Last week, I was invited by my very good friend Nana Mensah, founder of Accra Mens Fashion Week and Mr. Model Africa to speak to aspiring Models on the "Secrets to becoming a successful Model".

I shared the platform with 2 known faces within the Ghanaian Modeling Industry Prince IB and Shirley Selase Anku and Mrs. Mabel Adu, CEO of Alloette Africa.

It was a pleasure to do so because as a Fashion PR Specialist for fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, I had the opportunity to also speak to them on building a brand on Social Media as a Model. I advised them not to overlook Visual Branding and storytelling by creating unique contents on social media. Additionally, I told them to carve a niche for themselves by truly understanding who they are as a model and learning to live what they portray by being consistent with their brand offerings and thriving to build strong relationships both online and offline.

Here is what the other speakers shared: 

Speakers at the event included Mrs. Mabel Adu, CEO of Alloette Africa. As a beauty and Skincare Expert, Mrs Adu highlighted the need for models to take very good care of their skin by eating healthy, drinking lots of water, eating fruits daily and keeping a good lifestyle. She emphasized that the skin is essential to the success of models and as such models need to know their skin type and know what kinds of products they apply on them.

Prince IB a renowned model and CEO of TM Model Management who has worked for many brands in Ghana and walked many runways also advised attendees first to keep to time if they really want to succeed in this industry. He added that there is a place for any aspiring model who is invests in researching and learning about the industry and attend auditions well prepared with the right requirements and willing to take up challenges when no one dares to do it.

Shirley Selase Anku, a Ghanaian beauty who has starred in many commercials and editorials for international brands admonished aspiring models to have a thick skin if they want to survive in the fashion industry. She added that models need to know their worth and their body inside out in order to deliver on the job when contracted. Shirley also told models to sign up with the right agencies in order to get in-house trainings who will equally manage their client relationship and prospect for jobs on their behalf.

233 Models Summit promises to be a yearly event as part of Mr. Model Africa Competition to search for the ideal Male Model which is taking place on Saturday 28th October, 2017 at the Providence Event Place, Trade Fair.

Faith Senam Ocloo 
Fashion Public Relations 
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts

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Taking our turn to share our story

In the last few weeks, I have had the privilege to speak at two events targeting young entrepreneurs and students. 

The most recent one was last week when I had the opportunity to share my journey into Fashion Public Relations (PR) with participants at the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) programme at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

When a friend Naa Adjeley Konney of TrendsnBlendsgh asked if she could save a slot for me because she was assigned to invite 5 Entrepreneurs/Influencers who would experience YALI for a day and also have the opportunity to interact with participants about how they started and got to where they are now, I hesitated for a minute. 

So I asked her if she thinks I fit in, she said "I think you do, You run a Fashion PR, that's huge". Then I thought to myself, how is it that, I always think what I do is so small and not worth sharing. It's been 6 years since I founded e'april public relations.  

I agreed, and I'm glad I did.  It was a great learning experience for me. Aside sharing my journey as a PR person in Fashion, I also had the opportunity to learn a few things from the training.  

I also had the opportunity to listen to amazing stories from other women such as Evita Joseph, founder of Evita Joseph Beauty and Fashion Blogger, lavanita.

The other speaking engagement I had few weeks back was at the University of Professional Studies' "Time with the Practitioners" event organised by the Public Relations Management Students Association (PReMSA). This event was targeted at PR students who have had many questions with regards to what practicing PR was like and jobs prospects after school.

I shared the platform with fellow PR practitioners Paa Kwesi Forson (Head of PR, Global Media Alliance) and Abigail Naa Karley Clegg (PR Freelancer).

Speakers and Lecturers at UPSA

Being students studying Public Relations, I could related to what would be going through their minds as students on what career choices are available to them after graduation.

As professionals, we gave them our guides on what little things they can do differently that can keep them ahead of others looking for the same job opportunities. 

Particularly in my case, they should create their own jobs if they can't seem to find what they are looking for or are not being hired.  

I took the opportunity to share how I found my niche in PR by combining my skills as a PR person to my passion which is Fashion to build a career as a Fashion PR Specialist.

