Tewa Onasanya is a visionary leader whose journey is as inspiring as it is purposeful. From her beginnings in pharmacology to carving a unique path in publishing, empowerment, and leadership, Tewa has always been guided by a passion to uplift, inspire, and create lasting impact.
Through her work with Exquisite Magazine, she discovered the perfect intersection of storytelling, empowerment, and visibility, creating a platform that not only celebrates success but also equips women to leave enduring legacies.
It was this vision that birthed the Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) Awards and Conference, a movement dedicated to elevating women across Africa through mentorship, training, and strategic opportunities.
This year, the much-anticipated ELOY Conference is set to take place on November 28, gathering thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators under one roof to celebrate, empower, and inspire women to move from success to significance.
The ELOY movement is one of courage, clarity, and relentless dedication, a movement that proves that when purpose and mindset align, incredible transformations are possible.
In this interview, Tewa Onasanya shares the vision behind ELOY, the milestones that have defined its rise, the tangible impact it has created for countless women, and the exciting future she is shaping for women leaders across Africa.
CA: Tewa, you began your career in pharmacology before transitioning into publishing, empowerment, and leadership. That’s quite a shift! What inspired that move, and how has it shaped the woman you are today?
Tewa: I am so blessed because my journey from pharmacology to publishing and empowerment was purpose-driven. I’ve always been passionate about writing and helping people feel better, whether through wellness, mindset, or visibility.
In fact, I wanted to become a Medical Doctor so I could treat people. Pharmacology taught me precision and discipline; publishing allowed me to express creativity and impact lives on a large scale.
It was through Exquisite Magazine that I found the perfect balance between purpose, storytelling, and empowerment, all of which have shaped the visionary, intentional leader I am today, to God’s glory.
CA: That makes so much sense. And you often speak about the power of mindset and purpose. Can you tell us how your personal mindset has shaped the vision behind Exquisite Magazine and the ELOY movement?
Tewa: My personal philosophy is: Believe in yourself and convince yourself first, then the world will follow. Everything I’ve built, from Exquisite Magazine to the ELOY Awards Foundation to my Mindset Styling Company, is rooted in that belief.
I’ve learned that a woman who understands her worth and purpose is unstoppable. That’s why I focus on mindset transformation, helping women see that leadership starts from within. When your inner world is aligned, your impact in the outer world multiplies.
CA: Absolutely, mindset is so key. Looking at the ELOY Awards specifically, they’ve evolved remarkably over the years. Thinking back, what would you say are the most transformative milestones that have defined its journey?
Tewa: One of the most transformative milestones has been the launch of the ELOY Awards Foundation, which focuses on empowering and equipping women-led businesses through mentorship, funding access, and training via our product called the ELOY Business Shower.
Another defining moment was hosting the ELOY Conference, which turned the platform from just a celebration into a movement for leadership and economic empowerment. And of course, seeing past ELOY winners now leading impactful initiatives of their own continues to affirm the purpose behind this journey.
CA: Speaking of the conference, this year’s ELOY Conference and Awards are already generating a lot of buzz! Could you share the central theme for this edition, and what inspired its focus?
Tewa: This year’s Global ELOY Conference theme is “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges to Sustain Women Empowerment”, and it is also the year of the “Confidently Audacious Woman”.
The theme was inspired by the need to not just celebrate women doing well, but to empower more women to create lasting impact. Over the years, we’ve seen many women rise, but sustaining visibility and growth requires mindset shifts, strong support systems, and strategic structures.
Our goal this year is to help women move from success to significance by building legacies that outlive them.
CA: That focus is so inspiring. Beyond celebrating women, the ELOY platform also emphasizes empowerment and visibility. How do you make sure this impact translates into real opportunities for the women you spotlight?
Tewa: We ensure real impact through strategic follow-up and capacity-building initiatives. The ELOY Awards Foundation offers training, mentorship, and access to resources for entrepreneurs and professionals.
Many of our participants are also connected to funding opportunities, brand collaborations, and media features that amplify their work. We also have a community called the ELOY Foundation Network, where anyone that has been through ELOY in any capacity is a member.
This continues to support women, offering further training, networking opportunities, and more. For us, visibility must lead to sustainability, it’s not enough to shine; you must also grow and thrive.
CA: Those outcomes are amazing. Over the years, the ELOYs have recognized hundreds of incredible women. Could you share one or two stories that really capture the impact this platform has created?
Tewa: There are so many inspiring stories, but one that stands out is of a young entrepreneur who won an ELOY Award and later became a mentor in our Foundation program, helping other women scale their businesses.
Another was a nominee who gained national recognition after her feature and now runs a thriving organization employing people. These stories remind me why the ELOY platform exists, to create ripples of empowerment that touch generations.
CA: I love hearing that. With the upcoming conference on November 28, what kinds of conversations or outcomes are you hoping this year’s event will spark?
Tewa: This year’s event will focus on conversations that spark collaboration, investment, and transformation. Our goal is to connect women to the tools, insights, and relationships they need to scale.
I also know that this year’s event will inspire a renewed mindset, that women can build wealth, lead authentically, and create businesses with global impact while prioritizing wellness and balance.
CA: Thinking more broadly, as a leader and mentor, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for women in leadership across Africa today?
Tewa: The biggest opportunity lies in our collective voice, women are reshaping industries, driving innovation, and leading communities. However, challenges persist: self-limitation, access to funding, lack of mentorship, and societal expectations.
Yet, I believe the future is female and fearless, and the future is here. With platforms like ELOY, we’re closing those gaps by empowering women to own their power, tell their stories, thrive, and lead boldly.
CA: Every impactful brand needs a strong team and meaningful partnerships. Can you share a bit about the people, collaborations, and values that keep ELOY growing year after year?
Tewa: ELOY thrives on purpose-driven partnerships and a passionate team that believes in women’s empowerment as a catalyst for national development.
From corporate sponsors who share our vision to media and community partners amplifying our stories, collaboration is at the heart of our growth. Our core values, consistency, resilience, authenticity, and impact, guide everything we do.
CA: Looking beyond this year’s Awards, what’s next for you and the ELOY brand? Are there new programs, expansions, or international collaborations we should look forward to?
Tewa: Absolutely. We’ve expanded the ELOY Business Shower to different states across Africa. The ELOY Foundation Sustainable Empowerment Program will be opening up to more people.
We’ve also launched the ELOY International Trade and Empowerment Mission, building bridges for women to trade, grow, and shine beyond borders. The ELOY Awards Foundation Empowerment Tour will reach more African countries, and the ELOY Global Foundation Network will connect African women to global mentors and opportunities.
Personally, I’m also deepening my work as a Mindset Stylist, helping leaders and entrepreneurs align their inner clarity with outward success. The vision is to keep evolving and elevating because empowered women transform nations.
