Lily is a Cameroonian passionate beauty and fashion blogger who lives in the United State of America

The common struggle that many women of color face with the controversy surrounding skin-lightening. Mirror, Mirror on the wall", I don't want to be the fairest of them all; I want my skin to be smooth and tender. Beauty blogger is not only gurus for her own self, but constantly sharing great beauty advice, awesome pictures and different points of view. Sure, there are big and more renounce fashion and beauty bloggers but lily has proven she stands the taste of time. Her fashion, beauty comestic products BrightenMi is known in different parts of the globe.

Can you tell our readers about yourself and your blog?

Hi, I'm Liliane, but I go by Lily. I'm a personal style blogger/creator of BefabNstaychic (www.befabnstaychic.com)

and co-founder of BrightenMi Cosmetics (www.brightenmi.com).

My blog is a platform which i created to show the world how I incorporate fashion into my personal style, share my love for the luxuries this beautiful world has to offer, as well as my business ventures with those with common interests.

What inspired you to start your blog?

My love for dressing up and creating trends of my own inspired me to blog - mixing and matching patterns until I could figure out how to model a look to my taste. Additionally, I used to have mild social anxiety, and interacting with the world from my keyboard was the first step I took to overcome that phobia. I'm proud to say i've come a long way, thanks to my best friend Lenore always rooting for me.

Can you name some of your favourite Cameroon bloggers and explain why they are your favourites?

Unfortunately, no one that I know stands out as my favorite as I think they are all great in their own right. But assuming we are still in the context of style and fashion blogging, what I would say is, when I think of great style, effortless elegance, sophistication, femininity come to mind. A Cameroonian blogger who embodies those qualities for me is Olivia la fabuleuse. She's chic, simple, not overdone, and of course fabulous; all of which make her charming and elegant.

What sets your style apart from that of other personal style bloggers?

Generally, the rule of thumb is, if people can't quite tell who your sense of style reminds them of, then that in it self ought to tell you that you're one of a kind. That has been the case with me. I'm unique in that i can be a minimalist without being austere, extremely feminine, a little eccentric, and overall, chic and sophisticated.My style is classic with a touch of modernity.

What are some of your favorite boutiques that you must visit in your area or when you go shopping?

I love Zara, HM, Lord&Taylor, BCBG, Neimans and of course Saks, just to name a few. I equally buy some of my clothes from a friend who has access to great thrift stores, and who rings me up whenever she lays hands on anything fresh and exciting.

What is your favorite outfit that you've posted so far?

My favorite so far has been my orange Thierry Mugler ensemble that got the internet buzzing, lol. Like I mentioned on my blog, i love this outifit's designer because he understands the woman's form like none other. That outfitencompasses femininity, structure, fit, and above all, accentuates my slender frame.

What spring trends do you love and which do you hate?

Spring trends I love: Micro pleated skirts and dresses are back in style. I like them because they drape flatteringly on any body type. I also love the pajamas dressing. Now you can wear pajamas in style out of the bedroom. Let's note that not all pajamas are appropriate for outside settings. Just the properly tailored ones made of luxe silk fabric.

Spring trends I hate: The bright and bold stripes, as well as the pinstriped shirt dresses, some with long sleeves at the waist that tie to the front. I just don't get it.


Your skin is amazing, how do you keep it so clean, smooth, and healthy?

Thank you. My skin regimen involves exfoliating, cleansing, and moisturizing withBrightenMi Cosmetics skin care essentials, using lots of sunscreen and drinking a lot of water helps too

What are some of the challenges you face as a Blogger in the Fashion and Beauty Industry?

In both industries, it can be challenging to be innovative and monetize your ideas, especially when surrounded by people who do nothing but plagiarize and replicate your work (even better than you) without giving you the proper credit. To a certain extent, that can interfere with progress.

What's in your makeup bag?

Setting powder for my oily t-zone, lip vaseline, and my red lipstick

 How did you come up with your products?

BrightenMi products were developed as a result of (my partner Lenore and I) looking for an effective acne treatment for our skin. Along the line as we researched, we discovered that many people equally struggled with clearing dark spots and blemishes caused by acne, resulting in us introducing some brightening creams to target that problem, as well as hyperpigmantation and melasma. Let it be noted that the BrightenMi brand is a cosmetic line that sells acne creams, brightening and non-brightening milks as well as scrubs and cleansers, all of which were designed to target specific skin conditions, and help the skin look its best.

What challenges have you faced that you didn't expect?

What I found ironic was that, while a lot of misinformed individuals smeared our business venture on blogs on the grounds that our brand endorsed self-hate, the numbers behind the scenes showed otherwise, as sales went through the roof. This was an indication that many people were able to see through the smoke, and realize that the BrightenMi brand is all about empowering women and men to look and feel their best regardless of their skin tone, as shown in the selection of our products.

   How has Facebook, Instagram and other social networks helped you to connect with your consumers?

Social media is an integral part of our day to day lives in the 21st century. It has brought individuals from all corners of the globe together, and has been a great marketing platform (as it has helped minimize costs) for BefabNstaychic and BrightenMi.

                  Best part of your body?

I believe my eyes are my most valued physical traits.They pierce right through your soul, lol.

                 Are you hot or sexy?

I can be both, though I have a penchant for sexiness.

        Favorite color and designer?

My favorite color is blue (in all shades), and designer would be Chanel.

                            Marital status?

For now, I am happily unmarried.

          How can my fans follow you?

