ability to make everything look beautiful), Noble Igwe (the African brand he has created), Denola Grey.

I came across a section on your blog, "Ladies Tell Us" what is all about and does it have anything with the rumors that you are the ladies man?

Hahaha, the guns are coming! It's a series where we give an opportunity to a lady to give opinion, dislikes, credit to gentlemen on a particular subject or issue. This is great because the first edition of the series comes Friday this week, don't miss that. In the bid not to avoid the "ladies man", ladies love a well groomed gentleman. Yes, sometimes a gentleman likes the attention, these things are often not in our control. haha
  


When you see a lady, what attracts you and what turns you off?

A pretty face, fit body and a confident look. I love a lady that pays attention to her body. If you put enough time to work those curves, you're worth the time. Yes! confidence is everything.
Turn off; lack of carriage and inability to communicate.


What do you do to look fit and proper? Any special diet, workout or beauty routine?

Pheeew! Fitness isn't fun but it's worth it. I hit the gym sometimes but I believe for my structure, my home workouts and aerobics do a great deal for me. No special diets, but I avoid fatty foods at night because of my face.

I'm sure the ladies will want to know, are you romantically involved with anyone (male or female)? 

Haha, ladies ladies ladies. Yes I am, I do have a very beautiful lady in my life at the moment, and she's everything, trust me everything

Many people tend to see fashionistas as snubs, are you a snub? How do you handle attention from your fans?

I do hear I'm proud and rude, well...lol. I wouldn't say I'm a snub and I wouldn't call any fashionista a snub, but attention from a lot of people both those you know and those you don't know can be difficult. I try to pay attention to fans, both critics and well wishers they make this career what it's gonna be, I don't ignore that.

Lastly, share with us what inspires you and keeps you going. 

My everyday inspiration would be my greed for greatness and fear of oblivion. I believe I can always do better than yesterday. I believe if there should be the best, it should be me. I'm sorry to say but I don't like competition.

Check him out on instagram @_thebadandtheugly, read up on his blog www.lordes.com.ng. Guess what? Today is his birthday so please show some love. Thank you very much Mfon for sharing and a very happy birthday to you.

Remain Stylish
Love, Sharon.
 

"The Talk" is back!!! Right here to share with us is a very beautiful, fierce, strong, dark and daring super model Swinny. She has a lot to share, enjoy!

Tell us about you

My name is Jennifer Ndukwe, popularly known as Swinny. I'm from Abia State, Nigeria. A graduate of Abia State University, B.Sc History and International Relations. I'm a fashion model.


What's it like being a dark-skinned model?

My dark skin is phenomenal, flawless, golden and most importantly, my pride. In the industry right now, the fast selling models are the dark-skinned models. I've grown to love my skin colour and I'm very proud and lucky to be called "black".


Talk us through your jobs and all of what you did to get to where you are?

In 2012, just when my career was kicking off, I got trained thoroughly on catwalk, pose and poise for a fashion show (NMC), it was quite an experience. Again, during the Abuja Fashion Week, I was trained by one of Abuja's best instructors. These trainings got me better as a model and today I am being recognised as one of the best catwalk models.
I've had the opportunity to run on notable runways, worked with designers, shot with top photographers and right now I find myself very flexible during a shoot. All these are possible today because of the effort I put into realising my dreams.



What are the challenges of the modeling industry?

The industry is a very competitive one so I try my best to stay relevant in every possible way through hardwork and dedication. Another challenge is being paid peanuts after working so hard. It takes someone that is driven by passion to remain in the industry.


What inspired you to take the bold step and cut your hair?

Well, I've always loved to stand out as a person and as a model and that was prompted me to cut my hair.

What do you do when you're not modeling?

Right now, I'm modeling fulltime.



Who's your style icon (s)?

Destiny Owusu popularly known as "Ohwawa". She's a Ghanian model and I like her style, she inspires me everyday.


What's your style? What can people point out as Swinny's thing?

My style is fierce and flexible.


What is the most treasured item in your wardrobe?

Every single item in my wardrobe is relevant and treasured but the most treasured is my catwalk shoes. A model should never leave that behind.



What is your greatest lesson so far?

 I've learned to always be consistent and very persistent in every step that I take towards living my dreams.

A lot of young people are interested in the modeling industry, what's your advice to them?

First, search your heart to know what you're driven by, whether passion or fortune.
Be persistent in the pursuit of what you dream, because strivers achieve what dreamers believe, don't just dream about it, strive to achieve it. Take every chance you get in life, because some things happen once. Lastly, be patient with yourself, everything will fall in place at the right time.


You can join her on instagram @swinny_vanora or on Facebook @ Jennifer Livinus Stephnora.

Remain Stylish
Love, Sharon.