Bisola Iyasara is a motivational speaker and a high on demand, well known hair specialist consultant in New York and London. She has on her list of clientele; first ladies, politicians, actresses and models all over Africa and the rest of the world. In this interview with TAYO GESINDE, the Chief Executive Officer of Bisola Hair speaks on her foray into the hair business and fashion preferences. Excerpts:
Growing up
THE opportunity to have been born in the Western world is an appreciable one; however, it did not tamper with my family’s traditional and cultural values. My success in life is strictly based on my family’s orientation of hard work. Not all people with similar opportunity are able to find their footing. It is not the right thinking that success can only be achieved abroad because many successful Nigerians are not based in the Diaspora. I think that with the right focus, hard work and honesty, one can have a breakthrough. My patriotism and allegiance is to my country, Nigeria may have been greatly influenced by my parental configuration. I have been taught from childhood that I am a Nigerian and not Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa. I have associated with all Nigerians on individual merit. I cherish and respect the Yoruba and Igbo colouration of my life.
Source of inspiration to start hair business
I think that faith and providence played parts in my entry into hair products. Then, a good friend of mine, Dupe suffered from severe hair loss, damage hair line and Alopecia. I decided to take a medical hair course in New York, United State, which qualified me as a professional hair specialist consultant. From there, I decided to open up offices in New York and London. And there, Bisola Hair was born. It is amazingly, a collaboration of several factors and challenges that inspired me to go into hair business. I sell the highest grade of hair. Bisola Hair is a very luxury glamorous celebrity hair brand. We use 100 per cent Real Human Virgin/Raw Mongolian, Peruvian, Malaysian, Cambodian, Brazilian, and Filipino hair stock/ custom silk top full lace wigs weft/weave and no glue silk top full lace wigs in UK.
Role models
I look up to Beyonce, Tyra Banks, Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, these are fantastic, great business ladies. Bisola Hair is a celebrity hair product inspired by Beyonce hair lace wigs and Kim, Khloe Kardashian two tones, ombre, highlights hair are what the Nigerian, UK, New York ladies purchase a lot from Bisola Hair. By reading Bisola Hair testimonies/reviews you will get to see my customers do love my lace wigs and weft.
Combining hair business with public speaking
“Bisola hair” is a highly organised and structured business outfit with special focus on customer care. It will continue to uphold its operational principles while I perform other responsibilities. The “balancing art” has severally been tested and proven to be a success. Above all, my multi-tasked nature lends good hand.
As a former beauty queen, a model, ambassador for skin care products what is your view on nudity and modeling
As a Nigerian, I do not subscribe to posing nude for any reason. I think it is against our core values. Modelling at the professional level should be encouraged. It is basically an expression and exhibition of a designer’s creation. It is an important ingredient in fashion industry.
My take on toning, bleaching and cosmetic surgery
I don’t have anything against these things; it’s every lady’s choice to determine what she wants to do with her skin or body. Personally, I cherish and appreciate my natural skin tone and will not alter it.
My favourite look for ladies
I love Victoria Beckham brand, one word. Amazing!
My perception of the fashion industry in Nigeria
I love Nigerian fashion; the colours are always rich and beautiful. Our designers are great and have high sense of creativity.
My favourite Nigerian fashion designers
Bunmi Couture and Adebayo Jones.
On whether I have ever thought of quitting because of challenges
Never! I love challenges because I emerge stronger after each challenge.
How I feel as a foreign-based Nigerian entrepreneur
Just normal, I fit in very well with everyone. There is great understanding in the world today. You are today judged according to the content of your character and that goes to say that as long as you are doing what is right, you will always be respected and appreciated by others.
On crazy fashion signatures like tattoo; sagging and so on
I don’t do crazy things. I’m very classy in my approach to life.
