Have You Ever Seen A 63 Years Old Woman Look This Fabulous? Be Inspired

Wendy Ida

What do you do when your whole world crumbles down on you? What do you do when all hope is gone and there seems likes a million mountains in front of you...and you just cant seem to find your way out? Other People just give up and commit the most unthinkable action as a way out.."SUICIDE". But there are people who refuse to give up, people who speak to those mountains in front of them and command them to move! These are the people who inspire and who have changed the way we look at things, they inspire us, we get encouraged and indeed they give us hope. People like Wendy Ida, a 63 years old woman who refused to bow down to the mountains of her life that she was facing and commanded them to move..and make way for her.

About a week ago, I watched "Girl Talk", the one for T.D Jakes ministry, presented by Sarah Jakes and her mother. It was a very inspiring topic they had with  some very notable guest like Meagan M. Good, Nicole A. Parker to mention but a few. It was a general discussion forum about women, their independence, relationships etc but what really got me was seeing a 63 years woman who looks 35! You would have never guessed her age. She was there to encourage women on how they can move on despite of whatever might be dragging them down. Here is Wendy Ida's story...

Wendy Ida grew up in poverty and she almost lost her life in domestic violence. Wendy, like most women today suffered domestic violence for 13 years before she found herself. It took her a while to actually gather her guts and put her foot down....and say, "Enough is Enough". Listen to her in her own words.......

"I suffered physical, emotional, mental and sexual abuse fro 13 years before I found the courage to run across the country with my two babies and only the clothes on our backs. My babies were a huge motivator in taking the risk to take the last ditch effort to escape, because I saw that their lives were vastly being affected. Before my escape, I didn't quite frankly think I was going to past the age of 43.., and I came close to that many times and I am confident that if I had stayed where I was that my saga wouldn't have ended. Once I got safe and settled, I wanted to feel better, because for 13 years, I was constantly tired and my self-esteem suffered; I needed answers and I needed help, and that was the beginning of my motivation towards the healthier side of life. It took a while because I was a fast food junkie but I was tired of being sick and tired". Wendy Ida via Black Fitness Today.

Wendy Ida; BEFORE and AFTER.

Wendy started eating healthy and excising at the age of 43 and she was about 80 pounds (about 36 kg) overweight at that time. There was no turning back for her

Wendy Ida is now the best-selling author, speaker, life reinvention strategist, fitness expert and TV host. She has written a book called "Take Back Your Life, my no nonsense approach to health, fitness and Looking Good Naked". Wendy Ida is what I would call a multi-achiever without limits. She is an 8 time award winning National Champion of top trophy awards in the NPC Body Building and Figure Championships as well as a Strive to Thrive Fitness Expert touring with Actor Boris Kodjoe and his gorgeous actress wife Nicole Ari Parker.

I guess what they say is true, "AGE IS NOTHING BUT A NUMBER". I know they say; "Black Never Cracks", but this is too good to believe. But again, I guess, you can achieve and be anything if you just make up your mind and do it.....Thumbs up to you Wendy and we hope to see many women stepping out and changing their lives too.

Watch Wendy do some real moves in this video. And yes........at 63!!

Meet Chileshe Katongo; A Zambian Health And Fitness "Guru". A Look Into Her World As She Shares Tips On Fitness And Wellbeing

Today on African Super Woman, we have Chileshe Katongo, who is a fitness and health "guru", I like to call her. Today, she shares a few tips on health and fitness. Also a look into her world. I believe being a super woman also means being healthy and in good shape.

ASW: Welcome on African Super Woman, its an honour to finally have you.

Chileshe: Thank you for having me here.

ASW: I see you have a number of post followers on the famous social media network, facebook. And I am pretty sure people have been wondering who you are. Tell us about yourself, who is Chileshe?

Chileshe: Chileshe Katongo is a Zambian currently residing in Thailand. A Social Worker by profession, a business-lady and a beautician.

ASW: We have been friends for seven years now and ever since I have known you, your life has been in the gym. I have tried to follow your footsteps over the years but it hasn't been an easy one for me :-) . How important is exercising and fitness to you?

