1. What was your opinion of Nigeria, Lagos, Lekki, before your visit and how does it compare to the realities you discovered during your stay?
Ans: Lagos, Nigeria has always been on my radar growing up! Although born and raised in Canada, my dad was a man from the Ashanti tribe of Ghana. That discovery was noted in my early teenage years, as my father died when I was 13, and wasn’t married into my family. Nonetheless that didn't stop Gods plan for the exploration of my african roots.
At 13 I met my first Nigerian friend. When I went to high school from the ages of 14-17 I was submerged into the culture, food and music. So vibrant, with depth, there was a sense of connection.
When I graduated from post secondary, university life - I began my venture into the modeling world.
"I have yet to share with you all how rejected and bullied I was for looking like a beautiful African woman , with west african features while growing up in my younger days, by those who were predominantly Caucasian."
Rejected and physically beaten for my hair, nose, lips, butt, my creativity you name it. Years later I was physically taken advantage of forcefully, I Was infected, pregnant, I was broken. Once I entered the modelling world God used it all as a tool to shock and inspire the world of his grace, and he started with how I saw myself.
I chose to follow the lord jesus christ my savior, he healed me and became my tangible father. Provided me with key mentors, and teachers. Then brought me to the grand stage, he positioned me with an organization called african fashion week toronto, bringing me into future discovery of my roots, developing my confidence, He has placed me in major campaigns, TV ads, magazines like american & italian vogue, glamour mag, nbc, glam africa, ctv, mens health magazine, abc, fox news, been on the cover of 15 international magazines, to becoming a TV presenter for Travel Africa Network you name it!
My favourite part was when I won supermodel Canada in 2017 as the season 1 winner, I became the first black woman in all of Canada to win a supermodel award of this caliber.
Now when the lord allowed the opportunity to finally go to west african for the first time in 2021, there was a peace in my heart, expressing the words “finally, thank you Lord”. I was suppose to go initially when I won supermodel canada in 2017 as a part of my prize, but there was an issue that prevented me to go.
Nonetheless in April of 2021, I was requested to come to nigeria for church mission, and my lodging was in lekki lagos nigeria. I knew it was divine!
When I arrived in the “ Murtala Muhammed International Airport” I was immediately immersed into the hustle and bustle. It was so unique, from bold personalities, to the beautiful fashion from head to toe. You knew you were in a place that says “ we're here to do business” .
Once I was escorted into my destination and experienced my first day, I was so engrossed, I loved the celebration I received. I enjoyed being called “ma”, the honor was profound. The food was delicious!! I am an eba and okra soup, chicken & jollof , special fried rice, meat pie kind of girl, as my husband, who is igbo-nigerian brought me further into the Nigerian delicacies when I first met him in 2018. So to have this dishes live and fresh was incredible!
I used to go to prince ebano supermarket in lekki phase 1 anytime I wanted to treat myself! I also adapted much of the pidgin phrases like “ opor opor” meaning its plenty or “You cha de catch cruise” or even “sho ti ye?” Do you understand?
I checked out many fine cuisines in lekki, “circa lagos”, “medusa lagos”, “foodies”, “black bell “ restaurant, and loved “farm city” with the beautiful view and boats while I enjoy a great dish.
Did some visuals on the ikoyi bridge for an immigration company operating out of the heart of lekki . Went to landmark beach , did a press tour - stopping by at “pulse” to teach techniques to aspiring models, chilled out at “the place” fast food if I need a quick munch.
There would be days I would dash off to cms market and bargain the best price for items I found, even went to computer village in the mainland to try to solve issues I was facing with my MacBook laptop.
lekki is a complete vibe! I saw myself in the people and the people saw
themselves in me,
"I was so excited when my then boyfriend at the time proposed on the stage in lagos with a beautiful diamond ring, while televised in church service after he performed his music from his EP. He too is in the entertainment sector as a wonderful award winning performing artist"
The proposal was so romantic and went viral, and we went to
In total I was in lekki from April-October 2021
2. What aspect of Lekki Life do you find the most intriguing?
I love how business and creative driven lekki is, everywhere you go you see boutiques, Hugh end stores with the finest items. All the people you meet are those who own business or those who strive towards it . The working class mindset inspired me to continue some of my own business ventures in the region. I own a creative management firm, that develops and provides opportunities and services for talents & creative across our board globally. This is something that's a demand in Lagos, and many can easily access the platform by searching for NA Management Inc.
