Exquisite Magazine got the opportunity to interview Affiong Ene-Obong, a prolific writer and author of Yellow People. A lady who continues to defy all odds and confidently creating an impact in her society.
EM- PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BRAND
Affiong Ene-Obong is a Lawyer, Author, Founder/Publisher of YELLOW PEOPLE magazine and an entrepreneur.
I’m a young lady with special needs (mobility impaired) who earnestly desires to live her life fully and confidently creating impact, income and influence through positive relationships for growth, generational wealth and legacy.
EM- HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS FIELD?
I have a number of successful businesses under my belt which I must say kicked off well and are thriving.
My journey to becoming the Founder/ Publisher of YELLOW PEOPLE magazine began three years ago whilst my journey to becoming a published and the most sought-after author of three books began as a child at age eight when I was commended by my teachers for my writing prowess.
I honed my craft years later and made the most of the opportunities available. I have been in the writing field for over a decade.
EM- WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO THIS FIELD?
The quest for answers to questions throbbing in the hearts of many particularly those with special needs made me decide to start a magazine brand.
Through my experiences, research and studies, I have realized that persons with special needs have to be seen, heard and understood for them to live fully and make a difference in the world amidst their peculiarities; they need to shine despite the challenges hence the name YELLOW PEOPLE
‘YELLOW PEOPLE’ is a combination of two deliberately selected words-yellow and people. The colour yellow represents light, happiness, courage, hope, royalty and wealth amongst other things.
On the other hand, ‘people’ are human beings. We are humans despite our race, religion, colour, nationality, special needs persons or able-bodied who want to live our best lives
I believe writing is a powerful tool for informing and transforming lives so I decided to create a unique medium through the power of words to fill the pages of magazines with ideas, words and images that enshrine moments of life: people, passion, stories, emotions and authentic experiences.
EM- TIPS ON HOW YOU STARTED?
Starting anything requires grit, grace and guts. I started by seeking knowledge, gaining clarity through facts and finding, the accuracy of information and delivery of processes.
EM- YOU ARE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH IN THE SOCIETY, HOW DID YOU GROW TO THIS LEVEL?
I have become a force to reckon with in my society because I understand clarity of purpose, I have a value-driven mindset, I’m optimistic, I’m competent and I leverage on the power of positive relationships with the help of God.
EM- HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Success is creation, character, competence and consistency.
EM- IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO START YOUR CAREER OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
I would implement new strategies to keep creating and maintaining them as I thrive.
EM- EVERY BUSINESS-MINDED SUCCESSFUL PERSON HAS A STORY, WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE?
Challenges ranging from sustainability and growth to flexibility and funding
EM- WHAT SETS YOU APART?
Prayers, practicality, personal growth and perseverance.
EM- YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO MANY, WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I’m inspired by God who is my source of insight.
I’m inspired by my desire to live fully, confidently and purposefully as I create income, wealth and legacy.
I’m inspired by those who see light in my words and hope in my self-expression.
EM- WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
I’m motivated to do what I love because it heals, helps and gives hope to humans.
I’m motivated to do what I love because it provides information and aid’s transformation.
EM- IF YOU WERE TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT YOURSELF WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?
“I Can”
EM- KINDLY SHARE SOME OF YOUR SECRETS TO BECOMING SUCCESSFUL WITH EM
Prayers
Perseverance
Positive mindset
People
Pursuit of purpose
EM- WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE TO YOUTHS WITH THE ZEAL TO GROW?
Pray always,
Starve distractions and feed your focus,
Commit to learning, unlearning and relearning,
Evolve and emerge.
EM- PLEASE SHARE THE CONTACT DETAILS YOU WISH TO BE MADE PUBLIC
@affiong_eneobong (Instagram)
Affiong Ene-Obong (Facebook)
Affiong_E (Twitter)