Chilesh Katongo

Chileshe: Yes African Super Woman, that is correct! The gym has become part of my daily routine and working out is a lifestyle to me. Exercising and fitness is important to my life and I love to take care of myself. The other thing about exercising is that it has truly helped sculpt my body, I am more energetic than ever. The feeling after working out is just amazing, so refreshing.

ASW: You would agree with me that growing up in Africa, women...and men believed that being big or a +size was believed to be a sign of wealth. 

Chileshe: I agree with you and actually there are some people who believe in this myth but which is not the case . Despite saying that, it doesn't matter whatever size and shape someone is in. What matters is health, if someone is a +size and in good health, well and good, same applies to the skinny and slender.

ASW: As modern African women in Africa, exercising is slowly becoming a part of our daily lives. Growing up, we didn't see so many African women work-out, go to the gym as much as they have been doing in the past decade. Women have become so "obsessed" for lack of a better term, with trying to lose some extra pounds. I have seen the length women are willing to go just to lose weight. Sadly, there have been a number of deaths caused by starvation by choice in the name of losing weight. Why do you think women are so much in desperation to lose weight and are willing to go to the extreme?

Meet Africa's Own Female Football Soldier; Doreen Nabwire Omondi

Though hardly recognised in Africa, Doreen Nabwire Omondi is one of the few celebrated female football star in Europe from Africa. I was intrigued by her story and I asked her if I could share it with you my readers.

THE RISE OF A STAR

Doreen Nabwire Omondi was born in March 1987, in Ngomongo hamlet of Mathare slums in Kenya. At the age of ten, she started playing soccer and even participated in the international tournaments at Valley Bridge Primary School in Huruma were she was a pupil. Her interest in soccer earned a chance at Maina Wangigi Girls High in Eastleigh. At age fifteen, she was called to the national women team and her first game at the national level was played for Mathare Yout. Sports Association (MYSA). Doreen represented MYSA in Europe's biggest youth tournament "Norway Cup". She emerged the best in that tournament and that was the beginning of her career.

In 2006, Doreen represented Kenya in the first ever street football world cup which was held in Berlin, Germany in which Kenya emerged champions. It was in this tournament that linked her to International clubs. In 2009, the Germany club, Werder Bremen hired her and a year later she moved to FC Zwolle, a division one side in the Dutch Women League. While playing in Holland, Doreen attended classes in UEFA C coaching license.

She returned to Kenya in 2012 and joined Matuu Women FC as both coach and player. During this season, her experience helped the women's team emerge winner at the league. She also coached the National Youth and Spots Association. The club she was coaching (Matuu) collapsed due to financial constraints. After that, she went back to Germany in 2013 and joined another club, FC Koln and that is where she is to date.

A Look At The Fabulous Fatima's Wardrobe; She Is One of Lusaka's Fashion Icon

I met Fatima about three years ago. She was my "shoes client". I had just returned from the United Kingdom with lots of fabulous, classy shoes to re-sell. I remember at that time, I was selling the shoes at $100 each and a friend of mine introduced me to Fatima who got about five pairs at once! I was a happy seller ;-) . Since then, I have been her secret follower of her fashion.

She has a great sense of fashion and her collection is so unique. She doesn't put a price on looking good, that's what I like about her. Even her house represent her sense of style, she is a real classy lady. Hollywood must be missing a fashion icon ;-) .

LETS TAKE A LOOK AT THIS BEAUTY'S CLOSET.

Zambia's Chuma Chilando Wins The African Queen/DK 2015

Chuma Chilando

Last weekend, Denmark held a beauty contest; The African Queen/Dk aimed at bringing young African women together from different backgrounds representing their country of origin. They all came together as one to interact and share cultures.

The African Queen/DK is a great way to ensure that our roots are not forgotten even as we are living in the diaspora. This event was also done in good faith, for the profits were taken to orphans in Africa.

Chuma Chilando

The 2015 African Queen/DK crown went to one of our own; the beautiful Chuma Chilando from Zambia. ASW is proud of you Chuma, so is Zambia. May you continue representing our country and don't put that flag down. Proud of you and God bless you. Know that this is just the beginning, more great things are coming your way.