My fans can get a hold of be through my websitewww.befabnstaychic.com

or Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat: @befabnstaychic .

How I met my husband...The story is about an adorable charming looking girl, Dbg Manka'a.,.

On a work trip from Tanzania, my next stop was Nigeria. In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, I happened to be taking a walk on the evening of April 23rd, 2014 when I encountered a stranger.

A tall, fair and good-looking guy called me but I moved on. Skeptical about Nigerians, I was only being cautious. Mr. Stranger was resolute so he walked up to me and introduced himself. I did same out of courtesy. Something about him kept me at ease.

He asked me out for a drink which I turned down. “Okay! Can I at least have you number”, he inquired? Few days later, he called and asked me out on a date. I made sure it was around the neighborhood where I lived and perhaps in the presence of others.

He came accompanied by three friends; two guys and a lady. They were as interesting and cordial lot. We later went out on a proper date seeing that I was getting a little more comfortable around him. After our date, he took me home and introduced himself to the family friends I lived with.

In time, we gradually developed a great friendship. He often called, took me out sometimes and showed me around. At the end of one of his usual calls one evening he said “I love you”. I went speechless. It became a repeated phrase whenever he called.

One day I unconsciously responded, “I love you too “. Before I could restrain myself, the word was out. He sensed some agitation and said, “its ok, sweetie. I understand”. Was I slowly falling for this guy? He invited me to spend some time with him at his elder sister’s place where he lived before I left for Cameroon.

While there, he treated me to a beans delicacy while I treated him to fried rice some days later. We watched “Act of Valor”. He said severally that he would love to marry me but I didn’t take him serious.

Once, while we were out with his friends, a meal was brought and one of his friends said, “Please, Mercy serve us this food like every good wife would do”. Guess what I said? “Who wants to be a good wife”? It came out unexpectedly. They all looked at me in astonishment and I felt embarrassed.

My stay in Nigeria was soon over and so was a friendship, so I thought. I didn’t feel the need to keep communicating with him. Nevertheless, he kept in touch via social media consistently to a point where I gave him my contact number. Calls came through so often.

Gradually, he began asking to speak to other members of my family especially my mum. I was amused at how mum was open with him as they spoke and sometimes laughed out loud. For one thing, he was concerned about keeping a distant relationship so he started trying to convince me to relocate to Nigeria. It was a huge decision to make.

I soon sought for mum’s counsel which paid off. It didn’t matter if he was a foreign to her, as long as it was love. Though she was somewhat skeptical about Nigerians, she later found reasons to think he was a good person based on how he made sure I was fine during my stay in Nigeria.

Still, I was battling with my views on men and marriage. Based on my dad’s rejection of mum and me when I was conceived, I grew up resenting marriage. I saw my father in every man. When I looked at men, all I saw was deceit and irresponsibility.

I felt men weren’t worth the pain. I took timeout to meditate and pray and picked up courage to face my fears. On the 23rd of September 2014, I headed for Nigeria on an invite from him to meet his family. With the love, warmth and hospitality they showed me, it suddenly dawned on me that this could be it. We went shopping and I got lost in picking out the things we needed.

He told me he will be back soon as he wanted to check on something. Then he quietly got to the Jewelry section where he picked up a ring he saw me admire earlier on. Once we were home, I was checking out some good food and wine we got when he walked up to me and whispered, “Close your eyes. I know you love surprises”. He held me close, slowly held up my hand, placed a ring on my finger and kissed me.

Upon opening my eyes, there was a huge smile on his face. I gazed at this dazzling beautiful gold ring planted on my finger. It was magical! And he went, “I was serious when I said I wanted to marry you. My heart beats for you”. All sorts of emotions raged within me.

I hugged him so warmly and said, “I love you”. I guess that was my yes! We made immediate plans to meet my family and to do the traditional marriage rights. Thereafter, we planned a court and white wedding. Our love was legalized in a court wedding ceremony on the 28th of April, 2015, one year and five days after we meet and our white wedding followed on the 12th of December, 2015.

I wasn’t very versed with Nigeria per say so my fiancé and his family (especially his sisters) did most of the planning. When it comes to monitory issues, I am a free spender but he is cautious and employs accountability with finances. I had never really fancied a very extravagant wedding as such though I wouldn’t mind having one.

I had always loved a very simple wedding with family members and few friends. Our wedding wasn’t what I had expected though in a positive way. There was a crowd! It was elaborate, yet not over the board! 10 years on, our family would have expanded with an addition of 3 kids; a girl and a set of twin boys (or a boy and a girl).

My husband is a twin and I desire to have twin. We hope to have our dream house, be successful in our careers, make positive impact in the lives of others, contribute positively to the well-being of our communities and go on family vacations around the world. Our family should be a model of a good and well-grounded family others can be inspired by.

We definitely hope to grow old together. Mother in-law is a strong spiritual support system to our relationship. Our parents made their own contributions one way or the other.

My bosom friends, sisters and prayer partners Nora and Eteng stood by me all the way. The Reverend, marriage teachers and counselors at All SAINTS PARISH, RUMUEME AGIP. PORT HARCOURT gave us their support. Our three-month marriage course was challenging but worthwhile. My views on men have shifted a great deal, yet it’s a gradual process.

If our love could blossom and lead to marriage, others should know true love isn’t just a concept. They too can ascertain such a blissful passion someday. We hope to make our marriage works and never to take this blessing for granted.

Edited by St. Taboh