From Runway to the Board Room

By Jennifer Egbukole

Life is a hustle! People view the term in different ways, but I see it as just finding a way to survive, taking every opportunity that comes your way, taking chances and being the very best of yourself.

I really like the dictionary definition of the term ‘To have the courage, confidence, self-belief, and self-determination to go out there and work it out until you find the opportunities you want in life’

I started modelling when I was 17 in my first year at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU). I had just finished my first semester and was home for the holidays. While visiting a course mate in Surulere, I was approached by her friend who asked if I would be interested in modelling. Well, I liked the sound of it and my hustling/diva instinct kicked in.

My first job was as an usher for the Lagos Governor’s Lawn Tennis Cup competition organised by Lagos State Lawn Tennis Club. I think I was paid N5,000 per day, this was about 18 years ago, and the competition was for about 5 days. Guess who was smiling to the bank? After that first exposure to sweet cash, I found out all I could about the modelling industry.

After that, I quickly registered with agents. In fact, I made friends with most of the agents. I would send them briefs from advertising agencies and they would in turn send me casting details. I was always aware of all major castings taking place. As a freelance model, I got more jobs. Indeed, I was a hustler!

However, I had told myself and agreed with my parents that I will only model during the holidays, thus throughout my studies at ABU I never travelled down to Lagos except during school break.

Modelling did have it perks – those days I loved school breaks because I used the opportunity to make money. I ushered for events by multinationals like Coca Cola, BAT, Pfizer, etc.  I did photography modelling, featured on billboards and calendars for brands like LG, MTN, PZ etc.

I didn’t do much fashion modelling, but I did runway for Dakova. Maybe, if I were 4 inches taller, I would have become an international model and you would be reading about me on Vogue Paris (smiles).

Music Video Appearances

Did I add that I featured as Olufunmi in Style plus Video (PS, don’t go searching for the video on YouTube, concentrate on the job TOE is paying you to do (smiles).

My dream at the time was to be a famous, top international model and a beauty queen. Well, I was famous for a while, even at the University when everyone heard I was a model. People will walk up to me and say, ‘excuse me you look familiar are you a model, are you Olufunmi?’ (smiles).

Now when I meet strangers and they start same conversations, I wish inwardly that they will not remember, I don’t know if I am shy or I have changed… still figuring it out.

I did about 4 beauty pageants. My first beauty Pageant was Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 2002, there I won best traditional costume, I did Miss Nigeria in 2003 alongside Linda Ikeji, was 4^th runner up, again I competed for Miss Commonwealth in 2004 was 4^th runner up and finally Miss Aso Rock 2004 (Winner). It was the maiden edition and still in its early stages, it did not have the perks like the bigger pageants, but I was so glad to be a beauty queen.

Now, let me just say that all the while I was modelling and still at the university, I could not wait to graduate so I could land a ‘corporate job’, wear a suit and high heel shoes (smiles). I had started making money modelling while at the university, but I wanted to experience the thrill of being in the ‘Corporate world’.

From Runway to Corporate World

I stumbled into HR over 12 years ago and I can say it is a fantastic fit for me. I feel a bit proud when someone ask me what I do, and I respond, ‘I am a Human Resource professional’. I love my job!

Fast forward to today, married with 3 children, Master’s and Professional certification in the bag, HR & Business Development Manager at Afriland Properties, I can nod my head as an Agama lizard and say to myself ‘You are doing good, not at the desired peak yet, but surely on the path’.

My dreams have changed from when I was modelling but my goals/instinct to continue to soar, improve and be the best version of myself has not