The goal through the company is to develop the thriving minds who join the platform, to have a powerful sense of self worth while bridging the gap between the nations to display a wholesome sense of humanity with removal of the comparison and competitive narrative often placed in the media.
The creative minds of those in lagos keep me highly innovative and open to partnerships of many kinds. With the focus to continually build up african excellence within and around the african diaspora.
3. what is your typical daily beauty routine like?
Less is more, is my daily motto . With a history of skin sensitivity , I realized the more simple my beauty routine the better.Everyday, I wash my face with very mild soap with natural ingredients to prevent irritation or basic water.
I apply either olive oil or a light cream to keep my face hydrated. If its just an average day,
I apply simple makeup enhancements like eyebrow penciling, small application of foundation to even out the complexion and mascara.
Once I return home, I make sure to wash everything off with soap and cloth to make sure all is thoroughly removed. If wearing heavier makeup for events I use oil to remove the heavier layers of makeup and lashes.
4. How do you decide treatments, cosmetics, and skin therapies you use?
My treatments are basic, I stray away from any unnatural approaches like botox as I am still young in my twenties. I know my skin is still very adaptable and changeable with a good routine.
I tend to be drawn towards very pigmented cosmetics that even out my complexion very well, along with bold eyeshadows for outings. I believe I should represent myself as a Queen as all women are made to be. Striking, elegant with class.
Vegan and organic cosmetics are hard to come by , however when I do see them I purchase right away. It helps with the overall preservation of skin health , appearance and texture.
I often vouch for ladies to use mud mask or aloe for rejuvenation, if you can apply a mask atleast 2-4 times a month you will see the difference in the skin performance and luster.
5. Would you go for body augmentation and plastic surgery to maintain your good looks?
I am not against anyones decision to do plastic surgery of any kind, we are all in a journey and everyone is entitled to their own choices. However for myself,
I rather hit the gym, and try natural methods for a longer benefits, not only focusing on my external body but also interior. I feel I will have more joy knowing I worked hard to maintain a great shape with daily practices.
6. Describe your most embarrassing beauty moment. How did you react to it?
There was a time I forgot to groom my arm pits while doing a runway show, when I realized, I tried not to pose too much with rasing my arms . Surprisingly enough no one noticed and I was so celebrated after the show by the crowd regarding how fierce and elegant I was. Yet no one knew how much stress and anxiety I was going through at the moment.
7. Who are your favourite designers in shoes, cologne, handbags and other women's accessories?
I AM A CHANEL WOMAN, all things Chanel is my go to. As the brand represents class, elegance, timeless beauty and integrity. In lesser words, thats a simplified description of what its means to be a Queen.
8. As a leading global fashion-trendsetter, how do you keep up with the latest styles and fashion trends?
"Absolutely not! I make trends, as fashion to me is like telling your own story to the world."Although, I love chanel I embrace the motto more than the items itself. I merge my personality, my journey and pieces of my culture into how I dress. I love colour, I love unique pieces and design! I enjoy patterns, solids and texture. When merged together it becomes my own masterpiece of expression.
9. Generally speaking, what inspires your choice of clothing, and your uniqueness?
My mother is a fashionista, she laid the foundation. When I was little, she would travel the world and I would see her come home with the most eloquent looks! Very regal , millionaire esthetics . She is also a seamstress so anything she envisioned she would create, which also inspired my eldest sister to follow in the same foot steps as a wonderful designer who also had her share of experience as a model. While growing up, my family adorned me with clothes which led to the attraction of the bullies I had, producing much jealousy.
When I became a model I found my place of expression, and what was rejected and considered strange to my peers, now was celebrated. At this point in my life, I am also in the works of developing my own fashion line, something very regal , affordable and highly innovative yet creative. Do stay tuned, as I can't wait to share in the near future!
10. What, in your opinion, is the most important quality that defines beauty?
"Beauty comes from knowing who you are and who it is you are. It's not an external force, it is completely internal. Once incubated it radiates on the outside, unexplainable to many who witness it."
Beauty is a representation and expression of love. When you know the God of the universe that created you, and why he made you , that revelation becomes tangible , you begin to see yourself through the lenses of the creator.
Healing takes place from the very core of you. Once you can love yourself, you then can love others, with a beautiful heart posture of grace towards all whom you meet. Receiving others with love and acceptance, that in itself is a test of your character. As we cultivate great seeds of wonderful character, our true beauty always shines, and shines very radiantly.
In close, I want to encourage all the kings and Queens who read this. Continue to walk with purpose
and rise to your destiny"
