BACKGROUND
My name is Cornelia Samuel Etim. I was born in the 90’s in Cameroon. Few years later, I came back to Nigeria for my primary, secondary and university education, because I am passionate about contributing my quota and impacting positively on her fatherland through my chosen professional field.
I am the fourth child of my parents, but the first daughter, popularly addressed as Mma Adiagha. Though my parents settled down in Calabar, Cross River State, where I was also raised, I am a proud indigene of Mbia-Ubong community in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
EDUCATION
I completed my primary education at St Mary’s Primary School in 2003 and attended Lightway Secondary School, all in Calabar, Cross River State, but unfortunately, I could not join my peers to register and sit for my Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) immediately, due to the sudden death of my loving father. However, grace spoke for me , and I miraculously registered and sat for the West African Examination Council ( WAEC) in 2013. To the glory of God Almighty, despite relocating to Abuja for greener pasture ten years (10yrs) ago, I am currently running a degree programme at the famous University of Benin (Uniben), where to the glory of God, I am hoping to graduate in flying colours.
CAREER
I started painting and screeding work in 2019. I decided to venture into male dominated industry despite being a female to gain grounds in the space. This was in spite of my consciousness that only a handful of female painters have become famous enough to be penned down on history books globally. God used a man I respect so much, Mr. Collins Chuno, to empower and put me through this delicate but inspiring profession. It all started after my paths crossed with that of Mr. Chuno, a fine artist who tutored me in the advanced techniques of wall painting and designs.
I met him at a paint production shop where I indicated interest to explore this profession, and he immediately accommodated me. The idea of it being a male-dominated field is because we allowed it so in this part of the world. I am glad I am an influence on all other creative women out there. Now a lot of women are coming out as painters, even those who initially only called themselves Artists are now adding painter to their profile”. My work enormously includes painting screeding among others.
FIRST OUTING\ STAGE REACHED
My first outing was to a site in Koruduma in Ado, in One man village, located in Nasarawa State. My boss invited me to a project site to observe the way the work was done, pen down questions and help out with some aspects. Thereafter, I continued training, hence, my attainment today. I can boldly say today, that I am not only a painter but a proud manufacturer. I am into full time production of paint. I mean, varieties.
ROLE MODEL
Nelson Mandela, his story of struggle and his achievements inspires me.
OTHER TALENTS
I am into several other businesses. I love trying and investing my time in learning and achieving success in various skills. I sow and design clothes, I make hair and I also cook. As a matter of fact, I am often being contracted to cook for occasions such as weddings, baby naming ceremonies, name them.
FEARS
I used to have phobia for heights, but due to my determination to excel in my well cherished painting and screeding profession, I had to conquer that aspect of me. I also dread losing and failing woefully.
CHALLENGES
Regardless of the challenges I have encountered in life, I have vowed to pursue my passion -Art.
Being a lady in a male- dominated industry is a major challenge. Most clients doubt my ability until they see my finished work, or meet me doing my work, just like you met displaying my skills that got you attracted. Worse, is that some male clients attempt to sexually harass me but , at least, I am equal to their task. My colleagues look down on me, fellow women gossip and insult me, and in fact, the list is endless.
and people sometimes look down on me as a woman doing painting and screeding work
ANY REGRET
Not at all. I am very passionate about what I do. My earnest desire is that one sooner or later, all the walls in Nigeria would be awash with my paintings and designs
WHAT STANDS YOU OUT
Emotions triggers my creativity. My desire to be heard, felt and understood makes me unique. I am not much of a talker, I express myself through my cherished hardwork and I do not get easily discouraged. To crown it all, I rock the male-dominated space in style and to the best of my knowledge, I have proven that anyone can achieve anything in life regardless of gender. What matters is that one finds joy and fulfilment in one’s endeavours.
PROJECTION
To be a bigtime player in this field, employ labour and thus, reduce unemployment in the country. I also hope to impact on others by organising seminars, symposium among others. I hope to also gain grounds in the space as well as become famous enough to be penned down on history books globally.
ADVICE TO THE WOMEN FOLK
Start by taking a small step which is understanding that your life is purposeful. Women should note also that with civilization, comes a change of the mindset. This means that every given opportunity is a stepping stone for other Nigerian female to follow without recourse to the profession. This is because Nigerians today, are growing and showing compassion to women in men-dominated works. Apart from the quality of my job which speaks volume, I get a lot of patronage because of the fact that I am a woman thriving in the job designed for men. Rise up, don’t fold your arms, just make that move.
As a woman, embrace hard- work getter, don’t get discouraged.
APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT
Government at all levels should do well to support strugglers like us and currently, they should also try to award contracts to us as motivational incentives.
