It’s Barbie season!
One of the cool things about Barbie is just how many there are!
Astronaut Barbie, President Barbie, Teacher Barbie… You name it, there’s probably a Barbie for it. Each doll represents a dream and possibility, and the movie is a celebration of that versatility.
So, we’re carrying the party over from Barbie Land to our world by spotlighting everyday women who double as powerhouses in their own unique and inspiring ways.
Here’s to these incredible, multi-hyphenated and multifaceted Barbies who give everything to pursue their dynamic potential and refuse to be put in a box!


Augustina Adjei
This Barbie is…
- A product manager
- A public speaker
- A social entrepreneur
- Founder of Into Careers
- A business consultant for founders and small businesses
- A fan of documenting her travel and lifestyle on social media
I look after my wellbeing by being intentional about making time for the things I enjoy. This can be as simple as going for walks and listening to music, reading my Bible and connecting deeper with Christ, to travelling and experiencing new environments that help me to reset and re-shift as I grow and work hard towards my goals.
Barbara Ojei Agwaziam
This Barbie is…
- A senior project manager
- A diversity, equity and inclusion expert
- Founder of A Touch of Colour
- A traveller and travel vlogger
- Trustee for the Blagrave Trust
- A writer and author of a Gratitude Journal
- Literally Barbie!
One of the ways in which I prioritise my wellbeing is by setting clear boundaries with work and with friends. As an extrovert I need to be intentional about having time for myself so I can unwind by watching a Netflix show, going for a run or have an Afrobeats fueled party for one.


Catherine Munyarari
This Barbie is…
- A project manager
- A social entrepreneur
- A business transformation coach
- A solo traveller
- A full-time Africa lover
- Chair of the Young Africa Centre
I love to journal and lift weights (heavy weights). I’ve found writing how I feel helps me to visualise my thoughts and lifting weights allows me to remind myself how strong I am when I push myself out of my comfort zone.
Celena McAlpine
This Barbie is…
- A writer and speaker
- A singer and daydreamer
- An aspiring lawyer
- An HBCU alumna (Fisk University)
- Passionate about changing the world as much as possible
Taking care of my wellbeing requires intentional rest days. Days that are unplugged from day to day life and filled with things that bring me rest. For example, going for walks, cleaning and then settling down with a good Romance novel, getting coffee with friends, sleeping, journaling, etc. I make time for the things that make me happy. Things that reset my mind and body.


Deborah Emechebe
This Barbie is…
- An experienced digital marketer
- A traveller and foodie
- A music lover and singer
- A personal development enthusiast
Taking care of myself is important, so I aim for a good balance between work and activities that make me happy. I see myself as both a main player and a spectator in my life, enjoying the moment while planning for the future.
Felicia Odamtten, MSc, DBA
This Barbie is…
- An economist
- A social entrepreneur
- A speaker
- A traveller and explorer
- Founder of the Black Economist Network
I look after myself by going to the gym. I’m an energetic fitness lover and I prioritise a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I also enjoy hanging out with family and friends, and I’m a party enthusiast who celebrates life’s moments on the dance floor. I am living proof that embracing our many facets leads to a vibrant, impactful existence.


Gbemi Akanbi
This Barbie is…
- A social entrepreneur
- A writer, speaker and published poet
- A graduate (LLB Law with Competency in French)
- An aspiring lawyer
- An athlete and rower
- A multi-lingual traveller
- Founder of BlackWomenAspiringLawyers
- One of Powerful Media’s Top 150 Future Leaders 2023/24
I find being in a body of water relaxing – whether it’s rowing or swimming in the ocean on my travels. I also enjoy reading, especially books written by Black women. These truly relax me.
Idowu Kukoyi
This Barbie is…
- An event project manager
- An aspiring culture consultant
- Founder of the All Nigerian Pub Quiz
- A lover of Nigerian culture who is on a mission to help the Nigerian diaspora stay connected to their roots
I take care of my wellbeing by prioritising long walks, runs, and spending time with my friends and family.


Jessica Agboola
This Barbie is…
- A global researcher
- A writer and speaker
- An award-winning social entrepreneur
- Founder and Director of Kinsis, a social enterprise championing Black women in Higher Education
I look after my wellbeing by travelling, exploring the world, food and culture, as well as being in nature, spending time with loved ones, and immersing myself in the arts. You can sometimes find me singing or acting!
Kadra Abdinasir
This Barbie is…
- A mental health advocate
- A policy and youth participation expert
- A trustee and volunteer
- A cheese enthusiast and traveller
- About that #AuntyLife
I enjoy going on long walks, listening to podcasts and building in a monthly pamper day.


