From Rebrand to Radiance: The Timeless Elegance of Moelle Essentials

Bellafricana published in Articles, bellafricana, Exclusive Interviews, Health & Beauty, Meet The Founders June 25, 2019

Meet The Founder Of Ovelly Naturals – Exclusive Interview

In this exclusive interview, I had the privilege to learn about the brain behind Ovelly Naturals, and how she started an amazing natural skin care brand here in Nigeria, that caters for the African Skin and protects it from dangerous chemicals. Olubukola birthed her business while on a quest for safe and non-toxic skin care products.

Bellafricana published in Events June 19, 2019

Pike and Hawley Presents The Leap Masterclass With Debola Williams

The Leap Masterclass is a branding and networking masterclass for CEOs, top level managers, sales executives, HR leads, and millennials, with Adebola Williams, popularly known as Debola Lagos.

Adebola (debolalagos) Williams is the Group CEO of RED For Africa. A pioneer at the intersection of media, democracy and social change. He co-founded and runs RED For Africa, Africa’s largest portfolio of youth media brands engaging the continent’s youth with leading brands like Red Media Africa, StateCraft Inc, The Future Awards Africa, YNaija.com, amongst others.

Popular for his work as a political strategist, he’s been Profiled by Forbes

and CNN as the man who helped elect a trifecta of three incumbent Presidents in Africa. In 2018 he was bestowed Marketing Edge Innovative Leader In PR and Image management award.

Adebola’s work re-engineering society through youth development earned him the Mandela Washington Fellow and British Council global change maker. He’s been named by Forbes as one of Africa’s best entrepreneurs under 30, recipient of the CNBC Young Business Leader of the Year award, in 2017 he was named The African Young Achiever by EMY Ghana and same year named by the as one of 100 Most Influential People of African Descent under the United Nations international decade for people of African descent. Also awarded an ArchBishop Desmond Tutu Fellowship in South Africa and Oxford Business School, in 2019 he was named Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

Adebola credits a big part of his success to his ability to network and connect opportunities. He’s also built one of the most formidable brands of this generation.

Come and learn how exactly you can convert your network to your net-worth, create new relationships and build a brand that attracts opportunities.

Reservations: ‭08094780099‬.

Inquiries: pikeandhawley@gmail.com

Limited seats available.

Event details are as follows ;

Date : June 22nd 2019

Time: 10am

Venue: Ikoyi, Lagos

Bellafricana is a partner for the Leap Masterclass.

Bellafricana published in Articles, Events, Fashion May 30, 2019

West Africa’s Biggest Leather Fair Is Back!!!

The third edition of the Lagos Leather Fair will hold on the 7th and 8th of September 2019, and will bring together, under one roof, the major stakeholders along the leather value chain. Over the two days, leather designers of handbags, footwear, furniture and small leather goods will congregate to showcase their products to a discerning audience.

The last two editions have succeeded in creating incredible exposure for the creators and designers of finished leather products, and has helped shed light on an industry which has been described as the ‘next gold mine’. The Fair has proven that by showcasing Made-in-Nigeria products on a continuous basis can only increase visibility and access to market, drive job creation and positively impact revenue. There is a need to provide an enabling environment that will help create dignified employment, build and increase capacities that will gradually bring about commercial-level production.

This year, the fair, themed, ‘ADVANCING THE CONVERSATION’, is all about a call to action. Steps must be taken to enhance the creative efforts of practitioners across the value chain, and aggressively upscale the skills of artisans within the industry. It has become obvious that there is a need to provide an enabling environment and invest in everything necessary to build capacities across the supply chain in order to achieve commercial-level production and well finished, higher-value exportable products, and in so doing, create dignified employment. The time has come to advance the conversation so that the Fair’s objectives of growing a skilled workforce, aspiring to global standards and achieving enhanced marketability can be met

The event will feature masterclasses and creative workshops by a host of industry experts, and delight our audience with amazing catwalk presentations. Apart from the leather designers, tannery owners, manufacturers of finished leather goods, suppliers of machinery, tools and equipment, and suppliers of accessories and components will also be present. Finally, retail experts, and branding and marketing professionals will be in attendance to share their knowledge and expertise.

Bellafricana published in Fashion, Meet The Founders, Textiles May 20, 2019

Meet The Founder Of Asologe Fashion House

One part of my job I love the most, is being able to connect with amazing entrepreneurs and founders of unique, Afrocentric and indigenous brands. It is truly an honor to be able to hear their stories directly from them, as they take you through the journey of why they started, how they started, and how far they have come.