To any student or young PR professional looking to find their place in PR, remember that just like mine, it takes time, research, self-searching and hard work to find what you are passionate and do what you love.

The key to loving what you do is identifying what you’re good at and matching it with what you’re passionate about. 

What skills set do you have? See how you can match that with something you enjoy doing or you are passionate about.

Faith Senam Ocloo 
Fashion Public Relations 
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Events

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“The great victory, which appears so simple today, was the result of a series of small victories that went unnoticed” Paulo Coelho

Today, I am counting my over 100 articles as a Fashion Columnist with the Business and Financial Times Newspaper (the leading financial newspaper in Ghana) since starting out in July 2016.

Maybe I should tell you how it all started.

I started this blog in October 2011 (yes, it's been 7 years now) when I discovered the career path I wanted to chart; pursue a career in Fashion PR. As a fresh graduate from the African University College of Communications, I wasn’t sure what next for me after my graduation as I was by then working as a Cashier with Tigo Ghana (now Airtel Tigo). I wanted a job in PR but no one will hire me because I didn’t have experience in PR.

I decided to start a blog where I can share my experiences and ideas on how PR could be helpful for Fashion brands. Among topics I wrote on included Creating a Fashion Brand Identity, building your Beauty Brand Using PR amongst others. Even if it was once or twice a month, I was writing.

By mid-2016, I had resigned from my job with Global Media Alliance and was ready to take on a solo path which means taking this blogging to a different level.  

But guess what, I met Bernard Ashiadey one day at a Fashion Event. (Something you will mostly find me doing). We talked and he said “Oh Faith, what do you think if you could be writing on Fashion for the B&FT on Fridays. Since I handle the Lifestyle insert on Fridays, it could be a perfect fit” I couldn’t believe it, yes I had just been handed this opportunity that you have no idea I had been meaning to go ask for.

I had my first published column in July 2016 and since then, my article has been published each week.

I named my Column “Fashion & More with Faith Senam” to cover all fashion, beauty and lifestyle related event or activity. I have written and featured over 100 articles so far and counting.

Honestly, there were few times I nearly gave up because I thought I had exhausted everything I wanted to write about and had writer's block. Also because of some of the frustrating moments when I reached out to designers to feature them and they would simply ignore me or won’t send me the information needed and my submission deadline was due.

Now, I feel like I am ready to take this to another level because there is a lot to say, know and learn about within the fashion space. I review events I attend and share my thoughts on issues affecting fashion businesses. I am looking forward to growing this into a great and informative platform and powerhouse. (watch out)

If you have an amazing brand, event or wants to launch your new collection or product or need some reviews done for you, hit me up via email at faithsenam@gmail.com.

Congratulations to me and cheers to us working together in the future. 

Faith Senam Ocloo
Fashion Public Relations 
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts

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 In April, I get to start all over again. 

The month of April which means "to open" or blossom always has a special effect on me. For me, its another opportunity to open up to the things that thought I couldn't achieve in the last year. To take new chances and live life again because I am only alive because He kept me alive. 

To others, birthdays are simply nothing than just any regular day but for me its a special day. I wait 365 days to get to experience this day. Don't forget its not everyone who gets the chance to live another day. 

The last year had been my most challenging year yet but I did learnt some few lessons because guess what, I came out better, stronger and more content.

• I'll please myself first 
• I'll never to regret any decision I make no matter the circumstances
• My happiness is a choice I must always choose to own
• Things happen for a purpose not for nothing
• Life isn't a race, its a journey I have already started and I will get to the intended desitination
• That being real to myself saves me from so much stress
• My purpose is totally different from anyone else
• Whatever is causing me to worry or be in pain right now won't be forever. Time heals. Things change and it will pass
• It's all about positivity

One thing I kept telling God throughout last year was not to put me to shame nor forsake me and He never did.  I'm immensely grateful for my new age because I am proud of what has become of the Faith Senam April who few years back was just a little girl with aspirations. 

Today, those aspirations are my reality, my smiles, my pain and my lessons and still my aspirations to be a better person making an impact.

This new year, I will be #OwningMyHappiness 

Thankful to all who never gave up on supporting and being there for me.

