Behind The Blog: Yoli Ouiya Blogs Eco Chic Living And Green Savings

Written By: MIM!—Chef Yoli Ouiya currently runs her own boutique healthy-lifestyle outfit called Ou!ya, which has an online home at www.yoliouiya.com. The website is a must-visit daily digital destination for any vegan interested in learning how to live green on a budget. Find out what the culinary maestro has to say about her green living journey—which includes, catering for various vegan activist organizations, a brief stint at Reboot restaurant, and servicing a cultural array of clients and festivals—in her Q&A with MIM!.

MIM!: Tell us, Yoli is ...

A chic geek who enjoys great food and eco-savings.

MIM!: When and why did become a vegan?

Yoli Ouiya: I began eating vegan after making a bet with a guy I wanted to impress. But when I saw the initial benefits showing up, ie reduction in allergies, physical ailments, eczema, increased reproductive health, weight loss etc , I continued with the vegan diet. Soon after, I started making my own food because being healthy in New York can be expensive; eating out is usually more expensive than preparing meals at home.

MIM!: How did you come to be a nutritional consultant?

Yoli Ouiya: I’m not a nutritional consultant; by definition, I don’t even know what that functionally is. I research, design, and produce food and document the memories attached to them. By trade, I am a graphic designer. Along the way, I was mentored by numerous chefs over the last 7+ years. When I saw how my health was improving coupled with love for food and food preparation, combining the two worlds was a natural fit.

MIM!: What is the meaning of the name behind your company, Ou!ya?

Yoli Ouiya: You know I don’t know if there is a meaning. It’s my family name. I love its uniqueness and it’s all vowels! lol

MIM!: What is a normal working day like for you?

Yoli Ouiya: I wake up, check my astrology, make a green smoothie and/or leftovers, check my online accounts, email, twitter, make blog posts to yoliouiya.com, do some design work, forget about lunch, figure out what to make for dinner, work on new recipes.

Shop Allen & Fifth

Written By: MIM!—Allen & Fifth got a facelift and is back with an online shopping feature alongside new designs. New designs include iPop, ImPrint, A5th Limited Edition, Flygerian with more to come soon. As a new site launch offer, you will get a 5% discount on your total order when you type ALLEN in discount code. The offer won't last long so take advantage now. You can visit the website now and begin your shopping experience. by visiting: www.Allen&Fifth.com.

(Photo Credits: Allen & Fifth)

Happy Freaky Friday

Written By: Nani Hapa—I know, I know, I've already recommended that you to listen to Estelle and Shine Like A Star for a great start to the weekend, but I couldn't help but chose yet another Estelle song, to jumpstart the weekend. This time it's a brand new release, Freak. The song is so new it was released today, and to hear it, you've got to log on towww.EstelleMusic.com. The track was produced by David Guetta and is off of Estelle's new album All of Me, which her label says is "coming soon!" I can't wait; for now I'll freak out to Freak!

UPDATED: Here's the official artwork for Freak; as always, Estelle is taking fashion chances.

(Photo Credits: CD Cover Art)

MIMI Exclusive: àlalá's Dreamy Collection

Written By: MIM!—We ♥ Adejoké Taiwo's àlalá | Dreamer line and are thrilled about having an exclusive first look at her latest collection. Pardon our excitement, but we can't help that her clothes are oh so dreamy!

Visit www.adejoke.com for more information.

(Photo Credits: àlalá)

Indie Inspiration: AfriqueLaChic

Written By: Jamelia Mmari—This week, I am coveting African inspired jewelry from Afrique La Chic's Etsy store. Afua Kumasi, the woman behind AfriqueLaChic says about her jewelry, "I am inspired by traditional African, ethnic, and archaic jewelry styles. Most of my pieces are one of a kind, very unique, purposely designed to start conversation, and always made from the heart. I focus on both earth tones and bold vibrant colors. A lot of my pieces have spiritual meaning such as my pieces incorporating adinkra symbols, Egyptian symbols such as ahnks, African masks, fertility dolls, and cowry shells."

In addition to being on Etsy, AfriqueLaChic has an online presence on FaceBook, MySpace and Twitter.

