Born in Nigeria, and proud of being of Yoruba ethnicity, now residing in Parma and Milan. With a track-record of good 15 years in the fashion industry as runway model and a fashion muse for many renowned designers, Bali has now also ventured into A Coded World as a founder. As if this wasn't enough, you can also add being a Bocconi alumna to her resume where she attended a PSM Management Development course.

Bali's smile and laughter is contagious in that it radiates the innocence of a happy child. You can't help but get smitten by it, and even more so when seeing her bright smile radiate. Even when dressed down in jeans and a checkered shirt, she still ooze sophistication, poise and grace. As Ayo Oslo founder Maria said; when Bali enters the room; everything stops. When Bali speaks; everyone listens. She has the power to turn heads, which is what she has done for well over 15 years as a runway and fashion model all over the world. Yet it doesn't stop there. As a founder, she now uses her voice to empower women through her work in A Coded World, promoting and supporting initiatives by and for creative visionaries from the world of fashion, art and music. They offer a culturally transversal experience for every generation.

Bali turns up on the dot at 9 am in our Milan studio on the day of our photoshoot. All natural, all bright and shining. Ayo Oslo founder Maria caught up with her long time friend exchanging some gossips, some a-ha moments and lots of laughter. They both agree that the shoot is going to be all natural, coherent with the natural collection of clothes. Bali shows no hesitation nor reservation. So for our photoshoot, Bali is featured without any make-up. Natural beauties shine better without any artificial additives. 

Honest and determined.  

 

My Soul.

Truthfulness.

I know you are a pretty busy entrepreneur; how would you describe a productive day?

Reaching 90% of the goal I set for myself every day, is a beautiful and productive day for me.

What inspires you and how do you find it?

I mostly get inspiration from books, reading about the lives of others. And I am very inspired by people who have done or are doing positive things in their life. This gives me a lot of hope.

What project are you currently working on now?

I am working and fighting for A Coded World because I know we can do a lot more than what we have done until now.

You are very much involved in empowerment of women and sustainability, what would you like to achieve within these fields and how would you accomplish them?

Empowering women is very important to me. Because I missed it in my little world, but by understanding how important and essential it is, I put myself at the forefront of women in my environment. Because if we support each other, we are unstoppable. I love to support women who have the courage to fight honestly for their lives.

I know that today the word sustainability is in fashion but in my small way I have always been a responsible person and I will continue to have an attentive and conscientious lifestyle towards myself and those around me and even more careful about what I buy. Sustainability is important to our ecosystem we shouldn't be here today begging each other to be sustainable, this should be normal so our daily resources can maintain an ecological balance.

How does your ideal day look like?

I am thankful for my everydays, so I can take care of my black baby - my labrador retriever, and prepare for my non-stop meetings and then return home in the evening, Tired but very happy. All this before the pandemic.

Gorgeous Bali is fronting our campaign, for this coming season, all natural - just like our clothes. Watch this space - we'll let you know when it's out!