Events over the Weekend

For those of you that are frequents, we decided to update our blog title and user name....I think the new title sounds haute. Wachu all think? Take the poll...

As for urser names, don't get confused... lol Labelle=Prettie-Tee=Labelle.

Okay....So a bunch of stuff happened over the past couple weekends and I should have updated but we were bitten by the busy bee.

We attended an 'African Day of Prayer' Event at a friends church where we exhibited some of our designs.

This is totally irrelevant, but I just had to put this pic up. Sooooo cute!

And oh! Lawd! There's so much to tell! Jotees also participated in the 'Eat So They Can' charity event on the island in Lagos over the past weekend. Look on Facebook for more details, but you can see some pictures here too.

Toyosi changed the face of the event when she dressed up the models with her designs. She had mad fun doing it. It was a small event, but like she put it: "She felt fulfilled being able to partake in an event designed to reach out to the needy"

She was interviewed by City People, so y'all watch out for the editon!

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Came across a few blogs today - Vacancy Nigeria. The idea totally thrilled me! I sorta know this guy through a friend and after explaining the concept behind this blog, I was overly excited by the marvelous idea!

I see these fine young men blowing up a great idea for the Nigerian Economy. Y'all check it out and spread the word.

And if you are into E-bookz like me, check this: Bukspy

Don't forget to VOTE !

Promoting Others

I came across an old family friend on Facebook today. FB does rock 'cos you won't believe the number of peeps you've lost contact with and then all of a sudden they appear out of nowhere.. So we got chatting and this old pal has done really good for himself...we went to same elementary school as kids and of course you know how that goes, we didn't conversate much while growing up...so just chatting with him today made me go wow! Ol' pal is all grown into a fine young man...and running his own business. I didn't hesitate to add him to our list of insipirations. This inspiration goes waaaay back in time and did i already say how proud I am?

Going through his portfolio, he has done a number of good works from SoundCity to Trainning and resource sites, Educational sites and to hosting our very own koko-master's site. On a side-note D'banj has got to be the most craziest dude alive. Needless to say his site is banging and the most amusing of it all was the little excerpt of his voice on any page about to load..... 'hmmmm the koko is loading'....lol! Y'all shld check it out!

So this goes to the Future generation of Nigeria. We do have very intelligent peeps in Nigeria who have done well for themselves and a lot of us who are coming up the ladder...my dear family friend - Segun Ajiboye is part of them. We all need to keep encouraging the young generation 'cos their acumen and creativity is beyond comprehension and there's so much still yet they can do for Naija.

Having said that, the 'Future Awards' nomination has started. So guys, please take some time to nominate people like Segun and em...peeps like us - Jotees (gotsa promote ourselves too) for categories such as the 'Entreprenuer of the Year' award. To nominate, please go here -http://www.thefuturenigeria.com/nominate.php

Someone else I strongly believe deserves recognition is:

Onada - For her great works in reaching out to needy children worldwide. There might not be a category for deeds such as this, but please feel free to create your own category jare...that way the organizers/judges know that in 2009 they ought to create a category for this.

For questions on nomination categories, post them up...I'd be glad to answer them.

Thanks and God bless y'all as you nominate!

J - Designs in NY

Jotees Designs was in NY last weekend for the Naija Independence day celebrations. Boutini and a few others were rocking the designs and repping us. Pictures below:

And boutini was dying over a few fine dudes....i had to agree they were haute though

Fore more pictures, visit underdarock.com and ariyaentertaiment.com

Great wknd y'all!

Finally - Jotees Trendz

Its been a stressful few months trying to set up the Jotees website. Lets have this picture here, lets have the contact list over there…I don’t like the picture viewer software, I think we ought to make our models show the back of the dresses also, I suggest we….blah blah blah…but finally am proud to say our WEBSITE is finally up and running! I tell you, it’s not been easy. Now I know what those biz moguls say when they say ‘It ain’t easy’. It sure ain’t.