Chuma Chilando

The contestants of The African Queen/DK 2015

Chuma Chilando being crowned

Chuma Chilando

PROUDLY ZAMBIAN!

Enrolled at Ife University at age 14 and designed her first building at age 23: Meet Nigeria's leading architect

There are some professionals that have been said to be for men. But women disagree with that and they are. coming out and joining these professionals known to be for "men". I recently came across a story of Olajumoke Adenowo, a very successful Nigerian architect. She is a true African Super Woman.

Olajumoke Adenowo

Olajumoke Adenowo is one of Africa's leading female architects. She enrolled into Ife University at the age of 14 and at the age of 19, she had her first degree. At age 23, she designed her first building; the Federal Ministry of Lands in Abuja, Nigeria. At age 25 she opened up her own company called AD Consulting. While she was still in school, she won several awards for her academic work which included best student in design in the BSc.

Its been 21 years since Adenowo went solo and opened her own company and her success over the years can only be a reflection of a dreamer's passion for her work. She has won several awards as an architect. Apart from these achievements, she hosts her own radio show mentoring women and this has seen her receive several recommendations from the likes of the United Nations Information Centre over the years.

Early this year she was on CNN and this is what she said about her organisation called "Awesome Treasures Foundation" which she founded in 1999, which helps mentor women and young girls. She said; "We believe the greatest need of Africa is leadership, vision. Strong people who are ready to give their all to say, 'this is the way', and Awesome Treasures is here to address that need, to raise transformation leaders."

"The passion comes from my clients. I feed off their energy.., I would do anything for my clients to make sure that their buildings come out the way they do." Adenowo

It is women like her who inspired me to create this blog. Well done Adenowo. Looking forward to seeing your dream come true; designing a building that would define Nigeria's identity.

He Defiled Our Bed, Left Me With Two Children And A Broken Rib. This Is Ruth's Story and Her Advice To Women.

Well, they say that everybody has a story. That's true and other stories leave you with a pinch in your spirit, like Ruth's story. I have heard so many stories of abuse in relationships and how many women tend to choose to have a blind eye in the situation. A few would speak up and the hope of making a difference in the society.

Ruth's story can not probably be compared to yours (in case you, who is reading this is going through something worse), but to Ruth, it was the worst situation that she had to face. Well, African Super Women met up with her and she agreed to share her story, with the hope of helping or encouraging another woman going through what she went through. And she also offered some advice to all women.

MY STORY; RUTH

I was born in Lusaka, Zambia in 1980. I always lived in Lusaka with my family till in 2001 when I got married and moved to Mazabuka (a town in Southern Zambia). After a year in marriage, I gave birth to my daughter who is now 13 years old and she is in her eighth grade. In Mazabuka, we were a very happy family, my husband was an elder at church and all was well. He got a job as a taxi driver right there in Mazabuka and that's when I started seeing changes in his behaviour. I wouldn't understand why the change just after getting the job, but I later discovered that he was having an affair.

He changed and he was not the man I had married, the father to my daughter. He had become a monster! He would come bitter and upset all the time and his emotions would get hold of him and he would beat me for no appropriate reasons. I had no saw in my own home, because he would use anything I say against me. Sometimes, his girlfriend would call me just to insult me and tell me to leave. I stayed in my marriage with the hope of him changing. And when my daughter was 7 years old, I conceived again and I gave birth to another daughter. I thought that maybe my husband will change after having my second born, but he became worse. The beatings became worse to an extent of breaking one of my ribs. The abuse continued and nobody was there to help me. As traditionally taught, that we are not to leave our matrimonial home till our husband packs the bags for us and chases us himself, we are to stay in the house. And I followed that till I couldn't stay any longer, I packed my bags, got my kids and I left. (we had come back to Lusaka and he got a job as a bus driver at a time).