(Photo Credits: AfriqueLaChi @ www.etsy.com/shop/AfriqueLaChic)

Style Your Legs In Daddy Long Legs

Written By: MIM!—Who knew leggings could be a creative fashionable expression and so much fun? Well, British/Ethiopian fashion designer Beth Teshome, did. She is the brand creator and designer behind Daddy Long Legs, an exclusive leggings brand that has fast become one of the most famous leggings brand because of its multitude of tight offerings. "We were the first people to make the printed leggings (bit of a trend setter)" shares the creative fashionista who "lives and breathes fashion." A fast growing brand, Daddy Long Legs is stocked at Bloomingdales, Urban Outfitters, Istan, Fenwicks, IT and other major department stores and retailers in the UK, US and Japan. See what all the buzz is about by visiting www.dllegs.com.

(Photo Credits: Daddy Long Legs)

Steal Her Style: Shingai Shoniwa

[ shingai shoniwa in a n'damus london belt ]

Written By: Nani Hapa—Stylistas everywhere are taking notice of Shingai Shoniwa's vibrant and bold statement making style. One of the brands she draws from is N'Damus London, an accessories brand created by Nneka Onyenakala. Nneka explains N'Damus London was "born out of a passion for shoes and a vision for extracting beauty from objects that are seemingly . . . well, normal, creating beautifully handcrafted accessories to complement all occasions." Other stylish celebrities who wear N'Damus London are Laura Izibor, Estelle, Ajuma Nasenyana, and Nia Long. Learn more about N'Damus by visiting www.ndamus.com.

EDITED: Thanks to a comment left anonymously who identified Shingai's dress as being designed by Nkwo Onwuka of Nkwo Designs.

(Photo Credits: N'Damus London)

Cherie.Coco: Putting Burkina Faso On The Fashion Map

Written By: Nani Hapa—I may have just discovered Cherie.Coco's loungy Afri-chic wear, but the label has been putting Burkina Faso fashion on the map for years. For the fashionista who is looking for casual Afri-chic clothes, visit Cherie.Coco's MySpace: www.myspace.com/cheriecoco for more information.

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Cherie.Coco)

Weekend Inspiration: Meeting Mandela

Written By: Nani Hapa—February 11th marked the 20-year anniversary of Nelson Mandela walking free after being imprisoned for 27 years. Throughout his life Mandela has been an inspiration to many. Case in point, in 2003, MTV Staying Alive, the global initiative to encourage HIV prevention, promote safer lifestyle choices and fight the stigma and discrimination, released the documentary Meeting Mandela. Meeting Mandela takes a historic look at Nelson Mandela’s life and shows him meeting with four young people of different backgrounds, who travelled to Johannesburg to meet Mandela and discuss with him their own personal battles with HIV/AIDS.

Meeting Mandela from mtv staying alive on Vimeo.

When I watch this documentary, I cannot help but think about how extraordinary Mandela is, and more importantly how strong the human spirit is.

This Friday, Go To A Place In Another Time With Sade

Written By: Mimi Tsiane—Sade has done it again … It has been ten years since Sade Adu released an album. Very few artists can keep coming back strong and always deliver. Sade is the exception. Released on February 9th worldwide, her new CD Soldier of Love is a melodic feast. Sometimes sad, sometimes hopeful; Ms Adu has delivered yet another classic. After ten years I am still in Sade’s army. Follow this link to play my favorite Soldier of Love track In Another Time on Lala.com and because I am in the mood for a throwback, follow this link to play the classic track Kiss of Life on Lala.com and discover the perfection and the genius that is Sade.

(Photo Credits: Epic Records)

Shop Africa At ASOS' Green Room

Written By: MIM!—Today e-tailer ASOS launches the Green Room. The idea behind the Green Room is to sell clothes that "promote people and the planet." For example, the Green Room showcases eco brands as well as www.ASOS.com's brand creations. The brands currently available at the Green Room are Borders&Frontiers (from the UK), MADE (from Kenya) and slowmotion (from Scandinavia).

