In more ways than one, 2020 was the exhale I needed. The crack in time that offered a chance to stop doing and simply be. The tower moment that brought real, deep meaning to things I thought I understood: like self-care or grief. And while this historic year took so…
When Ami Yomekpe of MOD, formerly AfroMod Trends, reached out after reading my article on how to support Muslims observing Ramadan, I least expected it would result in Hidden Pearls – a full-blown modest style capsule and collaboration between herself, modest fashion stylist and blogger Shiella Yakubu, and Circumspecte. But…
Walking away from the Legon Botanical Gardens Rope Course in Accra, I was pleased with myself for taking part in this team building exercise with my work team mates. I had planned to be the team photographer but later joined in the fun. Building upper body strength, self-confidence and team building…
When you look at the photo above you probably see a young African woman jet setting in an exotic location. She looks happy. And I was. But I was also a struggling Masters student who was barely making ends meet during Italy’s economic crisis. I had a full scholarship for…
We recently sat down with Adjo Dede Asare of Alfie Designs, a Ghana-based fashion label and brand that has been in existence for over 25 years and specializes in ‘African print’ designs. Here’s a bit of inspiration from her and a preview of our upcoming Visionnaire feature. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcbK1MJM-7Q
In 2009, Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie treated fans to a reading of her short story collection The Thing Around Your Neck which had just been released at the time. The lecture event organised by the D.C. Young African Professionals Network and the Center for Global Development was more of…
I never cared much about boxing; the concept of beating someone up for a living never quite appealed to me. So, it goes without saying that I’m not really a fan of Muhammad Ali, the Boxer. I never cared much for boxing (and probably still don’t), but I gained great…
I do not know if I am terribly in a need of some writer courage – or any other kind – and because we sometimes underestimate how powerful a single thank you can be, my tongue feels burdened and has chosen my hands to speak. Therefore, with simmering anxiety in…
“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” ― The Alchemist. A quote from Paulo Coelho I have referenced many times, but quite frankly, never truly appreciated. Until now. There’s something about youthful abandon that allows (or permits) young people or young…