Black Country Stars

Black Country Stars A prestigious initiative by NOBEEL dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding individuals and groups shaping the cultural, creative, and entrepreneurial landscape of the Black Country. This platform shines a spotlight on inspiring stories, local legends, and rising stars whose work uplifts the community and represents the rich heritage and future potential of the region. Meet Shardia O’Connor: The Transformative Storyteller How and why did you venture into creating Shades of Reality Podcast? The idea for Shades of Reality was born from a deep belief Tin the transformative power of storytelling. From a young age, I was captivated by the narratives that shaped the world around me. Whether personal stories or broader tales that defined cultures and histories, I understood that stories are the thread connecting us all. They inspire, inform, and ignite change. As I entered the media world, I realized storytelling isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about empowerment. Stories give a voice to the voiceless, challenge perceptions, and spark conversations that lead to progress. I wanted to build a platform that celebrated these voices, where stories weren’t just told but lived, felt, and shared in meaningful ways. At the heart of my vision is the belief that everyone has a story worth telling. Whether it’s an individual sharing their journey or a community highlighting its collective experiences, stories shape our understanding of the world and each other. This platform is my way of championing the narratives that often go unheard while providing a space where creativity and truth coexist. Creating a media platform rooted in storytelling allows me to combine my passion for media with a mission to inspire others. Through each piece of content we share, I hope to encourage others to recognize the power of their own stories and how they contribute to the larger narrative of humanity. What has been your biggest challenge thus far, and how would you teach others to navigate it? Breaking into the industry is one of the hardest challenges for many. Independent creatives face competition from established agencies and larger brands with bigger budgets and resources. Standing out and gaining recognition in such a competitive field requires time, patience, and perseverance. While these challenges can be daunting, they push us to be adaptable, resilient, and resourceful—qualities that ultimately fuel innovation and drive success. Another major challenge is finding the right people to join you in your vision. Being a visionary leader isn’t just about today; it’s about thinking ahead. It’s about planting the seeds of today for future generations. When I first started my creative journey, it was sometimes difficult because many people aren’t visionary—they focus on the present or themselves. Discernment is crucial in identifying who will be part of the journey for the long term and who is only there for a season. Not everyone you start with will finish with you, and that’s okay. Stay consistent in your mission and enjoy the journey. What advice would you give to those just starting on this journey? For anyone starting in the creative industry, I would advise them to be unapologetically themselves, not what the world expects them to be. Self-belief and self-worth are essential in this business. If you don’t know who you are, others will define you and make decisions that don’t align with your vision. Manage your time wisely. Outsource tasks so you can focus on creating. Network with the right people. Lastly, be authentic, and the right people will show up. Brain, Beauty and Everything In Between; Meet the Rising Star Emma. At NOBEEL we are dedicated to supporting the younger community of black stars who represent excellence, dignity and typify audacity either in academics, or in productive impressions on the society through actions, ideas or leadership. One of such is Emmanuela Twumasiwaa, popularly called Emma. A soft spoken, graceful and excellent minded model, and sparkling Gen-Z representative. Emmanuela Twumasiwaa is a dedicated and compassionate individual, currently a finalist for Miss Africa 2024. At just 24 years old, she is also pursuing further education in computer science at University College Birmingham (UCB), where she combines her passion for technology with her drive to make a positive impact in the world. Through her journey in the Miss Africa competition, Emmanuela is actively fundraising for BulliesOut and Birmingham City Children’s Hospital, charities that align with her mission to support children and young people facing adversity. Emmanuela is also passionate about global wealth equity and sustainable development, particularly in Ghana. She is working to support agricultural initiatives in the country by collecting newspapers and egg boxes, which are repurposed to promote sustainable farming practices. By doing so, she contributes to building a circular economy, helping local farmers while aiding the growth of Ghana’s economy. In addition to her work in sustainability, Emmanuella is committed to supporting individuals with mental health conditions, drawing from her own experiences. She aims to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for those facing similar challenges, contributing to a world where mental health is openly discussed and supported. Her commitment to creating a positive impact is evident in her charity work. Bullies Out provides vital anti-bullying education and support, while Birmingham City Children’s Hospital delivers life-saving care to young patients. She aims to raise awareness and crucial funds for these causes through her fundraising efforts, amplifying the voices of those in need. Beyond her charity and sustainability work, Emmanuella is driven by a desire to inspire others, particularly women and young girls, to pursue their dreams, embrace their cultural heritage, and make a difference in the world.

