Third Culture Africans

In this episode of the Third Culture Africans podcast, Sola Oyebade, also known as Mr. Mahogany, shares his remarkable journey from model to founder of Mahogany Productions and Events, one of Africa's largest model agencies.

Sola's early interest in the fashion industry began during his secondary school days, where he organized fashion shows as part of literary and debating societies.

His entrepreneurial resilience and commitment to diversity in the fashion and events industry are truly inspiring. He faced challenges and overcame societal stigmas to establish businesses that showcase diversity, such as the Mahogany Bridal Show and Mahogany Models.

Sola's insights into navigating the fashion industry, empowering models of color, and building successful ventures provide a wealth of knowledge for aspiring entrepreneurs in the fashion and events industry. His determination to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the industry's growth makes this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking guidance in building a diverse and successful fashion business.

Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Mr. Mahogany Zeze introduces the guest, Sola Oyebade, also known as Mr. Mahogany. She highlights his achievements as a multi-award-winning founder in production events and the owner of one of the largest model agencies in Africa. 00:02:30 - Early Journey into Modeling Sola shares his journey into the modeling industry, starting from his time in secondary school to funding his university education through modeling. He discusses the challenges of being a male model in the UK and the lack of opportunities for black models at the time. 00:07:05 - Setting Up Mahogany Sola explains the motivation behind setting up the Mahogany bridal shows and model agency, emphasizing the need to represent people of color in the wedding and modeling industries. He discusses the challenges and initial stages of establishing the business. 00:12:15 - Addressing Racism in the Industry Sola addresses the pushback and accusations of racism he faced for promoting black models. He shares his efforts in educating the media and breaking down the lack of representation in top modeling agencies. Sola highlights the success of the Italian Vogue all-black issue. 00:13:43 - Curating Our Own Stories Zeze and Sola discuss the importance of curating and telling their own stories, challenging the traditional media's narrative. They emphasize the need for empowerment and representation within the black community, and the impact of curating 00:14:40 - Telling Our Own Story Sola Oyebade discusses the importance of telling our own stories and doing things for ourselves, particularly in the UK. He emphasizes the need for businesses to be self-financing and the challenges faced in competing with mainstream agencies. 00:18:45 - Citizens Advice Bureau Sola talks about his role as CEO of the East End Citizens Advice Bureau, a charity that provides legal advice and assistance to those who cannot afford it. He highlights the importance of fundraising for each office and the challenges of managing multiple boroughs. 00:19:48 - Building Infrastructure Sola shares his experience of building infrastructure for his events production business, particularly in the African market. He discusses the challenges of gaining trust from mainstream agencies and the need to build capital and business relationships. 00:24:47 - Demystifying Success Sola reflects on the journey of building his business, emphasizing the importance of hard work, persistence, and consistency. He stresses the value of doing what one loves and providing a service that people want, rather than focusing solely on money. 00:28:55 - Working with Young People Sola discusses the impact of the internet on the current generation of young entrepreneurs and the opportunities it presents. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and knowledge sharing with young people to help them navigate the business world. 00:29:20 - Evolution of Advertising in the Fashion Industry Sola Oyebade shares how he used to advertise his nightclub through pirate radio and flyers, contrasting it with the ease of online advertising today. He reflects on the significant advantages Gen Z has with the power of the internet. 00:32:28 - Impact of Social Media on Advertising Sola discusses the drastic change in advertising costs and reach due to social media. He highlights the accessibility and affordability of reaching thousands of people with just a single online post, contrasting it with the high costs and limited reach of traditional advertising methods. 00:34:06 - Influence of Models and Influencers Sola explains the differences between models and influencers, emphasizing how models primarily showcase clothing, while influencers create a dream-like association with their audience. He also notes the merging of models and influencers in the industry today. 00:37:26 - The Power of Social Media and Timing Sola reflects on the impact of social media on influential figures like Ronaldo and the potential influence it could have had on past sports icons like Maradona and Pele. He emphasizes the importance of timing and how he would have leveraged his knowledge if born in the current era. 00:43:06 - Influence from African Americans Sola shares how African Americans influenced him when he started in an environment with no fashion or entertainment industry. He admired the struggles and achievements of publications like Ebony, leading him to create a company name that represented people of color. 00:45:28 - The Importance of Giving Back and Sharing Knowledge Sola Oyebade discusses the importance of saying no, sharing knowledge, and giving back to the community. He highlights the value of helping others and the impact it can have on their success. 00:46:59 - Defining Success Beyond Money Sola Oyebade shares his perspective on success, emphasizing that it's not solely about money. He believes success is about leaving a legacy, making a positive impact, and being recognized for one's contributions. 00:49:49 - Advice for Young Dreamers and Entrepreneurs Sola Oyebade provides valuable advice for young individuals with big dreams, emphasizing the importance of learning their trade, finding their area of expertise, and being persistent and consistent in their pursuits. 00:56:01 - Balancing Confidence and Authenticity in Business Sola Oyebade discusses the cultural differences in promoting oneself and the importance of balancing confidence with authenticity. He highlights the need to step into and celebrate achievements while remaining genuine and grounded. 00:59:35 - Show Support for Third Culture Africans Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao and Sola Oyebade encourage listeners to support the show by sharing episodes, commenting on social media, joining the newsletter community, or leaving a review. 00:59:35 - Importance of Community Support The hosts stress the importance of community support in making the show bigger and express gratitude to those who have supported the podcast. 00:59:35 - Call to Action Listeners are called to action to help the show grow by engaging with the content and spreading the word to friends and on social media. 00:59:35 - Gratitude and Farewell Zeze and Sola express their thanks to the audience and sign off, looking forward to the next episode.

Visit mahoganyinternational.com for corporate event production and fashion show services. Contact details are available on the website.

Explore fashionsfinestafrica.com for opportunities to learn about the fashion industry, attend workshops, and participate in the annual epic show. The website also provides contact information.

For those in the UK, check out fashionsfinestuk.com to stay updated on the London Fashion Week show held every February and September.

Interested in modeling? Visit mahoganymodelmanagement.com to learn more about mahogany models and the opportunities available. Contact details are provided on the website.

Follow the Instagram handles of the respective companies for the latest updates and insights: @mahoganyinternational, @ffevents (Fashion Finest Africa), and other relevant handles for specific companies.

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Check out Quidco, UK's number one cashback platform, to earn cashback on over 5000 brands and get a 15 pound new bonus credit when you join using the provided link.

Browse or search Quidco for great cashback rates, huge discounts, and vouchers at all your favorite brands.

Visit Ziva for stylish clothing and kids' toys, and explore the unique pieces that are available.

Watch the Real Housewives of Lagos to see Ziva pieces worn by the cast and get inspired by the fashion showcased on the show.

Subscribe to Third Culture Africans for more inspiring stories and diverse perspectives on African success and culture. Join our community and stay connected.

Visit our website, follow us on social media, and be part of the conversation. 

Your support means the world to us!

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Welcome to the world of extra rewards every time you shop online! We're thrilled to introduce our show sponsor, Quidco, the UK's leading cashback platform.

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In this episode of the Third Culture Africans podcast, host Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao delves into a captivating conversation with Tania Omotayo, an influential figure known for her multifaceted journey through TV, entrepreneurship, and authorship.

Tania's unique blend of Austrian and Nigerian heritage, along with her experiences of culture shock and navigating different societies, offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals with multicultural backgrounds.

Through her rebellious nature and determination to carve her own path, Tania emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself. Her success as an author, entrepreneur, and reality TV star serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and aspiring reality TV personalities, showcasing the power of embracing one's unique identity.

Prominently featured on The Real Housewives of Lagos, Tania Omotayo cleverly harnessed her fame to enhance her brand visibility. Despite the reality show's unpredictable nature, Tania utilized it as an international platform to give her brand, Ziva, great exposure. She learned to handle the drama and the spotlight, underlining that even negative publicity can boost a brand if handled smartly.

Tania's journey highlights the necessity for empathy and understanding in a diverse world and provides a compelling narrative that encourages personal growth and brand success. If you're seeking inspiration and insights into navigating multiple cultures while pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams, this episode is a must-listen.

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Join the newsletter community at thirdcultureafricans.com for exclusive content and updates.

Check out Quidco, UK's number one cashback platform, to earn cashback on over 5000 brands and get a 15 pound new bonus credit when you join using the provided link.

Browse or search Quidco for great cashback rates, huge discounts, and vouchers at all your favorite brands.

Visit Ziva for stylish clothing and kids' toys, and explore the unique pieces that are available.

Watch the Real Housewives of Lagos to see Ziva pieces worn by the cast and get inspired by the fashion showcased on the show.

Subscribe to Third Culture Africans for more inspiring stories and diverse perspectives on African success and culture. Join our community and stay connected.

Visit our website, follow us on social media, and be part of the conversation. 

Your support means the world to us!

Facebook 

Youtube 

LinkedIn 

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Unlock Extra Savings with Quidco - Your Ultimate Cashback Platform!

Welcome to the world of extra rewards every time you shop online! We're thrilled to introduce our show sponsor, Quidco, the UK's leading cashback platform.

Why Quidco? Discover the simplicity of earning cashback on over 5,000 popular brands. Whether it's fashion, tech, gifts, DIY, beauty, or more, Quidco has you covered.

How it Works:

Browse & Search: Explore Quidco for unbeatable cashback rates, massive discounts, and exclusive vouchers from your favourite brands.

Earn Big: Make your usual shopping more rewarding than ever by earning cashback on your online purchases.

Get a £15 Bonus: Join Quidco now and enjoy an exclusive £15 bonus when you sign up*.

Why Wait? Start Earning Today! Quidco makes earning cashback on your online shopping easier than ever. Don't miss out on extra savings – join now and make every purchase count!

