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DIVA: Faustina Anyanwu

FAUSTINA ANYANWU is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of C. Hub magazine, Pearlwoman Magazine, CEO of Faunteewrites Publishing and MBW PR.

Having graduated and practiced nursing and midwifery for more than five years, Anyawu got back to her first love: writing and journalism.

In the past four years, she has been pursuing a vision she is passionate about – which is creating positive portrayals of people of African heritage in the UK.

In 2014, Anyawu, founded Divas of Colour international women’s forum, which is held during International Women’s Month.

She is known for campaigning on the issue of diversity. Despite her busy schedule, she finds time to mentor and train young entrepreneurs and women. Over the past four years, she has seen three people that she has mentored become successes. At the moment, she mentors two others on a regular basis and has trained and managed one intern.

She also speaks at women’s events, and uses her platform to inspire and motivate others.

Anyawu and her husband Emeka plan to create opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds through events such as Divas of Colour, where women of diverse background are celebrated.

STRENGTH

I am inspired by things I face and work through in my daily life. My past experiences also inspire me. As a young girl I was inspired by and still am inspired by my mother’s strength and ability to navigate situations. As a mum, each day with my kids inspires me to work harder to be a role model for them.

However, the negative stories of young black people keep me on my toes and give me a passion to do something about it. I believe that one more positive story has huge impact in changing the negative narratives that surround
our community.

My role model is Oprah Winfrey. From the first time I set my eyes on her, I’ve been fascinated by her story and her achievements. She is my secret mentor. I read about her, I study her and how she does most of the things she does.

Then came First Lady Michelle Obama who I have learnt so much from. Her motherly and professional grace and nurturing aura gives me life.

The best part of my job is coming up with new ideas and developing them into a new business project. The fascination is knowing that this idea could go in any direction. It could make or break the entire work we’ve been doing. The risk really is what keeps the whole thing interesting.

In my spare time I like to spend time with my family, read a book or watch my favourite TV reality programme. I only watch news or reality shows. I hate movies and going through the suspense of a story I know is only a script. I won’t let them cheat my heart that much!

I would tell my younger self to go out more. Live life, have fun. Go out, make friends, visit places, don’t try to be too perfect. Make mistakes and explore the world. Free yourself, be more vulnerable. I will also tell her well done for staying focused and identifying your life vision. I would also thank her for reading a lot of books, for discovering herself and for never allowing anyone or anything take away her lifelong dreams.

I am determined to see the story of African heritage represented accurately. I want to see a world where a black child does not have to continue to explain him or herself or defend their contribution to society. I want to see Africa takes its rightful place in the world by reclaiming the minds of its citizens through positive, empowering representations.

Find out more about Anyawu at www.divasofcolour.com, www.chubmagazine.com, or on Twitter and Instagram @Fauntee.

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