Elvira Vedelago Model, Blogger and Co-Founder of POSTSCRIPT

Elvira Vedelago Model, Blogger And Co-Founder Of Postscript

Where to begin, we could start with her blog, Bad Blogger a stylish visual diary that documents the ‘successes and failures of her life’s journey’. Or I could start with, she’s a model and has worked for well-known fashion and beauty brands or just lead with her most recent achievement, Postscript, which she Co-Founded and launched earlier this year. Postscript is an intelligent and beautifully curated journal, ‘a cultural anthology that aims to produce inspiring content reframing women of culture in contemporary conversations’. A much needed voice for the millennial woman of colour. Here she talks about her journey from working in the NHS to fashion blogging, her must have beauty products and how she finds the time to do it all whilst staying centered and still have time to help friends out with their projects, BASE included.

Where are you from and where did you grow up?
I’m Nigerian and Italian. I spent the formative years of my childhood living in Italy, moving to Nigeria with my Mum for primary school and then relocating to the UK for further education. I’ve been a Londoner ever since.

How did your start career?
After completing my psychology degree, I worked within the mental health sector for a few years whilst simultaneously blogging about fashion and beauty. After some time, I was headhunted by a fashion company to do their digital marketing. I had grown disillusioned working for the NHS and wanted to see what else was out there for me. Soon, I realised I was really passionate about writing and creating meaningful content, so I started doing that as a freelancer, as well as some modelling for a bit of extra cash. Recently, I launched a new publication called POSTSCRIPT, with my friend Chinasa Chukwu of Weruzo. Born out of a frustration with a lack of adequate representation for women – particularly women of colour – in the media, we created a cultural anthology that explores the complexities and lifestyles of contemporary women.

What would you say has been the biggest challenge in your career?
Working for myself. It’s incredibly rewarding but it was extremely nerve racking making the decision to go at it alone. When I first started freelancing, I struggled with a lot of anxiety – sleepless nights, tearful mornings, low mood, etc… I had to learn to trust myself, my decisions and my abilities. After launching POSTSCRIPT, I’ve become more self-assured in capabilities as a freelance creative, so the new challenge I face is learning how to successfully run a profitable business.

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t let the fear of failing stop you from ever trying. You’ll save yourself so much time in the future if you stop hesitating and simply start doing.

Working in the fashion/creative industry and being a woman there is the pressure to always look amazing, what is your view on this?
Working as a model, I’m definitely aware of the pressure of certain beauty standards but I honestly try not to take too much notice of it. It is clear to see how it affects so many women, especially women of colour, and not just in the creative sector. The beauty industry wouldn’t be so successful if women didn’t feel the pressure to always look their best, which says a lot about the unrealistic societal expectations placed on females worldwide and our adherence to the ‘what is beautiful is good’ ideology. For me, being exposed to different cultures with varying ideas of style and beauty, as well as having a background working in mental health ultimately taught me that it’s more important to feel good. As long as I’m healthy and happy, whether in sweats or gladrags, makeup or no makeup, who gives a damn what anyone else thinks.

Do you feel that you have faced any obstacles being a mixed race woman and working in your industry?
The only issues I’ve personally struggled with have manifested on set, where I often come across hair and makeup teams that still don’t understand how to properly work with my hair or skintone. Yet, I am very conscious of the privileges that come with being mixed race and privately educated, where certain work environments might feel more comfortable with what they presume to be more Eurocentric presentations. However, I’m also not blind to the issues black women face in the Western world, having grown up with a Nigerian mother who is a self-made business woman. I’ve just learned to focus on my end game, irrespective of other people’s prejudices or preconceived notions of who I am or what I’m capable of. Ultimately, it makes it that much sweeter to prove them wrong.

What does your hair represent to you?
I have a love-hate relationship with my hair. Sometimes I’m all about it, other times it’s a pain because it requires so much love and attention – time I don’t always have to dedicate to it. Ultimately, my hair is a representation of both my cultures and a huge part of my identity. As a result, I’m very precious about who cuts or styles it, so if you don’t understand it please don’t touch it.

