Ms Pauline Long C.E.O/FOUNDER BEFFTA Awards a true today's woman

1)Please tell us briefly who you are for those who are not familiar with you and what kind of work you do? 

I'm Pauline Long, a mother, wife, entrepreneur, philanthropist, presenter, fashion designer, events producer and manager amongst other things. 

2)What word best describe you as a person? 

Passionate 

3)Whats one thing you just cant leave home without? 

Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream for lips. I love it, love it, love it. 

4)There are so many awards shows what makes the BEEFTA awards different from the rest? 

It is an award ceremony that purely gives back by appreciating, celebrating and honouring talented black and ethnic personalities in entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts. We bring together artists under one room to celebrate each other's achievements whether they work behind the scenes as a make up artist, camera man, djs as well as the artists who are always in the front like musicians, actors, models and more. We are a hard working community that do not get appreciated enough. The award is also a way of encouraging our community to achieve at the highest level in this competitive global village.  

5)We know you are always busy and also have a family how do you manage your timing with both? 

It's easy I work around my children's time-table as they come first so I fit everything around them. And I mean that literally from managing one of London's largest studios East End Studios to organising Europe's biggest award ceremony for black and ethnic personalities in performing arts. 

6)We know you have some awards you have received for the role you play in this society tell us about it all? 

The awards are very special to me. To be celebrated for giving back and doing what I'm passionate about is such a great honour. I have received GAB award, previous recipient of this award include Nelson Mandela, I have received WIE award, AFIA award, UKAA Award, FAN Eminent persons award, M&M(Music&Movies) award just to name a few.  

7)Where do you see the BEFFTA awards in 5 years time? 

BEFFTA awards is growing and reaching out to the wider community, besides BEFFTA UK and BEFFTA USA, BEFFTA Africa is launching in 2012 and BEFFTA USA is launching soon after. Our aim is not just to be the biggest but to maintain what BEFFTA stands for and hopefully we will be creating some jobs for the community while we introduce other projects under BEFFTA. Sorry I cannot talk about these projects yet. 

8)How would you describe your fashion sense? 

My fashion sense is individual to me. It is classic yet clean and elegant. I like wearing dresses with straight cuts to define my small frame. I love bright colours, red is my favourite but I will also wear blue or orange and yellow on happy days. I don't follow trends and I rarely shop on the high street as it is extremely hard to find something that I like and fits me well being a size 6. The only things I will buy on the high street shops are pairs of jeans. I love my lack pair of skinny jeans, they are my favourite fashion items. If I could wear them everyday even on red carpet without the fashion police noticing then I would be the happiest. 

9)What kind of music would have you moving your head and making your way to the dance floor? 

It is seasonal, I could fall in love with rock music for 6 months, then the next 6 months hip-hop then Afro-beats for another eight months. I love good beats. I'm currently listening to Pass Out by Chris Brown constantly on repeat on my MP3 player. It has great vibes. 

10)What are your 4 fashion tips for our many readers out there? 

- Keep it simple but colourful, I don't believe you have to wear black as it is a safe colour. Once a week is fine otherwise you will lok like you are attending funerals on a daily basis. 

- Mix and match pieces to create your own trend. You see what looks good on Kate might not look good on Victoria. Why not turn your favourite dress into a top and wear it with a beautifl skirt to match to create a totally new look. 

- Shoe, shoes, shoes, it is vital to wear shoes that fit comfortably, forget the fashion trend just wear what fits otherwise you will end up doing the crab walk(walking like a crab) in tight shoes 

- Have you looked in the mirror? Do you like what you see? Do you feel great, fantastic, gorgeous, confident in what you are wearing? Good! Then step out and let it show no matter what anyone says, you are the queen. 

11)When you are not busy working what do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I love dancing to unwind but I don't go to night clubs, I go to dance classes. We also do random mini dance contests in my house with the children, sounds crazy doesn't it? The children love it, it is a good bonding session and time to be happy and silly. I enjoy playing chess, reading digital books on the internet and writing endlessly. I can picture  my writing turning into a serious career path. 

12)What's your favourite meal to prepare? 

As a vegetarian I've created my very own vegetarian recipe which my non-vegetarian guests and family never recognise it is actually mushrooms. Many times it has been mistaken for minced beef. I call it mushroom mince, there are more secret ingredients added to it, it is absolutely delicious served with pilau rice. 

13)How can anyone from the other side of the world learn more about you? 

I'm on facebook and on my official website www.paulinelong.com   

14)In your own words what makes a man a real man? 

Men, along subject, isn't it? In my opinion there is no real description of a real man. It is like asking what is the real definition of a real woman. We are who we are. If you can find a man who is kind, understanding, sensitive, must definitely open doors and pull those chairs out, a man who smiles when it is time to smile and a man who cries when it is time to cry then that's great.  

15)If you were given a ticket to fly to any part of the world where would you go and why? 

India is my dream location simply because I'm currently into production and I think certain parts of India are so beautiful they could provide a magnificent background and scenery for a movie set. However, I've always wanted to get a one way ticket to Mauritius, it is beautiful. 

16)What are some of your likes and dislikes? 

I like going deeper and discovering what I can achieve while I'm still alive, I like trying out new things. I like seeing the best in people as it helps bring out the best in me. I like walking, I cover at least 4 miles a day, it keeps me so fit. I like my natural locks, I've always wanted to be able to flick my own hair and just touch them any time  without worrying about finding a comb to fix the hairstyle.....wow I feel liberated! I do not like negative energy around me and I don't like it when one feels they cannot construct a whole sentence without using a swear word, swearing is a definite no no for me. It is a complete turn off

17)Do you think you are a true representation of today's woman? 

