BY TOSIN AKINOLA
Time 100 gal, actress and super mum, Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde aka Omosexy recently celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary in grand style. Entertainer caught up with her during the launch of beauty product, Ghandour Cosmetics, in Lagos and she opened up on the secrets to her successful marriage. She also talked about life as Ghandour’s brand ambassador.
You recently celebrated your 20th year wedding anniversary, how does it feel being married for 20 years?
I am thankful that I am married to my friend and my destiny supporter. There is no relationship without challenges. Twenty years have rolled by and some people are saying ‘oh my God, you guys must be living without stress!’ I just want people to know that if you are determined to do anything in life you will make it. Generally, there are challenges in life. It could be with your parents or siblings so it is a normal thing. However, don’t use every opportunity for a quarrel with your spouse to justify the fact that everybody says marriage is hard and challenging. I understand that there are some relationships that have more challenges. However, if there is any form of abuse involved, I think victims should find their way out quickly. But if there is no abuse, you can hang in there. I have had good times with my spouse, and now we are just friends, that is what matters most.
What is your definition of beauty and how does it reflect in a woman?
For women, beauty lies in confidence. If you are a confident woman and understands your self-worth; then you are beautiful. And that is why sometimes you see some girls that you think are not aesthetically beautiful, but any time they walk into a room, everybody turns. That is because of confidence. So, beauty for a woman and even a man is knowing yourself well, understanding your body and working with what you have. Most women don’t have everything; even I don’t have everything but there are some things that you have and you must embrace them to be beautiful. Ghandour Cosmetics is all about hair and you know for a woman, your face is the first thing someone sees. Your face is your introduction and your hair is the crown of your face.
You are not growing any younger, are you not scared of growing old?
Well, I am 38 and I am not scared of growing old. But even if I was 51, the fear of growing old would be of no consequence because even small children now have grey hairs. I think we should all embrace who we are. I think if people are achieving in life they won’t be afraid of old age. But when you look back in life and you think you have not achieved anything, you will feel like time is running by and you will be afraid of aging. But if you are contented in life and know that all fingers are not equal and you are where you are meant to be, you will not fear old age, because you could actually be six feet below. That you are alive and healthy is enough reason to celebrate.
You are a stylish woman, who makes your dresses?
I make it a point of duty not to promote designers that are not Nigerians. This outfit was not designed by a Nigerian, so I don’t need to hype it. However, I am styled by Moashi; I only hype Nigerian designers.
For how long have you been Ghandour’s brand ambassador?
For three years. Though, this is their first time in Nigeria, they have been in Ghana for two years. I am comfortable with the brand.