Background
I’m an ex-model and a beauty entrepreneur. I have a bachelor’s degree in Economics, a certificate in Business Accounting from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and an MSc in Finance.
I had a great childhood and I have a very loving family. As a child, I read a lot of books and I was also very sporty.
Modelling
A close friend, Isoken Ogiemwonyi, introduced me to modelling shortly after I earned my first degree and moved back to Lagos. I had always been told I could become a model because of my facial structure and height. She sent my photos to about five modelling agencies and they all agreed to meet with me.
That was how I ended up in Beth Model Management. I modelled full-time for about two years and I’m so proud of Nigerian models like Mayowa Nicholas. I think there are so many opportunities for Nigerian models because our fashion and beauty industries are growing rapidly.
We definitely have some of the best models in the world here in Nigeria, and hopefully the world will get to see more of us very soon.
Passion
Although I have a background in Finance, I love beauty and fashion. Nevertheless, deep down I’m a geek and I love numbers. I think having a degree in Finance is useful in every facet of life- from beauty to fashion to sports to even pharmacy.
When I was much younger, I dreamt of becoming a doctor and living in America but that clearly didn’t happen. Most of all, I wanted to be happy and settled. Thankfully, I’m currently living my dreams.
Inspiration
I have a lot of women who inspire me and they include my mother Chinelo Chukwueke, because she is the kindest, strongest and most beautiful woman in the world.
Tara Fela-Durotoye, because she has changed the landscape of the Nigerian beauty industry forever and Isoken Ogiemwonyi, because she has a fine mind.
Projects
I currently own and run a beauty website which is an insider’s guide to beauty secrets. I am also collaborating with a brand to release a limited edition range of bath and body products.
I’m also working on developing a beauty app with my business partner. Hopefully, it will be launched by the end of the second quarter of this year.
Marriage
A mutual friend introduced my husband-Naeto C, and I to each other in July 2010. It definitely took a while for us to get used to each other, especially as I was only 22 when we met. But my hubby made it a seamless process for me because he is a very down-to-earth person.
Pressure
Sometimes I feel the pressure that comes with being married to a celebrity. Most times, I don’t allow the pressure get to me. I’m very comfortable with who I am and I don’t live my life in other to get the approval of others. If I feel like dressing up, I go all the way, but if I don’t- then I just don’t and I’m fine with it.
Personality
I’m fun-loving person , open and very friendly. My international style icons are Miranda Kerr, Kendall Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley because I love their casual chic ‘model off duty’ style. My Nigerian style icons are Lisa Folawiyo, Karen Koshoni, Funke Fowler and my sister in- law, Fifi Umenyiora.
Beauty secrets
I have a somewhat clean diet and also try to avoid eating carbohydrates.I also have a disciplined workout schedule. In terms of fitness, I love high intensity interval trainings, and I do that five to six times a week.
Style
I would describe my style as casual chic.I would never be caught dead wearing polo-style shirts. I would only wear it to support a cause or an event but in my everyday life, I would never ever wear one.
Faux pas
Some years ago, I wore only flats irrespective of the event. Be it a wedding or a red -carpet event, I would only wear comfortable flats and it is a terrible faux pas.