 I am my mother's daughter, I'm from my mother's era and she is definitely the only woman I want to be compared to. She is hard working, extremely caring, ambitious even in her old age, keeps her family together no matter what. Just like mother, I stick to my beliefs, I do not follow the crowd. I stand for what I believe in even if it means standing alone.  

Designer Leeanne Ripley Designs from the heart with eyes to make you stand out

1)For those who are not familiar with you tell us briefly who you are and what you do?

My name is Leeanne Ripley-Garrett and I am a Fashion Designer and my label name is Ripley-Garrett. I graduated from UCA in Rochester in 2010 and have been in the process of launcing my own label since leaving uni. I have showed my current collection all over London and dressed a few celebrities for film awards and photoshoots. I have taken taken part in several celebrity events such as the Urban Music Awards 2010. I also had three garments shipped to Bahraine Fashion Week 2010 with Fashionaires. I was also awarded the Radical Designer 2010 award.



2)There are so many designers out there what makes you different from them all?

My inspiration for my collections are very emotional and personal being gained from my own life experiences. I feel that when I create a collection it is always unique with a sence of mystery and depth to it. I think that the events and emotions througout my life that have inspired me would never be able to be copied as these are personal thoughts and feeling inside my own head. My style and designs are unique and full of emotion with a story to tell. I feel this adds a personal unique touch to the collection and for the wearer of these garments.



3)What 2 words best describe your garments?

Emotional, Extravagent.



4)Where do you get your inspiration from when designing?

I like to take inspiration from many different areas. I like to focus my collections on emotions and anything personal to myself to give the collection a deeper meaning. I also get inspiration from visiting museums and historical places. I am particuarly inspired by the costume collection held at the Victoria and Albert Museum and visiting castles and anything that has a story of history to tell. I am also a very spiritual person so I take inspiration from many areas connected to this such as The Tarot and Fairys and anything mystical and magical.



5)When not working what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending time with my horse Dannie, its nice to get away from all the hussle and bustle of life at times. As every girl loves, I also enjoy hitting the shops for a bargain. And of course chilling out with my friends is always a must.



6)How can someone from the other side of the world view your work?

I am currently in the process of launching my website www.ripley-garrett.co.uk and I also have a lot of my work published on my Facebook Group that is avaliable to view now at Leeanne Ripley Fashion Design. My work is also avalaible to view on the Google search engine.



7)If there was 3 people you had the chance to dress who would it be and why?

The first celebrity I would dress would have to be Scarlett Johansson. I think she is a very talented actress and has a very elegant natural look about her and I think that my style of design would really compliment her at a red carpet event. My second celebrity would be Rianna. I love her quirky style and I think that I could design a really extravagant and crazy collection to suit her. My third celebrity would be Christina Aguilera. I love her style and the way she reinvents herself and her music. My collection is very cutting edge and unuique to each individual wearer and I feel my style of design would really compliment her edgy image. I love the fact that she never conforms to societys rules and has her own take on her style and image.



8)What's one thing you cant leave home without?

My makeup!!!! I am very particular about my image and never leave the house without my face on!!!



9)What kind of music would get you dancing on the dance floor?

A bit of old school Garage, Drum and Bass and anything cheesy from the 80's.



10)What do you think of a model with curves on the catwalk/bill boards?

I think its great to be able to work with a variety of different sized models. Every model and woman is unique. I feel that all women should be able to accept their size and curves and not be made to feel as thou they should be a size zero to fit into this perfect world of thinness that the media portray that we should all look like.



11)What are your 4 FASHION TIPS to all women?

My four fashion tips to women would be to wear a garment that you feel truly powerful and special in. Confidence can bring out the beauty in any garment and style.

Always dress to impress yourself and wear what makes you happy not what other people expect you to wear.

It is not about how much a garment costs that can make you look good, its definatly about how you style an outfit. Even the chepest outfit can be made to look expensive with the correct styling and accessories.

I never tend to follow trends. I create my own style and love to mix and match brands. Always be true to yourself and the style that you feel expresses your inner self. I think that if you style yourself from the inside out you can never go wrong.



12)Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years time I want a chain of boutiques and I want to be showing at London Fashion Week. Aim high and always follow your dreams as nothing is unreachable if you truly have the desire to succeed and follow your goals in life.



13)What do you look for in a model who wants to walk the runway for your collection?

I like a model to be traditionaly tall and to be curvy with a striking compsoure and unique look about them. Confidence is a must, beauty is radient from within so if you feel beautiful on the inside your confidence will shine through on to the catwalk highlighting the best aspects of any collection.



14)What are 4 things coming from a woman that makes a man a real man?

Honesty, Loyalty, Compassion and support of each others dreams.



15)What message do you have for anyone who is thinking on becoming a designer?

Go for it!! Its a tough industry and a lot of hard of hard work for very little pay at times. But if you are truly passionate and dedicated to this industry then you will overcome these hurdles and learn as much as you can along the way. I returned to study Fashion Design as a mature student. I completed five years of studying and I do not regret any part of it. I have always been a very creative person and interested fashion since my first Textiles class at school. But ultimatly I never followed this dream as I always thought that the industry was to demanding to succeed in. Since leaving uni in 2010 I have had a great repsponce to my collection and met some amazing people along the way. If you have a dream then follow it don't look back in years to come and have regrets about not following your goals and ambitions.