Tuesday 3 January 2012

Ms Hildah Mulenga Speaks To The Fashion Police


1)For those not familiar with you who are you and what do you do?
My  name is Hildah Mulenga the Director of a UK  registered charity called Mumba Children's Project and promoter of Miss Malaika UK 'Beauty of African Origin' 


2)What word best describe you as a person?

Down to earth person and can relate to people of all standards


3)Their are so many charities out there what make yours any different?

Our charity is very close to heart in that it is a small charity with no overheads and what is donated is received by the intended recepients, from the donor to the disadvantaged children, the youth and the women. Our charity is operated in the villages where there is abject poverty. We have a centre called Mumba Day care centre in rural Mpongwe village where children come every morning to learn, play, and eat one square meal a day before they go back to their various homes. The idea is not separate them from their families but to offer them an opportunity of a better future while maintaining family ties. Most of the children are orphans looked after by their old grandmothers who have absolutely no means of supporting these children materially, financially but there for the children's emotional support and maintaining their family ties.
Future plans are a full fledged school up to secondary, a health center as we already promote the homebased care team within the 'Kabya' community as the nearest services like the mission hospital, government schools an shops are a good 10kilometers away.
So we need every support we can get out there

4)Tell us in a few words the history of your charity?

The idea of forming a charity started after losing one of my children a son called Mumba Brian Mulenga in a tragic accident, putting the tragedy into something positive to benefit the underpriviledged. Losing a child at the tender age of thirteen left a very traumatic gap in one's life and it does not get any easier as time passes. So to put a loss into something positive the charity was formed called Mumba Children's Project and Miss Malaika UK became 'a child' of the charity to offer the youth in the diaspora keep links with their roots and do something positive in their lives be it here in the UK or world wide


5)Is this charity only for the children in africa or is it world wide as kids are in need world wide?

The charity is for the underpriviledged children meaning it is not limited to Zambian children only but worldwide. Under Miss Malaika every delegate that participates identifies their own line of charity that they want to undertake and the organisation acts as a platform to realise the potential of every candidate.
A child in the western world has a totally different form of suffering as to those in the developing world so identifying what a child's needs are at the point of us assisting plays a pivotal role in our assistance. 

6)Do you think your a true representation of a today's woman if yes/no explain

I feel i am a true inspiration and representation of a today's woman in that I am a career woman with a full time job, a mother, a wife and an active charity campaigner, knowing how to balance all these attributes without neglecting the other and still have time to yourself.

7)Name one thing you just cant leave the house without?

I can not leave my house without my lip gloss as people will always look at your face when identifying you and always ready to listen to you and i feel my lips are a shining true representation of me.

8)How can anyone from the other side of the world learn more about you and what you stand for?
Our activities are well documented in whatever we do and transparency has got us to where we are. We are on facebook as Mumba Children's project, twitter and Linked in and our website is undergoing a redevelopment and will soon be up for everyone to follow and read up on all our activities. 

9)Describe your fashion sense?
A true compatriot will always theme her dressing according to occassion so my fashion sense  goes with the occassion but otherwise very smart casual

10)If you had the power to change one thing in this world what would it be and why?
One thing i would love to change would be to let governments especially in the third world provide just basic needs to their citizens: housing,clean water, atleast able to afford basic foods, proper medical facilities and basic education to every child. These are fundamental to ones's well being

11)What music would bring you on the dance floor to shake your booty?
I am a traditional but modern woman so African music gives me back the groove and some pop music too Alexandra Burke gets me on the dance floor in a flash

12)Do you think enough is being done toward to assist 3 world countries?
Yes and no. Yes the help is done and you can see some improvement but you hear of most of this donated fund ending up in people's pockets and there is a chain of people to pay before the theintended recepients get it.
So if smaller charities could also be given enough grants to do most of the projects instead of giving it to governments there would be a remarkable improvement in the societies.
My other worry is there are some very rich people in the third world that do not want to share with the under priviledged. Should we leave this to the west only? We should cultivate the culture of giving us people in the diaspora too. If you can afford to change your wardrobe every season then there are charities like us that collect second hand clothing and give it to the under priviledged. Let us know and we will come and collect -you will be doing your bit by clearing your wardrobe to give room to your new wardrobe

13)If you was given £1 million pounds to give to 3 charities which ones would you give to and why?
I would give it  to under priviledged children's charities and children's hospitals. Children are very vulnerable in that they are helpless and cannot fend for themselves. The children's hospitals so children can access better services and reduce mortality rate and thirdly i would give it to Breast and cervical cancer charities for more research in how to combat the dreaded cancers and also offer support to the cancer victims/survivors

14)How can we learn if a charity is real or fake?
A charity should be properly registered, transparent and invite everyone to come and see what they do and participate in the charity's activities. They should show exactly what they do if not then it is a fake.

