AFRICAN EMPRESS IN HOLLYWOOD

Monalisa Okojie is famously referred to as “The Jewelry Designer to the Stars'' because she has catered to very many Hollywood Celebrities...the list is unbelievable.

The next few days are going to be very exciting as we delve into the life of this African Princess and founder of Nehita Jewelry. 

Monalisa has been featured in Jet Magazine, Allure, Vanguard, Hollywood Weekly, LadyBrille and many other prestigious publications.

Sit back and relax.

BronzePage! If it is here! It is Top Quality!

Nehita has been worn by celebrities such as the late Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, Alan Cumming, Norah Jones, Nick Cannon, Rosario Dawson, Heidi Montag, Allison Kraus, Laila Ali, Halle Berry, Anthony Anderson, Melora Hardin, Josh Henderson, Sally Pressman, CCH Pounder, Lu Parker, Meagan Good, Lisa Ray, Hosea Chanchez, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Carrie Ann Inaba, Sisse Marie, Quinton Aaron, Randy Jackson, Christelle, Tiffany Haddish, Jackie Appiah, Ava Hall, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Vince Gelonese, Ray J, Brandy, Nora Jones, Allison Krauss, Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Melora Hardin, Michael Henderson, Omarosa Manigault, First Ladies of various countries as well as many others. There are so many more. 

Tomorrow we bring you the story of Monalisa. Stay tuned. 

We interviewed the empress herself a while ago and she was very candid, humble and forthcoming..... enjoy it.

BronzePage: Hello Monalisa, we finally get to do this. Where are you from in Africa?
Monalisa: Yes, thank you. I have been looking forward to this interview. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, I am an Ishan Princess from Eguare, Irrua in Edo State, Nigeria.

BronzePage: First thing, let's talk about Nehita. Great name, with African ring. What does Nehita mean?
Monalisa: Nehita means 'What God Gave Me', it is actually my middle name.

BronzePage: Tell us about the business aspect. What is Nehita for those who do not know?
Monalisa: Nehita Jewelry started as a hobby, but now has been built as a lifestyle of designs that integrates culture, transcends time and embodies sophistication. Nehita is based on designs inspired by my international travels and knowledge. It is also important for me that people know that all of the gemstones used in the collections are from conflict free countries.
I understand the global immersion of fashion, the business has grown on both the African, Asian and American continents. Nehita’s designs are already in Ghana, Nigeria, Canada, China, United States of America and Dubai.

BronzePage: What inspired you to start such a business?
Monalisa: After I moved to Los Angeles, California, I sought for 18 karat gold jewelry but could not find any jewelry that was close to the kind I grew up wearing or saw my Mum and Aunties wear in Nigeria. When an opportunity came for me to travel with my Aunt to Dubai, I jumped at it. On my visit, I went to the Gold Souk, I was like a kid in a candy store, every design I ever imagined was there. I got some pieces for myself. After wearing them for a few months, I decided to alter the designs with the help of a local goldsmith here in Los Angeles. After a few weeks of a handful of compliments from friends, strangers and family members, I thought to myself,  'if I could alter these designs to look like brand new pieces of jewelry, then I can wear my creative hat to start making designs with 18 karat gold here in Los Angeles'.
My inspiration as you can see started off as a hobby, re-designing my personal pieces of jewelry and now it is a full time business. Nehita designs are constantly evolving, from unique and colorful fabrics worn in traditional settings to beautiful flowers, plants, paintings or the vibrant colors in our everyday lives. One is never far from their culture and their roots. I invested so much into my creations that my husband challenged me by asking if it was a “hobby or a business.”

(PART TWO OF THE INTERVIEW CONTINUES TOMORROW)

BronzePage: You are a trained attorney. Can you tell us more about your background?
Monalisa: I am the third of five children. I attended St Mary’s Private school in Lagos, (Nigeria) for my primary education, then  Federal Government Girls College in Calabar for my secondary education. For my college degree, I attended and obtained my Bachelors of Law degree from the University of Ekpoma and then Barrister at Law from Nigerian Law School in Lagos, where I was called to the Bar in 1997.

BronzePage: How did you decide to make that lane change from law to jewelry design?
Monalisa: Two extremes right? My career as a designer started off as a passion. While I was working at a law firm in Los Angeles, I would create and design pieces for myself after my trip to Dubai as I mentioned above. With approximately eight years of law practice, I decided to fulfil my dream as a jewelry designer. I began attending classes at the Gemological Institute of America, located in Culver City, and immersed myself in the beauty and science of gems and the art of creating fine jewelry. It was scary going from a promising career to another. I knew I had no choice but to succeed in my new career path.

