What determines your sense of style?
There are a multitude of styles and varied. I will dwell on self-affirmation through a style of dress.
The environment in which I evolve, my associations, the acceptance and affirmation of my story in certain situations, the place and the means will determine my style. The important points will be the attitude, the quality, the elegance, and the balance will determine my style. I proscribe boredom in my style. Let’s not forget that it’s self-expression. For that, I would need one or two strong pieces which could be accessories, such as bags, jackets, jewelry, coats, hats, scarves, gloves, etc. I live in a country where it’s cold, so you’d understand that these accessories all have their place in a look.
What inspired you to enter the beauty industry and what obstacles did you encounter along the way?
From a very young age, and as the eldest of 13 children, I mainly took care of the others, my little sisters and brothers. I had no dolls; they were my dolls and I had to take care of. When I became an adult, becoming a beautician was almost obvious. Being the director of a beautician school was a continuity, but a great challenge in Switzerland. I have the chance to practice a job that I am passionate about and that I have chosen.
The obstacles? My challenges, it’s clear that as a black woman you have to prove yourself; no one expected to push the door of a beauty school in the late 1990s and meet an African woman director. I did it. I worked a lot and even more tirelessly as if it was me employing it to the limit. My employees were seen as leaders, and I was in the background; I am one of the people that the title does not have an effect. I am me and that’s it.
What advice would you give to women who want to create and develop a brand?
I don’t have any specific advice. I know one thing: you need a good market study, knowledge of the product, love of the product, energy, means and determination.
What makes you happy?
The fact of not proving anything to anyone makes me happy. I like to please. I learned a particular word, self-love; I live, I am aware that everything has an end. I live the present moment intensely with passion. I have faith, I have a family, and a job that I love.
You radiate and exude confidence; how can we, as women, develop our confidence?
The radiance comes from my letting go. In my opinion it came when I stopped trying to prove: when I accepted my uniqueness and, above all, I made peace with myself. All beings like to please, seduce and be useful, not only women. Self-confidence is worked on; you have to read and do training that will allow you to develop this self-esteem. Open up, accept yourself, accept others, be tolerant, not lock yourself in. The development of self-confidence is a whole theme in itself.