15)If you were to walk the red carpet at an event which designer would you love to wear and why?
Kosibah designs he knows how to sculpt every woman's figure in his gowns secondly it would be Stella's designs in Africa her work is bespoke, authentic hand done sequins and beads in her designs is her speciality.

16)If you had to prepare a meal for the Fashion Police Reporters what would you prepare for them?
Grilled spicy chicken with greens and mealie pap called 'nsima' with gravy and desert would be fresh mangoes and water melon to wash your palates

17)If you was given 2 tickets to attend any event in the uk which 2 would you be attending and why?
It will have to be a Leona Lewis concert her modulated voice is out of this world and she is down to earth with a good personality
Secondly it would be Dancing on Ice -the skill of mixing skating and dancing at the same time just does it for me and keeps me glued to the chair watching.

18)What makes a man a true gentleman in your own words?
A man who can never lay a finger on the woman, a true confidante who will not betray your emotions and 'keeps the toilet seat down'

19)What are a few things you see some women do that is just not lady like?
-Who in their right minds wants to show their bits to public it is unpalatable we all have them so cover up and you will still look sexy 
-Chewing gum in public and oh no asking for lip gloss from a friend!

20)What are your thoughts on the Fashion Police News Report Blog?
Have always been a 'secret admirer of Professor's' work so the Fashion police blog  just is worth visiting and reading as it keeps you in shape on what /what not to do or wear. 

21)Any last words to our blog
Be real and true to yourself people will respect you for that. Politeness and being respectful never killed anyone. Thanks for featuring me.
Hildah Mulenga
Director of Mumba Children's project

 

 

Ambassador to all Make up Artist Ms Maria Foster Tells it all to the Police


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

 My name is Maria Foster, I am a professional makeup Artist, beauty specialist and Entrepreneur


2)What word best describe you as a person?

 Oh gosh what word best describes me as a person ?...hmm... Grounded


3)There are so many make up artist out there what makes you any different?

 For me, having the ability to listen, knowing what works and what doesn't, keeping up with current trends and never taking anything for granted, working with people and not for them...Being persistent and never failing on being the best i can be...


4)When not working what do you enjoy doing?

 I like to spend time with my family, my husband and toy yorkshire terrier Lilly..Although i do spend a lot of my time meeting new people as i do have other businesses too, so relaxing is generally a luxury...



5)Are you married/single/divorce/relationship?

 I am second time married to Ian for 11 years, we have just celebrated our anniversay on New years eve in the Lake District , he is my soulmate and without him i wouldn't be whole


6)Are you a true representation of a today's woman?

Ans( I like to think so, I think women today do have a hard time in the way we look, what we do, and where we fit in in the corporate world, but i do think that we are a force to be reckoned with now as we too want the career and the lifestyle, if you are talking more of the fashion industry then no i am not as i am a full figured woman and not a size zero that is just wrong on all levels...From the earliest moment in time, women have been represented in the world of magazines. During the pre-revolutionary era women were represented in the press. The world of magazines is known for the social changes that are made. When you consider the role of the media and its representation concerning women, today we have a serious problem with not only fashion models, but also women in every walk of life. Why? The representation of thin women leads to serious eating disorders ranging from anorexia or bulimia. Many teenagers starve themselves to have the "thin" bodies they want. Certainly, the representation of women in magazines affects teenagers and woman of all ages.


7)Which other make up artist in the uk do you look up to?if any

 Lisa Eldridge, she has what we say in the industry 'Made it" working for vogue, elle and top editorials and celebrities..I certainly think that she was in the right place at the right time, and that her work i very much the style that i follow...


8)What do you love most of the job you do?

 Seeing the transformations that occurs right before your eyes, and knowing that when you see your work in editorials and on the big screen that it is you that has been partly responsible for how it evolved...i also love the buzz and the hectic shenanigans that come hand in hand with this industry..


9)If you had the chance to do the make up of 3 people who would they be and why?

