Q and A with Mary from Kaduna State, Nigeria

“…have that positive mindset that everything is going to work out well…”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I am a hair stylist, and I work from home now. I work in hair dressing, ventilation [the process of attaching individual hairs to a wig cap to create a wig], and specializing in wigs. I am also a university student at the National Open University of Nigeria in Lagos, Nigeria.

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Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I have always loved fashion since I was a small child. I love to see someone dress nice, put on good clothes, and have very nice hair. I have always had this passion of owning my own store or salon.

I grew up in a poor family in Nigeria because my parents are farmers, and we barely had enough to eat, but my dad always made sure he sent us to school—no matter the condition. That’s my main reason of wanting to uplift my family. Also, I don’t want my children to grow up in the kind of environment I grew up in, so my dad managed to train me till I finished my secondary school.

Then after secondary school, I went and acquired a skill in hair dressing, ventilation [the process of attaching individual hairs to a wig cap to create a wig], and specializing in wigs. But to God be the glory, I am now a final year student in the National Open University of Nigeria in Lagos, Nigeria.

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Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: I would like others to always have that positive mindset that everything is going to work out well—no matter the condition you find yourself in—only if you’re determined to change your story.

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Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: I really believe that women are naturally gifted with so many strengths and the heart of undying love. And if you believe in yourself, you will make it. Definitely.