The Green Room also promises to sell an ASOS Africa collection which ASOS says is "produced in collaboration with several small communities in Africa." At the helm of the ASOS Africa collection is designer Joanna Maiden, who moved to Kenya with her husband at the beginning of 2009 to found and manage SOKO (www.soko-kenya.com). Here are some of our favorite pieces from the ASOS Africa collection:

To shop the Green Room, visit: www.asos.com, and follow us on Twitter for an announcement when the ASOS Africa collection is available.

MIMI Related Links: Fashion Philanthropy, A Dream To Design: One3Snapshot

(Photo Credits: www.asos.com)

Indie Inspiration: Cape Town Chic

Written By: Jamelia Mmari—This week, my Etsy indie inspiration is a fabulous company that landed in my virtual mailbox via MIMI's virtual mailbox: thank you cards created in beautiful African languages by Cape Town Chic (a company created by Clarissa Bannor)! The beautiful cards come in different African languages (such as Wolof, Krio, Swahili, Hausa, Xhosa, and Afrikaans, to name a few) and are accompanied by stylish envelopes inspired by Africa's colorful landscape. Shop Cape Town Chic at www.etsy.com/shop/capetownchic.

(Photo Credits: Yedei)

I ♥ www.SideAttraction3.com

Written By: Nani Hapa—Because I love adding Afri-chic touches to my home (like these colorful beaded pillows), I can't help but covet a lot of items from www.SideAttractions3.com, a luxury lifestyle brand that designs and manufacturers original african inspired decor products. Visit www.SideAttractions3.com for more information, and make sure you take a look at their photographic art, which are some of my favorite pieces from the designers.

(Photo Credits: www.SideAttractions3.com)

She Defines Soul.Substance.Style (No. 007): Iyadede

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Written By: MIM!—IyaDedE represents beautifully what it means to be a young African woman today; carrying a heavy past, but moving forward, with strength and hope. Read a full length Q&A with this woman of Soul.Substance.Style in The Girl Who Fell To Earth, and learn more about her by visiting www.iyadede.com.

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of IyaDedE)

200 Young South African's You Must Take To Lunch

Written By: Nani Hapa—For the third year in a row, South Africa's Mail & Guardian has published its 200 Young South African's You Must Take To Lunch article, which is a list of young people who the Mail & Guardian believes will shape South Africa in the decades to come, in the sporting arena, in public life and in business. Many people who have graced the pages of MIMI, such as Palesa Mokubung, David Tlale, and Nkensani Nkosi, as well as many more yet to be featured men and women are on the list. Definitely a must read!

Fatima Siad For BCBG Spring Summer 2010

Written By: MIM!—America's Next Top Model Cycle 10 third place winner Fatima Siad is the face of BCBG's Spring/Summer line. The designer posted some new photographs of Fatima on the set via his Twitter account (pic 1, pic 2) with the caption "Looks Sick." We agree, and are looking forward to seeing more from the designer's Spring/Summer collection. In the meantime, follow BCBG at twitter.com/BCBGMAXAZRIA.

(Photo Credits: BCBG)

IyaDedE's loVE RobOT

Written By: MIM!—We can't get enough of IyaDedE! Here's her video for "loVE RobOT"; she says about the video: "I'm a robot that's not perfect I need love ... Hong Kong imported female bot ... Hiding in Biliamsburg basement ... In need of love."

loVE RobOT (iyaDedE/Blessoill/Charlemagne graphix) from Machine Gun Mountain Gorilla on Vimeo.

The Girl Who Fell To Earth: Iyadede

Written By: MIM!—Singer Sabrina Iyadede is a Rwandan artist who goes by IyaDedE (ee-ya-day-day). Born and raised in Kigali, she has been a music lover from a young age, listening to Rwandan, Zouk, Congolese, and 80's pop music. She was forced to leave Rwanda during the 1994 genocide, but IyaDedE kept her faith in life by making music all while relocating to Belgium, finding her way to France and finally making a home in the United States. The fruits of her personal and musical journey is a 13 track record entitled Talking to God. This Spring, IyaDedE will release her second album, The Girl Who Fell to Earth, which picks up her journey where Talking to God left off. MIMI caught up with IyaDedE to find out more about the woman behind the music.

MIM!: In three words, describe your sound.

Iyadede: Pop, African, and Sincere.

