Who’s on

EM : Tell the Readers of Elegance Magazine a little bit about yourself?
AWA FAAL:
I am a passionate wife, daughter, sister and friend who believes in following ones aspirations no matter what limitations I may encounter. I believe I am someone who actively plays an exceptional part in my own personal affairs and those of my loved ones. Those dear and close to me know me as being very cautious and analytical when making decisions that directly impact me or those around me. Although, I can be very outspoken, I see my bluntness as my strength and at times as my weakness. I try not to excuse myself too often because of the truth and candor of my words but I’d have to admit that sometimes my directness can cause gratuitous affliction to those close to me. Hence, I’ve learnt and am still learning to be more compassionate, patience and considerate when voicing my opinions and to be more gentle and diplomatic in an honest but yet empathetic way. I am constantly informed by my friends, peers and family on how graceful, fun-loving, loyal and strong I am in my relationships and I attempt to live upon these principles in my everyday life. As my dear friend Khadijah Aja Tambajang puts it “Your resilience and strive is worth emulating by so many young women who have to deal with the blows of life; the blows keep coming, yet with pen in one hand and boxing glove in another, you keep them at bay and roll with the punches”. Therefore in those times and tribulations when I occasionally jump into conclusions without appropriately weighing or reasoning the full outcome and difficulties of any incident that may have occurred, being hopeful, persistence and my prayers to Allah the Almighty helps overcome the great obstacles and blows that life throws my way.

EM: Where were you Born?
AWA FAAL
I am originally from Gambia but am currently residing in Gothenburg, Sweden. I attended Mid Sweden University for my Bachelor’s degree followed by Graduate School at Gothenburg University for my Master’s degree.

EM: What did you study and Why?
AWA FAAL
It’s simple…Tourism plays a vital role in The Gambia’s economy and studying Tourism has always been a passion of mine ever since I can remember. Two years ago, I did my Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Management majoring in Business Administration but later realised my passion for dealing with individuals from different walks of life and the Tourism desire eventually out weighing that of Business Administration. It was then I made a conscious decision to broaden my horizons and gain more knowledge to develop an understanding of Tourism as a multidisciplinary phenomenon with its own and unique regulations, history, markets and business logic. Obtaining a Master of Science degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management is an achievement within itself which took a lot of dedication and perseverance on my part. That being said, I have to admit and sigh in relief how I’m extremely grateful and pleased that the past 5 years of studies are finally behind me.

EM: What advice would you give to other women who would want to study the same as a career?
AWA FAAL:
Tourism focuses very much upon the experience economy and as a core business market; it has experienced continuous growth and diversification to become one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors in the world. So be driven and do your utmost but most importantly have it clear in your mind that Tourism is the field you want to pursue and which area within the sector you intend to specialize in. One should also be aware and be prepared when studying or working within the field of Tourism as this means that one will certainly end up working in multicultural teams – so if you don’t like diverse teams or working with people then this sector would not be ideal for you. Determination, resilience and endeavour always results in a remarkable opportunity and a proud accomplishment.

EM: Any plans of going back home to work?

AWA FAAL:
Eventually without a doubt I intend to go back and contribute to my mother land. For now my short term plans are to get a job and to gain the relevant work experience within my field. As someone who is very much interested in Destination Development, I definitely plan to go back home and collaborate and join forces in promoting The Smiling Coast of Africa as a tourist destination. Tourism is important in The Gambia and the objective of The Gambia Tourism Authority (GTA) is to increase the contribution of tourism to our economy and to raise the living standards for Gambians. In my opinion, I strongly regard this as worth supporting particularly their ideals of responsible tourism practice. The controversy of global warming impact to our earth has been long discussed and watched by industries worldwide. Today, without an exception the tourism industry as one of the major contributors to global warming could not ignore the importance of being “green” – so I share in Gambia’s dream and ideals of responsible tourism practice or any other nation’s sustainable tourism practices.
EM: What other things would you like to tell the elegance fans who would be reading your interview?
AWA FAAL:
Follow you heart and be true to yourself but above all, to trust that in the end all the effort and endurance is worth striving for. I am a living proof of that….. Good luck in whatever direction you are heading and May Allah the Almighty guide you on your journey, although long at times, keep preserving and jumping over any hurdles that may come your way.
Thanks to my loving significant other Alagie Danso for your infinite love, patience and in telling me that in the end all of my labour and hard work will be worth it. A special gratitude goes to my entire family and friends for their encouragement especially Khadijah Aja Tambajang and Vongai Muyambo – Laasonen for your endless love, support and friendship.