Green Gown: Zoya_233

Fascinators: YadeyJewelry

Photography: AnansePhotography

MUA: Pretty Touch_gh
Neckpiece: Egudzi 

Faith Senam Ocloo 
Fashion Public Relations 
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts

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Representing Nadrey Laurent at the Instagram Runway Show during the SMWiAccra Week organised by Debonair Afrik

Wow! I can't believe it's almost 2 months since I last made a blogpost here.

You know the biblical saying the "the Spirit is willing but the body is weak" That's exactly what I am going through now. Been trying to pull myself up and keep going.

That said, a few things have still been going on in my life as a Fashion PR Girl.

I still write for the Business and Financial Times paper every Friday. Unfortunately, I don't get to share them on social media like before because I don't get the digital copy like i do. All the same, I hope you make time on Fridays to grab a print copy to read my column "Fashion and More with Faith Senam" as I share some insights on things happening in fashion with you.

Nadrey Laurent will be showcasing at Kampala Fashion Week this coming weekend. This new collection looks fantastic already. Have some few favorites already. And we will be showcasing at Glitz Africa Fashion Week as well. Follow @NadreyLaurent on Instagram and Facebook for all the updates on our shows.

Evangel Magazine Gamma Edition will also be launching early next month 8th October 2017 in partnership with Fountain Gate Chapel. Its theme is centered on "Compassion". How showing compassion to someone could make a difference in ones life.  Hope you grab a copy after the launch.

Women in PR Ghanawill also be support the Trust Hospital launch its Pink October Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Tuesday 3rd March, 2017 at the Trust Clinic, Adenta Housing Down.

So you see, while things may look cool from the outside, work is still ongoing from the inside.

Thanks for stopping by as I update you on whats been happening in the life of a Ghanaian Fashion PR Girl.

Until my next post, adios

Wearing a Nadrey Laurent Bomber Jacket

Faith Senam Ocloo 
Fashion Public Relations 
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts

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Just like many others, we start the year off with very high energy and listing all the New Year resolutions. As a personal conviction, I stopped writing New Year resolutions about 2 years ago. My simple reason was because I realized it’s not about just writing the things to do but eventually doing them. I don’t need to wait till New Years before I start doing what I ought to do. I note them down, and start planning for them. (My simple principle though).

I started 2016 with very little energy as I have had many disappointments in the previous years and had most of my aspirations quashed hence a bit of uncertainty because I did not know how the decisions I take will eventually affect my life. I was geared for many things and wasn’t ready to get pulled down by anything or anyone. “Fiercely face” them was my mantra.

In April, I turned 30. I summed up my 30 years with a blogpost here It was a mixed feeling turning that age but what can I say. It came anyway and I had fun, partied hard and fiercely took off like a speed jet.

In May, I made a tough decision to leave my job as an account manager at Global Media Alliance to join a young fashion brand called Totally Ethnik while I re-build my boutique PR company, E'April PR. It was also to re-strategize my career path and have enough time to learn and build a much stronger foundation as a Fashion PR Girl.

In April-May, I handled PR for the first ever Accra Mens Fashion Week. PR efforts garnered gave the event several media reach and attention on both Traditional and social media even weeks after the event. I am certainly looking forward to the 2017 edition. Nana Mensah and your team, you guys were simply amazing.

In June-July, we launched Evangel Magazine Beta Edition in partnership with Royalhouse Chapel International. This was a successful launch and we thank God we managed to expand our readership with the word of God.

Evangel Mag Team/Royalhouse Chapel

In July, I had the opportunity to write for the Business and Financial Times Newspaper as a Columnist. I shared my weekly thoughts on fashion brands and events in my little corner called “Fashion and More with Faith Senam”. It’s been an exciting journey combing every little corner for content to share on a weekly basis. I am glad I pulled through 6 months and I am looking forward to the many opportunities that awaits in 2017 with it.

In October, i joined six (6) other PR ladies of African Descent across the globe to begin a weekly PR Chat called #PRChatAfrica hosted by each lady every week. I have learnt and made many contacts through this chat platform. 

In October- November, I attended the Lagos Fashion and Design Week and really learnt a lot from that event. Hopefully, our fashion events in Ghana could get better in the coming years.

