A pastor and a Model? They sure aren’t easy to come by but Jackie Omotosho is one.
She has done fashion shows for respected brands like John Casablanca
and Macy’s, both in the United States.
The graduate of Architecture who pastors a branch of the
Redeemed Christian Church of God alongside her husband in the US, was
recently in Nigeria to unveil her book ‘The Practice, Influence of
Elegance: Inside Out’.
According to Vanguard they had a chat with her:
We had a chat with Jackie at the event which was graced
by A-list personalities such as the wife of the Vice-President, Mrs
Dolapo Osinbajo, and the mother of five reeled out the many ways
elegance can attract success in life when we queried why a pastor should
be taking secular modeling.
What brought about the inspiration for modeling?
It’s been in me long before I moved to the United States. I had the
title of my book as well. I noticed I was always correcting people’s
postures, walking patterns and much more. But when we got to the US, I
became concerned about how careless and “excessively” informal many are
over there. So, I made up my mind to intervene and that led me to John
Casablanca School of Modeling in North Carolina, which was very unusual
for a pastor’s wife. However, there, I understood some of the
corrections. I couldn’t help but write about them because they were
already impacting the lives of many around me, especially in church
where I often incorporate the knowledge in my messages.
Is this your first book?
Yes, it is, and it’s a two-volume book
. The Practice, Influence of Elegance: Inside Out
is about grooming one’s image to fulfill divine destiny. It also talks
about the need to employ image consultants where necessary, to ensure a
“sharper” and well-groomed personality. The book can of course serve
that purpose as well, though. However, for more detailed personal
grooming, I recommend that an image consultant who understands the use
of colors, styles, accessories, hair, makeup, poise, posture, etiquette,
good nutrition and exercise be hired.
He or she also carefully guides you on how best to manage your media
and personal image, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and also
how to maximize your potentials. The benefits of these are invaluable
because they boost your professional and personal life.
But do you know you’re one of the few pastors who preach outright elegance…
(Laughs) Beauty glorifies God. When we walk in the wisdom or
skill of elegance, it will bring the success we fervently pray for. But
if we do not apply this wisdom, we may have to wait, and walk through
rejections because we’re probably not good enough or not making good
impressions at first sight. This can be costly.
We could miss opportunities even though we may be qualified. While if
we are polished and making good impressions on people around us, we may
obtain better jobs, work fewer hours, earn more money, and accomplish
more.
Isn’t this a deviation from your calling?
This wisdom is also found in God. Elegance is like God’s goodness-
being good, doing right, faring well while rejoicing. The lord makes you
glad and beautiful. True elegance must give glory to God. It should
make people not just aware of you, but give glory to God for the beauty
you radiate.
Who is your greatest role model?
Her name is Coco Channel and I talked about her in my book. Channel
grew up in an orphanage but ended up being a fashion icon. She
introduced black and elegance to fashion and I always like to talk about
her.
…and the greatest influence on your life?
My greatest influence is God. My husband is number two; he taught me
how to correct people without shouting. He also of course let me go into
modeling even though we are ministers.
Your advice to Nigerian women?
You do not need to be wealthy to be elegant or show your personality.
Just strive to maintain your integrity and let it show in all that you
do.