INTRAPRENEURS: Why You Should Commodify Your Expertise

INTRAPRENEURS Why You Should Commodify Your Expertise In 2023, we witnessed a surge in opportunities within the digital and global career landscape, a subtle exploration of Artificial Intelligence, and a revealing scrutiny of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion issues and immigration status. The year served as a necessary upheaval, prompting a re-evaluation and centering of conciousness. Commodifying Your Expertise: This doesn’t necessarily mean diving into a masterclass immediately, but it does call for recognizing your expertise as a valuable commodity deserving of premium attention and rewards. This approach will refine your skills to excellence, reshape your work attitude, and enhance your negotiating power. When you start to see your expertise as an asset, you take significant steps toward shaping your career path. Embrace continuous learning and actively seek out opportunities for professional growth. Doing so does not only enhances your skill set but it also increases your visibility in your organization. Sharing your insights and engaging with your network, you can position yourself as a thought leader, gaining recognition and influence in your field. Ultimately, commodifying your expertise is about recognizing your value in that workplace. This mindset opens doors to greater opportunities, enabling you to navigate your professional landscape with confidence.

Black-Owned-Business-Pulse

Black-Owned Business Pulse Nobeel Media team went to the streets to test the pulse and business temperature across the United Kingdom, from Black Country to Birmingham, Luton, London, and across different spheres and industries, read from the exceptional network of business owners we have been privileged to speak with and be inspired. London; Meet Faustina, the Founder of Divas of Colour International Women’s Forum Can we get to know you? My name is Faustina, and I’m a married mom of four kids. I’m from Nigeria, but I live in the UK. Academically, I studied nursing, but I have an interest in business and marketing and everything that has to do with branding and product development. Tell us about your Business.I relocated to the UK when I got married and had three daughters. As a stay-at-home mom, I felt overwhelmed with ideas and started a blog called My Black Woman in 2009, connecting with Black women launching their businesses. I helped microbusinesses owned by women of color with branding and product descriptions. In 2012, we launched C-Hub magazine under the Faunteewrites group, which publishes for independent authors. In 2014, I created the Divas of Colour International Women’s Forum to provide learning and networking opportunities for women. I restructured and opened an online retail store in late 2022 with an emphasis on high-end fashion and self-care items after COVID disrupted our events in 2020. A quick highlight of your success story:One of my success stories would be raising my children while building my business. My daughters published their first books, with my younger daughter focusing on autism. Additionally, I secured a five-year partnership with Worldremit for Divas of Colour events. We’re now rebuilding after COVID, as the sector remains uncertain. Please share one challenge you’ve faced and how you overcame it:The major challenge has been securing funding and finding the right partners, especially with increased competition from larger corporations in the event space. To address this, we relaunched Divas of Colour in 2023 as a membership organization, offering resources and discussions on entrepreneurship and well-being to support women. Share one message for those just starting in your field: Narrow down your focus and avoid distractions. Initially, I was fixated on event attendance, equating success with high delegate numbers. It’s crucial to define success based on engagement, speaker quality, or impact rather than just attendance. Also, choose mentors wisely; ensure they’re experienced in business and not potential competitors. Be cautious about who you involve in your business. Birmingham; What It’s Like Being a Loctician for Over 12 Years Introduce yourself and tell us what you do:My name is Charis, and I am a loctician. I specialise in natural hair locks and have been running my business for the last 12 years. What inspired you to become a loctician? I started doing hair as a teenager, focusing on braids and weaving. I always enjoyed it, but my journey into locks began when I briefly moved back to the Caribbean, where many people wear their hair in locks naturally. At the time, I was struggling to find a job, but I was consistently getting more clients for hair services. That’s when I decided to make it my full-time focus, as job opportunities were limited. What’s your success story? I officially started my business 12 years ago, working from home. Clients would come to the family home; I’d wash their hair in the tub upstairs, and we’d do the interlocking and tidying in the living room. That’s how it all began. Now, I have a home with a designated workspace, and things have been progressing well ever since. What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them? The biggest challenge came when I had my daughter. Balancing being a mom, an entrepreneur, and a loctician was tough. For the first three years, I worked part-time. My mom helped by looking after my daughter a few days a week, and I would work around that schedule, splitting the week between us. I was open with my clients about my situation, and they’ve been incredibly supportive. I’m very grateful for their understanding and loyalty. What advice would you give to someone starting in your field, especially in the UK? Don’t be afraid to start small. Stay humble, ensure your workspace is clean and presentable, and focus on building your clientele. Don’t hesitate to register with HMRC and do things the right way—it offers more long-term benefits. Take your time, be patient, and trust the process. It will all work out. Midlands; The Man Who Wears Many Hats: IT and Business Ventures Introduce yourself and tell us what you do: My name is Dimeji Oderinde, and I wear many hats as an IT professional. I currently work with Birmingham City University and also run two startups in the UK, one of which operates in Nigeria. My UK-based startup is called CGZABETH Limited, and the other is Haikio Ovid Lab. What do your businesses focus on? Haikio Ovid Lab is a software development company that specializes in delivering innovative solutions. CGZABETH Limited offers a broader range of high-tech services beyond just software development. We support businesses of all sizes small, medium, and large with comprehensive IT services. This includes everything from computer setup and repairs to network configuration. We have a fantastic team of over 16 professionals. In addition, we provide logistics services in the UK, with vehicles available to help transport goods locally. What inspired you to enter these different business sectors? I believe that dreams can guide us in powerful ways. My journey began in Nigeria, where I studied engineering and developed a passion for technology. However, I didn’t have the opportunity to fully explore this passion at the time. After losing my job at a bank due to flooding, I took some time to reflect on my next steps. I eventually moved to the UK to study Digital and Technology Solutions, which opened my eyes to a variety of scalable services and helped me