What is your approach to your personal hair care?
I wash my hair once a week, to reduce frizz and maintain moisture. I try to use honey based shampoos and conditioners because honey acts as a humectant (retains moisture). In between washes, I use Moroccan Oil or olive oil hair products to keep it hydrated.

What are your favourite hair products and why?
Moroccan Oil. It is a heavier oil but it keeps my frizz in check for longer.

Have you had any major hair disasters?
When I was younger, my mom travelled a lot while touring, leaving my dad in charge of the kids. Unfortunately, my Italian father had no clue how to manage my mane and he undoubtedly grew tired of battling against the daily frizz and tangles. One day, out of frustration, he cut it all off into a sort of jerry curl afro. I cried for days. My mum went mad. I’m pretty sure that was at the root of their separation.

When do you feel most beautiful?
First thing in the morning, moments after waking up from a good night’s sleep (and after my rigorous night time skincare routine), when my face is glowing and my lips pouty. It’s the perfect healthy, fresh-faced look. And if I have a tan, then I’m really winning.

Tell us about your beauty routine?
Every morning, I wash my face with a Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Purifying Cleansing Wash, add Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-aging Omega Serum and moisturise with Malin + Goetz SPF 30 High Protection.
The evening routine is more complicated.
First, I remove my makeup with an oil based cleanser like the Eve Lom Cleanser to remove excess dirt or makeup, and then undergo a second cleanse with either Elemis Gentle Foaming Facial Wash or Liz Earle Hot Cloth Polish. Three times a week, I’ll apply the Malin + Goetz Brightening Enzyme Mask (with botanical AHAs, I promise it’s a miracle worker) and then finally moisturise with my absolute fave Disciple’s Good Skin Oil. Special shout out goes to the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion that I apply to any particular rude spots after cleansing.

What are your favourite make-up products?
I’m not a girl obsessed with makeup but I do love a good lipstick. My favourite is ‘Taupe’ and ‘Whirl’ from Mac. I also like wearing Barry M ‘Pose’ lipliner as a lipstick.

What are your must have products when travelling?
The Malin & Goetz travel kit – it has everything you need in there, from face washes to moisturisers, etc.. My Disciple Good Skin Oil and Glossier Balm Dotcom in Birthday Cake.

When are you most happy?
I’m happiest doing my daily crossword, reading a great book or spending time with loved ones. It’s always the little things.

What are you reading at the moment?
Yoruba Girl Dancing by Simi Bedford. And Why Women Will Save the Planet by Friends of the Earth.

What is your favourite book of all time?
That’s like Sophie’s choice! It’s a toss up between The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini or Harry Potter obvs.

Do you have a morning routine?
I begin every day with a prayer of gratitude and a five minute breathing exercise. Then I listen to gospel music as I shower/eat breakfast/answer emails etc… It always puts me in a good mood and keeps my mind positive for the rest of the day.

Who do you admire and why?
My mum, Beyonce, Oprah, Serena Williams, Sharmadean Reid and Tasmin Greenway: all kick ass women in their respective fields. They have incredible work ethics, aren’t afraid to take risks, love what they do, never complain and just get the job done. When I grow up, I want to be just like them.

You’re hosting a dinner party, who is on the guest list and what would be on the menu?
I’d have to invite Maya Angelou, Oprah, Michelle Obama, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, so that I could just bask in their intellect and hopefully soak up their words and wisdom. Plus my maternal grandmother because I never got to meet her (she passed before I had the chance) and from the stories I’ve heard of her, I think we’d really get along. Then my Nigerian mum would act as host because she serves the best damn Italian food you’ll ever try.

Follow: @bdblggr & @postscript.london
Photography: Lola Swan
Interview: Abisoye Odugbesan

Elvira Vedelago Model, Blogger and Co-Founder of POSTSCRIPT

Elvira Vedelago Model, Blogger And Co-Founder Of Postscript

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