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In this episode of the Third Culture Africans podcast, Banke Kuku, a renowned fashion designer and founder of the brand Banké Cuku, shares her journey in the fashion industry, discussing challenges, growth strategies, and the future of Nigerian fashion.

Banke's experience working with the Designers Guild and her focus on sustainability and collaboration provide valuable insights for fashion entrepreneurs in Nigeria. She emphasizes the importance of industry experience, scalability, and adapting to local markets. From her reflections on the challenges of the lockdown period to her commitment to maintaining high standards and sustainability, Banke's story offers inspiration and practical advice for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs looking to grow their brands in Nigeria's fashion industry.

Her optimism and determination to create a sustainable and thriving industry make this episode a must-listen for fashion enthusiasts and entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the complexities of the Nigerian fashion landscape.,In this episode of the Third Culture Africans podcast, renowned fashion designer Banke Kuku, founder of the brand Banké Cuku, offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Nigerian fashion industry. With a wealth of experience, including her work with the Designers Guild, Banke discusses the importance of industry experience, scalability, and sustainability.

She shares her journey, from navigating the challenges of the lockdown period to her commitment to maintaining high standards and sustainability in her brand. Her optimism and determination to create a thriving industry make this episode essential listening for fashion enthusiasts and entrepreneurs seeking to navigate and contribute to the growth of the Nigerian fashion landscape. Banke's practical advice and inspirational journey provide valuable takeaways for those looking to make their mark in the industry.

Subscribe to Third Culture Africans for more inspiring stories and diverse perspectives on African success and culture. Join our community and stay connected. Visit our website, follow us on social media, and be part of the conversation. Your support means the world to us!

 Explore our Website and Join the community

Unlock Extra Savings with Quidco - Your Ultimate Cashback Platform!

Welcome to the world of extra rewards every time you shop online! We're thrilled to introduce our show sponsor, Quidco, the UK's leading cashback platform.

Why Quidco? Discover the simplicity of earning cashback on over 5,000 popular brands. Whether it's fashion, tech, gifts, DIY, beauty, or more, Quidco has you covered.

How it Works:

Browse & Search: Explore Quidco for unbeatable cashback rates, massive discounts, and exclusive vouchers from your favourite brands.

Earn Big: Make your usual shopping more rewarding than ever by earning cashback on your online purchases.

Get a £15 Bonus: Join Quidco now and enjoy an exclusive £15 bonus when you sign up.

Why Wait? Start Earning Today! Quidco makes earning cashback on your online shopping easier than ever. Don't miss out on extra savings – join now and make every purchase count!

Join Quidco Today for Extra Cashback and Exclusive Bonuses!

*Terms and conditions apply.

In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze engages in a conversation with Adora Nwodo, a dynamic woman in the tech world. Her career seamlessly blends the corporate nine-to-five routine with entrepreneurial pursuits, driven by her passion for engineering, STEM, and the captivating world of software development.

This episode kicks off by diving into the essential realms of STEM and AI. Unfamiliar with STEM? It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math—encompassing diverse fields like mathematics, physics, aerospace engineering, and medicine. Now, let's delve into Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on STEM careers. AI, a pivotal part of technology, relies on and empowers STEM professionals. These careers extend beyond AI development, involving customising and utilising AI in various domains like health tech, autonomous vehicles, and aerospace engineering. While STEM skills are highly valued, AI's rise sparks both job redundancy concerns and new opportunities—a conversation you can't miss!

Zeze and Adora explore Adora’s journey into tech, strategies for breaking barriers for women in tech and how to connect individuals with opportunities while providing technical guidance. They also discuss exciting trends in the African tech industry. 

Nwodo's tech passion ignited in Nigeria at the age of six, guided by her older brothers. She embarked on a lifelong love affair with technology, eventually earning a First-Class Honors degree in computer science from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Marked by her determination to forge her path and exceed her family's expectations, Adora began a career in the tech industry. During her university years, she took on a role as a software intern at an advertising company, a position she continued even after completing her NYSC service. This phase played a pivotal role in her journey, exposing her to diversity, broadening her perspective, and requiring her to balance multiple responsibilities, including being a working student, managing her shoe brand, and actively participating in tech communities.

In her current role, Adora plays a pivotal role in NexaScale, a community group dedicated to facilitating valuable work experience for individuals through a range of projects and programs. When it comes to empowering women in tech, support systems are crucial. It is a cause close to her heart, clearly demonstrated by her active participation in NexaScale for women. Here, she conducts sessions on financial literacy and personal branding, with the aim of uplifting and educating aspiring female tech professionals.

Regarding the future of the tech industry in Africa, Adora highlights the immense potential of young Africans, particularly millennials and Gen Z, who are making significant contributions to the global tech landscape. Africa is emerging as an attractive market, with its young creators and engineers gaining recognition worldwide. The creator economy is thriving in Africa, with young content creators dominating platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Additionally, Africa's growing remote workforce is playing a pivotal role in the industry's development.

Tune in, this is a MUST-listen! For all those interested in tech careers, especially young Africans aspiring to make their mark in the industry, this is a MUST-listen! You will learn about the thrilling synergy of STEM, AI, and African tech and gain valuable insights into shaping your own tech journey.

About Adora Nwodo:

Adora Nwodo is a multi-award-winning Software Engineer who currently works at Microsoft building Mixed Reality on the Cloud. 

She is also the Vice President of the Nigerian chapter for VRAR Association, a Digital Creator, Founder of NexaScale, has courses online that teaches people about Infrastructure automation, author of a popular book "Cloud Engineering for Beginners" and multiple articles on Software Engineering, Productivity & Career Growth on her blog “AdoraHack” and student of LEAD in the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Adora spends a lot of her time on Twitter and LinkedIn sharing about her experience as a woman in tech. She is extremely passionate about the developer community and is trying to drive inclusion for women in technology. She co-organizes community events for unStack Africa, contributes to Open Source, and speaks at technology conferences worldwide.

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In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze engages in a captivating conversation with Seun Oduwole, the Principal Architect at SI.SA. (Studio Imagine Simple Architecture), renowned for their innovative architectural designs. Together, they explore Seun's inspiring journey and his transformative project, the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, which transcends conventional architecture to celebrate the rich influences shaping Yoruba culture. This ongoing urban regeneration initiative in Onikan, Lagos, plays a pivotal role in transforming the Marina and Onikan region into a vibrant tourism destination, honouring Yoruba culture throughout history. The architectural design skillfully translates Yoruba values, paying homage to its historical significance. This episode showcases the evolution of a simple concept into a profound cultural landmark challenging museological paradigms – a must-listen!

🌍 Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/

📲 Get in touch with Zeze: 💬 - https://www.zezeonline.com/

🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿 - https://maleeonline.com/

In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze engages in a deep conversation with Ayo Akinwolere, a prominent figure in the UK's media landscape, touching on his versatile career, personal journey, and cultural perspectives on success. They explore the Nigerian concept of achievement, driven by a higher power, in contrast to societies valuing individual effort. Ayo's late realization of self-celebration, his transformative role as the first black Blue Peter presenter, and his two world records exemplify his unique journey. The conversation extends to Milk First Productions' mission to address police brutality and racism, offering insights into financial realities and concluding with Ayo's evolving definition of success, centered on equilibrium and self-worth. This episode is a captivating journey through Ayo Akinwolere's multifaceted career and cultural exploration.

🌍 Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/

📲 Get in touch with Zeze: 💬 - https://www.zezeonline.com/

🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿 - https://maleeonline.com/

In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze engages in a captivating conversation with Ikena Carreira, a social entrepreneur whose remarkable journey encompasses entrepreneurship, UN collaborations, television roles, and transformative career shifts. Ikena's narrative unveils her family's history rooted in Angola's struggle for independence, providing profound insights into the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped her perspective on identity. The dialogue delves into the podcast's mission, emphasising the nuanced nature of African identity and the power of cultural bridges. It explores Ikena's career journey from academia to media and her founding of StandSeven, a platform championing African craftsmanship and luxury. The conversation also probes the challenges of sustainability-focused entrepreneurship and the complexities of maintaining authenticity in a shifting African business landscape. Ikena shares her transition from entrepreneurship to the UN and imparts valuable insights on fundraising, motherhood, and the profound impact of self-belief. Discover Ikena's inspiring initiative, Train Clinic, and explore diverse experiences woven with themes of innovation, identity, and service.

🌍 Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/ 📲 Get in touch with Zeze: 💬 - https://www.zezeonline.com/ 🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿 - https://maleeonline.com/

In this live episode of Third Culture Africans, recorded at Soho House, Zeze warmly invites accomplished figures Yvonne Modupe Telford, Rene Macdonald, and William J. M. Chilila to the stage for a lovely and inspiring conversation. These guests share their insights, struggles, and triumphs, offering a glimpse into their journeys in #creativity and business, with a focus on #Africanfashion, #Africancuisine, and entrepreneurship. From Yvonne's aspiration of a flamboyant clothing shop to Rene's Tanzanian upbringing amidst adversity that ignited her fashion passion, and William's culinary journey rooted in his grandmother's kitchen, each narrative is a testament to determination and heritage. Yvonne's Kemi Telford brand, Rene's Lisou, and William's culinary exploits reflect their unique paths, bolstered by strong support networks. Amidst the challenges of a competitive industry, these entrepreneurs embrace self-validation, resilience, and commitment to principles. The impact of the pandemic on their ventures underscores the importance of adaptability. United by purpose, their stories resonate as inspiration for aspiring black entrepreneurs and creatives, highlighting the transformative power of creativity and entrepreneurship in shaping cultures and industries.