All year through, I managed to attend most of the major fashion events such as the Glitz Style Awards, Ghana Fashion Awards (Judge), Ghana Fashion and Design Week (Took over their twitter Handle), Glitz Africa Fashion Week among others.

I also had the opportunity within the year to speak to young students from my former school University African University College of Communications (AUCC) and 2nd Image Beauty College. It was such a pleasure.

Career

I became certain of what I wanted to do in 2011; “Fashion PR”. Since then, all I have gradually done was to position myself in that field. It’s not been an easy one knowing it’s not a popular profession here in Ghana. But I am glad how people attempt to describe what I do when they see me. Bits by bits I know we will get there.

I found my niche in PR and that is Fashion PR. Expect more of my journey in 2017. I know it won’t be easy, but I know I will surpass them.

To the brands I handled PR for and manged; Totally Ethnik, Evangel Magazine, Accra Mens Fashion Week, Daily PR Africa, Women in PR Ghana, I  know 2017 will be a bigger platform we will step on.  

Personal Life

I rarely talk about my personal life on my blog. This time, I will share a little and few happenings in 2016. As I mentioned earlier, this year was uncertain for me. I wasn’t sure what will happen. One of the hardest thing one could easily get over is finally ending a nine (9) years relationship. Starting all over again is no small joke. But society, family and friends who are not privy to this info won’t let you be.

I remember the countless voices that whispered into my ears and asked when I was getting married. Knowing the society in which we live in and the family we have, I know I am never going to get away until I present them with the parcel of a man they have wanted. They don’t care who or what kind of person one ends up with. As I said on my 30^th birthday blogpost, until love finds me again, I will be busy pursuing other goals in life. My life won’t be at a standstill because it’s time to get married and the ‘guy’ hasn’t popped up yet. I won’t be cajoled into societal pressure. Not to say it doesn't bother me but I have faith in God’s appointed time.

Hopefully in 2017, I will have more “Me” time, know myself better, more hobbies, more money, execute those “Ideas” that have lingered on for a long while, do things that will make me happy, eliminate negativity, read and learn more and take up more challenges.

Friends of 2016

Special thanks to you Catherine (Kate). You have been this girl who has been the shoulder I cry on. All the long hours you have to stay up to listen to what is keeping me awake at night, I can only thank God for your friendship and pray we stay closer in the coming years. Fifteen (15) years of friendship and counting. I appreciate your love and wish 2017 bring smiles to you too.

Klenam, as I said on your birthday on facebook, I don’t know how our friendship started but the fact that we shared many commonalities is enough to bring us together. I am grateful for your friendship, time and strength you have.

Ese, Sadat, Bridget  and myself

Ese, my big sister in disguise. My pillar. She gives me the push. Looks out for me; physically and everything. I know I have you and can wish you same dear. Sadat, the first guy I can call a best friend.  You have been there with me throughout this year. Your time to listen and share with me, your advice, your push has brought me here. Millicent, I know I have your love as a sister and thank you for this year. Even if I have never mention it to you, I am fond of you and really glad to be your friend. I have just been stubborn J Gertrude, you have been awesome this year. Bridget, you know you are a darling. Yayra, thanks for cheering on all year through.

Evangel Team: Solomon, Randy, Peniel, Yayra, Klenam, you guys have been amazing. I want to thank you for all the support. We really had a blast in 2016. 2017 can only be better.

Thanks to you Bernard Ashiadey (Business and Financial Times) Gameli Hamelo (Livefmghana), Ebenezer Anangfio(Ghanagist) for the support all year through. 

And to you all for reading my blog and for every like, retweet, reshare and repost.

I wish I can mention all the names but I remember each one of you who have given me all the feedback and support in 2016. Those who were unable to, I understand because I wasn’t been there for you too. When God gives us another chance, let’s make it better in 2017.

Its been obvious I have had a very busy year. Packed with one thing or the other. But there have been challenging, sad and lonely moments where I wished things were a little different too. Where I stayed in bed to shed a tear. All these also gave me strength, hope, faith and love to still move on. I thank God for his mercies and pray 2017 will be a fresh start to a new story.

Thank you all for being wonderful. I love you and pray for you.

#FierceFaith 2016

Faith Senam Ocloo 
Fashion Public Relations 
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts

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