Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts

Friday, June 5, 2009

Interview with Hajia the queen of Geles in Toronto




Ciaa: Hi Hajia and welcome to Ciaafrique, tell us a bit about yourself

Mariam:My name is Mariam, some call me Hajia. I recently migrated to Canada and started Mariam's concept. My website {Africanbeauty.ca} explains more. I am a makeup artist and a master in African head wrap tying. I provides services to individuals on their special day.

Ciaa: You hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Houston and a Masters Degree in Professional Counseling How did you turn into a beauty expert ? and what inspired you to start Mariam’s concept
Mariam:
(laugh), beauty has always being my passion, but education is also very important to me. So I decided to get both.

Ciaa: How would you describe your look and sense of style?
Mariam:I think my look is definitely different, its striking and it stands out, and my sense of style come from the latest trends and whats in vogue and incorporating it into the African beauty and fashion society.

Ciaa: Have you work for any big cosmetics company?
Mariam: I am macpro certified, but I did work for Lancome as the manager.

Ciaa: what are some of the services that you offer your clients?
Mariam:My services are many, they range from, bridal makeup packages and or makeup applications, to headgear tying, to fashion consulting, to hosting head wraps fashion shows to selling fashions products.

Ciaa: when I went trough your website I noticed that your clients came from different background, tell us a bit about that.
Mariam:I tried to show how our African beauty can be brought out in any race and color. African beauty can cross boundaries just like we humans are and I try to show that if you are an African married to a German or any other race I can still bring out the African beauty in you.

Ciaa: As a beauty expert what are some of the beauty products that every African woman should carry in their Purses?
Mariam:Press powder, we blacks tend to have oily skin, AND lip gloss with light color, we tend to have dry lips.

Ciaa: If had to spend one day with an African Personality (politician, musician, designer or just normal person) who will it be and why?
Mariam:The normal person would be my mother, a woman of substance, Mrs Toyin Adebisi, because she is the backbone to my success. She is an entrepreneur and more, who have successfully managed business ranging from restaurant to medical, supplies to clinics, personal care homes, home healths. She makes cakes, in fact started nursing school, and at the moment has a catering services with a banquet hall and she also decorates. She is a very strong woman who keeps inspiring me. In her community she is an important personality.

Ciaa : I know life can be very hectic here in North America , so do you get to go back home from time to time
Mariam:Not yet but the communities we have in North America that will never let you forget about back home. Example…. The parties, the food stores, restaurants and so many other events that brings u back home.
Ciaa: Any Beauty tips for Ciaafrique readers?
Mariam:Sure, beauty starts from inside, drink plenty water, get enough sleep, stay stress free, be happy, and your glow will naturally come out.

Ciaa: Do you have any kind of project for the next five years, Perhaps giving classes to women on how to be and stay an African Beauty?
Mariam: Yes I am looking into having a workshop, for women are willing to learn basic makeup and tying the headgears.
Ciaa: You are is truly remarkable women, We need more women like you to teach the younger generation that you can become anything you want to be if you put you mind to it . Here you are coming from another continent and made your mark in North America as a successful Business woman. Ciaafrique readers and I wishes you all the best for your future project.Mariam:Thank you for the opportunity and good luck to you also.

Don 't you love the colors!!!
If you are in the Toronto Area and would like to bring the African beauty in you on your special day or any day Please check out http://www.africanbeauty.ca/


Monday, April 6, 2009

Interview with the designers behind the fashion label Mataano



Ciaa:I would like to welcome you to Ciaafrique, and thank you
for taking your time for this interview. Can you present yourselves to the readers?
Mataano: We are Idyl and Ayaan Mohallim, the designers behind the fashion label Mataano.


Ciaa: How hard was it for you to break in the fashion industry?
Mataano: It was and continues to be a labor of love. We moved to NY in 2004 and started from the ground up. We launched our first collection, Spring 2009, during September 2008 fashion week.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Ciaafrique Exclusive interview with Côté Minou

Check out my interview with the ladies that are making news in today's African fashion. Côté Minou is definitely one my favorite African fashion label.The designs are young, fierce and fabulous and of course i can't wait to be part of one of their fashion show.

Hello, I am very excited to have you on my blog.

Ciaa:How and why did you start your own line?

CM: I think it was over a telephone call two summers ago. We wandered off topic and started raving over our secret obsession with drawing clothes and turning it into a lifestyle.

Ciaa:Did you study fashion design in school?

CM: No actually we did not; Architecture & Biology- Maryanne and Stephanie respectively.

Ciaa: Who are your favorite African designers?

CM: We are fans of Alphadi and Louise Niamen.


Ciaa: How did you come up with the name Côté Minou ?


CM: Well Côté is french for corner, side. Minou is a combination of both myself and Stephanie's nick names. Therefore Côté Minou is where Stephanie and Maryanne meet.

Ciaa: What is the inspiration behind your designs?

CM: Africa its culture as well a number of other aspects. Rhythm, geometry, structure, pattern, texture, nature, music, dance...art in general. All with a mix of modern and traditional concepts.

Ciaa: Do you plan on expending in the future like having an online store , or a regular store?

CM: Yes..Yes....we intend to be featured in a number of stores in the US cities and other countries. We would also like to have our own boutique.

Ciaa:What are your plans for the next 5 years?

CM: E-Commerce Website, Being available at stores, Having a fashion house, Fashion Weeks, traveling, numerous editorial shoots, and many more fashion features.



Ciaa:I'm not a size 0 or 4, so do you have clothes for all body types?

CM: Yes we do. We have for any size. We normally readily have sizes 0-12 but we can customize any style for anyone at the same style price.

Ciaa:Where can our readers go in case they would like to purchase your clothes?

CM: We are available on Facebook. We have a group by the name
Côté Minou . People can also contact us at coteminou@gmail.com after viewing some of our works on our blog http://www.coteminou.blogspot.com/. We will be launching our website http://www.mycoteminou.com/ in a few weeks.

Ciaa:Last but not least what do you think of The African fashion ?


CM: It is growing very fast and people are definitely watching....This we are very excited about
.


Ciaa: Thank you very much for your time, you are a great inspiration for all of us and I wish you all the best for any future project.


CM: Thank you Ciaa u and best wishes to you and your audience as well.

 .

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Spotlight :Nana Kofi Acquah


I have encounter today while doing my research this beautiful blog about the work of a Ghanian native called Nana Kofi Acquah. I did browse through his blog a bit and i found that his pictures where really inspiring . He caught precious moments from family clients, and of course his friends. If you ever happen to be in Ghana and would like your special moment caught in picture you should give him a ring. Good job Nana and thank you for your great work.

Here are some nice one that i loved.








(all of the above pictures are from Kofi's blog)
You can find more work of NaNa on http://www.nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com