🌍 Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/

📲 Get in touch with Zeze: 💬 - https://www.zezeonline.com/

🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿 - https://maleeonline.com/

In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze interviews Ngoni Chikwenengere, the ingenious force behind We Are Kin, a women's wear size-inclusive slow fashion brand rooted in sustainability. Ngoni's journey unfolds from transitioning to London at 10, overcoming challenges tied to her African heritage, to founding a blog at 16 that evolved into discussing fashion trends and forging connections with like-minded enthusiasts worldwide. The episode delves into Ngoni's leap into fashion entrepreneurship, establishing "We Are Kin" shortly after graduating from university. The brand's commitment to sustainability through end-of-line fabrics, eco-friendly materials, and a close manufacturing partnership sets it apart. Notably, the brand offers a size range from 6 to 26, showcasing Ngoni's dedication to inclusivity, along with her innovative use of 3D renders that adds a unique dimension to her fashion line. Beyond fashion, Ngoni's lifestyle blogging authenticity fosters trust, while her pragmatic social media strategy involves frequent posting and prioritizing sales. The episode resonates with Ngoni's entrepreneurial drive within the African diaspora, embodying a narrative of visionary sustainability.

🌍 Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/

📲 Get in touch with Zeze: 💬 - https://www.zezeonline.com/

🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿 - https://maleeonline.com/

In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze interviews Kennedy Ekezie-Joseph, a young entrepreneur and CEO of Kippa. They delve into Kennedy's journey, highlighting his passion for creating socio-economic prosperity in Africa and how his background in philosophy and debating has influenced his success. From being a former national debate champion to working with TikTok and Accenture, Kennedy's career path shaped his latest venture, Kippa, a fintech startup based in Nigeria. Kippa raised an impressive $3.2 million in pre-seed funding, making it one of Africa's largest early-stage fund-raises. The conversation covers the challenges of fundraising for startups and the significance of focusing on small businesses in Africa, showcasing Kennedy's dedication to empowering them with efficient financial tools through Kippa. The episode emphasizes knowing your business, understanding investors, and tailoring pitches for success, inspiring young entrepreneurs with a vision for change.  Join Zeze and Kennedy as they explore fintech, entrepreneurship, and the power of a youthful mindset with a vision for change.

🌍 Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/

📲 Get in touch with Zeze: 💬 - https://www.zezeonline.com/

🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿 - https://maleeonline.com/

In this episode, Zeze engages in an inspiring conversation with Chaneen Saliee, a courageous mumfluencer, discussing the importance of embracing creative passions, vulnerability in self-expression, and navigating the challenges of balancing motherhood with a successful career. Chaneen fearlessly shares her motherhood journey, promoting empowerment and support for women while challenging societal norms. Her diverse African heritage and early passion for writing have shaped her unique voice, as she explores self-acceptance and healing, defying cultural barriers. Through candid self-expression, Chaneen finds catharsis and connection, uplifting her audience and advocating for breastfeeding and community support. Her journey serves as a powerful testament to the rewards of embracing vulnerability and openness in pursuing one's dreams.

🌍 Full show notes at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/

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🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿

In this episode, host Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao sits down with Nigerian fashion industry professional Sharmaine Aderemi for an inspiring conversation. Sharmaine takes us on a remarkable journey, from her humble beginnings as a receptionist to becoming a Talent Director, all while integrating African talent into the fashion industry. Her story defies societal norms as she became a young mother and pursued her dreams with authenticity and passion. Join us as we delve into the power of embracing one's true self and discover the resilience, passion, and pursuit of dreams that define Sharmaine's incredible career. Be sure to subscribe and tune in to this empowering exploration of personal growth and success.

🌍 Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/

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🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿

Join Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao in an engaging conversation with Bukky Asehinde, the Founder of Bellafricana, as they dive into the world of entrepreneurship and creativity in the African market. 

Discover Bukky's inspiring journey as an immigrant entrepreneur, her passion for showcasing African creativity, and her mission to empower and support fellow entrepreneurs. Gain valuable insights into the power of digital marketing, data-driven decision-making, and the crucial role of community in supporting and empowering entrepreneurs. 

This episode is filled with motivation, lessons learned, and practical advice for anyone looking to start or grow their own business. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!

If you are an African fashion, beauty or lifestyle brand based in the UK and want to be part of the 10 amazing brands to reserve a spot, please go HERE  

Available now at thirdcultureafricans.com

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In this inspiring episode of Third Culture Africans, Dr. Ateh Jewel and Chaneen Saliee join host Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao to explore the transformative power of authenticity and self-expression. Sharing their experiences as Black African women, they delve into topics such as cultural identity, success, activism, and motherhood. Dr. Ateh Jewel discusses her journey as a renowned journalist and diversity advocate, challenging beauty standards and empowering others. Chaneen Saliee reflects on her path of self-discovery as a writer, poet, and empowerment coach, emphasizing the importance of uplifting and inspiring others. Together, they highlight the significance of activism, finding balance, and embracing one's authentic self. 

Available now at thirdcultureafricans.com

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Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🙏🌿

Join host Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao as she interviews Lydia Amoah, a multi-talented individual and leading authority on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Lydia shares her captivating career journey, emphasising the value of every black consumer and sharing anecdotes that showcase her fearless and inquisitive attitude. Inspired by Dr. Dennis Kimbro, she founded The Black Pound Report, driving conversations on diversity and inclusion in business. Discover Lydia's remarkable experiences, from college leadership to managing celebrities in Italy. This episode is an inspiring exploration of resilience, empowerment, and the pursuit of excellence. Tune in for a dose of motivation and insights into Lydia's thriving career.

Available now at thirdcultureafricans.com

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Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🙏🌿

Welcome to Season 3 of Third Culture Africans! This season, host Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao is taking you deeper into the lives and journeys of successful Africans in the diaspora. Expect engaging conversations with a dynamic range of guests, from entrepreneurs and artists, to writers and innovators, each sharing their unique experiences and insights. As always, our guests continue to challenge the status quo, break barriers, and shape the global narrative of Africa and Africans. Season 3 is an exploration of resilience, creativity, and the African spirit of ingenuity, further broadening the scope of our stories and impact in the world. Tune in to discover, connect, and get inspired!

Full show notes: 📝🔗 https://thirdcultureafricans.com/

Get in touch with Zeze: 📲💬 https://www.zezeonline.com/

Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🙏🌿 https://maleeonline.com/

Dive into the vibrant and thriving world of African fashion in this special episode of Third Culture Africans, recorded live at the iconic Shoreditch House. 🎙️ Join host Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao and guests Lisa, Denola, Nkwo, and Arieta as they share their inspiring journeys and insights into the industry. 💫 From building brands with authenticity, consistency, and hard work to exploring the concept of African fashion and its interpretation, this conversation delves into the challenges, triumphs, and opportunities in the fashion world. 🚀 Discover the importance of collaboration, fashion weeks, e-commerce, and storytelling, while gaining valuable perspectives on scale, growth, and brand recognition. 🌟 Prepare to be inspired by these warm African hearts shaping the future of fashion in our very first live-recorded podcast episode at Shoreditch House. 🎧💥

Available now at thirdcultureafricans.com

Get in touch with Zeze: 📲💬

Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🙏🌿

Welcome to Season 3 of Third Culture Africans! We're kicking off with host Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao engaging in enlightening discussions with British-Nigerian authors Ore Agbaje-Williams and Nancy Adimora. This episode delves into their respective journeys in the literary world, from Ore's anticipation for her debut novel to Nancy's dedication to amplifying African narratives through AFREADA. United in their passion for authentic storytelling, they offer insights into their collaborative project – “Of This Our Country,” shedding light on the diverse perceptions of Nigeria from acclaimed authors. Don't miss out on this exploration of the power of maintaining one's unique voice in storytelling – remember to subscribe!

Available now at thirdcultureafricans.com

Get in touch with Zeze: 📲💬

Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🙏🌿

In this episode, Zeze interviews Efua Akumanyi, a Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence expert, Co-Founder and CTO of Furnishful, a shopping discovery site for furniture and homewares. She talks about her beginning in the IT world, the choice of her career, and how important  it is for her to help other black women to succeed in their business.

Efua Akumanyi found a way to stand out, firstly from her family's career choices and later on as a black woman in the Tech niche. She pursued a career where women, especially black females, were not so popular. She started a path in which women have the opportunity to use technology to improve their businesses and become successful in what they want to.

Furthermore, she understands the need of having solid bases to build a successful business. Tech is a key component to make it easy, no matter if you are selling a product or a service. You need to find a tool that suits the business you have. There is no point in coding if you do not need it. Knowing what you want and what you require is fundamental when hiring someone to develop your website. Plus, doing follow-ups, providing feedback and communicating as often as possible will give you the sense of control and knowledge you need to improve and get what you want to achieve as regards your business goals. 

Efua Akumanyi graduated from Sussex with a degree in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence and went on to work as a software developer for 15 years. She has also worked as a contractor in various fields including medical, legal, charity and ecommerce. Currently, she is the Co-Founder & Head of Technology at www.furnishful.co.uk. a website which helps people find items of furniture for their homes. Her passion is to encourage other women into tech, whether it’s finding jobs in the industry or starting their own business. She is a member of several women in tech groups and speaks on subjects ranging from AI to entrepreneurship.

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In this episode, Zeze interviews Chi-chi Ekweozor, a social media marketer, software engineer, and the founder of Assenty. Chi-chi talks about the very beginnings of social media and how she founded her company. Also, Zeze and Chi-Chi dive deep into why it is so important to consider representation from many different angles.

Chi-chi Ekweozor understood the potential of social media well before others did. This allowed her to acquire a unique set of skills that led her to advise large companies and create her own business early on. As she identified challenges and problems in the process of building communities and promoting interactions, she decided to create solutions for this. Eventually, Chi-chi became a very successful business owner.

In this episode, Chi-chi and Zeze talk about the representation of Black women in tech and the many aspects that can influence this. Chi-chi remarks on the importance of pursuing your ideas and being brave enough to try and reach out, connecting with others, and seizing opportunities. Chi-chi had to traverse a fascinating path that led her to see how the internet and social media have changed the world. making the most of it at every turn.