Today’s interview feature is about an amazing young lady, who founded the Asologe Fashion House. AFH produces uniquely designed hand-dyes Adire fabrics that give your outfit a contemporary edge. Read our interesting conversation below. I know you will enjoy it.

Please introduce yourself and your background

HI…… My name is Bibire Fawehinmi, from the famous “Fawehinmi” family in Ondo town of Ondo west local government, Ondo state. Born into a family of a High court judge and an entrepreneur (fabric seller) with 2 siblings; an elder sister and a younger brother.

Lived all my childhood and teen years in Ondo with my parents. I studied Mathematics Education in the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, ile-ife in Osun state where I finished with an upper class.

Tell us about your work. How did Asologe Fashion House start?

I am a full time African print manufacturer and seller. Asologe Fashion House is a brand name I coined from my love for fabrics in general, maybe because I was born into it. I had always dreamed of owning one of the most luxurious fabric stores. Asologe which means ‘CLOTH IS FASHION’ simply explains itself.

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

I love to call my business, Asologe, for a short………asides my love for prints, I got to know more about Adire while in camp in 2017 in Akwa Ibom during the one-week SAED training (smiles). My very first teacher goes by the name Pst Abiodun, then after the camp, I redeployed to Lagos but that didn’t stop me from learning more, I had a one month training with my teacher via WhatsApp. YouTube too was(is) a great teacher too.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

With this little knowledge from my boss, I started and I can boldly say that sustained me for more than 8months in the business. Later, I would go through some pages on Instagram and keep wondering how they dyed a particular design, then i knew I was obsolete and I needed new (fresh) knowledge and that was when I furthered and had another one month training with my boss 2 at Surulere, here in Lagos state.

Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

For me, I get my inspiration from some kind of fabric I see around (Ankara) and I’m always like, we can replicate something like this on our Adire and that’s it.

Can you remember one of the first products you made? What makes it memorable?

My very first client asides (families and friends) was (is) a Nigerian in the London. He purchased 100yards of Adire, which now, I will say are very basic Adire (smiles) and he paid me 70% before I started the work. Upon completion, the remaining was paid before I took to NAAN at ikeja. For me, that was a great way to start and part of what keeps me going.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

Hmmm, challenges though, for me, the first will be sourcing for fabric and getting them at the needed time. Sudden increase in amount of dyes and chemicals. Also, man-power, because the higher you go, the more hands needed, which I will say are not so willing and ready…………….

Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?

But still, I don’t have any regrets venturing into this business at. All………

What is your most popular product?

Hmmmm, most popular product, I can’t say because all product has its season and time. January, we might have more sales from Adire lace……. Next month might just be hundreds of scarfs………

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

I believe all dreams are valid and I see Asologe becoming a household business name with proper and operational manufacturing systems in play. I just don’t want to have dyeing pit. I want to have a manufacturing plant where we can manufacture our dyes and chemicals, workers that are ready and totally in sync with the company’s vision.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I cherish family so much and for that, one of my goal is to keep my family as the priority above all.

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in the Fashion industry?

I am a big lover and die-hard fan of bread (smiles)…….and I hope to have a mini bakery someday. For profession, I can’t think of any really……… but maybe an investment banker.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

My first advice will be, ensure you have an extra stream of income. Be ready to meet an entirely new people. Be patient.

Bellafricana published in africa, Articles, News May 20, 2019

NEPC restores AGOA visa stamp to exporters

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has re-introduced the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Visa Stamp to exporters to ensure that they participate and benefit more from the Act before it expires in 2025.

AGOA is an act of parliament passed by the United States Congress in 2000. Also referred to as Trade and Development Act, it was meant to assist the economies of sub-Saharan Africa and improve economic relations between the U.S and the region.

AGOA is currently in act until 2025. After completion of the initial 15-year period it was extended by one more decennium, including newly added products. The products newly covered by the legislation include items such as:

Agricultural products
Apparel and footwear
Motor vehicle components
Chemicals
Wine
Steel

So why is this act interesting for you as exporter? AGOA provides Nigerian exporters with numerous attractive advantages in doing international business:

Duty-free access for eligible products to USA
Significant competitive tariff advantages over non-AGOA countries
Encouragement of regional integration and production sharing among beneficiary countries
Security of the act ensured until 2025

To be duty-free eligible under AGOA, US customs requires a certificate of origin and an AGOA stamp on a commercial invoice. These documents are needed in addition to the always required documentation for imports. You cannot apply for AGOA certification in the US. It must be done by yourself in Nigeria.

