My Life, My Style

5 tips for networking like a pro!

Yasmin Belo-Osagie & Afua Osei are the inspiring girl squad empowering young African women in their journey towards professional success. Their organisation, She Leads Africa, has more than 30,000 members across Africa, and serves as a community for female entrepreneurs looking for business advice and coaching. Self-professed introverts, Yasmin and Afua know the importance of overcoming your nerves and networking like a pro. Here are their tips for nailing your next big work event!

1. Come with a game plan. “You’ll never have a chance to speak to everyone so come with a clear list of the people you’d like to speak to. If Afua and I are going to a conference, we’ll come up with a target list and prioritise the people who we MUST connect with vs. people that it would be nice to chat to. We always research a few points on the person’s background, to make it easier to strike up conversation. And, it’s important to be clear (if possible) on why you’d like to talk to someone. It helps you steer the conversation in the right way and tailor your pitch appropriately.”


2. Hang out by the food table. “If you don’t feel comfortable introducing yourself to people, try hanging out by the food table. Food is always a great conversation starter. If you see someone picking up that lovely mini-cupcake you just tried, go up to them and say: “Those cupcakes are absolutely amazing. You should definitely try one. Oh... I’m Yasmin by the way. Nice to meet you. What’s your name?” And voila! You’ve struck up a conversation in a non-awkward and relaxed manner.

3. Ask questions. “Many people think that networking is all about trying to impress people with your amazing accomplishment. But it’s just as important to listen to other people and try to learn more about them. Once, I was at a conference an struck up a conversation with a guy who mainly worked in Europe, so there wasn’t that much in common with SLA. But after chatting for a few minutes, he mentioned that his wife sat on the board of an organisation that we’d desperately been trying to reach out to! Now you see if I’d spent the whole time blabbing to him about myself, I may never have found out about this awesome connection.”

"Many people think that networking is all about trying to impress people with your amazing accomplishment. But it’s just as important to listen to others..."

4. Go for number 2. “Here’s a scene I see at networking events all the time: an important person arrives and everyone swarms to them. That important person is overwhelmed, a little uncomfortable and frankly doesn’t see individuals, but rather a mass of overly eager faces. When this happens DO NOT join them. This is a little trick I’ve learnt: Look around for the people that this person arrived with. And instead, target that person. Why you ask? Because that person is waaaaay more accessible than the important man or woman, and they may be able to secure a meeting with them in the future. Plus, they may be able to teach you a thing or two – after all, smart, successful people tend to surround themselves with other smart, successful people.”

5. Master the art of the follow-up. “It’s important to get people’s business cards, but it’s even more important to follow-up afterwards. A few days after an event, send a brief follow-up email to everyone you met. Make sure you have a clear subject line like “Follow up from XYZ Conference” so they don’t assume you’re sending spam. And, as they probably met a bunch of people at the event, include subtle hints that will jog their memory, like “It was so lovely to have the opportunity to talk to you about SLA, the organization that I co-founded that empowers African female entrepreneurs.” And, don’t be aggressive if they don’t respond. Everyone’s busy, so be persistent yet respectful.”

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7 beauty apps every girl needs

It’s easy to get lost in the every-growing world of mobile apps. There are so many, that finding the right ones to download can be tricky. So to help you out, we’ve selected 7 of our favourites for raising your tech-beauty game.

 

1. Mirror
For those days when you forget your pocket mirror at home, “Mirror” is your go-to app. Better than your front camera (we promise), it uses enhanced lighting to give you a brighter reflection – perfect for touching up makeup when you’re on the move.

2. Make-up Wizard
Thanks to Make-up Wizard you no longer need to smudge products on the back of your hand to try them. Instead, this app allows you to apply eye shadows, eyeliners, mascaras, lipsticks and many more products, simply by using your camera phone. Once you’ve got over the initial wow factor of trying on makeup virtually, you can try shopping the products straight from the app. With over 50,000 users in two months, it’s averaging a 4.5 star-rating on the app store. Android users can download Makeup Wizard free here or you iTunes and download it free here. 

 

3. Sun Coach
This sophisticated mobile app was designed to forecast UV rays for all over the world. All you need to do is enter the destination you want to check and the app will give you the UV forecast. It also gives you handy tips about sun protection!

 

4. iDrated
We all know that drinking water is essential if we want a healthy body and radiant skin. If you’re struggling to keep track of how much water you’re drinking, iDrated could be for you. It works out exactly how much water your body needs based on your gender and weight, and allows you to log your water easily to make sure you meet your daily quota; you can even set up a drinking alarm!

