EXCLUSIVE + PHOTO: VLISCO BE YOUR DREAM AWARD WINNERS VISITS NETHERLANDS

Last year, Vlisco celebrated Women’s Month for the first time. A yearly tribute and award to West and Central Africa’s most inspirational and successful women and those who dream of success.

On Tuesday, the winners of the first Dream Award edition arrived in the Netherlands for a 3-day visit. The trip started with a visit to the world-renowned Rijksmuseum and a workshop Me Marketing at Women Inc. Yesterday they paid a visit to the Muiderslot Castle and the impressive Vlisco Factory.

In an interview with two Dream Award winners, from Ghana and Nigeria, about their success, fashion style and their advice to you.

Mrs. Eugenia Abu
Mrs. Abu is one of the Nigeria’s foremost broadcasters. She is multitalented, she anchored the 9:00 pm News for seventeen years and attracted millions of viewers to the NTA Network News.

What is your first impression of the Netherlands?
I love to be in the Netherlands. In fact, this is my second visit already! It’s amazing, all those flower fields. Which flowers I like the most? For me, tulips are the most adorable in the world. Today, with the boat trip on the Amsterdam canals those beautiful 17th century canal houses also impressed me. Especially, after a full days of Dutch history it is even more imposing.

Do you have a fashion style icon?
I don’t have a real style icon. I do a bit of everything. I am a TV presenter so I have developed my own style. Simple, elegant and a bit different. Especially the brighter colours like pink and electric blue are my favourites. These softer colours make me confident, particularly at important moments. Such as the moment I interviewed the Nigeria President. An amazing experience for me.What do you think of the Dutch?
Many different cultures are living in the Netherlands. A mix of African, Asian and European people. I think it is a very dynamic society.

Do you have a fashion style icon?
I don’t have a real style icon. I do a bit of everything. I am a TV presenter so I have developed my own style. Simple, elegant and a bit different. Especially the brighter colours like pink and electric blue are my favourites. These softer colours make me confident, particularly at important moments. Such as the moment I interviewed the Nigeria President. An amazing experience for me.

How is it to meet all the other Award winners?
It’s overwhelming to meet all these powerful ladies. For example, Mrs. Raki Moussa, the winner of Niger, who revolutionized the microfinance industry in Niger. I didn’t know anything of this until now. Truly inspiring!

Do you have some advice for all women who are working hard to let their dreams come true?
My advice to all ladies who dream of success and who want to let their dreams come true. Always be yourself, do your best, continue to follow your dreams and last but not least wear Vlisco. It gives you self-esteem. Be creative with Vlisco, make it your own!

Thank you Eugenia!

We continue with two more questions for the Dream Award winner of Ghana.

Mrs Ellen Hagan
Mrs. Hagan is the multi award winning CEO of L’Aine Service Ltd and an inspiration to women all around Africa, with her determination to live up her dream by opening what is now Ghana’s leading human resource organization.

How is it to meet all these inspirational and ambitious women?
It is awesome! All their experiences and knowledge I gained during this trip will I use to inspire young people. To show them that dreams CAN come true.

What is your advice to women who dream of success?
Choose your spouse wisely. My husband stimulates me to make a difference. Very special, as only a few men have the courage to do this.

Thank you Ellen!

The day continued with a photoshoot at Kinderdijk where Dutch 18th century windmills are located. Feeling a bit nostalgic?
Only 6 months to go until the second edition of Vlisco’s Women’s Month 2014 will take off. We are looking forward to it.