Chi-chi Ekweozor is a Nigerian social media marketer, front-end developer, software engineer, and the founder of Assenty, a platform that allows event organizers to interact live with their audiences. She has been working in the tech industry for the past 15 years and she was a pioneer in the world of social media marketing and tech communities.

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In this episode, Zeze interviews Lwazi Wali, a South African investor, entrepreneur, and the founder of H(er)Q. Lwazi talks about the current situation for new businesses and startups in Africa, the barriers faced by women, and the tools that can be used to break these barriers and create our space in the African business world.

Lwazi Wali knows more than most about the many barriers faced by entrepreneurial women in the African continent. As an investor involved in venture capital, she has seen the numbers that show that, while startups and investing are growing in Africa, women continue to face considerable barriers to get funding. They are creating the majority of new businesses, but they lack the funding to scale them and make them grow.

In this episode, Lwazi goes in-depth into the barriers that are holding Black African women back and how we can help make a significant and long-lasting change. She remarks on the importance of uniting as women and creating our own table where we can create opportunities to have access to the necessary funds. Lwazi also provides practical advice on how to present a new product or idea for funding, and how to change the paradigms and societal preconceptions that limit women to this day.

Lwazi Wali is a South African fundraiser, investor, an Obama Leader in Africa. Lwazi came back to Africa after studying and living in the US with the goal of helping in the development of venture capital infrastructure in the continent. She is the founder of H(er)Q, a community for women of color that are interested in building a community by and for entrepreneurial women.

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In this episode, Zeze interviews Vamba Sherif, a Liberian best-selling author, essayist, motivational speaker, and activist. Vamba shares his story of survival after the Liberian civil war and the Gulf War. Listen to the episode and learn how these experiences led him to become a thriving novelist and storyteller.

Vamba Sherif was living in Kuwait when the civil war started in Liberia, his home country. As he felt the pain of what was taking place back home, he found himself in the middle of the Gulf War, seeing horrors that he is unlikely to forget. This led him to become a refugee and an exile, and he remembers his time in a refugee camp between Jordan and Iraq as one of the worst ones of his life.

However, Vamba managed to not only survive but thrive once he made a home in Holland. Thanks to his affinity for languages, he was able to learn Dutch, study, and make a life for himself. Writing stories about pre-war Liberia became his coping mechanism, which helped him preserve his mental health and led him on a successful path as a writer. In this episode, Vamba shares his inspiring story, filled with family love, his admiration for women, and the will to keep growing, embracing and sharing African stories.

Vamba Sherif is a Liberian best-selling author, film critic, activist, motivational speaker, essayist, and occasional actor who found himself stuck between two countries during the Liberian civil war and the Gulf War. This led him on a journey of survival, traversing through different countries before finding a home in Holland. He shares his personal experiences through his novels and memoirs, and he also focuses on  showing the history of Liberia before the war.

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In this episode, Zeze interviews Zukiswa Wanner, an award-winning South African author and humanitarian. She has published fiction novels, co-authored Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, and started her own publishing house to help bring African literature to the forefront in the African continent.

Zukiswa Wanner believes in changing how African literature is seen and embraced in Africa. She writes not for the European or American masses, but for her fellow Africans. Seeing how the African publishing houses often prioritize foreign markets over their own, she decided to start her own publishing company, as part of her drive to change the self-oppression that has been imposed on African literature.

Zukiswa also discusses the importance of bringing literature to children, providing them with the opportunity to learn and thrive in the world. She also remarks on how accomplished Black African women are often seen as aggressive when they pursue their careers and are good at what they do. Zukiswa highlights the importance of women not second-guessing themselves and becoming part of this narrative.

Zukiswa Wanner is a Zimbabwan and South African author, co-author of Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, a humanitarian, and a recipient of the Commonwealth’s Writer Prize. She has also started her own publishing house, with the goal of distributing African books in the continent, including both adult and children books.

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Aminatta Forna was raised to be a fighter. As a triple minority, she knew from a young age that she would be great, but she would need to work very hard to get what she wanted. This led her to develop an inquisitive and astute mind that questions the things everyone takes for granted. As a writer, she has explored and shared her grief as well as the concept of identity and she talks about the importance of telling ourselves the right narrative.

Aminatta has lived a life of change, being born in Scotland and raised between Sierra Leone and other countries. She went back to Sierra Leone before the war ended and was able to bring change into a community with assertive and empowering interventions. She talks about the impact words can have on people, why she thinks appropriation can cause great damage to the literary and arts world, and why the elevation of victimhood does nothing for actual progress. 

Aminatta Forna is a British-Sierra Leonean formidable writer, humanitarian, professor, and thinker who has won numerous awards, including the Windham Campbell Award from Yale University. She has published four novels and a memoir, which have been translated into twenty two different languages. 

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Helon Habila believes in hard work, perseverance, and believing in himself and his capabilities. His motivation to be a great writer led him to defy the wishes of his parents and to challenge the negative beliefs of some of his fellow authors. He always believed his dream was possible, even if he didn’t realize how big that dream could be and the reach it would have. Helon was willing to make big sacrifices in pursuit of his writing career, including leaving Nigeria, a country that was suffering from the consequences of a totalitarian military regime.

Despite having won awards for his work, Helon maintains a humble attitude. He recognizes that he has had a lot of luck, which he could only leverage thanks to his preparation. Helon’s determination is a big part of what allowed him to become a published author by Penguin, one of the world’s top publishing houses. His advice to writers is to own their voice by understanding their culture and where they come from. Only then will they be able to see where they can innovate and how they can make their impact on the world.

Helon Habila is a Nigerian writer, poet, literary, and pioneer when it comes to African literature. He is an award-winning author, having earned prestigious recognitions such as the National Poetry Award and the Caine Prize. He has also been nominated for numerous other awards. Helon is currently a professor at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and he is in the process of writing his next novel, tentatively titled The Fortress.

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Chuma Nwokolo became an advocate for others from his early years. During his first years working as a lawyer, he created a legal aid group with the goal of providing information to the public in an accessible way. His interactions with others only grew from there, including his constant interactions with his readers, his efforts to bring people closer to culture and literature, as well as his campaigning against government corruption in Nigeria.

Chuma is a groundbreaking Nigerian writer, who believes great stories can change us, and he proposes that everyone is the owner of their narrative. He also believes in taking action to see the changes he wants in the world. This is why he founded BribeCode, a campaign that looks to empower individuals to fight government corruption in Nigeria. Chuma invites people to ask questions about governance and see beyond their daily needs. He encourages others to consider the needs of others and the needs of the country, as well as to take action to promote good governance.

Chuma Nwokolo is a writer, poet, lawyer, speaker, and an anti corruption advocate. He has been prolific in his work, with numerous books and short stories published since he was still in college. Chuma is a founder of the BribeCode, a campaign that looks to eliminate government corruption in Nigeria and promote good governance.

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Jacqueline-Bethel Mougoué is a feminist historian, assitant professor of African Cultural Studies at the University of Wisconsin, an author, and a speaker. She has focused most of her research on African feminisms and how gender norms and constructions influence the entire identity of a person. She also sits at the editorial board of the Journal of Women’s History and Feminist Africa. 

“Being a Black woman is being Black twice”. That is a phrase that sums up the reality of being a Black woman in this current world. Jacqueline-Bethel Mougoué has dedicated her work as an African Cultural Studies professor and researcher to understand the gender norms that shape the identities of African people as well as the different feminisms that have emerged in the continent.

Yes, feminisms, in plural. There are differences not only between how gender equality is seen in Africa and the US, but also inside the African continent. Through her research, Jacqueline-Bethel has found that there have been different ways in which African women have fought for gender equality. These range from loud and visible protests, to more subtle yet impactful actions at the highest political levels.

She also talks about finding her identity as a Cameroon-born girl who grew up in the United States. Embracing both sides of her required her to be authentic, and taking a look into the history of women around the world helped her accept herself and be proud of who she is. Even when she goes down the less-traveled path.

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In this episode, Zeze interviews Armando Cabral, one of the most famous male supermodels in the world. Listen as they go over the importance of knowing yourself, his journey from model to entrepreneur, and the struggles and successes that brought him to where he is today.

Armando Cabral is one of the most famous male supermodels. He is originally from Guinea-Bissau and he was raised in Portugal, making New York his home later on. Armando ranked among the 20 most influential male models on Earth and he’s in the top 100 most influential people in the world. He decided to become an entrepreneur and now runs an extremely successful fashion company.

Being one of the first in an industry is not an easy achievement. Armando Cabral managed to position himself as one of the best black models in the world during a time in which no one was looking for black male models at all. This wasn’t an easy process. Armando had to make use of all of his tenacity and determination to get that first foot in the door, which came with spectacular success and opened the industry to more black African male models.

Knowing himself, what he was capable of, and believing in himself are the things that allowed Armando to keep pushing and face countless “no” before he got a “yes”. Where most people would have given up, he insisted and did everything he needed to do to improve his chances. Along the road, he has been able to build a successful business as a fashion designer and entrepreneur, and is now known as a style trendsetter.

Armando also opens up about the challenges he faced when he transitioned from modeling to entrepreneurship. He expands on how difficult it is to juggle both his professional obligations and setting aside the time to enjoy his family life. Plus, Armando talks about his drive to contribute something to the world by bringing African fashion to the forefront and helping others who want to be a part of this world.

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Ifeyinwa Frederick is a writer and entrepreneur and she and her brother Emeka are the founders of Chuku’s, a Nigerian restaurant in London. They were motivated by the lack of Nigerian cuisine in the area where they grew up between East London and Essex and the desire to share their culture with others. Ifeyinwa has been listed as one of Forbes’ Top 100 Female Founders in Europe and one of the 15 Most Exciting Food and Drink Entrepreneurs in the UK.