And when you actually think that because you are a part of a team, it should make things a little easier, that you can pull ideas together and thinking doesn’t have to be too hard. Em….Its not necessarily so. Everyone on the team wants to have a say and have their own ideas implemented. Yeah my team encompasses my sisters but those girls got some strong characters going on. Sometimes I wonder if am truly their sister. I kinda await that news to be broken to me some day.... ‘you really are not part of this family’ type of news. Lol…But hey I love those chicas….as strong-headed they might seem to be. I still love them.

The months felt like a pack of disarranged puzzles, trying to jot down ideas, implement them and discussing them with our web designer. Poor chica, I was always breathing down her nceck but I really think I was far much of a better client than some she has had in the past. Yeah I got to give myself some props too. But ol’ girl did a marvelous job. Big ups to Icyworks. For your web design needs, y’all reach out to that chic. She does fabulous work o.

So the hard work paid off at last…we’ve been getting numerous calls and comments on how fabulous our website looks…how fabulous our designs are and the requests are mounting up everyday. So I sit here and am thinking what I have gotten myself into? But its fun…its exciting if you have the passion for it.

I don’t believe in words such as ‘Can’t’, ‘Difficult’, ‘Not’ e.t.c . You will hardly ever find them in my choice of words. I was chatting with a friend last night and I had to keep emphasizing the importance of staying positive at all times. Rather, use words such as ‘It’s a struggle, but I CAN get it done’, ‘It’s going to be hard, but I CAN maneuver it’. To succeed at a business, aside from having a passion for what you do, it’s vital you stay positive while doing it.

So here’s to years and years of success. It can’t be achieved without hard work though. I love work, I love to work hard and sometimes I see work as a means to get away from the craziness of life. When am engulfed in my world of work, it means blocking out everything. Sometimes I use work to hide away from issues I need to deal with. I know it could be wrong, but I say its better than some other measures used by peeps. But all in all, am just saying that am prepared to work hard for as long as I can.

And I can’t begin to exaggerate on how much work my wonderful sisters are doing. Its like there’s this drive, this force pushing us all. These chics are driven to succeed. Sometimes I feel I don’t know them, like they aren’t really my sisters at all. It’s a totally professional no-nonsense environment when we are at work. I can’t help but throw a smile at the corner of my lips every now and then when I think about what women of substance my sisters have become.

Yes o! We are born to succeed! And to cap this all, let me sign off with my favorite saying, mine and mine alone; ‘The curse is within oneself, the moment you know it, you break it.’

Tales of Faith and Wisdom

I came across this article through my job site - on Splendour (Seye) and I find it motivating for all you fellow naija bloggers out there especially those of you that are faboulous with writing! I know talent when I see it and I can say boldly that I have come across excellent talent on blogspot. Likes of Atu e.t.c. You know yourselves....you guys are mad talented and I know y'all can go places!
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In school libraries, students and teachers can check out Seye (Splendour) Oke’s first novel, Debbie’s Diary.

Debbie’s Diary is a story about the experiences of four friends embarking on their freshman year at university. Not only are their friendships changing, but the wide-eyed students are also exposed to a world of drug abuse, alcoholism and cult activities at Nigerian universities. In the end, their faith binds them together.

An inspirational writer, Splendour, analyst-Resources, has integrated her writing and research skills into her career with Accenture.

“To write a good book, you need organization and creativity. Writing over the years has helped me master both skills,” Splendour said. “While working on projects, I try to visualize the end result on a storyboard in my mind. Then I break it down into small details.”After a series of rejections from publishers, Splendour decided to make her writing dream a reality by self-publishing her works.

Splendour’s website is an interactive experience, where readers can get a sneak peek about her upcoming books, purchase her works, download sample chapters and leave comments.“While it’s been a challenging journey, publishing the books myself has been an enlightening experience,” Splendour added.

Splendour also founded Splendour Dynasty in 1998–an organization committed to creatively spreading the message of love and mercy through writing. Through Splendour Dynasty, she also created Mercy’s Touch, which focuses on community service to various children’s and widows’ charities in Nigeria. This year, Splendour is leading the “Follow the Fire” initiative to encourage reading among children.The public has responded enthusiastically to Splendour’s books. At the end of 2006, Splendour’s most recent novel Love’s Lie made the Top 40 bestsellers in Nigeria according to the Sun, a Nigerian newspaper. Love's Lie delves into a lie that the protagonist, Lovett, creates while growing up. Eventually, that lie becomes the crux of her life.