 

5. Pinterest
If you ask us, you can never have too much inspiration. Pinterest allows you to scroll through beautiful imagery, create your own mood boards and share inspiring pictures with your community. It’s also a fantastic place to discover beauty tutorials and trends. Follow Oriflame here.

6. Pedometer
Health professionals recommend that we take 10,000 steps a day, but the average person only walks between 3000 and 4000 steps daily – way off the recommended target! Downloading Pedometer can help you meet your step goals, monitor your calorie count and track the distance and inclination that you walk – it’s a wellness-buff must.

7. BeautyPlus
To us, you’re always beautiful! But if you feel your selfie needs some touching-up, we recommend BeautyPlus, which has over 70million users worldwide. Take a cue from the blogging world and add beauty filters and use the editing tools available in this free app. And when you post to Instagram, why not follow us @oriflame – we’ll see you there!

April 2016 Words by: Aneta Kaderkova Photographs by: Getty images

How To Be A Rich Happy Couple

My Life, My Style

Meet our Inspiring Power Couple

Not every couple can maintain a happy marriage and a thriving business together, but Mexican-duo Diana and Juan Pa are proof that it’s more than possible. We spoke to them regarding their professional and personal dreams (and all the fun they have along the way).

What’s it like running an Oriflame business as a couple?
Running the business as a couple has been a blessing. We complement one another, which allows us to do things that we wouldn’t have been able to achieve as individuals. We both have different ideas, goals, focuses and strategies. The challenge is to agree and draw on a vision together. Undoubtedly our business has grown because we built it as a pair. It’s very rewarding to work as a couple, to live and experiment in ways that few marriages can. Oriflame has allowed us to be partners in our own business as well as partners in life.

Describe a typical day in your lives.
One of the best things about starting a business with Oriflame is that you don’t live “typical days;” your life is never routine. Every day is a choice; what you want for yourself, for your family and for your business. There really isn’t a fixed schedule for you to wake up to.
However, if you want to grow your business correctly, it’s very important to be clear about what your day-to-day should look like. Be clear about what you want to achieve and divide it into daily actions. You choose and organise, setting the speed at which you want to grow.

“It’s very rewarding to work as a couple, to live and experiment in ways that few marriages can...”

What do you love most about your job?
Both of us love two aspects: The power to make our own decisions and the possibility that Oriflame gives to positively impact other peoples’ lives.

What do you do in your spare time?
Recently, we’ve been focusing on the arrival of our first baby. We’ve been to courses, done pregnancy exercises, spent time choosing her crib and the details of her room; it’s all been very stress-free so we’re ready for her arrival.

You’ve travelled around the world with Oriflame – where’s your favourite place you’ve been?
Singapore, definitely! We went to Asia for our honeymoon and loved it, so the fact that Oriflame planned a trip there was incredible. Plus, the hotel that they chose was the best one in the city!

What’s attending an Oriflame conference like?
For us, Oriflame conferences have been crucial for our business. In fact, it was at our first Oriflame conference that we decided to work together as a couple. Each trip clarifies the way that we want to work moving forward, because we’ve met such inspiring people and to see their growth motivates us. At a conference, you’re meeting people just like you who are achieving success and fulfilling their dreams! On top of that, the trips are very luxurious. You spend extraordinary days and live out experiences that expand your horizons and make you see the potential of your business – it’s like a bubble of positive and happy people!

You’re known for inspiring your network to realise their dreams – what was your dream when you started out? Has it changed along the way?
Having a business with Oriflame means that you dare to dream of a life that’s better than the one you could have imagined.
It all started when I was a student. Then, my dream was to make a steady income. After that it was to buy my first car (I bought a Mazda in 2010). Then it was about having a dream wedding and honeymoon, which came true in 2013! Juan Pa’s dream was to own a Mercedes; in fact, he has one now. Today, we dream about having the house we’ve always wanted, we’re focusing on making that happen. Thanks to our Oriflame business we’ve been able to enjoy a much better life, all whilst having the freedom to have the lifestyle we love.

June 2016 Words by: Fátima de Lachica Photographs by: Arturo Sotelo

Health & Body

Around the clock skin care

Our body’s circadian rhythm, also known as our “body clock,” controls our energy, hormones and skin health. Here are some good habits (and great products) to sync with your 24-hour cycle for healthier-looking skin.

