Arguably rated as the biggest promoter of modelling in Nigeria, Joan Okorodudu, a former beauty queen in the 80's and fashion designer
tells Remi Adelowo and Kehinde Falode what drive her passion and her style
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YOU run one of the
best modelling agencies in West Africa, how did the whole thing start?
It started out of desperation after the maiden edition of
Nigeria's Next Super Model (NNSM). I was looking for agencies to send my models
to in South Africa and when we got there, we knew from the way we were received
that the girls were a hit and after couple of days, we decided to open our own
agency. I went with Juliet Morgan to do the paper work and chose the name Mode
Models and for my second choice, I chose ISIS Models from my name Isioma. Isis
is the name of a Greek goddess.
You are into so many
things, what really inspires you to be a hyperactive person?
I guess I have got too much energy in me and most
importantly, what brings out the best in me is to be fully engaged always.
You have been running
the Nigeria's Next Super Model for many years, how have you managed to sustain
it?
I believe God has given me the grace to come this far.
Secondly, I am blessed with a husband that is so supportive. He is my rock and
after 30 years of marriage, this man has remained simply the best. Also,
another reason is the tenacity and audacity to create something out of Africa
that is at par with any show in the western world.
What do you gain from
all of these?
Hopefully soon, we will start to make money, because we are
through with the investment period. However, it has been tough because to have
a model get to the top, you must invest in that model and this is why it has
been difficult to sustain things like this in Africa. Someone recently asked
me, 'was it your girls I saw at the BET RIP THE RUNWAY SHOW’ and I said yes.
Bunmi Ademokoya opened the show followed by Aisha Bello and Tinuade Adejokun.
All together, I had five girls in the show. In 2010, Bunmi opened the Afric
fashion week in Johannesburg, South Africa and we have also seen my girls on
Fashion TV and most recently Glamour, Elle and Marie Claire and Pride
magazines.
How do you combine
your busy schedule with the home front?
When I have had enough of work, I simply take off on
vacation with my hubby and of course, I don't have little children, so I am a
bit flexible. But I can tell you that I don't joke with my family in anything I
do. They come first.
Is one suffering for
the other?
Not really.
Is there any
particular experience that has sharpened your life?
Well, I have had so many experiences in life, but one that
really hit me hard was losing my daughter as a new born.
What lesson has life
taught you?
I have learnt so many lessons, but the most significant is
always to be cautious and never let anything stop you from achieving your goals
and dreams.
Is there something
you still long to achieve in life?
No other thing except travelling to space.
How do you react to
stories that you are controversial?
I have not heard of such, but if some people say so, all I
can say is let God deal with it.
What does style mean
to you?
Simplicity!
Describe your style
in one word.
Simple.
What determines what
you wear?
What I wear at any point in time all depends on my mood.
How do you unwind?
Watching CNN and Fashion TV
What would you
consider to be your greatest challenge in life?
It is having to work twice as hard in Nigeria compared to
one's counterparts in the western world.
What qualifies a lady
to be part of NNSM?
She must be tall, beautiful and blessed with awesome
features.
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