"Keeping The Faith" Dinner And Fashion Show

Chola Lungu Mutoni with Faith (owner of the saloon)

On the 30th of April, we had a fundraising. dinner and fashion show for Faith whose saloon was burnt down by her sister in-law. The event was organised by one of the most beautiful woman with a heart of gold in Zambia, Chola Lungu Mutoni, owner of Bella Dona Finishing Classes, Zambia. I was amazed by the story of Faith and I wanted to be part of it. Where women are coming together for a good cause, African Super Woman has to be present :-) .

Faith has been Chola's hairdresser for years and when Faith's saloon got burnt by her sister in-law, she thought of contacting Chola to tell her of the incident. The only way to help her was to rebuild her saloon. Hence the "Keep The Faith" Event organised by Chola Lungu Mutoni herself.

Chola and Musama

"We often underestimate how much we bond with our hairdressers and barbers. We hear their stories, we share our stories, give advice and crack jokes. We have discussions with them for years and we connect". Chola Lungu Mukoni.

The reason for burning Faith's saloon by her sister in-law who was also her employee is not known. But the unfortunate part is that in the process of burning the saloon, Faith's sister in-law burnt herself and a few days later, she died from the burns.

Lynn

We had several Zambian Super Women who helped in making the event a success. we had Musama Chamunda owner of Twa Pandula restaurant in Lusaka who hosted the event and catered for the guests. Lynn Bright owner of Lynn's House of Fashion who showcased her Vintage Collection. We had Chola Lungu Mutoni herself who also showcased her African Print designs. We had Penjani, the gospel artist who performed and shared a WORD, we had Paddy Mukando as the MC, Prince Siame as our photographer. For models, we had myself (Inonge), Kate, Lisa Netsai Marlins who was also the makeup artist. And three more beautiful girls.

The Models wearing Lynn's office collection

We had notable people in the audience who came to support Faith. We had Norena Mutoya Chiteba (founder of KUPES Young Women's Network), Petita Mwanza (Model), Nina Sibonile Hamakowa, Christine. We also had Faith herself who gave a very touching speech, and gave thanks to everyone who was present.

It was a fun night, we had karaoke, fashion show, some shopping, Penjani sang, nice foods. And the night was a success.

A Chat With Zambia's Most Profound Woman; Norena Mutoya Chiteba, Founder of KUPES Young Womens Network.

Zambia is in need of role models, women who will mentor our girls, women who will create an impact in behavioural change in our communities. Women who will make them realise how worthy they are. I feel, we have lost it a bit in the way our girls are being brought up. We see the chaos in the news, on the Internet everyday in the lives of our young women. We thank God that not all hope is lost. We have women like Norena Mutoya Chiteba, a Zambian woman, with a real heart for our young women, a woman who is so passionate about girls and the women. Norena is a rare gem. She decided to step up and make a difference in our society by founding a network called "KUPES YOUNG WOMENS NETWORK".

African Super Woman met up with her for a chat about the Network. And I should say that, Norena is one of a kind. One of the women I admire in Africa. Lets meet her, know her and learn. about the Network.

ASW: I am so honoured to seat here and talk to you. Thank you so much for creating time to meet me. So, Who is Norena Mutoya Chiteba?

Norena: I am a wife and a mother of four, three biological kids and my nephew. A founder of KUPES Young Womens Network. I am the President of the Zambia's Squash Association, first female ever (with a smile on her face), I seat on a Council for Harvest Institute of Missionaries Bible Collage and I also seat on the gender committee of the Zambia National Sports Council Board.

ASW: Wow! You are one of a kind, Norena. When did you start the KUPES Young Womens Network?

Norena: I started the Network back in 2009, I was working for Finance Bank at a time as the assistant director for marketing and business development. I am so passionate about girls and women and I really wanted to do something for them. I started off with twenty women in Kabanana compound, doing some workshops with them. But being in the Corporate world at that time, I had loads of work on my hands and I decided to take a break from the Network. I stopped working for Finance bank and I joined Standard Chartered Bank as head of corporate affairs and that was my last assignment in the corporate world and that was in 2011.

Early 2012, a friend of mine and I bought a franchise called Bella Dona Finishing classes were we taught women how to behave and our focus was in schools. It was going very well but I still had my network at the back of my head. Then in 2013-2014, I decided to formalise my Network. And that was the reborn of KUPES Young Womens Network.