MORNING
During the day your skin occupies itself with warding of external aggressors (like pollution and the sun’s harmful rays), so choose products that team-up with this cycle to treat and defend.
If you’re living in a major city it’s important to use products that address high pollution indexes. A good way to deliver these ingredients to your skin is via a fine textured serum, as they absorb quickly and are able to penetrate the skin’s layers. But serums aren’t moisturising enough to be the final step in your routine – you need hydration and SPF too.
Your day cream should fulfill the role of a shield – except for around your eye area, where using a lightweight eye product is preferable. For pollution-protection, seek out a day cream that uses Acai plant stem cell extract that’s packed with antioxidants, boosts hydration and targets free radicals. And don’t forget your SPF, many day creams will contain SPF15 and above, but check the label just in case.

AFTERNOON
Sitting at a screen all day may be doing more harm to your skin then you realize. A relatively new field of study, it’s thought that HEV (high energy visible rays) emitted from your phone and computer may cause fine lines, sagging, hyper-pigmentation and redness – also known as the signs of ageing.
During the day, boost your skin’s natural protection process by redelivering antioxidants to it via a spray-on toner. And as oil production naturally peaks in the afternoon, leading to an oily T-zone, keep some blotting papers in your purse for this time of the day.

EVENING
We all know how a lack of sleep affects our moods, but it also impacts our skin health too, speeding up ageing and inflammation. That’s why good skin health relies so heavily on a good night’s sleep – while you rest, your skin get’s to work.
Cleansing should be a well-established step in your evening skin care routine – it’s essential for removing makeup and oil that builds-up during the day. You’ll find that many toners contain a combination of hydroxy acids (like salicylic, glycolic or lactic for example) that help stimulate cell renewal, as do serums, like those by Ecollagen. By gobbling up dead skin cells, these hardworking products boost the repair process that happens whilst it’s dark.
And as dehydration peaks as you sleep, a rich night cream that delivers moisture to the skin, and protects from the natural breakdown of collagen is a must.

June 2016 Words by: Sophia Marinho De Lemos Photographs by: Getty Images

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My Life, My Style

Soaring to Success!

It’s impossible not to be charmed by Enna. This petite 28-year-old from Bali, Indonesia, is ultra-stylish, chatty and radiates passion; it’s no wonder she’s been so successful. Three years after joining Oriflame, she’s travelled back-and-forth to Europe and built an impressive beauty business – all while maintaining a successful career as a flight attendant. We spoke to Enna to find out how she does it!

As well as working with Oriflame, you’re also a flight attendant – when did you start?
I started working for a local Indonesian airline in 2008 when I was only 18-years-old – it was my childhood ambition! In 2011 I joined the airline Air Asia and requested to be based in Bali so I could be near my family – being close to family is the best thing in life!

You must travel a lot - what’s been your favourite trip ever?
My favourite trip was when I went to London for the Gold Conference in 2015; it was only five months after my wedding so it felt like a free honeymoon sponsored by Oriflame! I really enjoyed being in London, and I’m still amazed by how Oriflame manages to create such a fantastic, VIP experience.

“It’s an easy way to start a business without needing much money to begin with...”

What does a typical Oriflame conference look like?
Everything Oriflame says about their conferences is true! Whether it’s Gold or Diamond, it’s like a dream conference because Oriflame chooses the most desirable destinations that many people haven’t been to; for example, for us Indonesians, going to London isn’t easy. Even if you have a lot of money, it’s still difficult to get a visa. But with Oriflame, when I went to Jakarta to apply for my visa, all I had to do was say one word: “Oriflame,” and they said “OK!” It was so easy.
Oriflame arranged everything for us. In the Master class sessions, we learned how to grow our business, faster and better. And in the Recognition Awards and Gala Dinners, we received motivation and inspiration from those leaders who began their businesses from nothing and are now successful. I’ve honestly learned from so many people from around the world!

How did you discover Oriflame? Was it the idea of travel that first drew you in?
My husband is the best of friends with Niek Made Sugiarti and Nyoman Suryananta (who are in the Top 15 in Indonesia). When I met Ni, I remember her saying to me, “You love makeup; have you heard of Oriflame?” I hadn’t.
She told me how with Oriflame you could travel the world and even visit Europe twice a year. I said to my husband: “I’m going to take this opportunity – if she can, then so can I!” Five months after I joined, I became a Senior Manager; within the first year, I received three new titles.

