BELLAFRICANA AFRICAN CREATIVE EXHIBITION (ACE) AND AWARDS

The management of Bellafricana is officially announcing their first edition of Bellafricana African Creative Exhibition and Awards coming up on the 17th of April, 2017. This Annual Creative Exhibition and Award (termed Bellafricana ACE Awards) is fully endorsed by Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) and the Nigeria Britain Association.

The theme is “Celebrating Creativity and Innovation”, as it is time to encourage and reward the hardworking creative business owners for impacting lives and the economy.

Bellafricana is an initiative with a focus on Made-in-Nigeria (Non-oil) products where customers and suppliers engage and transact to bridge the buyer-seller gap and create a wider outreach for Nigerian products locally and globally.

Bellafricana has enabled African creative businesses a platform to receive the recognition they have long deserved. They aim to laud the creative works of Nigerians (Africans), which makes open competition affordable and accessible.

The organisers believe the time has come where we should all come together to recognise and encourage hardworking and greatly skilled men and women who are making a significant impact through their various Industries/sectors.

This event is proudly sponsored by Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and supported by other organisations such as Sovereign Guards Limited, Vibe Web Solutions, Noah’s Ark, Labule Restaurant, ASSETS, Lara Rose, Mensam Prints, Bakers Options, Inside Watch Africa, Timeless, and much more

What To Expect At Bellafricana ACE Awards 2017

This will be a three phase event in which two of the phases will run simultaneously while the third phase will be held as the peak of the event.

The phases are; Exhibition, Conference and Awards dinner.

Both the Exhibition and the Conference will be held simultaneously and the Awards will be held in a dinner fashion to close the event.

Exhibition

The watch-word at Bellafricana is Quality, to this effect; the organisers of the Bellafricana ACE Awards have assured the availability of top quality creative Afrocentric businesses to exhibit.

You will be able to access a wide variety of discounted quality made in Nigeria products all under one roof in these 5 focus categories are; Arts & Crafts, Fashion, Health & Beauty, Home & Living and Food Produce & Snacks.

HERE IS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND AND NOT MISS THIS EVENT?

· Mouth-watering BBQ Chicken, Fish and Steak at the Sea Front

· Free Massage

· Free Spa Treatment

· Free Health Check

· Get up to 25% discount to shop.

· Get giveaways worth over ₦1,000,000.

· Fun Area for Kids – Games, Dancing Competition, Arts and Craft Making, T-shirt Painting and many more

· Painting Competition for Adults

· Make New Friends and Connection

· Free WiFi to browse all day

· ₦1,000 off Taxi Ride

· Highly Secured


To register and find out more, go to event.bellafricana.com/shopping

Conference

Themed: Practical Steps to taking your business Global

Key Note Speaker: Mr Olusegun Awolowo (CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council)

Bellafricana is always finding ways to help both budding and established creatives to harness the resources available to build their businesses stronger.

To this end, the conference will feature enlightening and engaging talks from renowned business men and women who have quality experience in these fields;


· Marketing Your Creative Business Globally

· How to Monetize your Creative Idea

· Branding that speaks for you

· Taking Your Non-Oil Product Global (Export)

· Sustainability and Succession Planning for Creative Businesses

· Perfect the Quality of your Craft and Evolve

To register and find out more, go to event.bellafricana.com/conference

Awards

Theme: Celebrating Creativity and Innovation

This African Creative Exhibition & Awards opens for nominations in various categories and Award competition.

Participants are offered a unique opportunity to showcase their talents and to have their work judged by the consumers and experts.

1) Best Indigenous Textile Designer

2) Best Emerging Beauty Brand

3) Best Emerging Fashion Brand

4) Best Creative Solution (ICT)

5) Best Supportive Made-in-Nigeria Celebrity of the Year

6) Best Eco-friendly Product Innovation

7) Best Innovative Product of the Year

8) Best Pioneer Craftsman/woman of the Year (Over 10 years)

9) Best Food Produce Innovation

10) Best Creative Kid Entepreneur

11) Best Creative Social Enterprise of the Year

12) Best Creative Kids Brand

13) Best Emerging Artist

14) Best Emerging Home & Lifestyle Brand

15) Best emerging African Brand


VOTING IS CURRENTLY ONGOING FOR THE AWARDS AND ENDS 05/04/2017. NOMINATE YOUR BRAND TODAY.


