Black Barbie: Beauty, Brains, and Style!
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog that highlights stories of black women’s struggles and success.
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By Hadiatou Wann | 01/25/2019
While Aïchatou Bella Bah was a freshman in college, she found herself in a room surrounded by doctors and a needle thrusted in her eyes while awake. The near-death incident struck a cord in her and reminded her that life is too short and she was not living her purpose.
Bah could not see 30% out of her right eye, but that did not hinder her from excelling in school. In 2015, she graduated from Lehman College with not one, not two, but three degrees!
Now, she is living her purpose, and doing it with style and grace. She is the creator of “Stilettos and Standards,” a blog that empowers women who have a side hustle to live a bold life. She also does makeup tutorials on her YouTube channel.
Her journey as a blogger began while she was in college. It was a productive way for her to intern and gain experience without losing her job.
Bah’s blog includes hard-not-to-look photos of herself wearing outfits she put together. It also has a “shop this look” section for women who are interested in wearing her look.
The lifestyle blogger currently works in the marketing department of a law firm, where she partakes in advertising, media coverage and more.
She stands out from the rest of her colleagues because most of the time, she makes a fashion statement. She is comfortable in her skin and confident regardless of what she wears. One day she is dressed up like a tomboy, another day she walks into her office looking chic or resembling Olivia Pope.
The Guinean native loved fashion since she was a little girl. Whenever her mother bought her a new outfit, she would be in a hurry to go outside and show it off to her neighbors. “I wasn't looking cute to stay home,” Bah teased.
Bah’s day begins at 5:30 a.m., while many are fighting battles in their dreams. She films in the morning, heads to her 9-5 and finds time to edit during her lunch break.
“Be patient and continue to work hard. Your success cannot be measured by a score. You have to be independent and measure your own success,” Bah advised.
Once, one of her sponsored posts reached 2600 likes on social media. It made her so proud to see her hard work pay off. “My goal is not to be popular. My goal is to send a message,” Bah explained.
Bah’s bestfriend, Jeannette Squires, says this about her: “Aïchatou is one of the most nurturing souls I’ve ever met. She is the perfect mixture of determined, compassionate and hilarious. If you have a goal you want to accomplish, she’s the person you need on your team. Aïchatou will not only help devise a strategic plan, but will also step in to ensure it gets done. Her compassion for others is heartfelt and one of the many characteristics that has kept us close throughout our friendship. Aïcha’s sense of humor is unparalleled. Most people would never think she’s as funny as she is, but her playfulness has gotten me through some of my lowest moments and I am blessed to call her a true friend; a sister.”
Bah did not reserve her gifts for herself. She chooses to live a life full of purpose, where she uses her intellect and creativity to produce content that will bring out the best in women.
Welcome to Bah’s World
“Femininity to me is the ability to unapologetically be confident as a woman and achieve goals.”
“It’s important to live a little. It’s all about balance. As cliché as it sounds, life is really short. Don’t be so busy making money you won’t spend. Especially if it means losing time with people you love. ”
Bah and her little brother
“My brother comes to all of my photoshoots. If he is not assisting, he is carrying things for me. I wouldn’t have achhieved the things I achieved if it weren’t for him. ”
“I love being in my own world, being creative, visualizing an idea and bringing it to life.”
“I am inspired by a tribe of women who have goals, and who started from nothing and became something. It amazes me when I see Youtubers who had self-doubt overcome that, and are now taking care of their families.”
“A strong woman is not afraid to start over. She is fearless and living life boldly!”
“I don’t walk around looking glamorous 24/7. 90 percent of the time I look homeless.”
“Getting promoted to another level depends on how you do things. ”
Connect with Bah:
Facebook: Aïchatou Bella Bah
Instagram: @stilettosandstandards
Website: www.stilettosandstandards.com
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