I Am Beautiful

It's finally the 5th of February and the official launch of the IAB project. Yaay!

The main idea behind IAB is Empowerment, Motivation and Success. Many of us know that there are many issues concerning body image, social stratification and general emotional and psychological well-being of people. These issues have lead to too many devastating ends such as depression and death- in the form of suicide.

I would like to use this series as a way to destroy all that negativity and build up the self-confidence of our generation that is being tampered with by so many sources.

Relax and Enjoy...

1. What is your Name?

Kikelomo Omolehinwa.

2. What is your Nationality and Where do you currently live?

I'm Nigerian and I live in Accra, Ghana but school in Windsor, Canada.

3. Which age group do you belong to? 0-17, 18-25, 26-40, 40 and above.

18-25

4. Describe your personal style.

Versatile, dynamic, spontaneous and comfy

5. What makes you feel beautiful?

Happiness. I know this may seem weird, but that's it for me. I like to be happy. I'm at my optimum level when I feel happy. Being happy makes everything beautiful to me and because I feel comfortable when happy, I feel beautiful... inside out.

6. What do you think of the current issues concerning body image and race?

I think they're quite interesting. We're kinda hanging in the middle. Although, there's still the stereotyping of the female body size which leans towards being skinny, these days having a little more flesh is beginning to be encouraged. At this point, I feel like there might just be a breakthrough for ladies. I sometimes wonder why these stereotypes don't really affect the men. Even though the 'ideal' man portrayed by the media is the 'husky, bulky, muscular, tall' guy, no one ever questions the male body image or size. Even 'plus size' guys (is that what they're called?), are accepted in our society, so why is it a different case when it comes to the ladies? 

Concerning race in terms of skin color, on a general level, I feel society has gotten rid of negativity with respect to that. The only issues still present are issues concerning the characteristics of the different races and ethnic groups. For example: the eye lids of most Asians. You know what I mean? If we can get rid of these issues, the world would be a much better place.

7. Do you think the media has had a negative or positive influence on these issues? Why?

I feel the media is two-faced. Again, because of the transition I spoke about earlier. Honestly, for the most part, it's been negative. The media is broad and some of the most influential parts include the social media, electronic (TV), and paper (magazines). A lot of people have become victims of eating disorders, depression, low-self esteem, suicide and many more just because of what these sources put out. They are so influential that they've become the dictators of our society. It's so sad.

8. What do you think of the current fashion industry and trends?

I'm not even sure where fashion (especially ladies's fashion) is headed.  Fashion designers and the media have managed to commercialize women's bodies so much that I'm so scared to imagine what fashion will be like in a few years. I feel that all the originality and talent in fashion design has been lost to a world that is now based on sex appeal.

9. What advice would you like to give?

Be yourself and  Stand by your values. This is the greatest and most profitable thing you can do for yourself. There is a reason why we are not photocopies of each other. Don't try to fit in because you will get lost in the crowd. Anyone who truly loves you will love you just the way you are, so don't try to change anything for anyone.

10. Share a fun fact about you.

I'm a very shy and reserved person, but I can be a chatter-box when I feel comfortable in an environment. :p

What do you guys think?

Check back next Wednesday for the next feature. More info here.