If you want to benefit from AGOA, contact the regional NEPC-office in Lagos via, email lagos@nepc.gov.ng or e.bolanle@nepc.gov.ng.

Speaking at the NEPC workshop on AGOA Visa Stamp utilisation in Lagos, the agency’s Executive Director, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, said AGOA was also meant to forge stronger commercial ties between Nigeria as well as other qualified African countries and the United States.

Represented by the Deputy Director, National Office on Trade, Mr. Saave Nanakaan, Awolowo said AGOA was meant to help integrate Nigeria and other African counties into the global economy.

He said the extension of the scheme to 2025 was because many African economies such as Rwanda and Uganda performed better than Nigeria under the scheme.

Visa Stamp, which was introduced on January 18, 2016, took effect from February 8 of the same year. It was another step to further simplify U.S market access of textiles and garments from AGOA-eligible countries.

Under the process, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has directed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to permit importers to submit electronic images of appropriate export visas when claiming preferential treatment for textile and apparel products under the Act.

Textile and apparel goods from an AGOA beneficiary country will only receive preferential duty treatment once a visa arrangement is established. Visas are issued by the government of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries.

Bellafricana published in African Food, Events, Exhibitions, News May 8, 2019

African Food & Products Conference and Exhibition 2019 by NACC

The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) is set for its Annual Exhibition & Conference. The 3^rd African Food and Products Conference and Exhibition (AFPE) themed ‘Sustainability and Innovation; Pathway to Business Success for SMEs’ is scheduled to hold on Friday 24th May and Saturday 25th May, 2019 at the Grand Ball Room, Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island. Lagos by 9:00 am.

The Exhibition which is aimed at promoting the development of trade, commerce, investment and industrial technological relationships between the public and private sectors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Africa and the United States of America will witness the presence of industry expert speakers, market leaders, Trade Promotion Agencies, Venture Capitalists, Seed Investors, Export Houses, Business Clinics, Policy Makers, Franchisors, Franchisees, Produce Merchants, Analysts and Research Professionals, Startup Hubs, Government Regulatory Agencies and will have in attendance the Presidency, Federal Ministers, State Governors, CEOs of Leading Nigerian and Multinational Firms, Captains of Industries, Agencies of the United States Mission amongst others..

The AFPE 2019 will attract SMEs, Start-up business owners, MSMEs, International & local manufacturers, suppliers & distributors of food, beverage, agro commodities, apparel and fashion products, chain stores, independent sellers, business service providers, key decision and policy makers from leading Nigerian, African and American companies showcasing their products/service offerings to visitors, with a view to further promote their products and services to visitors and buyers and increase export sales by maximizing the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

In 2018, the Event had over 1500 attendees with about 90 Exhibitors from within Nigeria and the United States. This year, over the 2-day period of the event we expect to have over 2,500 attendees from across Nigeria, Africa and the United States, thus presenting a viable opportunity for exhibiting companies to grow their sales, showcase their products to a target audience and strike million dollars international deals.

The 3^rd African Food and Products Exhibition will feature a conference session with seasoned industry experts and leaders sharing their knowledge and experience on scaling up productivity, driving profitability and positioning SMEs for sustainability and global competitiveness.

Attendance to the Conference and Exhibition is FREE but registration is required.

Visit afpe.nigerianamericanchamber.org to register.

More information on is available on the event’s website.

afpe.nigerianamericanchamber.org

Bellafricana published in Articles, Life Style, People & Culture, Travel May 6, 2019

Tips For Visiting Marrakesh During Ramadan

With Ramadan generally meaning a wind-down all over the Muslim world, you might expect that the red city of Marrakesh shuts up shop for the month, but that isn’t exactly the case. While the holy month means that many in Muslim-majority Morocco will be fasting during daylight hours, that doesn’t mean that Marrakesh is in any way off limits (though it might make finding an end-of-the-day beer a bit harder).

For travellers, the main difference will be the shortened opening hours, as many business and sights close either earlier in the day or for a chunk of the evening as Muslims gather together to break fast in a meal known as iftar. Here are some tips on visiting Marrakesh during Ramadan.

Enjoy the quiet streets

Much of Marrakesh’s old city will be quieter during the days in Ramadan as locals choose to spend the fasting days relaxed at home and then venture out at night. For those put off by medina crowds, it could be an excellent time to traverse winding streets that would otherwise be swamped. Food markets get busy again during the afternoon as people prepare for the large evening meal.