 Princess Kate, I just love her simplicity and down to earth personality, and boy would that look good on my CV.  I would have loved to have worked on Marilyn Monroe, not only do i love the fifties era, but she was a true icon for the beautiful voluptuous woman, and boy would she have a story to tell..One of my favorite actresses is Julia Roberts and i don't want it to seem a cliche, and i know that sometimes when you are asked a question like this you are really put on the spot because there are hundreds of women that i would like to and have liked to work with so yes Julia Roberts is one of them..


10)Please save 4 tips for women when buying make up?

 Oh Boy the makeup industry is a mind-field now, so much choice and variety, and there are some great brands out there from prestige to economy, but if i was to offer any advice when buying makeup is, 
Tip one, always check the ingredients list as many economy brands have some terrible nasties in them from animal and human bi-products, yes that is so true..
Second tip, When looking for best makeup brands, don’t just take it because the product description sounds good and expensive. Remember that not all that glitters are gold. Sometimes, they just produce enticing ads to market their products. 
Tip no 3 Search for a tested or renowned make up brand that is compatible with your skin type. 
Tip no 4, Search for the right makeup based on your allotted budget

11)What music makes you run to the dance floor to shake your booty?

 I love lots of music, from ballads to rock and dance, so anything with a great beat....Oh i do like a smooch too..!


12)What are your thoughts on Fashion Police Blog?

 I think its great , we need variations on what people like and dislike, tips and trick's, this is what makes our industry so diverse as we all see thing from a different perspective, so a big up for Fashion Police...


13)What makes a man a real man?

, His ability to make us laugh, and a man that is in touch with his feminine side is so attractive to women, also i always look at his shoes that says a lot about his style and that is also important to me as a woman


14)What goes through your mind at times when you see some women make up have them looking like chucky?

 Well let me tell you i have seen plenty of women that i have felt the urge to take a wet wipe to lol, But being the diplomat sometimes it is best left alone as no matter what you say would fall on deaf ears..


15)Describe your fashion sense?

 Comfortable haha, Long gone are the days of squeezing into an outfit because the label says size 14...I love to dress in what makes me feel god and comfortable at the same time, i do tend to stick to black and that can sometimes be a little boring, but you can always gurantee being safe so when all else fails, black and simple is the winner for me.


16)Do you think your sexy?

 Yes of course, truth be known every woman is sexy in her own right, we have so much to offer.


17)What are your best assets you think was given to you from birth?

 My Brown eyes, they have got me into trouble a few times in my younger years lol !


18)What to you think is more hotter a man in a police uniform...........a man in construction working gear........are a man in a suite?

 A man in a suit every time for me..


19)If you had the Fashion Police over at your home for dinner what would you prepare them?

 My own recipe of turkey casserole with home made chunky chips, full of flavour with something to get your teeth into, really delicious and wholesome northern cooking..


20)What words would you have for anyone who wants to be a mua

 Do your research, be prepared, that this is an industry not for the weak hearted, make sure you are ready to put in the hrs and test with the best and never give up on your dream, do not have all your eggs in one basket, make sure you have a safety net, a plan B, that is why i decided to have my own netwrok marketing business, I am able to work full time on my job and part time on my fortune.


21)If you was given £100 to shop in 2 stores where would you go and why?

Ans) Before i had my own network marketing business with my own products i would have shopped in Mac, one because it is considered to be what the professionals use and i can say they do have some great products and with being a pro i do get a pro discount, the second would have to be sally's hair & beauty supplies for all my consumables....


22)What is one thing people may say about you that you have heard and its not true?

 I can't really say that i have had anyone say anything bad about me..I suppose i have been very fortunate in that way, my motto is keep your head down, do good job, be nice and you will not acquire many enemies, only the ones that wish they were as good as you.. 


23)How do you keep up with all the trends?

With the internet it is merely impossible not to keep up with the recent trends, Media is full of it and if you keep tuned in you will never fail to know whats in and whats so last year, trends & style has a habit of repeating itself and re-inventing itself too, so if you look back over the years many looks are a repeat of what was in style back then and we have many resources and guru's that we can follow. 


24)How can someone from the other side of the world view your work and learn more about you

Ans) You can find my website www.mariafoster.co.uk, i am also on facebook, My network marketing website ismariafoster.myarbonne.co.uk. I also have a blog that you can follow caled, MyWorldMyFace, so i have multiple sites that you can find me on.