We continue with our countdown towards unveiling our Ladybrille Woman of the Month for November 2010 by celebrating the women of the months, from our past. For the weekend, we leave you with two ordinary women using their extraordinary God given talents to make their communities and the world brilliant: Ghana’s Abenaa Frempong Boadu and Austria & Nigeria’s Omatu Gottschlich.
Name: Abenaa Frempong-Boadu
Profession: Musician
Location: New York, USA
Heritage: Ghana, West Africa
Ladybrille Woman of the Month, June 2008
Ladybrillemag.com: Share with us some of your accomplishments since your feature on Ladybrille as Woman of the Month?
AFB: Since last speaking with Ladybrille, I’ve been focused on a few different projects. Some personal . . . like finishing my home renovation. It’s been a huge undertaking and tremendous distraction but my new space is almost complete and despite the challenges, I do love it. I’ll have to host a ‘Thank God it’s over!’ party sometime soon.
I’ve also been writing and recording for my new CD, exploring new sounds and revisiting familiar territory. I’m very excited about these songs and I’ve been consumed with the process overall. Look for a Spring 2011 release. I’ll make sure Ladybrille gets the update on when it’s coming out.
Along with all my work and projects, I try to take some time off. I’m learning that life is a lot like music – the moments of great sound are just as important as the moments of silence.
Ladybrillemag.com: How do you define a brilliant woman?
AFB: There are so many different ways to be brilliant, but for me a brilliant woman is one who dares to be herself. She’s a woman who cherishes the things that matter to her most but is not necessarily governed by them. She treats herself and others with respect and love. A brilliant woman faces her challenges even when she’s afraid and learns from her failures as much as she learns from her successes.
Ladybrillemag.com: Going into 2011, how do you intend to challenge yourself, personally, to continue to be brilliant?
AFB: My personal goals are to be more open, to not be slave to my expectations and ride the wave a bit.
I want to continue to grow as a person, artist, educator, and business woman. In 2011, I’m looking forward to touring more extensively with this CD; and of course I’ll continue working on my ventures. As a matter of fact, it’s almost the holiday season – don’t forget to buy your Gwyneth Shoes! (Smiles)
____________________________
Name: Omatu Gottschlich
Profession: Fashion Designer & Co-owner FULANI
Location: Vienna, Austria
Heritage: Autsrian & Nigerian
Ladybrille Woman of the Month, July 2009
Ladybrillemag.com: Share with us some of your accomplishments since your feature on Ladybrille as Woman of the Month?
OG: 2010 was a really good year!
In summer we launched our new urban line FULANI TMF originated from our high fashion brand FULANI.
I attended the Grammys in January 2010, which is something I always wanted to do! Since April, 2010 we have been working on a celebrity attachment for one of our future collections. I am very excited about that! Hopefully I can announce something this year!
Ladybrillemag.com: How do you define a brilliant woman?
OG: A brilliant woman has the skills to make (something) out of everything whether it’s negative or positive to move further in her life and career! A brilliant woman will always stand up after a downfall.
Ladybrillemag.com: Going into 2011, how do you intend to challenge yourself, personally, to continue to be brilliant?
OG: I am a very shy person, especially when it comes to networking. So, my goal is to open up more, overcome my shyness and take more advantage of opportunities! I also want to push/market my brand FULANI both in Europe and the USA, basically find a 50/ 50 balance! I am also looking forward to visiting Nigeria for the first time in March/April 2011! I can’t wait to see and feel my roots and meet/greet the rest of family! I am also looking to build a network there!
A running feature for 12 years on Ladybrille.com, The ‘Ladybrille Woman of the Month’ celebrates women in business and leadership, who empower themselves and others through their contributions and actions in their local and international communities. In 2014, the feature expanded to include a podcast show. If you would like to nominate a woman to be celebrated, please email [email protected].
I am often taken aback by my people's obsession with Europeans. In your first interview with with Ms. Abenna, she clearly states she is of Ghanian and Trinidadian decent. She even went further to describe how both experiences influences her music and entrepreneurial endeavors. However you seem to miss that point in your description of her heritage ( Ghana, West Africe. Under normal circumstances I would overlook such misinformation, unfortunately in this case I can not. For I see that you easily remembered the facts of Ms Omatu's heritage (Austrian & Nigerian). I forgive you though, we are all affected by the Law of Social Heredity. This is the first time I have visited your site and it will not be the last. I have enjoyed reading your articles even though I am leaving a little annoyed. Good luck.