Not knowing how to do something often stops people from living their dreams and bringing their ideas to reality. For Ifeyinwa Frederick it meant a new learning opportunity and a motivation to understand how to do new things. This approach was what helped her and her brother Emeka to start a Nigerian restaurant despite having zero hospitality experience. Playing to their strengths and allowing their creativity to thrive was instrumental to their success.

The overall goal of Chuku’s is to share Nigerian culture and bring people together over Nigerian dishes. They placed a different twist on it by making sure the dishes were easily shared in the shape of Nigerian tapas, allowing people to try things from different areas of Nigeria and get a true introduction to its cuisine. Ifeyinwa opens up about the process of doing this and the strategies she and her brother used to build a community before they had a permanent physical address for Chuku’s and staying in business during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

However, hard work comes with huge challenges and for Ifeyinwa this led to burnout syndrome, which had a huge impact on her life and her way to do things. She realized she was prioritizing success over her mental and physical health. Ifeyinwa understood that the way she was doing things was unsustainable and this has led her to be very vocal about burnout and bringing awareness on this subject. She is also a big advocate for therapy and finding a way to prioritize the truly important things, including your well-being.

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Morolake Akinosun is a Nigerian track and field athlete who grew up in the US and became a gold medalist in the Rio Olympics. She is a Nike sprinter, a 4-time NCAA champion, a Pan-American games gold medalist, and a Junior Championships gold medalist. She is also known as @misfasttwitch on social media. 

Perseverance, talent, and an ability to negotiate are all part of the qualities athletes must have to be successful in the professional setting. Overcoming external challenges that have nothing to do with talent and more with marketing concerns is also part of the trade. However, setting a goal and not giving up on yourself can make all the difference between pushing forward or giving up.

Morolake Akinosun is not one to accept things she hasn’t earned. When she was unable to classify for the Beijing Olympics representing the United States, she was offered a spot in the Nigerian team. She wouldn’t have had to compete for it because a spot for her was guaranteed. However, she decided to continue her training and try again for the US team to go to the Rio Olympics. There, she became an Olympic gold medalist.

Morolake sheds light on the inequalities in the US and the athletic world. Her experience as a  Black woman in the US has made her realize that Black women are always seen as less valuable until they prove their worth. In addition, there is patent gender inequality in the athletic world, which refers to differences in payment but also what is expected of them. While big personalities are valued in men, looks are the most important thing when it comes to women.

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Abdel Abdulai is a portrait lifestyle photographer better known as @boyfromdagbon who carved a name for himself as a street photographer. He has had the opportunity to shoot for some of the biggest publications such as GQ and Esquire. He now is not only a photographer but also an influencer well-known for his style and talent.

This episode is all about street photography, fashion, and the stories that can be told through the lens of the talented Abdel Abdulai. He started his professional life in IT but his creativity and fashion style were always a part of him. After the opportunity to be in Paris’ Fashion Week as a photographer arose, he decided to make photography a part of his life. After a time juggling both IT and photography, he made the switch, which was a smooth transition for him.

Abdel became involved in street photography back in 2010, before Instagram was the giant that it is today. Back then, black African photographers were rare in the fashion industry and their sense of style made them stand out from the rest. Today, as numerous artists bring African fashion and culture into the mainstream, representation is a lot more prevalent.

Abdel has also focused on showing African faces and stories to the rest of the world. His love for portraits has allowed him to capture beautiful images in the continent, with the goal of showcasing the faces that make Africa what it is. For him, one of the key qualities of a photographer is their originality and creativity. Success in this field is all about finding an authentic style and persevering, always.

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Segun Gele was born in Nigeria and he is an entrepreneur and make-up artist who has become well-known in the fashion world for his amazing style. He highlights West African fashion and he is all about bringing headgears to another level. He is a trendsetter and a creative soul that made geles a fashion statement instead of just one more accessory. 

Segun Gele is as authentic as it comes, pursuing the things he likes and turning his vision into reality by exploring his talent. This authenticity is what allowed him to transition from hairdresser to make-up artist, reaching a point that allowed him to open his own salon while he was still in college.

After going to America to work as a journalist and make use of his college major, Segun found himself going back to hairdressing. His road there was far from straightforward, and he had to forget who he had been in Nigeria and become an apprentice in the US. However, his people skills and ability to get out there and offer his talent led him to have an incredible breakthrough that led him to become popular in the social circles of Atlanta and Houston. He became Segun Gele, “the guy who did the gele” and he conquered all of the US with his talent. 

Segun opens up about the importance of bringing passion into business, which has helped him overcome a physical disability and continue in the industry for decades. Building an entire portion of an industry is no easy feat and he has achieved it with confidence, perseverance, and knowing the value of his work. By bringing passion into business, Segun Gele has transformed the fashion world. 

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Kojo Baffoe is the son of a Ghanaian father and a German mother who was raised in Lesotho. He currently lives in Johannesburg, South Africa and is an entrepreneur, writer, content strategist, former men’s magazine editor and speaker, to mention a few of his roles in life. He calls himself a retired poet, and he studied Economics, Marketing and Business Administration. Kojo has worked in multiple sectors and aside from his content creation for different brands, he is in the process of publishing his book titled Listen to Your Footsteps.

In this episode, you will hear all about the possibilities that open up career-wise when you are willing to define your life by your needs and what you envision for yourself. Taking risks and making jumps without knowing how things are going to go is a challenging decision that can be very rewarding at many different levels.

Kojo Baffoe refers to himself as a “professional jack of all trades” and he undoubtedly lives up to the title. He talks about the different studies and jobs he has done and how his unwillingness to define himself by his career has allowed him to explore different pursuits, from being the editor of Destiny Man to entering the business world.

Kojo opens up about his addiction and how he realized he needed help. In the process of getting through this, he achieved self-acceptance and realized he doesn’t need to make excuses for who he is. This journey has helped him in his life and his writing. Kojo is an example of reinvention, perseverance, adaptation, and growth and his goal is to make the voice Africans heard worldwide.   

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Ikenna Ordor is an entrepreneur and the founder and head of different luxury companies. He has been featured on Forbes and The Guardian and he has been called a beacon of hope as the creator of  the Starr Luxury Cars. This has been called the “Airbnb of luxury cars”. Ikenna moved from Nigeria to the UK when he was 14 years old and the example set by his mother, who worked buying and selling houses has been part of what inspires him. In addition to Starr Luxury Cars, he is also the founder of Starr Luxury Jets and Starr Property Management and he plans to continue growing.

Failure is often seen as the worst thing that can happen to a person, especially once they’ve been successful. However, there is an immense strength in restarting, reinventing, and being as consistent as possible to achieve your goal. 

Ikenna Ordor highly values commitment and hard work and he believes always staying busy and taking risks in business is the only way to go. He has faced his share of failure, which he sees as a learning opportunity and experiences that allowed him to keep growing. Ikenna always stayed on his feet, looking for the next investment and working hard and relentlessly in all of his projects.

Ikenna opens up about his past businesses and the experiences that allowed him to build his current company. He emphasizes the importance of networking and investing as well as the power of identifying opportunities. Part of this is assessing anyone he knows as a possible business partner and engaging them and proposing tangible business relationships. Ikenna always keeps in mind growth as his overall goal. Despite being considered highly successful, he sees his businesses as barely on the infancy stage and he aspires to continue advancing and achieving new goals.

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Ore Runsewe is the founder of Arami Essentials, a digital native beauty brand focusing on providing products made with African ingredients. Ore built her business from scratch, first using Instagram as her only platform before expanding to other social media platforms and setting up a website. After moving to Nigeria from the UK, Ore found it difficult to access beauty essential products, which led her to start Arami Essentials.

This episode will give you an inside look at the process of growing a digital native brand and the many aspects that need to be considered during this journey. From growing a following in an organic way to properly including influencers in your marketing strategy.

Ore Runsewe is an expert on building a brand in the digital world. Starting on Instagram was not an easy thing to do, and Ore opens up about the struggles of doing this and how she had to change her life entirely to do so. She recognizes that her ambitious nature and desire to succeed were instrumental to keep her going and achieve her goals. 

Ore shares her experience building her brand, how having a 9-5 job actually helped her to achieve this, and many important insights regarding things to keep in mind before getting started and once you have boarded the ship on entrepreneurship. Living in Nigeria has allowed her to have access to the source of her products, helping her build a brand that focuses on highlighting the natural heritage of African ingredients and presenting them as finished products.

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Vania Leles, founder and Creative Director of Vanleles, exemplifies what it means to be a Third Culture African. She is a world citizen who exudes a rare mix of vibrant African heritage, European sensibility, American dynamism, and a global flair for design and creativity. As a Gemmologist, she sources stones from Africa and produces the jewelry fairly. She is on a mission to become the world's first African fine jewelry house among the top ten global brands.

This episode will open your eyes to the jewelry industry. While you may have heard of blood diamonds and ethical sourcing, you may not be aware of the other barriers preventing diverse creatives and entrepreneurs from entering the industry. 

Vania Leles gives us an insider's perspective on how the mining industry works. Most of the stones leave Africa unpolished and unpriced, meaning the continent is missing out on an opportunity to build industry and wealth. She is passionate about changing this and inspiring other Africans to get into the fine jewelry industry. 

You'll hear how Vania's career evolved and the decisions she made that set up Vanleles for success. Your reputation is precious, maybe even more so than the stones she deals with. So is being persistent in educating others about your product and inspiration. Stand up for yourself and your work.

Tune in to this episode for an insightful journey from the African precious stone mines, across the globe, and back again.