MIM!: What inspires you?

Iyadede: Every single day, every single person in my life. You just live your life gathering impressions and feeling and one day at the right moment all that materialize into songs. Maybe that is a way to close a chapter , once the lesson has been learnt. I'm also inspired by every day sounds. I think we make music that recreates the soundscape of our life. For me it's the sound of a big city with memories from Africa in the background.

MIM!: Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

Iyadede: My parents most certainly. I had a such a special relationship with them growing up. They were my heroes and considering the circumstances of war and everything they did behave like heroes.

MIM!: What is the last CD you bought?

Iyadede: I am an itunes addict. I just got Roisin Murphy, Rihanna, Jay Retard, and a few singles I haven't heard in a while like some Massive attack, Brenda Fasie and Oasis.

MIM!: With so many young singers emerging, where do you fit in the scene?

Iyadede: At the letter I, like Iyadede, right in between Beyonce and Ozzie Osborne (LOL). I think with the new media, its so much easier to do your thing. We shouldn't even be worried about that anymore. My journey is very special and I want to exist and be recognized as a voice and a force that's for sure.

Do What It Takes This Weekend

Written By: Nani Hapa—Bridgette Amofah is a living, breathing manifestation of swagger, with a voice that is equal parts rock and roll and old soul. Her single What It Takes is the perfect song to add some soulful style to your weekend. Follow this link to play the song on Lala.com.

Korto Momolu's Coming To A Retail Store Near You

Written By: MIM!—Korto Momolu and department store Dillard's have partnered to launch a new line of signature handbags and accessories designed by Korto that will be available in select Dillard's stores and online at www.dillards.com. Korto says about the partnership, "This partnership with a worldwide brand like Dillard's is thrilling for me because it will enable me to expose even more people to my aesthetic and continue to make my brand a household name." Dubbed as "the one to watch" during her appearance on Season 5 of Project Runway, Korto is living proof that if you follow your dreams and be true to your craft good things will always happen. Take a look at Korto's collection by visiting www.Dillards.com.

MIMI's Fabulous Find Of The Month: Bernos' Made In Africa Tee

Written By: MIM!—Uniquely African with its statement of pride that we don't hear enough of, and comfortable, what's not to love about Bernos' $22.95 "Made In Africa" t-shirt? This is the second edition of the ever popular tee that was sold out after K'Naan wore it in a music video. Get yours at www.bernos.org.

Behind The Blog: Melinda Lewis Blogs Lifestyle Chic

Written By: MIM!—Melinda Lewis is the thirty something founder, speaker, creative businessperson and lifestyle blogger of the company Get Togetha LLC. MIMI caught up with the webpreneur behind the successful lifestyle company.

MIM!: Tell us, Melinda Lewis is ...

Melinda Lewis: Authorprenuer, passionate blogger, lover of life, and a lover of a great shoe!

MIM!: How did you come up with Get Togetha, and how did you go from idea to plan of action?

Melinda Lewis: Get Togetha came to me in a dream and I followed through by putting one front in front of the other. Literally.

MIM!: What is a "typical" working day like for you?

Melinda Lewis: Working out in the morning, green tea, scrambled eggs, answering the onsloth of emails, & writing till I'm uninspired. Rinse. Recycle. Repeat.

MIM!: How many people do you have on your team or are you a Jill of All Trades who does everything from research to blog design?

Melinda Lewis: I have a web design team at my disposal but I'm definitely a Jilly. When you're starting out on your own I think its best to understand how every arm of how your business works.

Ear Candy: Driis

Written By: Nani Hapa—Idrissa Akuna "Idris" Elba is known for his dashing good looks (so yummy) and versatility as an actor—he is one of the few actors of our generation who can weave seamlessly through American and British television, theatre, and film productions. But few know that the talented actor is also a musician who performs under the moniker Driis.

No stranger to music, Idris (or should I say Driis) has been making a name for himself for years, performing (he recorded the four-song EP Big Man in 2006 for Hevlar Records), producing (he co-produced and performed on the intro to Jay-Z's 2007 album American Gangster), and DJing while honing his craft.