ASW: Tell me more about the network, what is it all about?

Norena: KUPES Young Womens Network is a network that looks at empowering, motivating and inspiring young women from all walks of life. I say from all walks of life because at the beginning, my focus was on the under-privileged communities, but then I realised that even the privileged ones don't have  people speaking for them. They would have everything but they have no mentorship, no guidance and no information.

ASW: What is your vision for the young women?

Norena: I envision a society where young women have a clear understanding of their self-worthy and capabilities, they have a clear understanding of their purpose, because if you understand who you are, nothing can touch you. If you understand who you are, frankly speaking, you wont be swerved left, right and centre. We need to get it right with our young women in our society. I believe if we can create an impact on you, you should be able to create an impact on your family and your community.

ASW: I like that Norena, that's a very powerful vision and I believe we can make it and we will get there. Change starts from within and its one person at a time.

What about the KUPES Chat, what is it about?

Norena: The KUPES Chat is one of the activities we do at the Network. The idea of the KUPES Chat came about sometime in 2014 when I had attended the CNBC Africa event at the Southern Sun hotel here in Lusaka. At the event, they were interviewing Dr Kankasa, Brenda Muntemba, Monica Musonda to mention but a few. We were about a hundred women in attendance and I released that we were all above the age of 35 years. And I thought to myself that the people who should be listening to this are the young ones, because they are the ones who can make an impact in our society. And that's how I decided to start the KUPES Chat.

The first KUPES Chat we featured Yuyo Nachali Kambikambi, she is the head of corporate communications and government affairs at Airtel Zambia. She came and spoke to the young women and it was lovely. And in March this year, we had another Chat were we were able to seat fifty young women at the Hotel Intercontinental and it was fully paid for by the Hotel. In April again, we were able to seat  seventy young women at Intercontinental Hotel and we were privileged to have Miyanda Mayimbo, the founder of PROSOFT. She came and spoke to the girls and it was awesome. We are actually looking at a longer term partnership with Intercontinental Hotel. And the Vision for the KUPES Chat is to go nationwide.

Pictures You Want To See (The Kasumbalesa Business)

Remember the story I published a few weeks ago (Trading At Kasumbalesa, My Experience)? well, I found more pictures on my laptop today of that trip and my experience. I just thought I should share with you. Enjoy ;-) 

About to start off from Kasumbalesa to Lusaka. We had to get on a truck, on the back with all the coldness of Zambian winter.

This is at the Village were we went to look for goats in Southern Zambia

Waiting for transport to take us to a nearby town where we could get on a truck. This cow was our transport.

This is a funny one lol! My friend Nanzila was having issues the her goat, it didn't want to move, she decided to carry it by force!

I don't know if i mentioned in my article, but we also bought these pigs. Oh yes, we carried them on our own.., no men involved lol!

This is the village in Mazabuka where we were received. I was trying to find some network connection around 5am.

Pulling my very stubborn goat with all my strength

Getting ready to get on this truck to take us to the village in Mazabuka.

My friend Nanzila

Found some guys making fire at some car wash, we decided to join and make ourselves warm.

This is some restaurant in Choma were we had some breakfast. We were broke, we couldn't go to a fancy  one lol!

THE DRY FISH BUSINESS; This a truck that carries all your goodies, all these bundles are bundles of dry fish. The truck comes with the fishermen from Southern Zambia and comes with them to Lusaka (Ku-mobil, behind Chibolya). Then we buy the fish and use the same truck to transport it to Kasumbalesa.

And we get on this bus and the truck with the fish follows behind.

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! 

Meet Faith M Kabende, One of Africa's Top Fashion Designers.

In the last two decades, African has taken up center stage in the fashion industry and Zambia hasn't been left behind. We have Amaka Osakwe, of Maki Oh, the Nigerian fashion designer who recently dressed Michelle Obama. We have the likes of  Adama Paris from Senegal, Thula Sindi from South Africa, Taibo Bacar from Mozambique, Pooja Jeshang from Tanzania just to mention but a few. I like the way Fashion is changing the face of Africa. We now have Hollywood embracing African Fashion which is very exciting. I would simply say..,well DONE African Designers!!