**Find an iftar dinner**

Stories abound of travellers being called in off the street by friendly Moroccans for the nightly iftar celebrations when Muslims break the day’s fast with a communal meal. Whilst serendipity might strike for you, if you want a definite dinner, it’s best to look at local restaurants. Noted culture-hub-turned-restaurant Cafe Clock offers a nightly iftarbuffet for Dh70 a head.

Dry month?

While not impossible, alcohol will be harder to find all over the country during Ramadan with some Muslims refusing to even touch the bottles during the holy month. Larger hotels aimed at tourists are likely to still serve booze though many smaller bars will close for the period or stay open while not serving alcohol. The popular 68 Bar A Vin, as one example, will close for the whole month. Supermarket alcohol shops will sometimes be open but might ask to see your passport as proof you’re not a local. The extra hassle means it might not be a bad idea to spend the trip sober; swap your end-of-the-day beer for a stop at the juice carts on the Marrakesh’s central Djemaa El Fna square.

Move your action to the night time

Though the quiet days and rising temperatures might give the city a listless feel during Ramadan, Marrakesh will very much come alive again at night. Many Muslims, having broken fast at sundown, will then head out to meet with friends and family late into the evening. Consider indulging in the greatest of past times: the afternoon nap, and then staying up later into the night as Djemaa El Fna and the nouvelle ville fill up with full stomached Moroccans looking for a friends and fun.

This article was culled from lonelyplanet.com

Bellafricana published in africa, Events, News May 2, 2019

Trade With Africa Summit 2019 Takes Chicago

I was going through my Instagram feed one weekend, when I saw a post that said and I quote ”The world is getting everything it wants from Africa. Is Africa getting everything it wants from the world?” this caught my attention and got me thinking a whole lot, trying to figure out the best way for African businesses to really thrive and enjoy the full potential of all that we offer to the world. I decided to find out who put up that post, at least to understand the reason behind it, that’s when I found out abut the Trade With Africa Summit coming up on the 1st and 2nd of August 2019 in Chicago. This event is powered by Nazaru, a cargo and freight company founded by Toyin Umesiri.

The Trade with Africa Business Summit creates trade linkages by bringing together business leaders and their supporting service providers from Africa and U.S. to engage in dialogue that will catalyze economic growth for both region.

Over the past 20 years, European, Asian and other large economies have established an increasingly heavy presence on the continent of Africa in all major sectors, including Agriculture, Technology and Infrastructure building. They succeeded in this by not only establishing strong partnerships with the African Government but also with the Africa’s business community.

In 2000 President Clinton established the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to help close U.S. trade gaps with Africa. Although some level of success has been accomplished, trade experts, conclude that there is more room to grow. On the U.S. side there are several trade constraints, including lack of awareness, relevant business data, capacity misconceptions and an information gap. On the African side there is also a lack of information related to U.S. standards, available business partnerships and opportunities for African businesses.

You should definitely plan to attend this year’s edition of the Trade With Africa Summit, if you fall under any of the categories below, or are looking for an opportunity to connect and network with;

Investors
Global Business Leaders
Trade experts (export & import)
U.S. Government Agencies
Policy Makers (U.S. & African)
Buyers
Technologists & Innovators
Service providers with Trade Solutions (i.e. Packaging, Shipping, Transportation, Logistics, Banking e.t.c)
Exhibitors with products and or services
African Diaspora Community
Non-profits and friends of Africa

The benefits of this engagement are multi-fold; For the U.S. based business community it serves to showcase the vast opportunities in Africa while highlighting new regions for exports and imports under favorable trade policies,. It also provides the unique opportunity to discuss with high-level officials current concerns or impediments to doing business. For African Exporters, business leaders and Governments leaders, it will offer an opportunity to promote their country, help expand their offerings under Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to create jobs, and increase investment. For African businesses, it will also provide access to the largest importers, help prepare them to pitch their goods, and open a pipeline that can then be continued through sustainable business partnerships.

I believe that the growth potential for African businesses is huge, and it is time for us to take charge and bridge this gap. Click here for more details of the event.

Bellafricana published in africa, Destinations, People & Culture, Travel April 25, 2019

Tourism The Beauty Of Africa – 3 Things To Do In Cairo

Cairo, Egypt’s sprawling capital, is set on the Nile River. At its heart is Tahrir Square and the vast Egyptian Museum, a trove of antiquities including royal mummies and gilded King Tutankhamun artifacts. Nearby, Giza is the site of the iconic pyramids and Great Sphinx, dating to the 26th century BC. In Gezira Island’s leafy Zamalek district, 187m Cairo Tower affords panoramic city views. Apart from these really cool ”serious” stuff, there are so many fun hings to do in the beautiful capital of Egypt, and I have highlighted 3 things you should definitely do when you get to Cairo.