This week, Driis released his second EP, High Class Problems, Volume I, but only in the UK (lucky, lucky Brits). Romantic but raw, masculine yet poetic, the sound is moody, sexy, and smart. “High Class Problems shows off my DJ mentality,” Driis explains, “having that ability to hear what sounds work well together, even if they’re from totally different genres, allows me to push the creative envelope and experiment.” The music is experimental, and that's a good thing—I can't remember the last time I listened to something that was different (and not just for the sake of being different) and pushed the musical envelope in an interesting and creative direction. It's lyrical ear candy.

Have a listen at www.driis.com and www.driismusic.com and be sure to check out my favorite tracks Private Garden, Looking Crazy and Rise Up.

(Photo Credits: High Class Problems EP Cover Art)

Snapshots: Vintage Mali

((  Written By: Jamelia Mmari  ))  Malick Sidibé is a Malian photographer noted for his black-and-white studies of popular culture in the 1960s in Bamako. In 1995, his work was shown outside of Africa for the first time. Since then, his work has been exhibited throughout the world to international acclaim. I absolutely love his work, and treasure his book, Malik Sidibé Photographs, which is essential for anyone who appreciates vintage African imagery of everyday life.

((  Photo Credits: Malick Sidibé  ))

Adejoké Taiwo, The Dreamer

Written By: MIM!—Designer Adejoké Taiwo got the itch for fashion when she was in grade school, taking her first sewing lesson when she was six years old. Her education continued with studies in Costume Cutting and Construction at Red Deer College (Red Deer, Alberta, Canada) in 2003 and a Bachelor of Design in Fashion from Ryerson University School of Fashion (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) in 2008. That Fall, she launched her fashion label, àlalá, which in Yorùbá means dreamer. Adejoké explains, "All children have dreams, but as we grow many of those dreams are stopped short due to unsupportive people. Fortunately my family has always been very supportive. Many people have told me 'I'm not good enough' and asked 'You really want to do that?', but that just makes me try harder to prove them wrong." MIMI caught up with the dreamer at heart to find out more about her label àlalá.

MIM!: In three words, describe the àlalá aesthetic.

Adejoké Taiwo: Sexy. Fresh. Interesting.

MIM!: What inspires you?

Adejoké Taiwo: I am inspired most by the world and the people I meet. Everyone has an interesting story to tell and almost always you can draw inspiration from that.

MIM!: Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

Adejoké Taiwo: My parents have been the biggest influence in my life. My parents were immigrant students to Canada in the 1970's, and they raised all three children with the right to make their own choices and follow their dreams.

MIM!: Describe a defining moment in your career?

Adejoké Taiwo: My career is still new! I have been creating fashions my whole life...but so far the defining moment would be to graduate University with a serious injury (nerve damage to my right leg) and to immediately become accepted as one of 14 contestants on season two of Project Runway Canada.

MIM!: With so many young designers emerging, where do you fit in the scene?

Adejoké Taiwo: Hm, I'd have to say that we are almost all the same! Which is the tough part. What sets me apart in the end would have to be my, quality, fit, and interesting fabrications.

Get more information at www.adejoke.com.

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of àlalá)

She Defines Soul.Substance.Style (No. 006): Shingai Shoniwa

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Written By: MIM!—Shingai Elizabeth Maria Shoniwa is an English singer of Zimbabwean descent, best known as 1/3 of UK indie rock band Noisettes. Her first name, Shingai means "persevere" in Shona, which is fitting for the vocalist and bassist who was raised by her single mother who emigrated from then Rhodesia, in a South London public-housing estate. The experience, Shoniwa says, informs her music. “Wanting to escape from reality can inspire the greatest and most trivial creative natures in people,” and “I think escapism is something that connects all of us. Everybody has their own little soundtrack, and I guess I’m trying to make my own soundtrack to my escape plan. I want people to realize that there’s so much more.” Learn more about this woman of Soul.Substance.Style at the official Noisettes site: www.noisettes.co.uk.

Meet The New Face Of Africa: Lukando Nalungwe

Written By: Nani Hapa—Lukando Nalungwe has a lot to be smiling about as she has just been crowned the Face of Africa! The Zambian model, who had been studying Business Administration, will now be representing Zambia, and more broadly Africa on the global fashion stage. Next up for Lukundo is New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer!