And in less than three years you’re now at Diamond Director level!
It’s because of all of the support that Oriflame has given me; it’s an easy way to start a business without needing much money to begin with. As long as you want to learn, you can do it!

Do you use social media and online tools to reach new customers?
Because I work as a flight attendant, I run 80% of my business online and spend the rest of my time offline, connecting through beauty classes, meeting with my team and distributing flyers; I do all of this on my time off.

And are you excited about the 50th Anniversary Cruise?
Yes, it sounds like a dream! I hope to take lots of my team with me – my goal is 50! In Copenhagen, I will take 18 members of my team with me – that’s the best part!

Wow, 50 people! Do you feel like you’ve helped others to change their lives?
No, but I do feel that Oriflame has changed my life and my dreams. Instead of serving people for the rest of my life, Oriflame has taught me that I deserve better – that I can earn money without being away from my family. Oriflame has done so many wonderful things for my life!

June 2016 Words by: Sophia Marinho de Lemos Photographs by: Fabio Lorenzo Yusana

 

 

 

Eyes

Video Tutorial: The Smokey Spotlight Eyes

The spotlight eyes are as glamourous as they are sophisticated. Watch our video to learn how to easily create this smokey eye look (with a twist!) in just 1 minute.

Meet The man who makes Millions on Beauty products

                        

          The Business(man) of Beauty

If you thought that running a beauty business was a woman’s game, Simeon Saidi is set to prove you wrong. With a keen eye for business, and a commitment to developing others, Simeon is proof that hard work and passion can make dreams come true.

 

You have a degree in Mechanical Engineering; how did you make the transition to Oriflame?
In Nigeria, you tend to choose your university subject based on what your family expects of you, for example: a doctor, a lawyer or an engineer. Although I studied engineering, I wasn’t really cut out for it. I’m very outgoing, like meeting new people and taking part in new things. Starting my business with Oriflame, I felt like a fish in water – it’s instinctual and comes naturally to me.

 

How did you first discover Oriflame?
It’s a very exciting story! A friend of mine invited me to his office and showed me a catalogue; I loved the packaging and the razzmatazz of it. He talked me through the compensation plan and it blew my mind; that’s when he introduced me to the Managing Director at Oriflame in Nigeria and he asked me a simple question: “How much money do you want to make and how far do you want to go?” My dream, from day one, was to get to the top.

“With Oriflame, I feel like a fish in water – it’s instinctive and comes naturally to me...”

 

As a man, is it a challenge to sell beauty products?
Personally, when reaching out to people, I prefer to focus on the compensation plan rather than the products. The Nigerian economy isn’t doing very well; our oil prices are down and the exchange rate is high versus the (American) dollar; I find that the business aspect is very attractive to people.

 

How do you reach out to people?
During my first year with Oriflame, I focused on meeting people face-to-face rather than through social media – I did have a Facebook account but I barely used it. Nowadays I’m more online than offline. I use Google and Facebook advertising to capture people’s attention, but then I invite people into the office to see the product range and find out about the business in person – that’s when people get really excited.

 

What’s your best piece of business advice?
The rejection rate can be high, so I always tell people that you need to bill more and increase your recruitment rate. You may receive a lot of rejections at first, but these rejections will only make you stronger. It’s all about building a team and supporting others, so my advice would be to try and see the bigger picture. Think less about sales and immediate profit and focus more on building a business through recruitment.

 

In just little over a year you’ve reached Diamond Director status – what’s been your highlight? What are you most proud of?
Without a doubt, the Gold Conference in Valencia, Spain - I’ve never experienced anything like that in my life. The icing on the cake was the recognition part, when I was called up to receive the Diamond Award; there were even fireworks! It honestly was mind-blowing. I’d like to relive that experience again and again.

 

How would you describe an Oriflame conference to someone?
I’d tell them that it’s five-star treatment, all the way through. You get treated like royalty, from start to finish. When people heard that I was a Diamond Director they wanted to take pictures of me and get my autograph; I felt like a star! Trust me, once you’ve attended your first conference you’ll want to go to the next one and the one after that!

 

You brought someone you selected from your network to the Diamond Conference – how did it feel to give him that opportunity?
The moment that I was informed that I had an extra ticket for the Diamond Conference, I ran a competition within my team. A young guy who had worked really hard qualified to come – and wow, did he ever make the most of his trip! He’s inspired a lot of people back home; that felt really nice.

 

In 5 years from now, where do you hope to be?
Number one in the world - Diamond President Director!