Go to the event website: event.bellafricana.com for more information.

Why You Should Participate

· The event is an important annual occurrence aimed at attracting an audience that include Captains of Industry, Investors, Upwardly Mobile Youths, Marketers, Trade Delegations & Missions, Procurement Officers, Brand And Business Managers, Art Lovers, Governmental Representatives And Key Decision Makers.


· The event is for enterprising Nigerian MSMEs seeking wider access to both internal markets and International markets and investors seeking joint-venture partners.

EVENT FACTS

Theme: “Celebrating Creativity and Innovation”

Conference Theme: "Practical Steps to Taking Your Business Global"

Date: April 17, 2017 (Easter Monday, Public Holiday)

Venue: D-Venue, Water Corporation Drive, Off Ligali Ayorinde, Oniru, Lagos, Nigeria.

Time for Exhibition: 10 - 4pm

Time for Awards Dinner: 5 – 9pm

For partnership and sponsorship details, please contact the organisers;

Call: +2348086363970 or +2348184457403

Email: info@bellafricana.com, community@bellafricana.com

Register: event.bellafricana.com

Vivek Pasi the passionate engineering artist #inthespiriofenterprise

This is not the usual entrepreneur showcase. Vivek doesn't even do this as a business. But I saw one of his sketches of +Kennedy Adetayo one day and I just had to ask , who did this?! He told me a young engineering undergraduate he met on instagram did it for him.

I have a soft spot for engineers, then this engineer has this great talent and he is passionate about it! Whaat! I told Kennedy I had to have a chat with him. He connected us and the rest is history. He didn't hesitate to send me all the pictures of the work he's done so far. I just couldn't help but wonder how he keeps the balance with this great gift and school, engineering school for that matter. 

Here's a summary of our chat. I hope this inspires someone.....

Enjoy.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Vivek Pasi and I belong to India. By education I'm an Engineering graduate in Electronics and Communication & Engineering.

Tell us about your passion for art

I don't Draw/Paint for business, it's just a hobby cum passion of mine. When I was a kid I used to sculpt ( Making statues of clay of our Gods and colouring them afterwards ( that was no business but fun)) and that's how I started trying my hands on painting/drawing and also one of my bad habit as a kid was to draw random stuff on the back side of my notebooks. So I'd say that these were the few things what actually brought me into drawing.

How have you maintained a balance with your engineering school work?

Well honestly I haven't been able to do much with my drawing skills and that's because I haven't been able spend much time with drawing because of studies and stress but these days I'm trying to spend as much time as I can with drawing.

I had left drawing because of engineering for a few years then It's been hardly a few months I came in to Instagram where I came across really good artists from around the world that actually gave me a boost and forced me to draw and eventually I sat and drew a few things and posted them on Instagram where people actually appreciated my art skills and that's what encouraged me a lot and forced me do draw more.

What role has social media played in getting your work recognized? How has this helped you?

+Kennedy Adetayo  (@ 4qhen) was one of my few followers at the beginning who actually appreciated my work and asked me to draw him and that's when I felt that people actually believe that I have got skills to draw, finally I drew him and I must say his was the only drawing what filled me with confidence and made me realise and felt that yes I can draw anything I wish ( that's what where I was lacking before "the confidence") before that I never used to take people work because I thought what if I couldn't draw them? , what if they didn't like my work ? Now I'd say that I've overcome that weakness( hesitation/lack of confidence).

Your pencil sketches stand out, tell us about that.

Well you said pencil sketching but I'd like to add few more thing to your words that it's not just pencils sketching what I do but I do all possible categories/classes of drawing i.e Abstract, Portraits, Illustration, Illusion, Nature and etc with all possible applications like Graphite(Pencils), Ink, Colour Pencils , Watercolours, Oil Paints and Charcoals.

Where do you see your art taking you in the future?

To be honest, I can't really say about where my art could take me in the future, I'm just trying to discover the choices.

But yes in few years I'd really like to see myself on such a platform where I could share my skills with others and help them develop theirs.

How can interested people find your work?

