Who is Zephia Ovia and what are your passions?
The best way to describe myself is the passionate philanthropist who wants to take the world by storm. As cliché as it sounds, my interest are with helping people, thinking of ways we can tackle socio-economic issues that destabilise developing societies with so much potential like my country Nigeria. I guess I have my Masters degree to thank for pushing me into this line of interest.
Knowing you I know that you make it a point to travel a lot. Why do you do this?
For me travelling is a way to experience a different side of the world that you live in. To gain exposure into different lifestyles and cultures that are so different from what you understand as the norm. There is nothing more refreshing than being in a new environment.
Any particular favorite country?
I haven’t travelled to as many countries as I would like on my bucket list- but for now I’ll stick with Firenze (Florence) The city of culture, wine and oh so heavenly Italian pasta.
We live in a digital world today so the world is increasingly becoming flatter. Why is it important to understand cultures?
I believe once you understand another man’s culture you are able to break stereotypes and make allowances for other people’s views and beliefs. This not only reduces hate crimes and ignorance in our world today but it unites us as one world.
Do you have any particular things you do in order to connect with foreigners?
Well I have a blog based on faith and spirituality- the amazing thing about writing and sharing with people is you connect to someone from a different part of the world who might be going through something, that your words may make an impact upon. It’s amazing how the universe attracts people. Simply by reading something that was written from someone in a different country and different culture but yet there is unity in words. I also just started a my natural skin care line called Makariah Scrubs- and so many people have requested I ship abroad so they can try my product.
Now you recently launched Makariah Scrubs. What is the genesis of that?
Makariah Scrubs is a natural skin care line I came up with in 2014, but it wasn’t until this year that I started to take it seriously and envision how this could be a game changer especially in Nigeria. Moving back to Nigeria has been different but exciting- because I feel I have more room to explore my passions and do something. The whole idea behind the skin care line is to encourage people to use natural products on their skin and be aware of how natural ingredients can tackle skin problems.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs out there looking to launch products or services they are passionate about?
Honestly my advice is JUST GO FOR IT! If you have a vision or burning desire to start something, you have nothing to lose but to just go for it. Success begins when you take the first step, and fight the fear of failure from getting in the way. If you can see the vision, chances are you have the power in you to do it. You owe it to yourself to explore that and of course pray for guidance and the right opportunities to come your way.
It’s dispel a stereotype time. What’s a stereotype about Nigeria that’s false?
I’ll say a common stereotype is that the country is backwards, still in primitive times- pretty much the general stereotype for a lot of African countries. Let’s talk facts- Nigeria is now considered the largest economy in Africa (we are amongst the MINT countries) and there is so much potential here. There’s a huge inflow of foreign direct investment, and so many young people like myself who have just moved back are changing the game with innovative ideas. Our version of development may not be what the west seems fit, but the foreigners that know the greatness of the country know and they have seized the opportunity to build something here. I advice Nigerians in the diaspora especially who view their country as backward to come back and get started in the game here because Africa is rising. Nigeria is setting trends in all areas of development.
Describe what culture is like in Nigeria?
There is nothing like Nigerian culture- mixed with different ethnic groups, there are so many traditions and beliefs- but we all share one principle of respect. Respect is key here in my country, so respecting the elderly with how they are addressed is essential. We love food- there is nothing like our traditional food here and the interesting thing is, anywhere in the world Nigerians go we have to take our food culture with us to share with people. There has to be a Nigerian market somewhere in every country no matter how far-my people don’t mess around with the spice and friends who are non-Nigerian love it!
Where can we find out more about you and what you’re up to?
You can find Makariah Scrubs on the insagram page: @makariahscrubs. The website is still being worked on so stay tuned for that. But the best way to get in touch and order is via email: makariahscrubs@gmail.com
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs out there looking to launch products or services they are passionate about?
Honestly my advice is JUST GO FOR IT! If you have a vision or burning desire to start something, you have nothing to lose but to just go for it. Success begins when you take the first step, and fight the fear of failure from getting in the way. If you can see the vision, chances are you have the power in you to do it. You owe it to yourself to explore that and of course pray for guidance and the right opportunities to come your way.
It’s dispel a stereotype time. What’s a stereotype about Nigeria that’s false?
I’ll say a common stereotype is that the country is backwards, still in primitive times- pretty much the general stereotype for a lot of African countries. Let’s talk facts- Nigeria is now considered the largest economy in Africa (we are amongst the MINT countries) and there is so much potential here. There’s a huge inflow of foreign direct investment, and so many young people like myself who have just moved back are changing the game with innovative ideas. Our version of development may not be what the west seems fit, but the foreigners that know the greatness of the country know and they have seized the opportunity to build something here. I advice Nigerians in the diaspora especially who view their country as backward to come back and get started in the game here because Africa is rising. Nigeria is setting trends in all areas of development.
Describe what culture is like in Nigeria?
There is nothing like Nigerian culture- mixed with different ethnic groups, there are so many traditions and beliefs- but we all share one principle of respect. Respect is key here in my country, so respecting the elderly with how they are addressed is essential. We love food- there is nothing like our traditional food here and the interesting thing is, anywhere in the world Nigerians go we have to take our food culture with us to share with people. There has to be a Nigerian market somewhere in every country no matter how far-my people don’t mess around with the spice and friends who are non-Nigerian love it!
Where can we find out more about you and what you’re up to?
You can find out more about my business on Instagram: @makariahscrubs
My email address is makariahscrubs@gmail.com.
My blog about faith and life is www.mademoisellezee.blogspot.com. I also have a Facebook page that you can check out here: ‘Inspiring words from A beautiful Mind’.
For the philanthropist in me, take a look at NISMYPro on Facebook.
