Questions with Aina Fadina, Founder and Executive Producer of I of Africa

Curious about the next trailblazing creative forging a path in Paris, New York, or Capetown? Aina Fadina and her camera crew are likely on the story. Founder and executive producer of I of Africa, an original multimedia web series about Africa and Africans across the globe, Fadina is fanatical about representation and showcasing the evolving sub-cultures in fashion, art, music, and film within the diaspora. She is also the founder of Afad & Company, a boutique creative marketing consultancy that provides strategic direction for luxury brands entering emerging markets. Currently juggling a master's program, Fadina gave her thoughts to our perennial questions.

PROTOChic:  First thing when you wake up? 

Aina Fadina: Depending on my state of existence, the first things I do are meditate and listen to Tara Brach's podcast instead of running to my phone. 

PROTOChic:  Memorable dish and where one can find it? 

Fadina: Well, if we go Nigerian style, there is nothing better than a bowl of amala, ewedu, and fried stew. Lord, have mercy, especially my mom's! If we are going non-Nigerian, I have had so many memorable ones: green curry at Sukhothai at the Banyan Tree in Thailand, kale salad at Jean Georges in New York, and shabbos chicken at Abe Fisher in Philadelphia.

PROTOChic:  Most recent books bought or borrowed? 

Fadina: Statistics of Business by Robert Stine and Dean Foster, Financial Accounting by Robert Magee (sigh!). When I am not reading books for school, at night, I am re-reading the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This is my third time reading this book. I try to read a chapter a night.

PROTOChic:  Artist of inspiration, why?

Fadina: As a producer and host, I am blown away by the way the artist mind works. I am inspired by how they generally use their emotions and intellectual abilities to create different forms of art. 

PROTOChic:  Next travel destination?

Fadina: Miami, Florida for school. I am currently enrolled in an EMBA program at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. 

PROTOChic:  Biggest social grievance? 

Fadina: When people eat on public transportation, people who are strategic and opportunistic about 'making friends,' and people who ghost!

PROTOChic:  Quote you find yourself going back to? 

Fadina: I have two: To whom much is given, much is expected. It is nice to be important, it is more important to be nice. 

PROTOChic:  Last thing before you close your eyes? 

Fadina: When I don't pass out reading, I journal and say words of gratitude and thanks. 

This interview has been condensed and edited.