I'm not into social networking that much but I can still be reached out at https://instagram.com/attempting_arts (Instagram) andhttp://fineartamerica.com/profiles/vivek-pasi.html (Online Art Gallery)

The Bodylanguage Company - Chibuzo Slim Ikonta #inthespiritofenterprise

Sometimes when you talk about entrepreneurship, people scratch their heads and wonder, what do I have that anyone would pay for? Thing is, you never know until you test it. Run a pilot of your idea and see.....

With determination and support, Chibuzo has been able to turn his passion into a business. I can't wait to share the amazing pictures of his work. I need to attend one of his classes soon. :-)

It's #inthespiritofenterprise!!

Enjoy......

Tell us about yourself

My name is Chibuzo Slim Ikonta. I am the founder, Principal Instructor and Head Choreographer of THE BODYLANGUAGE COMPANY (Nigeria).I'm also the Manager of THE BODYLANGUAGE STUDIO (Lagos).

I'm a professional dancer with knowledge of over 30-styles of dance and together with my dance partner "Anita Korra Obidi", we form Nigeria's most versatile dance couple.

I'm one of Nigeria's top Latin Dance Experts, and also, the first African to train and perform the ancient Indian dance (over 2400 years old) of ODISSI.

I am a widely trained Martial Artist majoring in Afro-Brazilian Capoeira (Professor Level), thus becoming Nigeria's highest ranked and most experienced teacher of the art (over 10 years).

I'm a graduate of the UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS with a diploma in Computer Engineering and a Bsc in Actuarial Science &Insurance...........weird huh? I know!!!

Tell us about your business

ABOUT THE BODYLANGUAGE COMPANY (BLC)

The Bodylanguage Company is home to some of Nigeria's finest dancers, performers, dance teachers, choreographers, fitness experts and martial artists with razor sharp skills and unequaled expertise in output.

We teach classes in various disciplines both at our studio, at select out stations, schools, corporate organisations, schools, churches and in private homes.

We also put up performances and presentations at various events, thereby making the occasion a more lively one. E.g's: end of year parties, stage productions, corporate functions, weddings, birthday parties, dinners, galas, fashion shows, product activation(flash mobs) etc

We also run periodic workshops and productions that are mostly spearheaded by myself.

I like to believe I'm mostly a better teacher than a performer and hence, The Bodylanguage Company is responsible for teaching/preparing various children, youth and adults for competitions, presentations, wedding first-dances etc.

Last Year, I was the stage choreographer for the X-factor Nigeria; Season1.

Basically, business comes in various forms, some of which is subject to time and season.

What was your Inspiration for this business?

My inspiration began with a pure love for movement. Movement in every graceful or powerful form. Sports, yoga, dance, martial arts, driving, clouds etc Coupled with a strong ear for rhythm, dance seemed like the obvious angle. I would find rhythm and movement potential in every situation. Thanks to my dad, as early as age 8, I was already in love with classical jazz and Latin rhythms. Also, I wanted to learn couple dancing before I was 10.

Jez don't go and say you want to try this at home! Don't try yasef!

As life, skill, experience and reality accrued to me, I began to desire taking my art beyond just a passionate weapon that made me stand out from a crowd. I started to desire teaching, building, creating and fine tuning people and situations with my art.

Honestly, I know my inspiration came from God, because I'm most inspired when I speak to Him......and listen to His voice.

I want to be a world class performer.
I wish to be an internationally renowned teacher & choreographer.
I want to create a ton of wealth with my art.

How did you get funding for the business?

I first began teaching in schools, clubs, gyms and private residences. Then, I was able to begin periodic workshops where I taught large numbers of kids for a few weeks at a time, after which their parents would be invited in to witness their progress under my tutelage.

Reports were good.
I got more students.....I grew.....I saved money.

About a year later, I opened up THE BODYLANGUAGE STUDIO (Ilupeju).

The rest is history.

How will you summarize the journey so far?

The journey so far......hmmmm.......fun, yes, also one big adventure.
From critics, to friends, to fake friends, to supporters, to hopeful sponsors, to fans, to food etc...lol

It's really been one continuous learning process. One that every step of the way I keep getting reminded that my young business is still fully dependent on my personal performance.

In layman's terms;

When I'm on point, my business is on point.
When I'm dull, my business is dull.

