Some
would argue that fashion and style are both a lifestyle. Style is something
that is innate and inherent, while fashion is learned and observed. I’m a lover
of all things fashionable. But, I’m particularly interested in cultural trends.
Last week I had the opportunity to catch up with Evelyn Onyejuruwa
(on-yeh-Joao-roo-wa), a cultural trendsetter, a Nigerian native raised in South
Florida and the Founder/CEO of Ankara Miami, a South Florida based event
planning company committed to promoting positive and progressive people and
trends in the African Diaspora. Here’s what Evelyn O had to share…
Interview
Not
Your Average Model: Good afternoon Evelyn O. First, I would like to thank you for this opportunity
and congratulate you on your many achievements. For those who may not know
Evelyn please tell me a little bit about yourself?
Evelyn
O: I am a giving woman. Really into my culture. I appreciate the beauty of it
and it is my goal for everyone to see it. If Ankara Miami is a way to achieve
this goal then so be it.
Not Your Average Model: As Miss Nigeria Florida 2011-2012,
in 2011 you founded Ankara Miami, a South Florida based event planning company focusing on
promoting other progressive Africans and "Redefining African Cultural Trends.
What encouraged you to start your company and what has your journey been like?
Evelyn O: I felt like there was a void for more progressive and
upscale cultural events and I wanted to fulfill this goal. I enjoy planning
events and Ankara Miami is an avenue. I have people in my circle who are
supportive about what I’m doing and show their support through monetary
donations, assisting me, providing encouraging words and positive energy. Because
of this my journey is fulfilling. In South Florida there are a lot of Latin
inspired traditional events, which makes it difficult when introducing an
African event such as Ankara Miami. Ankara Miami is more about breaking trends and
showcasing what being an African is like by introducing African events.
Not Your Average Model: The media portrays some
parts of Africa as an impoverished and desolate continent. As a native Nigerian
please describe Africa through your eyes.
Evelyn
O: Our continent is rich, beautiful, It’s home… The family ties, the history
behind our culture is very rich and there is so much to learn. There are parts
of Nigeria that I haven’t visited and that I’m not aware of. It makes me very
appreciative of where I am in life and what I’m doing.
Not
Your Average Model: How is African culture different from Black culture?
Evelyn
O: Being deeply rooted in something is what Africans possess. I believe that
African-Americans are looking to have that connection. Some African-Americans don’t
realize that a lot of what they do stems from something else. It stems from
Africa. African-American culture is rooted in African culture. We are appreciative of people who want to learn more about
our culture and willing to share our knowledge.
Not
Your Average Model: What does it mean to be Nigerian in America? Describe your
experiences growing up in South Florida?
Evelyn O: Kids can be
kids. I come from a God fearing family and I didn’t have low self-esteem. I was
raised to be strong in myself. So whatever nonsense I endured during school it didn’t
really affect me. Although, I was reared in South Florida, it’s important for me
not to forget where I come from. I have embraced the culture here, but have not
forgotten my Nigerian roots. There are people I need to show that I haven’t
forgotten.
Not Your Average Model: What are some Nigerian traditions
you uphold?
Evelyn
O: Some of the traditions are respect for elders, family values, being that
village for my cousins, keeping connected to people back home, not forgetting
where I come from and focusing on the positive. It’s significant for me to pass
these traditions and values to my children.
Not Your Average Model: Ankara Miami will host
the third Annual Ankara Fashion and Cultural Show on 2.22.14 at Florida International University . I have attended
both shows in 2012 and 2013. Wooohooo #teamsupport, and I was truly impressed
with both. What can attendees expect from Ankara Miami 2014?
Evelyn
O: They can expect Modern African wear and ideas on how to incorporate African fabrics
into every day wear. African accessories are big now, so fashion attendees will
learn how to integrate it with casual wear. Designers will have pieces from the
runway available for purchase. In addition, there will be vendors, live
artwork, red carpet, African music, high fashion and African culture all in one
room, real sexy like.
Not Your Average Model: lol Sounds good to me.
Can’t wait! As we observe New York Fashion Week this week, do you believe that
African style has influenced mainstream society? If so how?
Evelyn
O: Yes, I believe that it has. If not through fabrics definitely with prints.
We see lots of tribal prints and the mixing of fabrics with prints. There a lot
of African designers being featured in mainstream fashion. In the last couple
of years we have observed African inspired fashion in clothing and department stores.
It is my goal for African fashion to not just be a trend.
Not Your Average Model: Who are some African
designers who have made a mark on African trends?
Evelyn
O: Korto Momolu , BCris Couture (New York), Sumahrie Collections (LA Sierra
Leon),OYATO Designs & Artistryo (Nigeria),Jama Collections – (Sierra Leon
and Jamaica)to name a few.
Not
Your Average Model: I read on the Internet that Ankara Miami is partnering up
with Macy's for Black History Month with an event called Era's of Black Style. Go
Ankara. Go Ankara. What an honor?! How does this event coordinate with your
cultural show?
Evelyn
O: For years we’ve seen African fashion infused in mainstream fashion. We saw
it in the 1950s and 60s with dashiki’s. Partnering with Macy's is showing that
African fashion is nothing new. It’s proof that our fashion is more common and
not just a trend.
Not Your Average Model: God has truly shown favor
on your life. You were crowned Miss Nigeria Florida 2011-2012 , Cultural
Ambassador for the City of Miami Gardens and 2013 South Florida's 40 under 40
black leaders of today and tomorrow to name a few. What is your greatest
achievement to date?
Evelyn
O: I don’t have a specific achievement. Every time something happens in my life,
every achievement I’m grateful. I’m blessed for everything big or small. Three
years ago we hosted our first fashion show and it was a really nice show, but
this year we’re partnering with Macy's, it’s unbelievable! Being able to achieve
something that I set my heart on is rewarding.
Not Your Average Model: Women are on the move,
setting precedents, operating in leadership positions normally occupied by men.
It is the first time in history that the president of Florida A&M
University and Florida Memorial University are both women. Who are some of your
mentors and women you admire?
Evelyn
O: My mother is my mentor. She has an incredible story. We weren’t impoverished,
but we come from humble beginnings. My mother came from Nigeria and was able to
be successful here in the United States. She just completed her doctorate
degree and balances church activities, family, work and school all with grace and
humility. She is a blessing to my life; my friend, mother and mentor.
Not
Your Average Model: As a young entrepreneur and cultural enthusiast what
motivates and inspires Evelyn?
Evelyn O: Each little
success makes me want more. My support system is phenomenal. I have positive
people around me. My friends and sorors. And that is always a good thing.
Not Your Average Model: In one sentence describe
the legacy you would like to leave behind.
Evelyn
O: I want people to be proud of what I’m doing. I want my family particularly. If
I am not here I want my legacy to transcend through time. I want people to see
me in a positive light, describe me as a good person and that I tried to do my
best. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a scripture that I live by, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take."
Evelyn Onyejuruwa, a cultural trendsetter, entrepreneur and a woman on the move.
South Florida you don't want to miss #AnkaraMiami2014. I hope to see you this Saturday, February 22, 2014 at FIU Kovens Conference Center 3000 NE 151 Street Miami, FL 33181. Tickets are $35 in advance an $50 at the door. Purchase tickets at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ankara-miami-2014-tickets-8793007121?aff=es2. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm. Come red carpet ready.
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