Dr. Leanne Armitage
This Barbie is….
- A medical doctor
- A professional speaker
- A multi-award winning leader
- A published author
- Co-Founder of the Armitage Foundation
- Dedicated to inspiring people to be the best version of themselves
I look after my wellbeing by exercising, dancing in the mirror, speaking with loved ones and praying and meditating on God’s word. I try to always remind myself of the scripture that reminds us all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
Motunrayo Oyetunji
This Barbie is…
- A creative and tech professional
- An avid tea and coffee lover
- A generalist who has never had the same job title twice
- Founder of Anfaani, a wellness and somatic therapy app for Black women
- Passionate about creating spaces where Black women can show up as their authentic selves
I try to take regular breaks and schedule joy into my calendar. Scheduling joy can be anything from watching a new K-Drama with my family, grabbing coffee with friends, to spending time alone.


Ongelique Sherman
This Barbie is…
- A leader, motivator, hustler and creative
- A former Accenture technology consultant
- An aspiring global entrepreneur
- An HBCU alumna (Hampton University)
- An Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority member
- A Masters student in Events and Experience Management at Goldsmiths University
The ways I take care of my well-being are:
1) physically – working out 3-4 times a week,
2) spiritually – doing daily devotions and praying,
3) mentally – staying positive and reminding myself that I am on a “journey of BECOMING”, and lastly by doing self-care routines (walks along the water, facials, body scrubs, etc.).
Princess Ashilokun
This Barbie is….
- A speaker, storyteller and poet
- A brand and creative strategist
- A filmmaker, director and producer
- A published writer (4th Estate, Third Magazine, Teen Vogue and more)
- Associate Director of Communications at The Advocacy Academy
- Founder of Atinuda Productions Ltd and Atinuda WLV
I love writing as that’s often the outlet for my emotions and thoughts. Another way I look after my wellbeing is going for walks in nature, making time to paint, and when possible, creating authentic spaces for vulnerability and vibes where my friends and loved ones can check-in with each other, as well as reconnect with and recharge me.


Shani Akilah
This Barbie is….
- A writer and screenwriter
- A soon-to-be published author
- A book influencer
- A community builder
- A traveller
I try to be intentional about making the time and space for the things that bring me joy and refill my cup. I also actively observe the Sabbath on Sundays – I stop – take time to worship, rest and delight in God to avoid my tendency of making an idol of productivity and efficiency.
Tele Lawal
This Barbie is….
- An entrepreneur
- A senior programme manager
- A Creative Mentor Network youth board member
- A former politician who made history as both the youngest (aged-22) Councillor and first Black woman elected in the London Borough of Havering, from 2018-2022
In my spare time, I run a Christian literature book club (Faith Book Club) and enjoy ballet and art. I also enjoy walks and praying as ways to take care of myself.


Temi Walker
This Barbie is….
- A wife and mother of 6
- A birth coach
- A home educator and educational developer
- A writer of children’s stories
- A health conscious chef
- A Christian resources developer
- A social entrepreneur
I take care of myself by soaking in a bath with salts and essential oils, spending time with my husband, and taking family walks.
Wura Abidakun
This Barbie is….
- A creative entrepreneur and artist
- A professional interior designer
- Founder of WDA Interiors
- An advocate for design thinking in schools across the UK
I take care of my well-being by intentionally spending quiet time with God, writing down my thoughts and going on long walks.


Nikki Adebiyi
This Barbie is….
- A social entrepreneur
- A published writer and keynote speaker
- A life coach and workshop facilitator
- A mental health activist and consultant
- A graduate (BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics + MA Law)
- A poet and spoken word artist
- An aspiring lawyer
This Barbie also wishes to invite you to the Bounce Black rebrand launch on World Mental Health Day (October 10, 2023).
Find out more and register your interest below!
I take care of my wellbeing through naps, travelling and exploring, reading, journalling, therapy and spending time with loved ones and alone.
days
hours minutes seconds
until
The Bounce Black Relaunch
Title: Black Women, Work and Wellbeing (allies welcome!)
Date: October 10, 2023 (World Mental Health Day)
Time: 6:30-10PM
Location: The Africa Centre, 66 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL
Tickets available here
Are you a multifaceted Barbie? Let us know how using the hashtag #ThisBarbieIsMultifaceted on your posts!
#ThisBarbieIsMultifaceted: This Barbie is a ….
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