1. Who is Yole VIBAIN ?
I am Yole Vibain Mukong a Cameroonian youtuber and lifestyle content creator, studying pharmacy at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi Ghana. I have the most supportive parents and 2 amazing sisters. We originate from Kejom Ketinguh a small peaceful village in the Northwest region of Cameroon with beautiful scenery, lovely people, and a rich culture. I love reading books, watching movies, and going on fun trips with my friends and family.
2. How are your days as a foreign student in Ghana?
How I felt the first time I stepped foot in Ghana will best be described as love at first sight. My first few months living and studying in Ghana as a foreigner were quite eventful and full of adventure. I have a lot of wonderful things to say about Ghana, beginning with their very rich culture to the loving people and beautiful touristic sites. I had some difficulties understanding their accent and communicating with the locals for a while because most of them speak their dialect “twi”. So far, I’ve had the most wonderful time here in Ghana and I’m living my best life. I have several videos on my YouTube channel where I talk about these experiences, you should definitely check it out!
3. Why did you choose Ghana as your host country?
Growing up I watched a lot of Ghanaian movies which made me fall in love with the people especially because of their accents, but I never dreamt of coming to Ghana. I must say that my coming to Ghana was divinely orchestrated and at the right time God made it possible for me to come here.
4. What could you say about your lifestyle as a young black woman living on the African continent?
My beautiful motherland, Africa, is a land full of opportunities and I seize every opportunity wholeheartedly without any reservations. As a young black woman, I’ve come to believe in my ability to reproduce, nurture and sustain. Every day I strife to create new opportunities from a single opportunity.
Like Oprah Winfrey rightly said, “You have to know what sparks the light in you so that you, in your own way can illuminate the world”, I am strongly convinced that I can bring about a great positive change in the world by simply being the very best I can be. A key lesson I’ve learnt over the years is start where you stand and use what you have. Eventually, everything will fall in place.
If you ever feel limited by the circumstances you find yourself in, remember that you have been empowered to do the impossible. Never settle for the bare minimum.
5. Tell us a little bit about the social actions you are involved in at your university and outside of it?
Currently, I am the International Relations Officer (IRO) for the Ghana Pharmaceutical Students Association (GPSA) . Moreover, I double as the Student Exchange Officer (SEO) of GPSA for the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF), which is a leading advocacy organization for pharmacy and pharmaceutical students as well as recent graduates. In my office as IRO, I liaise between the GPSA and the IPSF as well as other international organizations to promote public health on campus and improve students’ participation in these organizations. As SEO, I assist students to apply and partake in the Students Exchange Program which happens to be IPSFs largest project, offering internships all over the world.
Also, I have had the opportunity to head the events committee in my church for the past 2 years.
I created a YouTube channel 2 years ago and it has been my happy place especially because I get to make money by simply doing what I love. I put out content on lifestyle, beauty, fashion and faith with the aim of spreading love and positivity, inspiring people and restoring hope.
6. Tell us more about your clothing brand OTORGAR?
Otorgar is a black-owned, African inspired fashion brand. While featuring stunning pieces with brilliant colours and vibrant patterns for the everyday king and queen.
OTORGAR is a Spanish word meaning “ENDOWED”. It’s a reminder that you have been endowed with everything you need to live the life you have dreamed of. I aim at creating pieces that tell a story because everyone deserves to be heard but sometimes we do not have the words.
7. What entrepreneurial tips could you share with other young black women around the world?
The one thing that makes every entrepreneur stand out is the quality of the service they offer. Focus on perfecting your craft, building content, and defining internal core values for your business. Make sure you are in the right business, have the right motive and prioritize people over profit. Plan purposefully and take a step towards achieving your goals every day. Most importantly put God first and get him involved.
8. How do you combine your life as a content creator and as a student involved in different associations and NGOs?
Honestly, there is no perfect balance in combining my schoolwork and other engagements, but I try to prioritize and delegate when I can. Sometimes everything gets overwhelming, and I do not always have it together, but God has been my ultimate source of strength. It is important to have a reason for doing the things you do and that should be your source of motivation to keep going until you get it done.
10. How do you manage your time with all these hats?
I would say using planners and making to do list have helped me manage my time well. Before going to bed I write a detailed plan for the next day. I also set time frames for every activity and I try my best to work within the time frame. Before undertaking any activity, I try to have a clear understanding of what I have to do and how it is done. This clarity helps me to perform every task fast and well.
11. What are your wishes for DJEMAG?
I must say I am very proud of DJEMAG and everything it stands for. I hope the magazine reaches greater heights and continues to uplift women across the globe.
12. How do we keep up with you and your work?
Find me on Instagram as Yole Vibain and you can always tune in to my youtube channel to know what I am up to. Also, checkout my business page on Instagram (otorgar_ankara_prints) to see the amazing pieces we create. Wear our brand and let your clothes do the talking.
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