Female Fashion Entrepreneur shares Bold Hair-Raising Story

Nov 19
3 min read

By Monisola Akinyemi

It was a typical three seasons in one day weather in London, next up was the rain, and I was caught in it, whilst frantically looking for the TikTok HQ; clad in my pink suit, rose gold Saintsville Amara headband and flat pumps. After locating it, I rushed in, marvelling at the larger-than-life feel of the interior- huge screen, flashing images and the massive TikTok signage. I sat in the lobby for a few minutes, then quickly popped to the ladies, off came my flats and on went my heels- at 5ft 2 in, heels make me stand tall..literally!. After registration, attendees were taken up to the auditorium where the Startups Business event would take place. I’d arrived early and was able to pick a prime spot. At first, I intended to hide but decided against it and positioned myself in the front row.

Event started and then a short break, at which point I spotted two ladies taking pictures on stage. I asked one of them to take mine too, as I had an agenda for stepping on the stage. My chance to pray/manifest, as she clicked away, that I’d be contacted; because it was announced that you’d only be invited for the open mic pitching, if you received an email. Sessions resumed, still no email. Time to pitch and the event organiser began to call out some names.

Frantic that I’d miss the opportunity ..I needed to act fast!

So, I whipped out my phone to text the organiser that I was in the audience and ready to pitch but he wasn’t reading my message. Yikes- what to do? So, I did what I felt needed to be done, I Called Him! ..and right there in front of the audience came the loud solitary sound of a bleating goat ring tone,…you can’t make these things up…he was surprised, I was mortified.. but it worked!

Et Voila! he called my name, and invited me on stage, my bold attention-grabbing move had worked. As I was leaping out of my chair, I was handing my phone to the lady beside me to record- any win must be documented, whilst also grabbing a boxed headband I’d brought to use as a prop during my pitch. As I whizzed through my pitch which focused on women, I realized that guys were in attendance and my pitch needed to target them as well. So I ended with a quip “And guys valentine’s day is coming up, so get yourself/gift sorted www.saintsville.co.uk, and you get yourself a date”- Everyone erupted in laughter. Rousing applause ensued. Mission Accomplished- I was announced, as one of the winners of the book authored by the keynote speaker, called on stage for a picture and handshakes. At the end of the successful night of recognition and connection, as I exited the building, off came my heels, flats went back on- essential for running to catch my train to home.

This piece centres on using boldness and confidence to open doors. Lack of confidence, feeling inadequate and struggling to be seen is something I've dealt with which is why our mission at Saintsville is not only to help women feel radiant, and command attention with our accessories but to show through our journey, that they can be bold in the pursuit of their dreams.

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