The Ex-Cancer Scientist Bringing African Style To Singapore | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts:

• Boutique Fairs Singapore: A retail event featuring local and international vendors.
• OliveAnkara: A fashion brand blending African vibrancy with multicultural influences.
• Cultural Melting Pot: Singapore's diverse population and harmonious coexistence of cultures.
• Tiong Bahru: A Singaporean neighborhood with a strong sense of community and European influences.
• Home Away From Home: Singapore as a place of belonging and connection.

1. Introduction to Ify and OliveAnkara

• Ify, the founder of OliveAnkara, is originally from Italy with Nigerian heritage and has been living in Singapore for almost 12 years.
• OliveAnkara was born out of Ify's homesickness and desire to share African colors and culture in Singapore.
• The brand aims to interact with Nigerian, Italian, and Asian cultures.

2. Singapore as a Cultural Melting Pot

• Singapore is described as a place where different cultures coexist peacefully.
• Example: Chinese individuals attending Malay weddings in traditional attire and vice versa.
• Ify finds inspiration in the people she meets in Singapore.

3. Tiong Bahru: A Beloved Neighborhood

• Ify and her partner have moved around Singapore every two years to explore different neighborhoods.
• They settled in Tiong Bahru due to its character and resemblance to their Italian neighborhood.
• Tiong Bahru offers a variety of cafes, including Tiong Bahru Bakery, providing a sense of familiarity and comfort.

4. Community and Local Connections

• Ify enjoys buying flowers, veggies, plants, and fruits at Tiong Bahru Market.
• She has a special connection with the vendors, who know her preferences.
• The small size of the neighborhood fosters a sense of community and belonging.

5. Collaboration with Local Tailors

• Ify collaborates with local tailors and seamstresses, including Ann from Nelson’s, whom she has known for eight years.
• Ann provides valuable suggestions and guidance on design aspects, considering the preferences of OliveAnkara's target market.
• Example: Ann suggests using turquoise buttons for a cheongsam-inspired design.
• Ann advises Ify on making designs more conservative to appeal to a broader customer base.

6. Friendship and Support

• Ify values her friendships in Singapore, particularly with another fashion designer she met in 2016.
• They connected through their shared love for fashion and collaborated on a runway show.
• Ify makes an effort to maintain her friendships and hopes they will last a long time.

7. Singapore as Home

• Ify reflects on her journey and expresses contentment with her current life in Singapore.
• She considers Singapore her "home away from home" and attributes her long stay to the people she loves.
• Ify acknowledges that her experience in Singapore is still evolving and that she has more to learn and contribute.

8. Notable Quotes

• "Singapore is the best place where you can really understand the meaning of the word melting pot." - Ify
• "A place or a home is made by the people that you love. It's about the people. If you find your people, you will stay forever." - Ify
• "Ify has got fantastic fabric, colours. Very robust, very interesting and it speaks for the culture." - Ann from Nelson's

9. Technical Terms and Concepts

• Kopi ‘o’ kosong: A local Singaporean coffee drink, black coffee without sugar and milk.
• Cheongsam: A traditional Chinese dress.
• PR (Permanent Residency): A status that allows a foreign national to live and work in Singapore indefinitely.

10. Synthesis/Conclusion

The video portrays Ify's journey from cancer scientist to fashion designer in Singapore, highlighting the cultural richness and sense of community she has found. OliveAnkara serves as a bridge between cultures, reflecting Ify's Nigerian-Italian heritage and her embrace of Singaporean diversity. The video emphasizes the importance of human connection and finding a sense of belonging, making Singapore a "home away from home" for Ify. The collaboration with local artisans and the support of friends underscore the vibrant and welcoming environment that has allowed Ify to thrive both personally and professionally.