by Fransesca Uriri

Tewa Onasanya, publisher of Exquisite Magazine speaks about publishing, the passion to succeed, overcoming challenges and being committed to one’s vision. She is the Leading Lady Africa for the week. Be inspired!

You’ve successfully run a magazine for 10 years. How have you been able to achieve this?

This has been achieved with God on our side and hard work with being diligent and consistent

The publishing industry is known to be very challenging, how have you been able to evolve and stay relevant?

The passion to succeed is unbelievable and that I feel is what has helped me not focus on the challenges or negativity but focus on the positives and the potential of reaching a lot of people though exquisite magazine.

 Why did you choose to go into publishing and how did you start?

It started with the thought of me wanting to fill a need in the society where at the time when Exquisite started, there was only one lifestyle magazine for women in colour in the UK. I thought to myself that instead of complaining about it, do something and now we have exquisite magazine. I have a friend whose husband was a graphic artist, we had several meetings and he advised on the best way forward.

 You organize the ELOY Awards, the Exquisite Magazine Walk for Cancer and other initiatives, why?

We do these events to celebrate women and more importantly, to encourage, inspire and motivate other women. The EMAC Walk was created to help raise awareness as best as possible and also offer free screening for a cancer (or cancers) that is killing people in Nigeria at an alarming rate. We thought to go one further than just awareness but by actually encouraging people to get screened regularly.

The ELOY Awards is an avenue to celebrate the exceptional works of women in different fields, who ordinarily might not be recognized for their role in Nigeria. These are women who have been able to go against the odds to be the best or one of the best at what they do

Our Exquisite lifestyle seminars are aimed at empowering people through different workshops that will be of great benefit to them; from growing to be an entrepreneur, to how to change how you are perceived and more.

 Do you ever feel overwhelmed, like thee is too much on your plate?

Sometimes I do, but with God on my side and my exquisite team, we forge ahead and do what we need to do.

How do you find the time to relax and rejuvenate?

I force myself to find the time. I think I’m doing well so far so I don’t get too overwhelmed and stressed out.

The media is a powerful tool that can be used to change society. How does Exquisite Magazine help to do this?

We do this by giving people true and concise information as often as possible. Yes we are a fashion magazine, but there is the lifestyle bit to it, which includes motivation, health, fitness and many more. As a medium for information, we report different lifestyle issues as accurately as possible so as not to mislead people who have put their trust in us to deliver.

What are some of the lessons you’ve learned in being an entrepreneur?

To be patient and consistent. I have also leaned some extra stuff like book keeping and accounts. A big one for me I think will be that your passion alone can’t grow the business, you need to be very business savvy and don’t give all your stuff away for free.

Name three things that people don’t know about you

(lol) Erm. I am a very reserved and quiet person in real life. (lol)

I don’t like a lot of make-up, I am not a fitness regimen type person. I look like this because of God. I am changing that though. Laughs…

 Does your faith/believe in God play a role in your life as an entrepreneur?

Oh yes. Through my believing in myself and believing God, He will continue to guide and support my vision. I am also a big believer in Faith, positive thinking, and in the power of the unseen… or super natural. All of these elements are a part of what feeds my life as an entrepreneur.

 In the fashion/beauty industry, it is often easy to lose focus and become pompous. How do you manage to stay grounded?

Really? Pompous? I don’t think so. Well maybe for some people but I’ve always been grounded and will remain grounded. Nothing to be pompous about, everyone is in their own league and special in different ways. I do say I am the best at what I do though, because I am the best at publishing Exquisite Magazine. Someone else cannot publish Exquisite magazine as well as I can, they can publish their own magazine but not mine. Just like I can’t do or play someone else’ role better than that person. No one can be Tewa and Tewa cannot be someone else.

 If you could, what advice would you give your younger self?

“Tewa, you got the best scores in English and love writing and fashion, when filling you Uni application, go for a course along those lines and always always have a positive approach to everything”. I wish I had done a course at University which is related to my career path now but oh well… smiles.

 Have there been times when you felt like quitting and how did you overcome them?

Oh yes, there have been times. A few times actually. For some reason, after a few days of almost giving up, I still somehow sense that the light at the end of the tunnel is closer, so I plod along with a new ray of hope.

 Who are your mentors?

There are a number of them, my mum and dad are number one and I have a few friends that have mentored me over the years; Mr Jide Sanwoolu, Mr Tonye Cole – they are my honourable mentors and biggest cheerleaders.

 What is the greatest lesson you think women can learn from one another?

Simple! How to support each other. Honestly. Genuinely and completely.

Your photos on Instagram show that you like cooking. Is opening a restaurant something you’d consider in the future?

(lol) Erm, I do love cooking and I love eating as well. That’s why. No restaurant in the pipeline but you never know. I’d rather go to a nice restaurant to eat a “fantamaglorious” (that’s how much I love good food) meal than open one myself actually.

 How do you maintain the balance between wife/mom and entrepreneur?

With God’s help. Not perfect but I try the best I can and everyone is happy.

 Where is your favourite travel destination and why?

Milan. Shopping, Shopping, Shopping and great Italian food and wine. Go figure!

 What do you think the future of publishing in Nigeria is?

The future is great for any sort of publishing be it print or online. Some people are still quite, and will remain traditional in their reading materials so it can only get better and better modified with the technological advancements.

 What are the future plans you have for yourself and business?

For me, to continue to deliver the best both for myself, family and friends and for Exquisite magazine and its associated events.

What words of advice would you give budding publishers and upcoming entrepreneurs?

Be passionate about whatever it is you want to publish and know your stuff. Study and read books if you don’t know about it, learn from those who have been there and work well.

 

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The Leading Ladies Africa Series is a weekly interview series that focuses on women of African descent, showcases their experiences across all socio-economic sectors, highlights their personal and professional achievements and offers useful advice on how to make life more satisfying for women.

It is an off-shoot of Leading Ladies Africa; an initiative that seeks to effectively mentor and inspire women, with particular emphasis on the African continent.

Do you know any woman of African descent doing phenomenal things? Send an email to [email protected] and we just might feature her.