Lets meet Faith M Kabende of Fay Designs, Zambia's own Pride and Joy!

I recently met up with Faith and I had a chat with her. What an amazing woman! Very collective, down to earth, humble..,my kind of woman! I honestly didn't expect she was gonna agree to meet with me deal to her busy life....and honestly, her fame. But I was amazed when she said yes and created sometime to have a chat with me. She is truly an amazing, my true African Super Woman. I wanted to know how her story, we sat down and she started telling me her story..,she calls it "My Super Story."

"My super Story," Faith..

Faith Mulenga Kabende, like many stories of designers we have heard before, has never studied fashion and design in her life! She discovered her passion for fashion when she was about 12 years old she tells me. By the time she was 15 years, she had already started making her own clothes that she would were at school on civilian day, she recalls with a laughter. She goes on to say, "I remember how my friends used to look forward to see what kind of an outfit I was going to pull off on civilian day at school. I would normally wear maybe a tie and a waistcoat, just something crazy. And back then, it wasn't something very common to wear clothes like that. With the help of my mother, I would sketch and she would hand-sew the clothes for me." She recalls with a warm smile on her face.

The Birth Of Fay Designs

The name Fay was derived from her name "Faith". Before going into fashion and designing full time, Faith used to work for Zambia Telecommunication (Zamtel). She used to design part time while working but she got so over whelmed with her clients mostly friends and friends of friends who liked her outfits. At the age of 27, she decided to quite her job and went into fashion full time. People thought it was a crazy idea to stop work and follow her passion. She says, it was the best thing to do and she has no regrates.

She showcased her work at the Zambian Fashion week for the first time about seven years ago. But her international recognition came about when she was invited to showcase her collection in South Africa at the launch of a Modeling Agency. Since then, she has showcased her designs in Malaysia when she went to attend a training in Entrepreneurship.

Lupita Nyongo At The 2015 SAG AWARDS

Lupita Nyongo

She has become the world's favorite star. She is not just loved because she won an Oscar at the 2014 Golden Globe Awards but because she also has a very great sense of style. Lupita Nyongo has it all, she is talented, beautiful and when it comes to fashion, she surely knows how to pull it off. I was just looking at her pictures taken from the 2015 SAG Awards (Screen Actors Guild) which took place on 25th January. She looked amazing, the make up was just perfect. Her hair was nicely plaited. I especially liked the way her hair was done, purely African! 

And her dress was a wow! The Kenyan Beauty wore a very nice vintage-inspired colourful dress  by Elie Saab. The colors worked so well with her skin tone, typical of Lupita Nyongo..,she loves colour and knows how great she looks in prints. She liked the dress so much that she had to wear the short version of it to the afterparty. The after party took place at Sunset Tower in West Hollywood on Sunday the 25th.

Lupita Nyongo at the SAG AWARD 2015

TOP TEN; NOLLYWOOD's SEXIEST ACTRESSES OF ALL TIME!

As we round up 2014, I would like to share with you the most sexiest and most beautiful Nigerian actresses of all time. This list is compiled by blogger (African Super Woman).
Nollywood has had extremely beautiful actresses over the years and this has made it a bit difficulty for me to actually come up with the top ten. But with the help google search, I have managed to come up with my top ten list of Nollywood's most beautiful ladies of all time.

The list is not arranged in a systematic way as of who is the most beautiful or the sexiest. To me, they are all beautiful and sexy!

NUMBER ONE; Omotola Jalade Ekeinde

Omotola 

NUMBER TWO; Genevieve Nnaji

Genevieve

NUMBER THREE; Rita Dominic

Rita

NUMBER FOUR; Stephanie Okereke

Stephanie

NUMBER FIVE; Ini Edo

Ini

NUMBER SIX; Monalisa Chinda

Monalisa

NUMBER SEVEN; Oge Okoye

Oge

NUMBER EIGHT; Chioma Akpotha

Chioma

NUMBER NINE; Tonto Dikeh

Tonto

NUMBER TEN; Chike Ike

Chike