I only blog when I feel inspired. I don’t force it, I just blog whenever I find a source of inspiration. I’m happy to have an avenue (pun intended) to share my journey through this creative space I find myself in. Today, was a #FeelingInspired type of day.
Yesterday, however was exhausting. I saw something completely disrespectful to the essence of black womanhood at work, and I grew weary of the ways of the world. Tired. Tired of the constant struggle to be accepted, to be appreciated, to be apart of the conversation, to have a seat at the TABLE— as a woman of color. Of course, we could always ignore it or take the high road, but that doesn’t erase the feelings. The feelings are still very present, even if you try to bury them, or in the voice of Solange, try to drink it away. But, after a tall glass of Pinot Noir once I finally made it to my loft, I was cool. I shook it off, and BLASTED Solange’s latest album, “A Seat at the Table.”
Simply therapeutic…..Solange, thank you.
Today is a new day, and I shall move forward. I login to Instagram as usual, and I’m immediately ecstatic from what I see! If you didn’t know, I am Nigerian. My father is Nigerian and immigrated to the U.S. in the 80’s to further his education. He and his brothers all came to the U.S. with one goal in mind: to lay the foundation for their future generations. Fast forward to 2016 and here we are. I was born here in America, but some of my first-cousins were born back in Lagos, and came to the U.S. for school. Among these cousins are two of my favorite sources of personal inspiration: Chi Chi and Ogo.
One thing about being Nigerian is the entrepreneurial spirit is embedded in your soul. There’s something about knowing where you come from, and what you are capable of that instills a strong sense of self and cultural pride. These two ladies continue to break barriers in the Fashion industry, and I’m always in anticipation to watch their story unfold online.
Did I mention once upon a time, they served as personal stylists for Solange under their former brand, Poodle Pusher?
As seen in VOGUE:
Luxury fashion has a universal appeal to the Nigerian woman, because as people we are culturally proud, boldly expressive, and dominant in our undertakings.
Fashion isn’t an afterthought here—rather, it is engraved and custom-made to fit the lifestyle of a Lagosian. There is seriousness here in looking and feeling good.
— Chi Chi & Ogo
The sisters who slay were recently featured in VOGUE to talk their latest creative venture, fave designers and the Luxury Fashion scene in Africa.
Check out their latest feature in VOGUE FASHION by clicking here!
Ladies, continue to show the world what the essence of being an empowered, stylish, smart, beautiful, entrepreneurial woman of color looks like! It runs in the family……
In style and inspired,
-Giselle
Giselle Avenue 
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