(ODE TO DARK SKIN-2) MY STORY-HWANGE

My name is Immaculate Hwange 

I was born, raised and currently live in the city of Abuja.

I’m of the Tiv tribe in Benue state, Nigeria.

I graduated from Benue state university where I 

Studied mass communication.

I’m a fashion model, fashion designer and stylist.

Right from a young age, I’ve always had my own special sense of style and fashion, and that passion played a huge part in my decision to become a full time model, and who I am today.

My modeling career began a couple of years ago, when I joined a modeling agency while in the university and then I was encouraged to go into pageantry, which turned out to be a complete success. Ever since then, I fell deeply in love with modeling,,,, everyday of my life. There’s nothing else I’d rather do. My goal is to keep going higher, wherever God takes me- I’m ready. Been ready!

PHoto: Chibuzo Photography

First things first, I’ve always loved being a black girl; I’ve always been confident in my skin tone and I see myself as special ....especially growing up in a household where the rest of my siblings are all light skinned .

I was always noticeable...It’s hard to miss the black one amongst the lighter skinned.

Yes! I’ve experienced a lot of unpleasant moments due to my complexion. I’ve always gotten comments like “Why are you so dark...the rest of your family is light you’re the different one?” I mean, it’s unavoidable. 

I’m forever grateful for how God made me, I never ever felt bad or felt less of myself just because many people tend to prefer lighter complexion.

I’ve always said that my dark skin is my biggest flex, it is one of my many attributes that makes me special in this world and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’ve always been confident. I love myself, I love the skin I’m in, and no matter what anyone else prefers or thinks I don’t let it bother me. 

Also, while there are people who scorn at my melanin, there are also other people who just adore me because of my complexion. So at the end of the day, opinions and preferences are subjective.

Photo: The Benny Joseph

My advice to other black girls out there who are struggling to love themselves and find themselves or their own light, I want to let you know that you’re gold, you’re the richness and depth of beauty! 

Never let anyone make you feel less of yourself that you have to result to ruining your beautiful skin by bleaching. Look in the mirror and find your beauty, you don’t have to change your skin for any reason at all. We have a community of beautiful black women around you, find your strength by looking at us. 

Photo: Reuben Onoja

For my skin care products and routine, I really do not do very much.

I thank God, for I have really great skin that complies.  

I’ve been using Nivea products and black soap for almost a decade, and I do not plan to stop now. 

Besides, I really do have a very sensitive skin, such that whenever I try new products I get  a bad reaction and sometimes this has led to unintentional bleaching, so I’m really careful about trying random products.

I have a clothing brand WILDBUTTERFLY. 

I dropped both first and second collection more than a year ago and I’m still actively working on the next collection which will be dropping soon.

I’m @wildbuttterfly on all social media platforms. Snapchat, Twitter, TikTok  and Instagram 

Photo: The Benny Joseph