What are the main challenges you have faced so far and how have you managed them?

One of the major challenges I've faced so far is landing a sponsor for one of my events. One reason for this is because I'm still a relatively new business with monumental dreams. Another could be the obvious difficulty in landing an actual "financial sponsor".

This year, I faced another challenge. Due to the ebola virus mini crisis, my studio business suffered a mild dry spell due to the fact that at least 50-60% of my students (at THE BODYLANGUAGE STUDIO) are children.

Nigeria has been declared Ebola free.

Thank God!

What is your long term vision for the business?

I intend to create an army of world class dancers, dance teachers, choreographers, fitness experts and martial artists.

I want BODYLANGUAGE to be The Standard by which every other dance, fitness or wellness organisation (in Nigeria and beyond) will be measured.

I wish to empower professionals that will put Nigeria on the world map, as a source and provider of internationally recognized (and respected) method, skill and knowledge.

I want to my company to be the major contributor to the revolutionary process that has already begun in the dance and fitness industry.
No more will dancers be looked at at jobless people with no bright futrue.

By becoming successfully established (and yet highly skilled) members of the entertainment industry, members of THE BODYLANGUAGE COMPANY will serve as examples to upcoming entrepreneurs who intend to venture into similar fields of expertise.

THE BODULANGUAGE COMPANY is an Industry builder!

Given the chance will you do this again?

Hell yeah!
Given the chance ten times over, I'd do it again every time.

Infact, I'll begin earlier, and do it better!

https://www.facebook.com/slimandanita
https://www.facebook.com/TheBodylanguageStudio
https://www.facebook.com/TheWeddingChoreographers

Connect with Slim via these channels;
IG: @slim.blc
@bodylanguageng
Twitter: @slim_blc
@bodylanguageng

Mide's Fun World - Funmilayo Opanubi Alasholuyi #inthespiritofenterprise

Nothing beats following your passion. The road may be rough, but in the end, you'll look back and be glad you lived your own life! Today I bring to you Funmilayo whose love for art led her to birth Mide's fun world. 

Enjoy........

Tell us about yourself

 My name is Princess Funmilayo Opanubi Alasholuyi. I am the first child of my parents and I have four siblings. I schooled in Lara Day Nursery and Primary School, Ikeja High School and London Metropolitan, then called: London Guildhall University. I have a Bsc (Hons) in Business & Business Information Technology. I am happily married with 3 kids.


 Tell us about your business

 I am the General Manager of Ereke Paints Ltd, and also the CEO/ MD of Mides' Fun World, also a Creative Artist of the company. As the G.M of Ereke Paints, I deal with colors too, which is also under interior decoration. So, both businesses go hand in hand.

The name was derived from our children's names: Ayomide, Iremide & Olamide, fondly known as the 'Mides. 

How did you get into this line of business?

I am a very creative person by nature, I love beautifying and creating things too. I am a Daystar member and I got inspired by Pastor +Sam Adeyemi's conferences and inspirational books, such as: 'start with what you have, 'the parable of dollars, ideas rule the world, etc. I got so much inspiration from the book and took action, by going to see an artist who trained me.

How will you summarize your journey so far?

Well, its been wonderful. I had my very first exhibition in September last year, 2013, it was supposed to be a 4 day event, but exceeded till October ending; as a result of the overwhelming reaction from the public. I think what people saw and felt, was beyond their expectation. I feel I created an awareness when it comes to art, working with different art media such as recyclable items, Ankara material, and other form of fabrics, hay, beads, etc. The exhibition was an eye opener for so many people, especially in our country Nigeria, compared to the Western world where art is more appreciated. Nigerians are becoming to appreciate art now.

What are the main challenges you face and how have you overcome them.

The challenges are not much, except that, there are times when the raw materials, such as the imported sprays we work with are scarce, but as a creative artist, I tend to improvise. Its all about being creative, even about the situation.

What advice would you give anyone who wants to go into arts in Nigeria 

You have to be passionate about art. You cannot just go into it for the sake of it. Secondly, you need to have your own style. You need to standout from other artists, that is your selling point. The same advise goes for any other type of business. This is, so that when people see your work, they can identify you with it.

Given the chance, will you do this again? 

Oh yes! its my passion, and will do it again, come what may.