Em….. Awa thank you very much for taking the time to talk to Elegance mag and good luck with all your aspirations

Gambia In The Running

By Deborah I. Romeo (IB)

It was a mesmerizing night of glitz and glamour at Duplex Nightclub on August 6, 2010, with the maiden fashion show coined, TECKOCHI organized by Young Jollof Design Association (YJD).  The association is made up of five upcoming fashion designers: Mina Jeng, Awa Conateh, NdeyFatouCeesay, PendaMatty Bah Hutley, and AgiRamatoulieBitaye; and the association’s Public Relations Coordinator, KhadijahAjaTambajang.

The crowd’s expectation of what was promoted to be a state-of-the-art show was fulfilled beyond their imagination. The air was filled with anticipation and excitement as the designers did their final preparations in the club’s VVIP Lounge.

The lovely KhadijahAjaTambajang, appeared on stage elegantly dressed in a black and white flowing maxi dress with cuffed sleeves, co-designed by the YJD designers. With her on the stage, the audience knew it was bound to be an amazing night of fashion for The Gambia. She introduced TECKOCHI (a wollof slang meaning to ‘put it down’) to the audience as the mastermind of the designers. She reiterated her role ofexecutor of the designer’s dreams of promotingindigenous fashion with a contemporary twist – they wanted to show the world that Gambia GAT style! And boy, did they do just that on this beautiful night of fashion.

The show took off with performances by a HaHaTai-clad Nancy ‘Lovely’ Sambouand the dynamic upcoming artist, Moja. With them rocking the stage, the audience was eager to see what they really came to see: the designer’s work. It was show time for YJD!

Rocking the runway first was Yaws Creation (Awa Conateh).The

crowd ‘oohed’ and ‘aahed’ and were wowed as the models confidently strutted amazingly dressed in her one-off regal pieces. Then came designs by Mystic (Penda M. B.Hutley) with her unisex but sexy pieces. Next it was the ‘Queen of Flip-Flops’ Mina Jeng with her Mina by Mina; with its girly pieces. She also had some very cute beach wear and who can forget the wax umbrella?!AgiRamatoulieBittayeadded more zest to the show with her Benala Brand. She had some beautiful dresses adorned with crowrie shells (her signature). Finally but not the least appealing, came HaHaTai, designed by NdeyFatouCeesay; her signature is using African beads with fabric to make unique additions to her clothes and to accessorize her signature bags and jewelry. HaHaTai closed the show with KhadijahAjaTambajang donning the pièce de résistance with thunderous applause: anAfricanVictorian dress with a 10-foot train! With a mask complemented with tails made out of beads, to bring in the feline element of the dress.

Each designer showcased three main outfits and various accessories

amidst eager applause. The show ended with a raffle draw and the night went on with much praise for YJD. The night ended beautifully with YJD members and the audience dancing the night away.

Each designer has a strong point, a brand name and characterized designs as highlighted below so make your pick, enter the world of  The Gambia’s creative fashionistas! They can all be found on Face Book via their page: Young Jollof Designs. They will soon be opening a show room Cape Point soon.

Label: Mina by Mina
Mina Jeng
Classy African-inspired flip-flops, beachwear, and funky casuals.
(+220) 752-1111

Label: HaHaTai
NdeyFatouCeesay
Bold, sexy, contemporary, formal and glamorous ensembles.
(+220) 647-6665

Label: Yaws
Awa Conateh
Unisex designs cool Pieces, and African inspired bold Formals.
(+220) 667-7900

Label: BenaLa
AjiRamatoulieBittaye
Trendy Africanized outfits, and Afro-centric casuals, and one-of-a-kind headpieces
(+220) 351-7441

Label: Mystic
Penda M.B. Hutley
Unisex pieces, Afro-Hip Hop, and casual outfits.
(+220) 771-9292