Splendour is also connecting with her readers through book-signing events and giving interviews with local newspapers. “I have been motivated to write more because of the public’s support,” Splendour said.“People ask me how I manage my work with Accenture and my writing. I often say you find time to do what you want to do. I realize how demanding our days at Accenture can be,” Splendour said. “I work at my writing with all my heart and never notice as the days pass by.

My advice to those who want to pursue a passion outside Accenture would be: Find the flame, fan the flare and follow the fire.”


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On a side note, this video has got to be the funniest ish ever...

Random Thursday+Jotees Signature Purses

I really think all the templates on blogger are wack. Can't seem to find one I really like. That's so messed up....

Other day I was watching CNN and they were airing the federal dog-fighting case...Why would Vick find pleasure in watching animals fight to their death? A lot of kids look up to him as role model and yet he did that? blah blah blah. They just went on and on...Only in America! Who cares if dogs beat themselves to death in naija? Who gives two?! Infact, who cares if two individuals beat themselves to death much more DOGS?!

But sha, sha looking at it again, me thinks it goes to show the level of 'violence' contained in football…I see football as a sorta 'survival of the fittest' kinda game...so if Vick derives pleasure in dog-fighting, please trace it back to what goes on in the mind of these footballers when they are on the field.

Did I also hear he placed a bet on the 'show'? 20K? 30K? Now that's what am talking about...Doing it for a reason. But how stupid can one really get? Putting your career on the line for some chicken fee you can earn in a heart beat.
Well so he pleads guilty to federal dogfighting...Who cares?!

In Other news, American Idol contestant decides that lai-lai she's got to audition for the show come pikin or not

Hmmmmm....So they are here! The FABOULOUS 'Jotees Signature Ankara-Made Purses' Haute...haute...haute! I will rock this nicely to my 'Owanbe' parties!
Lola-Boutini...way to go!

www.joteestrendz.com - The Collection (Coming Soon)

GROSSiquete Day

One of the grossest thing to watch pple do is eating…depending on how its done. I just walked into the lunch room to grab a cup of coffee and I noticed this averagely built bulky guy eating lunch at a table to my left view. From the corner of my eye, I watched as he raised the bowl of soup to his mouth and dipped his tongue in the bowl struggling to lick d last few bits that might be left inside. I thought I hadn’t seen well at first, so I took a second look and this time he met my eye. I quickly averted my eye and thought to myself…wait a minute, am I in the same lunch room…one that belongs to one of the biggest IT Consulting firms? …where u hear billion of dollars thrown around everyday like you were talking about a penny. Oh, and it doesn’t end there, he was cladded in a nice suit and looked just like any snr excec of the firm! So am sitting here thinking, what would be the most justifiable reason to lift my bowl or plate of soup to my tongue and start licking in public?

As if that wasn't enough for one day, I decided to take a break and run to the bank to deposit my millions (someborri say AMEN to that)…lol. And my eye caught this middle-age chic, walking my opposite direction, she was wearing a white tank which barely covered her sagging boobs. Her boobs were popping out of the tank. No she wasn’t fat! So its not like the poor jugglies were screaming for fresh air. The poor things were just not tucked in right, and girlfriend didn’t give two about it. Amidst stares/whisphers from my fellow women passerbys, girlfriend just trotted along like she was on the ‘about-to-get-naked’ runway. If those jugglies were a pleasant sight, then it would have been a totally different story...but ol'girl just ended up ridiculing my women clique...chei!

POMPOUSonic

Two greatest peeves I have are Pride and Cheating. Both traits are totally unacceptable and overbearing for me. I wouldn’t be able to sit in the same place with a prideful person, or an individual who sees me as a means to fulfill his greedy desire. Now, cheating falls in different categories. I am not talking about the boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife type of cheating. Needless to say - I have my opinions 'bout that too.