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Meet Tiwalola Ogunlesi, a self-love activist, confidence coach, and inspirational speaker specializing in positive psychology. The founder of Confident and Killing It, she is on a mission to wake women up to their self-worth so they can be more confident and empowered. She wants every woman to live the life she truly deserves.

Get ready to feel inspired and uplifted as Tiwalola Ogunlesi chats with Zeze about why all women deserve self-love. It was working with teenage girls that inspired Tiwalola to launch Confident and Killing It. It is time to stop the generational cycles and messages that impact our self-talk and personal beliefs. 

Hear more about Tiwalola's journey to becoming a personal coach and the importance of authenticity. She candidly speaks about burnout, the pandemic's impact on her business, and the challenges of change. Join us for an insightful conversation into personal evolution and transforming lives. 

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Abisola Omole is CEO and Creative Director of The Apartment Global Group. Her creative entrepreneurial career launched in 2012 with The Apartment, a creative hub for digital creators to foster brand relationships. Today her ventures have grown into a digital and creative agency, event production and design, a contemporary lifestyle brand, and an interior design studio. She is a model for what millennials, African women, and plus-size women can achieve in any industry.

You may be wondering how Abisola Omole, or Abimarvel as her fans know her, juggles her various ventures. In this episode, Abi reflects on how her career has evolved. Learn about starting The Apartment while a student at the University of the Arts in London and how it grew over time. She speaks about finding people to help grow the venture. Hear how the power of reflection has influenced where she is at in her career today.

Abi and Zeze also speak to the influencer’s role and how that role is evolving in the digital landscape. As a blogger since 2008, Abi’s worked with and around influencers since their earliest days.

The episode ends discussing Abi’s work creating a respected high-fashion platform for the plus-size market. Abi recently joined the Harper’s Bazaar US team as its first plus-sized fashion columnist.

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African actress, producer, and entrepreneur Eku Edewor has an extensive resume. She is a notable figure of influence, having worked with Martini Rose, Calvin Klein, Lancôme, and Maiyegun Beach Estate. She is passionate about media in Africa and the art of powerful storytelling. 

You might ask an aspiring actress or TV personality why they would stay in Africa over trying their luck in Hollywood. Eku Edewor is proud of Nigeria and her roots. She sees her role as representing the country's best and proving what the African media does is world-class. While many know her on-screen persona, she delights surprising others with her off-screen work ethic and drive.

A common thread is the ability to use media, whether as an actor, producer, writer, or director, to relay stories. Eku moved into producing because she was continuously disappointed by how the stories she worked on as an actress were coming across. She saw firsthand why creatives need to be in the driver's seat.

Hear during this episode from Eku her thoughts on the demands our social world puts on celebrities, keeping things private, and what trait is key to succeeding at your work.

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Third Culture Africans Podcast is back. We have an exciting season 2 ahead of us, and can't wait to hear our amazing guests and the invaluable experiences they are willing to share with us.

The first season of Third Culture Africans introduced us to the change makers putting the African continent on the map. We’ve heard from some incredible professionals, entrepreneurs, and artists about how they define and create success in their respective fields. These trailblazers have a few traits in common. Today we reflect on a few lessons we’ve learned from our guests: the value of being true to yourself, following your passion, and investing in what you care about.

Fashion-preneur Fisayo Longe reflects on how being open to sharing her journey is core to where she is at today. She speaks to how being herself is key to the growth of her business.

Guest Tiwa Works founded the Atlanta Greek Picnic, the largest event in the United States for black fraternities and sororities. Now drawing thousands to city each year, the event came about from Tiwa following his passion for business and entertainment. In this segment, he touches on losses, learning, and never giving up.

The U.N. recognized Efe as one of the Most Influential African People. His entrepreneurial journey has been able tackling the big problems, and he’s had some major successes along the way. During his interview, Efe discusses a time he was involved in something he realized he didn’t truly care about and the lesson learned.

Serial entrepreneur Charles Sekwalor has plenty of experience solving problems through business. Through MoveMeBack, he has set an ambitious goal to bring 500 million jobs to Africa. Here, he unpacks his approach to problem-solving.

Arese is on a mission to help women take control of their financial independence. In her episode, she talks about how one thing led to another: small articles created a following, leading to workshops, and eventually the book idea.

Misan has captured photos of the royal family, film icons, and supermodels. Now Misan Harriman is the first black photographer to photo a cover for Vogue. He talks in Third Culture Africans about his obsessions with photography.

Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao attended Grenoble Ecole De Management where she received a Master’s in International Business. She also holds a Bsc (Hons) in Informatics. She is mother, an international and entrepreneurial leader. The Founder and Managing director of Malée Natural Science; Africa’s 1st global luxury fragrance and body care brand operating across two continents with products available in 9 countries in wholesale, B2B, Hospitality, E-commerce and travel retail. An advisory board member and Program director at INNOCOS, the world beauty innovations summit as well as a consultant and international speaker and beauty industry expert on the luxury beauty and cosmetics industry, sustainability practices, innovation, disruption, trends and brand heritage.

Featured in international TV and Media publications such as CNN, The Telegraph, Grazia, ELLE Magazine, Glamour, Oprah Magazine and Atlanta Post. She is a pioneer of Female owned luxury business in Africa and is passionate about innovation. Zeze is the host of the pioneering podcast Third Culture Africans. She shares entrepreneurial tips and more on her personal website Zezeonline.com

Tiwa Works’ positivity has buoyed him into becoming a world-class entrepreneur and leader. An entrepreneur, real estate agent, and motivator, he founded Tiwaworks International, which annually hosts the United States’ largest black Greek letter event, the Atlanta Greek Picnic. It draws over 25,000 people to Atlanta with a $7.5-million impact.

Nigerian-British born Tiwa Williams, known better as Tiwa Works, was raised in a family of entrepreneurs. Tiwa makes friends everywhere he goes; his infectious optimism is at the root of his multiple successful business ventures. The most notable is the Atlanta Greek Picnic. Hear how this multi-million-dollar event came about and its legacy.

Tiwa covers a lot of ground in this podcast, with insights on everything from the power of black fraternities and sororities to having the American experience. He speaks about systemic racism, the riots in Atlanta, and fostering the necessary change. He touches on his influences: his parents, Jim Rohn, and others. Learn why you always need to be looking for opportunities and the importance of networking to grow your business.

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Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao attended Grenoble Ecole De Management where she received a Master’s in International Business. She also holds a BSc (Hons) in Informatics. She is a mother, and an international and entrepreneurial leader. The Founder and Managing director of Malée Natural Science; Africa’s 1st global luxury fragrance and body care brand operating across two continents with products available in 9 countries in wholesale, B2B, Hospitality, E-commerce and travel retail. An advisory board member and Program Director at INNOCOS, the world beauty innovations summit as well as a consultant and international speaker and beauty industry expert on the luxury beauty and cosmetics industry, sustainability practices, innovation, disruption, trends, and brand heritage.

Charles Sekwalor is a serial entrepreneur and advisor on a mission to change and influence lives through small businesses and investment. Notably, he is the CEO and founder of Movemeback, a community that connects professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and influencers with inspiring opportunities in Africa. He’s on a mission to drive economic and social growth through individuals and organizations.

Before big brand names like Uber or Facebook come onto the continent, someone is laying the groundwork. Chale Sekwalor is one of those change-makers. Where ambitious goals and problems turn others away, he embraces the challenge and shows what is possible when we stretch our capacity.

Chale covers a lot of ground, but so has his career. He’s worked for big names like Tesco and McKinsey. He talks about the journey into full-time entrepreneurship and the drive to solve problems. There is some frank talk about financing and the challenges facing businesses. Tune in to learn from Chale’s insights and experiences.

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Meet Aduke Onafowokan, a lead associate at Inclusivitii and Founder of The Sister Sister Network. She is passionate about corporate social responsibility and teaching others. Professionally, she works to help leading companies develop and retain talented people while creating inclusive, diverse, and effective teams. With The Sister Sister Network, she helps empower women to tap into their natural abilities and become even more effective leaders.

It’s hard to miss the passion in a conversation with Aduke Onafowokan. A lifelong learner and natural educator, she speaks candidly about inclusivity and diversity in the workforce. Learn her approach to tackling diversity and inclusion in the workforce and how she guides corporations toward seizing opportunities.

She touches on how successful people need a village of support.  Aduke Onafowokan is a parent, and she understands the push and pull people feel to juggle their lives. She talks about the importance of emotional education and knowing your worth. Hear what inspired The Sister Sister Network and its growth.

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Tara Gbolade makes ordinary places extraordinary. Founder of Gbolade Design Studios, she focuses on the community when designing her spaces. As a result, she’s a 2018 RIBA Rising Star Winner and has been tapped to work on council housing projects.

Zeze and Tara Gbolade discuss her journey from Nigeria to the UK and her boarding school experiences. Hear about her early career in architecture and what inspired her to start her business. Surrounding herself with the right people spurred her growth.

Her Nigerian roots influence how she views UK spaces. Tara believes in the importance of place-making and the sense of identity that comes with a home. She explains why she thinks about creating social connections when designing spaces. Lastly, she talks about overcoming challenges in launching a new business venture.

In this episode, we talk about:

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Hanneli Rupert is the trailblazing founder and social impact champion of the sustainable African accessory label Okapi. It’s hailed as a farm-to-fashion concept and works to contribute to rural communities’ development by creating stable, long-lasting jobs. She founded the pioneering Merchants on Long, a store championing authentically made African brands.

Something clear from Hanneli Rupert is her passion for materials and sustainability. She discusses the importance of sustainability sourced materials as a way of investing in communities through jobs and skilled labor. The quality of the craftsmanship always comes to the forefront.

Paired with that is a need to elevate African voices. Hanneli isn’t looking for European heritage products with an African spin; she sources authentically African materials and voices.