1. Take a hike

From late March to early June, temperatures in Cairo are springtime perfection, wavering around a median 30°C. The trees are in bloom, students are finishing exams and Cairenes are all smiles and more relaxed. Take in the carefree vibe with a walk through downtown’s cluttered maze, along the breezy Corniche or around Zamalek’s leafy streets. Beware of April’s sporadic sand storms and thunderstorms; if the sky turns a dusty colour, it’s time to duck indoors.

2. Drop in on an arts festival

D-CAF, Cairo’s three-week Downtown Contemporary Art Festival, runs to late April, and it’s spread over multiple sites downtown. The festival fuses performing arts with film, photography and urban vision workshops run by top artists and educators from around the world. Expect cross-genre mashing, such as ‘interactive dance calligraphy performance’. Check out the concert photography workshop, which promises to teach the skill of the ‘killer shot’, or a new media arts workshop, such as the 3D projection mapping audio visual performance training. If you prefer to sit back and take in a film, save a night in mid-May for an art house film at Zawya, which hosts the Cairo Cinema Days festival, showcasing around 40 contemporary award-winning feature and documentary films from across the Arab region. The festival also screens some historic heavy hitter films and has panels and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.

3. Scout out contemporary Egypt in Old Cairo

Old Cairo is home to a trove of historic wonders, from the 7th-century Hanging Church of Coptic Cairo to the millennium-old Mosque of Amr Ibn Al As. But within the Fustat area of Old Cairo stands Darb 1718, an outdoor contemporary art and culture centre that in springtime weather, is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The centre hosts live music concerts, fashion, art exhibitions, open-mic nights and education workshops. This spring you can get your hands dirty with a pottery workshop and or learn about light refraction and shutter speed at a photography class. April’s hieroglyphics workshop is sure to be a hit.

What other things do you love to do, or are you looking to do in Cairo? Feel free to leave a comment.

Bellafricana published in africa, Articles, Clothings, Fashion, Fashion, April 17, 2019

SA textile union welcomes H&M deal with SA designer

The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU) has welcomed the announcement today by Swedish global retailer H&M that it will be collaborating with South African designer, Palesa Mokubung, and her label, Mantsho.

On Tuesday, H&M announced its first African collaboration with Mokubung’s label, which was established in 2004 and has since graced numerous runways in Greece, India, the United States, Jamaica, Nigeria, Botswana and Senegal.

Until now, none of the products sold in H&M’s 23 local stores have been made in South Africa.

SACTWU said in a statement that it was a long-standing supporter of Mokubung’s work, citing how the Mantsho label was featured as far back as at its 2008 Fashion Festival held in the cutting room of the Levi Strauss SA factory in Cape Town.

Andre Kriel, SACTWU general secretary, said the union and its clothing, textile, footwear and leather (CTFL) members were looking forward to seeing South African product in H&M’s stores.

“As foreign retailers, like H&M, Zara and Cotton On, have grown their South African footprint, they have increasingly taken market share away from domestic retailers. This has caused a ripple effect in which local factories supplying those domestic retailers are losing orders, and job losses and factory closures are the result,” Kriel said.

“SACTWU congratulates H&M on moving forward with this local sourcing project. The union views this collaboration with Mokubung as the first part of a much deeper collaboration. From SACTWU’s side, to assist H&M with its designer collaboration, the union has helped to ensure that compliant producers manufacture the Mantsho products.”

Mantsho will be available in all South African stores, exclusive flagship stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Mexico, Chile and Israel, as well as all H&M online markets from August 15.

Kriel said H&M’s local sourcing project represents the power of constructive social dialogue and the promise such dialogue holds to re-shape some of the harmful components of global trade.

“We look forward to a positive outcome and growing relationship with H&M in which their local sourcing footprint is deepened substantially, where their contribution to employment creation in local CTFL factories is expanded significantly, and where their global reach can be used to showcase South African design and quality, manufactured under decent work conditions,” Kriel said.

This is great news, as this goes to prove that there is hope for more African brands in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana etc to penetrate the global market through great deals such as this.

This article was originally published on iol.co.za

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From Rebrand to Radiance: The Timeless Elegance of Moelle Essentials

How Doyinsola Ogbeifun is redefining occasion wear with a focus on fit, femininity, and confidence

A Pause, A Rebirth

Fashion That Fits Every Woman

The Moelle Woman