BronzePage: Now Beverly Hills. You are living many people’s dream.....meting the likes of Halle Berry, Boris Kodjoe, Katy Perry, Eve, Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Common, Russel Simmons, Quincy Jones, Randy Jackson,  the list goes on. Many people cannot get into that crowd, how did an African lady get accepted by these top notch celebrities. (completely unlike the Hollywood status quo. Walk us through it.

Monalisa: I must admit, I am blessed to have found the gateway to Hollywood and to be dealing with celebrities throughout my career. My charm was actually my accent, it draws attention to me. Everywhere I go, everyone I meet wants to know where my accent is from, it is always the first topic of conversation. As a proud Nigerian, with a big smile, I tell them “It is from beautiful Nigeria” and then the conversation continues. The next question is usually, “What do you do”?, then I tell them about Nehita, if conducive I show them some pictures of my designs. Most times the conversation evolves into wanting to introduce me to celebrities that love jewelry. I spent a lot of time networking within the right circles when I started Nehita in 2008. With God’s help I got to many places and met people I never dreamt I would ever meet- and they became my clients. 

(WE CONCLUDE THE INTERVIEW TOMORROW)

BronzePage: What or when was that first break (in Hollywood). . . every business has them?
Monalisa: I never envisioned that my fascination for jewelry and design would lead toHollywood, California and to becoming known as the Jewelry Designer to the Stars. However, my first break was after I started designing jewelry pieces for the late Whitney Houston in 2010. She loved Nehita jewelry. She gave out Nehita diamond crosses to friends/family as gifts during their birthdays.

BronzePage: Tell us about your designs. How do you go about creating your pieces?
Monalisa: I am alays unconsciously creating, drawing from those memories which are incorporated from my African background and heritage. I stay away from designs that are in vogue, I create pieces that are classic and elegant and can be passed from generation to generation. I want people to see quality, craftsmanship and beauty in all Nehita pieces.

BronzePage: What are your goals for Nehita? Let us look through your telescope.
Monalisa: In terms of my business, I would like to see more exposure of the Nehita product-line; the Nehita scarf or Nehita jewelry. Although Nehita started out as exotic jewelry for women, we soon recognized that the number of men wearing jewelry had increased exponentially, we didn’t want to leave them out so I created a line for them. I would like to see my designs with worldwide visibility, not just with celebrities here in the US but all over the world.

BronzePage: You are so private about your personal life, but as a celebrity. I’m not sure fans afford you such privacy. Tell us about your husband and children.
Monalisa: I am very protective of my family. My husband is a lawyer, he has his own law firm in downtown, Los Angeles and in Calabasas both of which are in Los Angeles County. He is very supportive of all my endeavors, he even volunteers when needed. I have three children;  I must say they all have been bitten a bit by the acting bug. I do encourage each of them to participate in our volunteer activities and teach them the importance of giving back. However, as I said, I am protective of them so you will probably not see them on the red carpet with their mother.

BronzePage: What are your plans for Africa? Any?
Monalisa: I am a patriotic Nigerian who represents her country wherever I go. However, I feel I am more than that; I am a global ambassador who uses her celebrity to give hope to the unfortunate and to the many lives I touch especially in Africa. This can be seen through Upward African Woman, a non-profit California-based organization, which I founded in 2013, whose mission is to give hope to disadvantaged women and children all over Africa. We currently have schools in Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana, where we educate, feed and care for women and children. The organization tackles issues of poverty, disease and illiteracy.

BronzePage: What do you want your friends, fans and the world to know about Africa?
Monalisa: First of all, I want them to know that I am a proud African and I stay true to my African culture and upbringing. I feel extremely blessed to be from a continent with such a colorful culture, a continent where we love to dance and celebrate at every given opportunity, a continent rich in natural resources, a welcoming culture where we see each other as brothers and sisters, despite the high level of poverty in most African countries. Some important facts that people should know about Africa are that there are no tigers in Africa. We speak over 1,000 languages. We have the deepest and most powerful river in the world in Congo. I must also add that the biggest misconception is that Africa is a Country, it is a Continent. My Africa is beautiful. 

BronzePage: What are your hobbies?
Monalisa: Dancing, reading, cooking, empowering young ladies to be leaders and watching good action movies.

BronzePage: For a young African child who is inspired by your story, please share with them what they must do and what pitfalls to avoid.
Monalisa: Get the best education that you can. Next, follow your dreams and desires, find out what you are really good at and develop that talent. Doubt will come along the way but don’t give up. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed in business. It is important, that they should give back to the underprivileged, a smile, words of encouragement, gifts and love go a long way to many people. Finally, choose your friends wisely and you will avoid many pitfalls.