10 Tips To Ace Your Next Interview

10 Tips To Ace Your Next Interview Storytelling is an ancient art, essential for communication long before language. The first tip and the foundation for all ten is mastering the art of storytelling. 1. Learn and Master How to Tell Your StoryCraft a narrative tailored to the job you’re applying for. For a project management role, for instance, highlight qualities like punctuality, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. Write down your stories, focusing on the best examples that showcase these traits. 2. Structure Your StoryOrganize your narrative for maximum impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to lead, develop, and conclude your story effectively. 3. Be Yourself & Have Fun!You’re who your interviewers want to meet. Have fun, laugh, and let them see the things you’ve done outside of work. Show that you take initiative and think outside the box. I know this sounds weird, but honestly, it’s important for you to enjoy the interview as much as the interviewers enjoy it. Let your personality shine, and allow them to get to know the real you. 4. Present Outside the BoxAvoid regurgitating your CV. The interview is an opportunity to showcase who you are beyond your resume—your personality and quirks. 5. Find a Connecting PointEstablish rapport with your interviewers. Mention aspects of the company culture that resonate with you, or ask insightful questions that spark conversation. This shows genuine interest and alignment with the organization. 6. Be CuriousDemonstrate your interest in the role by asking questions about company culture, team dynamics, and expectations. This ensures a good fit for both you and the organization. 7. Imitate, Don’t IntimidateAdapt to the interviewers’ communication styles without losing your authenticity. Observing and mirroring their tone and vocabulary can foster connection and ease any tension. 8. Have a Ready-Made Interview Checklist Prepare a checklist of key points, questions, and follow-ups to ensure you cover everything important during the interview. In your checklist, you can include a question to close the interview with a lasting impression. For example, ask, “From your experience, what’s one thing I could look forward to in the company’s culture?” Or, “Is there anything about my experiences in this interview that stands out positively or as feedback for improvement? 9. Don’t Limit Yourself to Just Work ExamplesIncorporate personal experiences that reflect your values and character. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role beyond professional qualifications. 10. Have a Good Follow-Up PlanAfter the interview, you can send a email. Express enthusiasm and gratitude for being part of the interview and mention something specific you learned during the interview. For example, you could say, “The interview helped me gain a better understanding of the company’s culture, and I’m particularly excited about what you shared regarding [specific detail].” Using their words shows you’re engaged and paying attention..Good luck! Wishing you the best in your next interview!