Since MIMI has been in publication, MIMI has interviewed every Face of Africa winner. Get acquainted with past Face of Africa winners by browsing through the following: Catwalks, Cameras, And Covers, The New Face Of Africa: Kate Menson, Kaone Kario: The Face Of Africa, Teen Queen: Venantia Otto,

(Photo Credits: mNet)

Loide Jorge: Immigration Lawyer By Day And Jazz Singer By Night

Written By: MIM!—Washington, DC based jazz vocalist LOIDE (pronounced "Loy-deh") has roots in Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau but she was born in France and raised in California. Serving up a mix of contemporary jazz and warm African samba infused rhythms, LOIDE's music is reflective of her own diverse roots. An immigration attorney by day, LOIDE has spent the last 9 years honing her musical craft in some of the nation's hippest speakeasies and jazz clubs by night.

Her latest CD, Loide, Live at Bohemian Caverns, was released last Fall (impressive considering LOIDE released the CD just one month after she opened her immigration law firm). The CD is a live recording of original material as well as some old time favorites (such as a cover of Sade's Love Is Stronger Than Pride) ... perfect for our Sunday!

Learn more about LOIDE by visiting www.myspace.com/loidej.

MIMI Related Links: Loide Jorge: The Jazz Singer, October 2007 Mambo Preview: Loide Jorge

(Photo Credits: Lily Lily Images)

She Defines Soul.Substance.Style (No. 005): Zoe Mazah

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Written By: MIM!—Born in Bong Mine, Liberia, Zoe (pronounced So-i) Mazah is a German-Liberian singer (her mother is Liberian and her father is German) whose heavily reggae influenced music has earned her acclaim with critics and fans alike. Among her biggest hits are Could It Be You a sweet, groovy, love song featuring Ky-Mani Marley. Although Zoe and her family left Liberia shortly after her birth, her music is firmly rooted in her birthplace. This is most evident in her album Exile African, which features songs such as Liberia (featuring Chuck Fender) where she laments, "I don't know where home has gone." Learn more about this woman of Soul.Substance.Style by visiting myspace.com/zoeonline.

(Photo Credits: Zoe Mazah EPK)

Shine Like A *Star* This Friday!

Written By: Nani Hapa—Star is a little musical gem in Estelle's repertoire that I adore! Produced by Kardinal Offishall, the song, which I would label "pop lite" is definitely a different sound for Estelle, but that's exactly why I like it, because it's an unconventional song filled with Estelle's conventional wisdom. It's a light and fun pick me up on a Friday. Follow this link to play the song on Lala.com.

(Photo Credits: CD Cover Art)

Introducing ... N'kya Designs: A Sense Of Africa ... A Touch Of You!

Written By: MIM!—Sheila Boateng is a self taught fashion designer from Ghana based in the United Kingdom, who recently launched her label N'kya Designs. MIMI caught up with the up-and-coming designer to find out what sets her apart from the rest.

MIM!: What inspired you to start a clothing label, and more specifically, a clothing label based on an African aesthetic?

Sheila Boateng: A new found love in African fabrics from late 2006 is what made me start up the label. I started by cutting out symbols from pieces of the fabric and sewing them onto tshirts. I was always thinking about how I could use the prints to design garments that I could wear on a daily basis and not just on special ocassions such as church and weddings which is what was the norm at the time. This way of thinking totally worked in my favour.

MIM!: With a number of up and coming African labels, what sets N'kya Designs apart from the rest?

Sheila Boateng: What's so amazing is all the up and coming designers do not look at all the same, they all have a direction they are leading, enabling them to stand out from each other. What makes N'kya stand out is we do what we feel is right and do not follow any particular trends. We hav a wide range of outfits from casual everyday wear, to party outfits and also a few evening wear garments and this is all reflected in our new collections. We also have an accessory line and will be unveiling our new collection of clutch bags very soon. Watch this space!

MIM!: We love your campaign; it's very avant garde. What was the vision behind the campaign and what are you trying to say about N'kya Designs?

