Hello Nikki! Tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a British-born Nigerian woman, mother of three and a barrister.

This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge. Tell us about a time when you were faced with an obstacle that you challenged.

As a lawyer I choose to challenge any man who feels he has a right to lay hands on a woman or use controlling or cohesive behaviour to keep her down. I’m going to shine a cold hard legal light on an unacceptable behaviour and the cultural excuses that perpetuate it.

What was your dream job as a little girl?

Sadly, I never had any idea what my dream job would be and I still don’t. Some people are lucky enough to end up doing what they love. I only knew that getting a well-paid job would make me self-sufficient so that I could be whoever I wanted to be.

If you could have dinner with 3 women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

I would meet Tina Turner because when I was young, I would play her song “Simply The Best" over and over to myself as a pick me up when things got tough as they often did. I would sit down with my surrogate mothers and let them know that they saved my life and showed me not told me that being a mother is still the best and most challenging job in the world. I would have dinner with Angela Merkel and ask her how it feels to be the boss of all those men. Ha!

What’s one piece of advice you would give to 18 year old you?

I would tell my 18-year-old self what I told her back then – to tell any man that you are who you are and if they don’t like it jog on.

What is a change you would like to see for women in the next generation?

I would like the next generation of women in other countries to achieve the rights that we enjoy now. I’m not saying that there isn’t more to do here, but our counterparts all over the world are still on par with chattel or living as modern day slaves.

What is your favourite thing about being a woman?

My favourite thing about being a woman is that I can still be soft around the edges. Oooh and lingerie!

Edge o’ Beyond is inspired by you and has a range named after you. Who is a woman that inspires you and why?

I am inspired by the Empress Gi. She started off as a Korean tribute woman and became the Empress of China. She overcame being a slave and poverty to became Empress of China. She for me, is the epitome of beauty and brains.

What’s your favourite EOB range?

Mine of course! Nikki says I’m discerning, voluptuous and individual. My range is for people who know what they want and make no apologies for it. When you wear my range, you wear it with a cheeky sparkle in your eyes and that smile that comes from inner confidence.

+ Treat yourself with 40% Off Jewellery

Take 40% off Jacob with any Nikki purchase – just use code IWD2021 at checkout.

Valid until 24/3/21

Each EOB lingerie + swim range is inspired by + named after a wonderful real-life woman. We're extending our celebration of International Women's Day 2021 + taking the opportunity to introduce you to some of them.