But am talking about the kind of cheating where one fool, who considers himself intelligent, takes you for a ride, regards you as ignorant and in the process pushes his remote in an effort to control you. Or a situation where one bastard thinks he is doing himself a great favor by having you attend to him hand, foot and toe, take care of his needs and pamper him like you are his maid, while he’s sitting there like a couch potato and not doing a single thing in return. Woosah…okay enough of the outburst…but won’t and can’t stand a person with traits such as these.

But how do you drive the point home to someone who believes that he ought to talk about himself or his achievements at every ficking opportunity he has? Do you say, will you please shut the hell up and quit talking?! Or do you say, can we talk about ME now? How do you go about telling them that you are really not interested in what they have to say about themselves because you have heard it gazillion times….so much that you are beginning to roll your eyes right in their face when they begin to talk?

So here goes convo I had with dear friend the other day. Sigh! Yours truly always end up facing issues she hates the most...

Dude: SO is there anythg you thought about after yesterday's meeting?
Dude: any words of advice
Me: for u personally or for the church?
Dude: both?
Me: hmmm...
Me: for church...there's got to be some amount of discipline instilled in every church worker...

Other convo ensued…

Dude: I understand you perfectly
Dude: that is for the church
Dude: now to the personal aspect of it
Me: lol
Me: you are great person...you are determined and have a passion for God...
Me: you also have a strong character which translates to d fact that you are very disciplined, have your head on straight and understand perfectly the decisions you make.
Me: like me, you are not perfect…
Me: a strong xter could also translate to self-centeredness and pride.
Me: tooting your horn is great and it’s recommended in some circumstances, but when it’s not needed, it can become unbearable…
Me: overall, you are a great company!
Dude: thx

So you would think that drove home the point for my dear friend, but am disappointed to tell you that at dinner last night, all I heard was another round of horn-tooting!!

So dear all, I would really love to hear your opinions on how to drive home the point to someone who thinks its absolutely great to talk about himself all the time...cos apparently I didn't do a good job.

OPINIONista

Its interesting how peeps form thier opinions about you even without having the slightest idea who you are. Doesn't that rule apply anymore - 'Do not judge a book by its cover?'

Yesterday, I got two seperate views about me, of which one of them was....dare I - say shocking?! I had never had opened my mouth to speak a common word such as 'Hi' to this dude before talk less of having a convo with him. I saw him as another acquaintance but I had no idea this dude thot me a snub/spoilt brat! He told me all that later at dinner! See below for sneak peek on our very first convo:

Dude1: I saw your website, it was nice
Me: thanks!
Me: its still in progress tho
Dude1: YEAH, I CAN TELL
Dude1: four sisters in millions
Me:lol!
Me: with God..we'd get there
Dude1: at least you have started. God that gave you ladies the knowledge, will surely crown it with blessing
Me: AMEN!!

Other Convo ensued.....

Me:u know my age?
Dude1: yes, i know your age
Dude1: u surprised?
Me: lol..not sure if am surprised..
Me: so..how do u know?
Dude1: you gave it to us and we have it on file in the church
Me: oh..figured that was how..
Dude1: by the way, if i may ask, why are u not surprised
Me: cos i already kinda figured that's how u knew..
Dude1:It's not in my practice research in knowing people's information no matter how it was given
Me: lol..yah rite
Dude1: but i guess the financial analyst description on the form gave me more opportunity to look through
Dude1: even my pastor came to my office and saw it on my desk
Dude1: then later asked me about you
Me: He did?
Dude1: I don't know you but I see you around
Dude1: yes he did
Dude1: you know what i mean
Me: yeah..
Dude1: ok, I really need you to assist me in making some decisions in the church which will serve personal. What do you think?
Me: wot do u mean serve personal?
Dude1: like an adviser
Me: okay..
Dude1: i will present some things to you and u advise on it
Me: hmmmk
Dude1: then I also want you to assist in drawing up next yr's budget
Me: i believe i can assist with the financial advising..I can speak to where to allocate funds to better margin e.t.c..
Me: we can tok 'bout it at dinner...
Dude1: you know what I just observed abt u
Me: lol..wot?
Dude1: I think i had a very wrong impression abt u to be sincere
Me: LOL
Me: wot was ur impression?
Dude1: well, the impression of been a big time lady, 'look-down on peeps' type person
Dude1: do u understand ?
Me: LOL!!!
Dude1: so far so good, I never knew you could be this cool
Dude1: to be honset
Dude1: I tell people my first impression abt them
Me: lol..
Me: its okay..pple are entitled to thier own opinions..
Me: that's why they say u shldn't judge a book by its cover
Dude1: u really cut off at least 75% of my opinions
Me: at least?!
Me: just 75?! dang!