Sheila Boateng: Designs in the new campaign is from our SS10 collections. There were 4 new collections in total which were unveiled at N'kya ... The Launch in November 2009. Pictures from the launch night can be found on our Facebook Fanpage and will also be updated very soon on our website www.nkyadesignsuk.com.

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of N'kya Designs)

Behind The Blog: Onada Abodunde Blogs Style

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  Wedding and lifestyle photographer Onada Abodunde has a love for all things fashionable.  Her passionate love affair with the fashionable has been fueled into some of MIMI's favorite websites: Onada Photography, Look Book By Onada, and The White Dress Shop.

Get to know the creative talent behind these stylish websites in our Q&A with Onada.

MIMI:  Tell us, Onada is ...

Onada:  Fun, ambitious and a total girly girl.

MIMI:  What is a normal working day like for you?

Onada:  I try to get up at 6.30 AM everyday but some how it always ends up being 7 AM.  I rarely ever sleep before midnight.  The night before I make a list of everything I want to accomplish the following day and I tick things off as the day progresses.  I read a lot of daily blogs (wedding planning, photography, fashion, finance) so I set aside somewhere around one hour to check out the latest updates on my Google reader.  I get a lot of email everyday and I do my best to prioritize how I answer them—If I end my day with under 20 unread emails I've done good!  I also manage 3 blogs—two business blogs and one personal blog and I try to update them one to three times a week—I'll typically add them to my list of to do's on days I decide I want to make updates.

MIMI:  What inspires you?

Onada:  My mother.  She's the most hardworking and caring person I've ever encountered and she's my number 1 fan :)

MIMI:  What do you love the most about fashion?  What do you hate the most?

Onada:  I love reinvention in fashion and how style recycles but with a different twist each time.  I don't know if there's anything I hate about fashion but I would say overkill of a trend isn't one of my favorite things.

MIMI:  What is the most treasured item in your wardrobe?

Onada:  I don't have one single treasured item.  I would say my purses and shoes.  However if I were to pick just one thing it would have to be my Chanel canvas reissue clutch purse with gold hardware. I've had it for 7 years and I still get asked about it whenever I carry it.  I haven't seen it anywhere since I bought it so I probably won't find it to purchase again if I lost it.

New Music: Akon's Oh Africa

Written By: MIM!—Pepsi has teamed up with GRAMMY nominees Akon and Keri Hilson and two-time GRAMMY award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir alongside 16 young singers from around the world to create the track, Oh Africa to benefit underprivileged African youth through Akon's Konfidence Foundation and other great charities designated by Hilson and Pepsi. Follow this link to play the song on Lala.com, and if you like what you hear, purchase the song from www.Konfidence.org to support a great cause.

(Photo Credits: CD Cover Art)

Audi Joburg Fashion Week 2010 | The MIMI Finale

Written By: MIM!—For an entire week we've been covering Audi Joburg Fashion Week around the clock, and we're finally done. It's a wrap! If you want to take a look at any of the amazing collections, take a look at our posts labeled "Joburg Fashion Week." Now, back to more regular blog posts ... stay tuned.

(Photo Credits: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo)

Audi Joburg Fashion Week 2010 | David Tlale

Written By: MIM!—David Tlale's "Fantastical Structures" collection was inspired by architecture and conceptualized as "radically revisiting our understanding of form and structure in fashion and architecture" said Tlale. Rather than having his collection walked down the runway, Tlale's show was actually a room filled with gilded chairs with wax like figures in armchairs, on ottomans, climbing ladders and even revolving on a dot like clockwork dolls.

Audi Joburg Fashion Week 2010 | Suzaan Heyns

Written By: MIM!—Johannesburg based designer Suzaan Heyns is know for her cutting edge, avant garde aesthetic; her Fall/Winter Audi Joburg Fashion Week collection was true to form.

Audi Joburg Fashion Week 2010 | Karen Millen

Written By: MIM!—Here are some of our favorite pieces from UK based designer Karen Millen's Fall/Winter collection.

Audi Joburg Fashion Week 2010 | Errol Arendz

Written By: MIM!—Errol Arendz made his return to South Africa's ramps after a long absence with his Fall/Winter Audi Joburg Fashion Week collection.