Growing up for me was a mix of so many different things. I was very crafty and handy – always the favourite of my art teachers ..I was the artist, the bead maker, the wig maker, the theatre kid, the dancer, the model

Words by Sesan Adeniji

If confidence and technical precision characterize reasons why 007 is so revered, then this lady is the female James Bond when it comes her sheer wiliness to achieve her set goals. Although she’s petite in nature but dynamite when it comes to execution. She walks into a room and light up the whole arena – Her beauty and self-confidence are contagious – She only dreams big.

Gifted with multiple talents, Preshia Oluchi Harrison otherwise known, as ‘The Ibo Blonde’ is a TV & radio presenter, Voiceover artist, pencil artist, Youtuber, actor and face model – As a popular blonde standing at 5’2, she’s a pure caramel dripping in Gold. This lady is the prototype of the future creative media honcho that will rule the industry for several years.

“I am a graduate of the University of Lagos, B.sc Mass communication with Second Class (Honors) Upper Division, (2.1). I am the third child of four children, the Ölü of my father (second daughter). I am also the smallest of all my siblings even though I’m not the youngest.

Growing up for me was a mix of so many different things. I was very crafty and handy – always the favourite of my art teachers. Being creative can be sometimes confusing, especially at a growing age. I was the artist, the bead maker, the wig maker, the theatre kid, the dancer, the model … hahahah.. I thought I could be everything. My mum used to call me Jack-of-all-trades, master of none.

I was always into art from primary school, even till now. Then I started making beads in my second year in high school. I learnt how to sew then I made a few of my outfits. The fact that I attended a military secondary school, forced me to learn how to make my own wigs because we were on low-cut all six years. I also thought I was going to be a model in high school. I started taking studio photos in my second year in high school. I invested so much time and money taking pictures it became a hobby.

I haven’t always been on short hair. I never thought I’d b on short hair for the long run, but here I am, bald and blonde.  When I started my short hair journey, you’d never catch me without makeup, cause I was scared of looking like a 12 year old. And then, I started my blonde hair journey looking like the Powerpuff girls. I sure did have my fair share of bad hair days as transitioning was hard for me. Growing up, I never had black hair. My hair was dusty gold and I always dyed it black cause people called me escape albino. But accepting my look and transitioning into a full platinum blonde was the ultimate beginning of my career.

When I first went blonde, people gave me the weird look, But it was never about them, so it never bothered me. I had my first radio audition via a WhatsApp group. I received a BC saying an online radio needed interns and I joined the group, sent in my recording of the script we were asked to read and I got lucky. Three of us were picked and you can bet my hair won them over the minute they saw me. This same hair that people gave the weird look. Fast forward a little while after, an amazing makeup artist (CassConcept), who i love his work asked to do a test shoot with me because he loved my hair. After the test shoot, was a real shoot, a beauty product campaign.

This shoot was done at Philip Trimnell’s studio and I bet you can guess what happened. I was so excited when I got a message from the owner of Music Africa TV asking me to come in for a photoshoot and an interview. And that’s how I moved from radio to TV and It’s been a really exciting journey. I also interned at EbonyLife TV, assisting the producer/director at the time whilst still working with Music Africa. I was juggling all at the same time whilst drawing and also making YouTube videos. After Music Africa, I sent in my CV to Flytime Promotions when they put out an ad for a presenter, I got called in for an interview and God has been faithful ever since.

Along side all that I do, I still have my crafts, I taught myself how to use Adobe premiere pro to edit and also other software’s. Constantly polishing my skills, also design complimentary cards, YouTube channel art, fliers and everything creative. I’ve hosted red carpets, TV shows, radio shows and also worked with an international In-flight magazine brand.

Now, on my YouTube channel is where you will find me in my essence. I basically give my viewers a dose of my life and everything that can be related to, from my art and craft, behind the scenes of my job, hot topics, my epic fails, my very goofy friends, My lifestyle, self discovery and how to love yourself. So if you’re into art, DIYs, lifestyle, self discovery and like to occasionally make a fool of yourself, then be sure to Subscribe to “The Ibo Blondie” on YouTube.

In the nearest future, I hope to have a staple imprint on the Nigerian entertainment industry both locally and internationally. I have a few projects in the works that I am excited for and can’t wait to dish out but I’m not spilling any tea yet. Sure, there will be updates across all my social media platforms (@theiboblondie). I only pray for more Grace to finish great’ – Oluchi Harrison

Socials

Instagram – @theiboblondie

Twitter – @theiboblondie

Facebook – Preshia Oluchi Harrison