From The Dandelion, Came The Bamboo.

As I relaunch my blog, I thought about all the cool names to name my blog, which seemed fitting since I want to establish myself as a brand – a purpose driven woman. However, I still stuck to OnyinyeOlufunmi, a combination of my first (Igbo) and middle (Yoruba) name because I don’t think anything else captures my essence. Not either of them alone, but as it, delicately woven together to reflect who I was, I am and will be.

I was named Onyinyechukwu Oluwafunmilayo Nwangwu a week after birth as is synonymous with Nigerian culture. Onyinyechukwu is an Igbo name meaning “God’s gift or gift from God”, Oluwafunmilayo is a Yoruba name meaning “God has given me joy”. For ease of calling, Onyinyechukwu became Onyinye (Gift), and Oluwafunmilayo became many variations – Funmilayo(give me joy), Funmi(give me), Olufunmi (God gives me), Layo (joy).

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As I grew older, reflected on myself, I decided what I will be called. I discarded my baptismal (Western) name and decided Onyinye Olufunmi would suffice. Names are such powerful tools, so I wanted to be known quintessentially as an African. One deeply rooted who won’t change her feathers to fit in with the world.

Back in 2014, when I opened my blog, I was really inspired by a new found appreciation of my natural hair, African skin and hair care alternatives. So I created OnyinyeOlufunmi, bursting with creativity, documenting my journey through life, on natural hair, things I love, creating stories.

Despite the low times, I had found myself and something I love doing. I have started writing since 8, so creating my blog was another avenue with a bigger audience. I met so many amazing people through it, got business deals and more. It only seemed natural for OnyinyeOlufunmi to take the next step.

Life has funny ways of making one grow. As I travelled to Enugu immediately after graduating from the university with my whole future planned out, I was kidnapped by a stranger I was trying to help. Throughout and after that horrifying ordeal I was so grateful and scared for my life. I realised painfully how everything could change in a split second. I had no one but God who saved me.

The last thing I wanted to do was to create, so I took time off to work on myself. As I moved on, I started realising what and who really matters since I was offline for a while. With this new perspective and growth, I decided to re-launch OnyinyeOlufunmi as a home for the wanderers. I want to focus more on sharing the fire within, than worrying about the audience.

I am going to write stories that need to be told, stories that feed the souls without thinking about anyone except my characters when I write. I am going to share all my unique recipes that may seem crazy because it is not the norm. I hope as I evolve through this space, I can create a safe haven for you every Thursday. I hope that this new phase with all its authenticity help my readers grow. Instead of posting spontaneously, I chose Thursday, the day I graced the earth to grace your life.