BronzePage: How can our readers get in touch with you (website, twitter, Facebook, any other platforms), phone if necessary.
Monalisa: The Nehita website is http://nehita.com/. Facebook: Nehita Jewelry; X: @nehitajewelry; Instagram: @nehitajewelry, phone number 1.213.471.2310

BronzePage: Tell us something many people do not know about Monalisa. We must know something no one else knows (smile).
Monalisa: Hahahaha… that I am a great cook, I can cook pretty much any kind of food and I absolutely enjoy cooking.

BronzePage: Do not be a stranger. you are always welcome here.
Monalisa: Thank you, you are so kind. I must say this has been an interesting interview. 

BronzePage: What an absolutely delightful woman.       

Nubian Skin founder, Ade Hassan was frustrated by the lack of skin-tone choices to go with her  wardrobe, she  decided it was time for ‘a different kind of nude’.
She launched Nubian Skin in 2014 with a carefully edited collection of lingerie and hosiery to provide the essential underwear needs of women of color. 

We chatted with her when we first launched BronzePage and we never want you to forget the journey of this incredible Black woman who made enough waves that  Beyonce took notice.

Stick around as we bring you the story of Nubian Skin and the founder. The next few days will be fun.

When we chatted with Ade Hassan, founder of Nubian Skin.

BRONZEPAGE:

Please tell us about yourself..... what part of Africa are you from and what inspired you to create this brand?

ADE HASSAN:

I was born in the UK and my family is Nigerian, but I grew up in a lot of places including the UK, Nigeria and the US.  

I created Nubian Skin because I couldn’t find what I was looking for in shops! I wanted nude lingerie and hosiery – but it simply wasn’t available. I knew I couldn’t be the only one who felt the same way – so I decided to create it.

I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I’ve always wanted my business to be fashion related. When I took 15 months off work.  I decided to take sewing and pattern cutting classes, which I really enjoyed. I had several ideas in the past and a few that I looked into moving forward with, but ultimately when this idea came into my head, it truly stuck.  I realized it was something I needed and was so essential, that it had to be something other women of color would want. 

 We are currently based in London, which is also where I live.  Nubian Skin launched in October 2014.

Hollywood:

Nubian Skin was selected to provide the underpinnings for the Beyoncé Formation Tour! (Incredibly Amazing).

Nubian Skin garments have also been featured in the Oscar-nominated film "Hidden Figures" and also on the popular Fox TV show "Empire".  

 Several celebrities in Hollywood have been seen wearing or are fans of the brand Nubian Skin. These names include Beyoncé, Jourdan Dunn, Lizzo, Lupita Nyong'o, Viola Davis, and Taraji P Henson.  

ADE HASSAN:

“My nude isn’t the nude I see in shops. Despite the reality that women of color have the same needs as

all women when it comes to lingerie and hosiery, the industry simply doesn’t cater to us. So, I thought,

it’s time to rethink the definition of nude.”

A nude bra and skin tone hosiery are the basics of every woman’s wardrobe, at least in theory. For many

women of color, finding suitable skin tone hosiery and lingerie has not been an option. Nubian Skin aspires to be the brand that women of color can turn to when they need to find that much needed pair of nude hold-ups or a perfect nude bra. With the aim of redefining ‘nude’, Nubian Skin launched in October 2014 with a carefully edited selection of lingerie and hosiery to provide the essential underwear needs of women of color. With the philosophy of ‘Empowering Women-embracing our Color; Nubian Skin encourages women of all ethnicities to feel included, appreciated and most of all sexy, in lingerie especially tailored for them.

ADE HASSAN:

 'I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I’ve always wanted my business to be fashion related. When I took 15 months off work several years ago, I decided to take sewing and pattern cutting classes, which I really enjoyed. I had several ideas in the past and a few that I looked into moving forward with, but ultimately when this idea came into my head, it truly stuck.  I realized it was something I needed and was so essential, that it had to be something other women of color would want.'

''The biggest hurdle to overcome at the start was finding a good quality manufacturer.  As a new and small business, a lot of manufacturers simply didn’t respond to queries, and others were looking for incredibly high volumes, so it was tricky.  Once you actually secure a manufacturer, it’s always a battle to manage expectations.  When I first decided on a manufacturer, I thought I’d be able to start selling in a few months, and we actually launched one year later than I had expected''. 

Ade Hassan  went to Duke University in the United States and did two Bachelors, one in English, and one in Economics. Then she completed  a master's degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.

Her parents are from Nigeria, where she was partly raised and Ade also speaks Yoruba.