Publisher and Editor–in-Chief of DivaScribe magazine Adaobi Iwenofu, is a firm believer in transcending boundaries. Born with an entrepreneurial spirit she knew that a 9-5 job was not in her make-up, and decided to dig deeper within and not accept what society dictated was normality - a mediocre hum-drum existence. DivaScribe magazine was started on her kitchen table with young children then aged (2 and 1) to take care of. Practising what she preaches – she thought outside of the box and met each challenge as it came head-on.
Armed with a tenacious spirit, she actively utilised her innate DIY persona to learn more about the world of publishing [she also has a Diploma in Journalism amongst other qualifications], it was a steep learning curve as she sojourned. But it all paid off when the first issue went to print and she got the backing of a world famous distributor COMAG (Conde Nast) to distribute her magazine nationwide in the UK. The distribution now spans and includes the US, Canada, Germany, Belgium and Now Africa. Sold in major book stores and super league newsagents, finally women of colour especially in the UK, now had a lifestyle publication that echoes their lives, culture, heritage and lifestyle.
“I am a purveyor of all things beautiful, lifestyle related and enriching. Been a voracious reader, I saw the gap in the market for a publication like DivaScribe for that D-ivinely I-nspirational V-ivaciously A-stounding = DIVA. Our lives as women of colour 99.9% of the time echoes that of other women of colour who all have an appreciaton of the same things, be it beauty, fashion, relationships, travel, sharing of entrepreneurial strengths – you name it. Be she African, Afro Caribbean or African American – it is that melting pot that really caters to her. And she in turn is our pulse of life."
Armed with a B.Sc. Hons degree in Computing and Information Systems Early Specialist [London Guildhall University] and certificates from the London Chamber Of Commerce and Industry [LCCI] in Law and Public Relations – Adaobi Iwenofu, does not believe in putting all your eggs into one basket. She is also a consultant that works with established and new brands [fashion, lifestyle events etc] to effectively capture their markets and have a successful venture. And she also mentors young DIVAPRENEURS [entrepreneurs’] who are planning or have started small SME’s.
“For me it is all about networking. Who you know, who knows whom and how to effectively utilise those contacts and make it financially lucrative for all involved. It is also important to give back, no matter how minutiae you believe your contribution is - believe me, you will feel bountifully enriched."
Another feather to add to her cap is that of a reality TV judge, she has worked in this capacity on the following projects Class Act UK 2011, Uber Africa Unmasked 2012 [which she also ingeniously conceptualised its name], a couple more projects in the pipeline that she has been invited to partake in and her newest baby – a TV show that she is keeping schtum about.
“I am so happy to stroke this baby lovingly for life as I do not envision failure for it at all. It needs to be done right, and the aim is for it is to change perceptions. Importantly it needs to be on the right platform – just watch this space.”
When asked about her understated and classy sense of style. She says…..
“Exquisite fashion for me lies in the subtlety of the details which also includes accessories. I love structured clean lines - nothing too fussy. For me the mirror is a fantastic invention, you only need to look at yourself in one before stepping out of the house. Each to their own I say – but importantly the ‘in’ trends do not work for all, wear the clothes you rightfully paid for and do not let it wear you.”
Life Moto: “When two elephants fight, it is only the grass and ground that feels the brunt. Humility and grace takes one far in life.”
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of DivaScribe Magazine