Hanneli also touches on building supply chains and logically building markets. Hear her take on the importance of creative ventures in the pandemic world.

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Some call Adebola Williams the man who helped elect three African Presidents. As the CEO and co-founder of Red Africa, a portfolio of youth media brands which includes Statecraft Inc and YNaija, Williams is in the business of nation-building.

One thing clear after listening to Adebola Williams is a deep-rooted passion for uplifting others. Always the kid concerned about other people, he recognized the power of our voice early on. His relentless drive to find ways to share his voice and help others amplify themselves led him across careers.

Hear from Adebola firsthand about why the focus should always be on the people. He has a true passion for reaching young people and speaking to them using different platforms. Through the conversation, he shares the importance of pursuing what you care about with courage and putting yourself where you want to be.

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Adora Mba is the founder and director of The Afropolitan Collector, an art advisory platform specializing in contemporary African art. They work with art organizations and clients to find exceptional pieces and promote the growing African art market.

Adora Mba has a deep love for art. As a child of two cultures, educated in the UK and United States, her travels exposed her to art around the world. In today’s episode, Adora reflects on how her home life inspired her love for art, even if her parents didn’t see it as a career. She talks about working in public relations and journalism and being at forefront of bringing art to the mainstream media.

Along Adora’s journey to founding the Afropolitan Collector, she moved to Ghana. She touches about the country’s rich culture and the role of art in African culture. Adora speaks to new artists and the need to have a story behind the product. She also talks about opportunities that arose from putting herself out there and being willing to take risks.

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Wale Davies, also known as Tec, is a creative pioneer and figurehead of the independent music scene in Africa. As a musician entrepreneur, he is a record label owner, a production company owner, video and film director, and talent manager.

Music is not a career most African parents want to see their kids pursuing. That may be why many parents tried to have Wale Davies dissuade their youth from entering the industry. But Wale is the perfect example of living your passion. Music is encoded into his DNA. Through the rap duo Show Dem Camp, this love has become a thriving career.

In Wale Davies’ journey from finance student to musician, you will hear firsthand about hard work, living authentically, and the need to keep learning. He’s added to his skill sets over the years, which has diversified his knowledge base and led to new opportunities.

He will also touch on the advantages of being an independent artist. Learn where he sees the music industry going and how it’s different from when Show Dem Camp started.

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Efe Edmund Olotu is the CEO of TechAdvance, a fintech infrastructure company that provides platforms to enable transaction processing and payment collection, aggregation, and reconciliation. He is a cutting-edge fintech entrepreneur, having been a founding investor and CEO of other companies like biotech company Novira Therapeutics, Nigeria’s G-Pay Instant Payments, and SuperGeeks Services and Solutions.  He has dedicated the last decade to advancing technological solutions for businesses in Africa. The United Nations named Efe one of the 100 Most Influential People of African descent.

Listen to Efe Edmund Olotu’s entrepreneurial journey, and the importance of learning, pivoting, and solving problems come to the forefront. Over the decades, his passion for providing solutions has led him to be a leading African entrepreneur. He’s learned from his incredible successes and failures and shares some lessons. Efe hasn’t been afraid to step back to gain experience or change his mind about something.

Hear about some of the challenges facing young African entrepreneurs in raising capital and building an investment infrastructure. He touches on how COVID-19 has exposed business gaps and the need for entrepreneurs to take advantage of them. Finally, hear about Efe’s interesting side hobbies and overcoming his fear of the water.

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Learn all about Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao

Lerato Umah-Shaylor is the founder and chef at Lerato Foods and Naturals. She runs immersive supper clubs and culinary classes in London and writes about food for The Guardian in Nigeria. She was a TV chef for Good Morning Nigeria and producer for the show THE BITE.

Lerato Umah-Shaylor is passionate about celebrating African food traditions with the world. In her career as a food journalist, TV chef, and cookery school owner, she has championed African dishes and making them accessible to the audience. She discusses how she does this through the available kitchen equipment and adjusting the recipes.

Hear her thought processes behind different business decisions she’s made during her career. Everything has been done with the intention to celebrate and start discussions around Africa’s culinary tradition. Lerato celebrates food’s ability to nurture and create relationships with others.

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Arieta Mujay is a marketing and communications expert who has worked with brands across the globe. In her continuously evolving career, she’s styled celebrity photoshoots, collaborated with globally renowned artists, founded an agency, contributed to Cosmopolitan Online, and worked for a United Nations incentive.

Behind every famous person, every movement, every cultural shift, there are the people you see. Then there are the influencers you don’t know, but should. Arieta Mujay is a stylist, PR chameleon, and communications guru who has been a pivotal player behind the shifting culture in and about the African community for the last decade. Today’s podcast details her journey from university student to someone who’s worked with people like Kelly Osbourne, Rihanna, and Kelis.

Hear firsthand about how hard work and hustle will take you places. Arieta’s career started by embracing opportunities and being willing to keep learning. Each job and side hustle led to something else, sometimes bigger and more life-changing than before.

She talks about the incredible experience partnering with Rihanna. She also touches on her take on life as a Third Culture African, and how our culture has shifted over these two decades to include more of our voices.

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Chibundu Onuzo, Ph.D., is the acclaimed and award-winning author of “The Spider King’s Daughter” and “Welcome to Lagos.” Currently a freelance writer in the UK, she was born in Nigeria. She started writing at 17 and was published by 21.

If you’re interested in what it takes to become one of the youngest writers named as Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, hear the journey of author Chibundu Onuzo. She started writing her first novel at age 14, and her first book hit the shelves age 21. She discusses her early years writing and creating, her path to traditional publication, the journey since.

Additionally, Chibundu and Zeze dive into meaningful cultural conversations, such as tackling cultural ignorance, what defines “Third Culture African,” and the layered meaning behind the question, “where are you from?”

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Trevyn McGowan is a pivotal force behind advancing contemporary African design and presenting it to the world. She’s the founder and co-CEO of The Guild Group, a platform with 12 companies that facilitate international collaborations, hosting art exhibitions, and exporting retail design products. Her mission is to amplify African design’s place in the global marketplace.

Trevyn breaks down two aspects of her work. First are the collaborations and relationships fostered in the artistic company. She talks about how her role on the business side of art helps artists be creative, the influence of partnerships inside the company and with the community, and fostering an artistic industry in Africa.

The second aspect is about starting, scaling, and running a design business. Listen to how The Guild Group evolved into time and Trevyn McGowan’s advice for others starting their businesses. She shares insights into what it takes to grow an authentic business.

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Ernest Danjuma is the founding partner of The Denda Group, a brand design and growth hacking company using digital storytelling to elevate startups, small businesses, and social enterprises. During his career, he’s been a construction project manager, writer, engineer, entrepreneur, and business strategist. He is passionate about African-owned businesses and startups.

Ernest Danjuma illustrates there is more than one pathway to success. He journeyed from construction management to brand design while building a platform to elevate African voices and issues. Now he uses his influence to highlight vital issues and support Africans.

Ernest is someone recognized for being at the change-making events of the last decade. Learn from him why being present was important. Hear the conversations that changed his perspective on the continent and reshaped his values.

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Arese Ugwu is the founder of Smart Money Africa, a personal finance platform targeting millennial Africans, with a mission to educate all Africans about financial literacy. Arese's ground-breaking books, The Smart Money Woman and Smart Money Tribe, are helping young Africans make wiser financial decisions to empower their futures.

It’s important to Arese Ugwu that women become more self-aware about financial issues. Her passion is rooted in her personal experiences. She had a career in finance, but even with her knowledge about growing wealth and making investments, the reality of managing personal finances was driven home when she became a single mother. From her experiences facing financial challenges, she wants others to learn how to manage their money better.

Hear about how Arese came around to authoring her books and some interesting experiences setting up a tour. She talks about the power of social media and using the platforms she organically built to create her business.

During the conversation, Arese talks about peer pressure as a detriment to saving and investing. A key theme is spending should be a reflection of your values and not spending like society thinks you should.

Listen to this episode for Arese Ugwu’s advice about personal finances and what she has learned from starting her business.

It’s important to Arese Ugwu that women become more self-aware about financial issues. Her passion is rooted in her personal experiences. She had a career in finance, but even with her knowledge about growing wealth and making investments, the reality of managing personal finances was driven home when she became a single mother. From her experiences facing financial challenges, she wants others to learn how to manage their money better.

Hear about how Arese came around to authoring her books and some interesting experiences setting up a tour. She talks about the power of social media and using the platforms she organically built to create her business.

During the conversation, Arese talks about peer pressure as a detriment to saving and investing. A key theme is spending should be a reflection of your values and not spending like society thinks you should.

Listen to this episode for Arese Ugwu’s advice about personal finances and what she has learned from starting her business.

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In print, online, on screen, and in person, Arese is leading the charge in guiding young Africans as they start their journey to financial literacy. The success of her first book ‘The Smart Money Woman’ led her to a wildly successful Pan-African book tour and spawned ‘The Smart Money Woman’ television series, of which she is Executive Producer.

She is also the co-executive producer and host of BusinessDay's The Bridge, a contributor to multiple publications, a sought-after speaker on the continent and serves on several boards including for House of Tara, the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation as a non-executive director and is an associate member of WIMBIZ.

Her experience working in wealth management in Nigeria led her to build the Smart Money Africa brand, a multimedia Financial education platform purpose-built to facilitate African millennials’ conversations about investments, wealth, entrepreneurship, and employment that motivate young people to learn new, diverse ways to earn, keep and grow wealth.

She holds an MSc in Economic Development from University College London (UCL) and a BSc in Business and Management from Aston Business School, Birmingham. She is also an alumna of the of the Lagos Business School, INSEAD Abu Dhabi, and The London School of Business executive education programs.

Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao attended Grenoble Ecole De Management, where she received a Master’s in International Business. She also holds a BSc (Hons) in Informatics. She is a mother, and an international and entrepreneurial leader. The Founder and Managing director of Malée Natural Science; Africa’s 1st global luxury fragrance and body care brand operating across two continents with products available in 9 countries in wholesale, B2B, Hospitality, E-commerce and travel retail. An advisory board member and Program Director at INNOCOS, the world beauty innovations summit as well as a consultant and international speaker and beauty industry expert on the luxury beauty and cosmetics industry, sustainability practices, innovation, disruption, trends, and brand heritage.

Featured in international TV and Media publications such as CNN, The Telegraph, Grazia, ELLE Magazine, Glamour, Oprah Magazine, and Atlanta Post. She is a pioneer of Female owned luxury business in Africa and is passionate about innovation. Zeze is the host of the pioneering podcast Third Culture Africans. She shares entrepreneurial tips and more on her personal website Zezeonline.com.

Fisayo Longe dives into her history and evolution from a corporate background in accounting to a fashion-preneur. She talks about seeking her degree, being kicked out of university, and if the education is worth it.

A large part of her brand has been inviting others into her life. She didn’t start blogging with the intention to monetize and grow a brand; it evolved naturally. Fisayo nurtured her passion for fashion and travel into a career. Being her true self has been a way for her to be creative and empower others.

Hear Fisayo Longe’s advice about blogging as a destination. She shares her advice on monetizing the blog and why authenticity matters.

Fisayo Longe is the owner and creative director of Kai Collective; a womenswear brand described by ELLE UK as ‘transcending trends’. After three years as an accountant at KPMG, she set out to focus on building her personal brand as a fashion, travel and lifestyle content creator through which she has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Google, Lancome, Facebook and Aldo. She now teaches aspiring creative entrepreneurs how to transition from content creators to profitable entrepreneurs through her initiative, the Clan of Creatives and has shared her insight on panels at Cambridge University, Warwick University, and the Ernst & Young foundation.

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Meet Afua Osei, the co-founder of Motherland Mogul Media which comprises of digital media platform She Leads Africa and the networking SLAY Festival. Her work reaches over 700,000 women across the world. Forbes Africa listed her as one of the youngest power women in Africa in 2014.

Afua Osei has an interesting backstory as someone born in the United States to immigrant parents who now lives in Nigeria. In this episode, she talks about the differences in her parents as immigrants and immigration today.

Listen to what inspired her evolution as someone passionate about Africa and women. Afua has a positive mindset rooted in faith. While her work as brought accolades, she believes in lifting up others and giving them space to shine.

Afua and Zeze also get real about what entrepreneurship means to your pocketbook. The successful entrepreneurs are motivated by purpose more than financial reward. Afua gives advice for someone starting a business and why you should enjoy the process.

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Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao attended Grenoble Ecole De Management, where she received a Master’s in International Business. She also holds a Bsc (Hons) in Informatics. She is a mother, an international and entrepreneurial leader. The Founder and Managing director of Malée Natural Science; Africa’s 1st global luxury fragrance and body care brand operating across two continents with products available in 9 countries in wholesale, B2B, Hospitality, E-commerce and travel retail. An advisory board member and Program Director at INNOCOS, the world beauty innovations summit as well as a consultant and international speaker and beauty industry expert on the luxury beauty and cosmetics industry, sustainability practices, innovation, disruption, trends, and brand heritage.

Featured in international TV and Media publications such as CNN, The Telegraph, Grazia, ELLE Magazine, Glamour, Oprah Magazine, and Atlanta Post. She is a pioneer of Female owned luxury business in Africa and is passionate about innovation. Zeze is the host of the pioneering podcast Third Culture Africans. She shares entrepreneurial tips, and more on her website Zezeonline.com.

Rozan Ahmed is a visionary, humanitarian, writer, and much more. Throughout her life journey, she’s become a bold force for change. She advocates for the arts, a cultural ambassador, and exemplar of the African Renaissance. 

Rozan Ahmed is a champion of finding your voice and living your authentic self. In this podcast, learn from Rozan’s journey as an immigrant refugee to a leading voice in the global African story. She talks about her experiences in Grime culture, moving onto the next medium, and the inspirations behind her various endeavors.

Ownership of the African Renaissance is something currently on Rozan’s radar. What does it mean to be an African today? How can Africans be a part of the conversation instead of having labels thrown our way? 

In this episode, we talk about:

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Michelle De Klerk is the founder of The Women’s Chapter, a movement for women in business to connect, inspire, and thrive. An entrepreneur herself, she’s also built careers as a journalist, marketing director, and business development consultant. 

Listen to Michelle discuss her inspiration and reason for founding The Women’s Chapter. She covers the validation for the work and the need for women in high-impact careers to support each other.

Michelle De Klerk talks about how her various career roles influenced the entrepreneur she is today. Michelle touch on what it’s like being a parent, managing a career, and starting a business. She discusses how parenthood enhances the entrepreneurial service mindset.

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Ifeanyi Oganwu is the founder of Expand Design Ltd, a London-based studio with a unique take on architecture and furniture design. His work fuses craftsmanship and digital technology inspired by the world around him.

Now celebrating ten years, Ifeanyi Oganwu offers insights into his design process. They cover his background, influences, and unique approach to materials. While we view his work aesthetically, Ifeanyi has a more mathematical and formal way of discussing his work. He sees himself as separate from what he produces.

Learn where Ifeanyi has been and where the next ten years will take him!

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Winifred Awa is the CEO and Founder of Antidote Street, a global beauty marketplace for multi-cultural women. She talks to Zeze about the relationship women of color have with their hair. Along the way, she dives into her personal history and discovering her natural hair. Winifred discusses how Antidote Street is bringing the salon experience for women of color into the modern era.

Winnie didn’t start in the beauty industry. She originally was an analyst with IBM Business Consulting Services. She stepped into the industry working with Net-a-Porter as a Strategic Program Manager. Winifred Awa discusses the pivot and the need for the work of her hands to have a real impact. Learn about the beginnings of Antidote Street and advocating for her business.

Misan Harriman, a jack of all trades. Currently gaining attention for his photojournalism, he’s captured images of high-profile celebrities such as Princess Beatrice’s engagement photos. But he’s more complex than an eye behind a lens.

He is a content curator, consultant, social strategist, and more. He’s made waves in digital publishing and social media as the founder of What We Seee, a platform of curated, inspirational stories from an array of voices.

Misan Harriman breaks down his roots, starting with boarding school and dropping out of university. He works through what he learned as a club promoter, his experiences as a headhunter pre-recession, and moving into the digital publishing landscape. Misan discusses the importance of authenticity and how we’ve lost track of the power of the internet.

Misan sees his platform as a way to elevate the promise of the human conditions. He doesn’t shy away from activism or invoking cultural conversations. They briefly touch on the pressures of cultural heritage, the role of privilege, and giving opportunities to others to excel.

Touria El-Glaoui is the founder of 1-54, the first leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Touria takes us a journey from her Moroccan heritage to a career in finance in the United States, to rediscovering the vibrant African art world.

In creating 1-54, Touria El-Glaoui ’s mission is to give contemporary African art the platform and voice it deserves. She talks about its creation, navigating early obstacles, and important decisions that set 1-54 up for success. 1-54 created a market that wasn’t present at its launch in 2013.

Touria gives advice for emerging African artists and 1-54’s role in inspiring the next generation. She talks about while having a good partner could be helpful, it’s important to know you can do things as an independent woman.

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Meet Eva Sonaike, the person behind the luxury interior design company of the same name. Her home textiles and furnishings have a vibrant West-African aesthetic with high-quality manufacturing and hand-finished designs.

Today she discusses how her early career in fashion journalism helped her gain the confidence to launch her brand. She has long been passionate about African fabrics and design but started in interior design from scratch. Learn why she chose to use her name as the company name and why it’s important to never compromise on your standards.

Eva draws on her background. She was born to Nigerian parents in Germany and adopted by a German family. Embracing different cultures is important to her, and what drew her to the UK. She reflects on breaking barriers and becoming mainstream. The chat ends with a discussion on finding the balance between home and work demands.

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Ayo Adeyinka is the founder of TAFETA galleries. Today Ayo is a recognized specialist in modern and contemporary African arts, but he started in the financial world. Dive into Ayo’s early years and influences to hear his journey from accounting to art consulting and founding TAFETA.

The discussion turns to Africa’s rich cultural history as a launching point for contemporary and modern artists. They tackle what it means to be a third culture African and how Africans around the globe are reconnecting with their roots.

Additionally, Ayo and Zeze discuss the work behind growing and running a thriving brand. What does putting the customer first mean in their business? Learn why TAFETA values building communities and relationships.

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Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao attended Grenoble Ecole De Management where she received a Master’s in International Business. She also holds a Bsc (Hons) in Informatics. She is mother, an international and entrepreneurial leader. The Founder and Managing director of Malée Natural Science; Africa’s 1st global luxury fragrance and body care brand operating across two continents with products available in 9 countries in wholesale, B2B, Hospitality, E-commerce and travel retail. An advisory board member and Program director at INNOCOS, the world beauty innovations summit as well as a consultant and international speaker and beauty industry expert on the luxury beauty and cosmetics industry, sustainability practices, innovation, disruption, trends and brand heritage.

Featured in international TV and Media publications such as CNN, The Telegraph, Grazia, ELLE Magazine, Glamour, Oprah Magazine and Atlanta Post. She is a pioneer of Female owned luxury business in Africa and is passionate about innovation. Zeze is the host of the pioneering podcast Third Culture Africans. She shares entrepreneurial tips and more on her personal website Zezeonline.com

Every Monday starting February 10th, join me as I sit down with culture changers, industry disruptors to learn about their journeys. The challenges and obstacles they have overcome to achieve their success and living with purpose.