Name: Efe Ezekiel
Age: 32
Place of birth: Hackney, London
Current residence: London, UK
I am very proud of my Nigerian roots, but I am glad I was brought up in a multicultural environment like East London. My mother was a single parent who taught me how to survive and persevere. Because of her I can get through the hard times and enjoy the good times. I had a fun and creative childhood so from an early age I knew I wanted to work with children and in TV and film. I got involved in a voluntary project training young people about the Media which helped me discover my passion for inspiring young people.
I wanted to continue to contribute to the personal development of young people in the UK so I launched Ushine Ishine, a youth mentoring service and production company. It was challenging at first, I had to make many financial sacrifices while staying positive about my goals and aspirations. I had very long nights and early mornings, but I was truly passionate about my business so I found the motivation from within to make it a success. The most positive aspect about running my own business is the freedom to express my ideas. The most fulfilling part of my job is witnessing the advancement of the young people I mentor. I believe that young people lack confidence and self-esteem because we live in a society that continuously tells us that only a certain type of person can succeed in life. A lot of the young people I have spoken to feel faceless, insignificant and believe they have no future. I open their minds to a new way of thinking and a new state of mind.
The most common issue I encounter is body woes among young women. Many young women are in a battle with themselves and sadly each other. They are preoccupied with the way they look because they are trying to achieve what they see in the media, but it’s never going to be good enough. They feel pressured to look like the superstars thus go through extreme stages of self –loathing, leading to dieting and weight loss. On the flip-side there is also the issue of lack of knowledge about health, diet and nourishment. I battled with obesity as a teenager so I teach the young women I meet about health and fitness.
I love being a woman because I am representing the women that made great achievements before me, so that I could have the opportunity to get an education, have a career and live a free and adventurous life. I want to contribute to that limitless human pyramid by inspiring young women and men. I also love being a woman because it means that one day I can be a mother. I want to be a great mother to my children and all the young people I meet and mentor.
I am Complexd because I know that my individuality is a divine gift from God and I make sure that I live every day with gratitude, creativity and love. Ushine Ishine forever!