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And here goes 2nd dudes opinion....needless to say this convo was heavily loaded, I had to edit of course....but will give the down-low in tmrw's posting.

Dude2: hi namesake
Me: hello!
Dude2: trust everything is fine
Me: we thank God
Me: thanks for ur call the other day..to check on us...after the bridge incident..
Me: got ur msg..
Me: thanks a lot!
Dude2: saw ur website yesterday.....waoh! that a great idea
Dude2: u girls are really going places
Me: *smiles*
Me: its God taking us places...
Dude2: yes my dear...it such a fantastic idea
Me: can't do none but thank God
Dude2: Tyra Banks....Channel...Gucci and the rest ain't got nothin on u!
Me: u know!
Me: lol!

Other conv ensued - a whole different topic! maybe will post that tmrw.

Dude2: I wonder what dating u will be like?
Me: lol..
Me: y do u say that?
Dude2: u hv a strong xter
Me: wow!
Me: lol..
Me: is that good or bad?
Dude2: both
Me: HA!
Dude2: it depends on how u use it
Me: hmmm...
Dude2: a man wants to feel he is in control and the best way to rule a man is to make him feel he is control....king of the castle

(errr..and u best believe i have my opinions on this comment...not dat i don't agree, but topic for tommorow)

Me: so i don't seem to allow that?
Dude2: u do in ur own way
Me:lol..
Me: u've studied me that much?
Dude2: i'm very observant and sensitive

Sir....Please do me a favor and shurrup!

You haven't gotten a good glimpse at death

There ought to be more than a 2 yr detention and bidding of assets seized from our so-called money-hungry leaders. I wonder if others view the 'price-to-pay' as next to nothing and as an intensifier to keep doing what they know best?

In my opinion, I think when caught, they ought to be left in the hands of hungry and angry peeps who live in the local suburbs of Agege, Idi-mangoro e.t.c. All need do is hand over our greedy money laundering friend to those folks - here goes the animal that has subjected you to 0-1-0. And let them bring upon him any judgement my poor folks deem fit...

The punishment ought to be worse than death penalty itself...Am sorry, it drives me nuts when we are continually aware that some good portion of the Nig population seats on the nation's wealth, while others are subjected to poverty....and there's almost nothing you and I can do about it??

Time and time again we hear and read stories of the EFCC doing investigations and actually catching a few of our greedy folks...but i guess i need some light shed upon how it does stop those treading in the same footsteps?? It seems to me, the more our honorable commission works hard at doing its job, the more our friends work hard at accumulating thier greed.

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Side note:
I love this song and the video was cool...well big-ups to kennis



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Anoda side note: Video dedicated to t-girlstyle
She made me fall in love with this song. Girl - came across this video and of course i remembered the little time we shared together in Cali. Love you loads and miss ya plenty!

Tribute to Matthieu Dowu

A Rare Gem is gone?
To those you left behind...
Your thoughts will continually flood our minds..
Though you are gone, your face will always flicker....
Shinning fitfully in the midst of our minds...
Those you've made an impact upon...
Some call you 'Ghandhi'
I choose to call you King....'King of all'
In the midst of chaos and misery
You stood tall, determined to overcome
Not a soul is capable of filling this void...
And yet again the quest why bad things happen to good people...
Your presence might be missing...
But your words and what you stand for, will never be dismissed
Your face remains in the memories of your loved ones..
Your sons will carry your name with pride...
Your memory will linger on the hearts of your daughters....
An Extraordinaire...An Angel...
You who took a walk on this earth and passed through too quickly...
How dare you be forgotten...
One thing is certain...
Open arms await you above.



You will be missed



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Side note:


'www.joteestrendz.com' - The collection -coming soon

Well...Hope this keeps you Encouraged....

What exactly is it that holds peeps captive and blinds them to the fact that things aren’t the same way forever? Why do some people feel stuck and always negative about issues? In my life time, I have come across individuals who have taught less of themselves and feel like they can’t make head-way. Words such as ‘I am messed up’, ‘I can’t help it’ and ‘I am never going to change’ are not too far from their lips. But the mind buggling thing is, I don’t think people actually think before uttering such words including me and you!

I think I can boldly say we all understand evil from wrong just as much as we are able to tell the difference between black and white; needless to say some folks still lack the ability. But you would also agree that it is fair to say we can very easily deviate from the plan and loose focus once a bit. Our minds does the working.

My sisters friend whom I love to call D-boogie would start her response with; 'You can’t understand…..” anytime they tried to offer advices or suggestions to her regarding her "relationship." On one of their numerous discussions, D-boogie mentioned that she didn’t believe she could be nor have anything better than where she was currently. She felt that destiny had made her what she was and it couldn’t be changed; therefore trying to do anything to change the situation will prove effortless. So she resorted to being under the control of a man who hardly ever thought about her. She persistently talks about her marriage to this man who is busy brainstorming on adding more kids to his already established day-care. Believe it; it’s neither about his money nor his looks. You can call it what you want but I plead with you not to call it love.

Same goes for my women clique who thinks that because she can’t find anything better in the love arena, they’d rather stick to an ex whom they know - - he’s not it. One person actually said; ‘When you are un-lucky with finding better love, you go back to the one you’ve always known...’ That one you’ve always known better be the one you’re crazy in love with and not because you feel like you’re fast aging and time isn’t on your side! I need not stress the meaning of marriage here and how vital it is that one is happy.

To deviate a little, the other day I was unlucky to be in the midst of folks who I would say were at the edge of experiencing mid-life crisis judging by the words coming out of their mouth. The discussion ranged from general work life to children, religion and politics. Good mixture huh? Everyone wanted to air their opinion. I remember my 2 yr old cousin crying because she could not contain the rush of emotions. If you ever sat in the midst of Nigerians discussing, you would understand why the little child thought there was commotion in the air and became confused by the free flow of words and expressions. I had to calm the poor one and explained to her in baby words that our folks here were only having a chat. I was particularly interested in one statement I had over-heard. He said “When you talk about nations, don’t talk about this one because it is an absolute mess, it can never turn out good and I will never have a reason to go back there….” I was not surprised to hear the statement, but I was puzzled at the thought that made him so bent on his idea that Nigeria is not a ‘nation?’

But then again, I ask myself what makes him different from my D-boogie? It’s a thing of the mind. I believe we are the ones responsible for structuring our minds to make it believe what it wants to believe. Am not sure where my faith comes from, but these days I have found myself believing for the best and having confidence in tomorrow. The mind is actually the pillar of our being. Every action item emanates from the mind, and I can’t begin to emphasize on the importance of the mind remaining positive.

Who was it again that said; ‘A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.’?

Neither of Them?

Experiences are the best teacher they say and people ought to learn from them. Some people say you don’t have to wait for experiences, you can learn from others. Therefore pointing you in some direction or towards whom they think you should emulate. In the end the situation they point to you doesn’t fit ‘cos its you. I say; if you haven’t been there, don’t go there, for there’s little you can speak to.

At first, that decision might feel like the right thing to do, but when you begin to hear different suggestions from different angles, it begins to sound all right at the same time. When opinions become amplified, of course confusion takes its course. Some are left with no choice than to succumb to one of many opinions. Others decide on one, believing nothing can be more accurate. But ignorantly unaware that some part of them had already yielded in one way or other to the pressure surrounding them.

And the dangerous of all, are those that take a little bit of every suggestion and implement them. These kinds of people possibly end up worse than they were and then a fresh set of suggestions begin to stream in…again. They find themselves alas back at the beginning.

Some will listen, take it all in, their eyes will do the speaking, no need for words. Later marinate on the words that were spoken. Thereafter go for the most satisfactory. Not because it makes them happy but because it makes the people around them happy…..