Working demands high degree of discernment — Dabota

Dabota Lawson is an entrepreneur and a leader with a solid academic foundation in professional management accounting from the London School of Business and Finance, coupled with a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of Leicester. She is the visionary founder of Dabota House of Beauty and Dabota Cosmetics. Her commitment to excellence and quality has earned her venture international acclaim and positioned her as a key player in the beauty industry. In this interview with ENIOLA DANIEL, she shared her view on women empowerment, the show, marriage and others.

What should fans expect from you and why did you decide to be part of the cast (Real Housewives Of Lagos)?
People should expect my unpredictability and versatility. I like to take my time when dealing with situations, but when I speak up, I speak out loud. When I got the invitation to be a part of the cast, I felt that I had a lot of things going on in terms of structuring my business and my brand, so, I didn’t feel I was ready for TV but I had a rethink that it was an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, and see how well I can thrive in close contact with women who are not in my circle, women who are also very strong will and also an opportunity to showcase my business. I have a lot of people who follow me online but all they get to see is work or photos of myself; I wanted an opportunity for people who have been loyal to both my business and personal brand to get to see the sides of me they have not seen before and create a stronger bond and connection with these audience.

What is the side of you not in public and that people should e expecting on this show?
A lot of my activities are structured online; there is a funny side of me that people do not see. Most times, my friends and family always say, ‘Dabota, I wish people could see this side of you. I know that a lot of people will be drawn to you’, so that is a side of me people will get to see. I am sarcastic, and I am somebody who is extremely emotionally intelligent, so, people will get to see how I handle situations, conflicts and challenges. They will get the opportunity to learn a thing or two from me. I know a lot of viewers are expecting gbas gbos (dramas) but I will be there to show how to handle situations even with gbas gbos but in a classy manner and emotional intelligence. I will show how to process thoughts when faced with unpleasant situations; these are things people should expect of me and I am hoping that in turn, would help people learn.

Which of the RHOL cast do you think you could clash with?
There are one or two people that, I think at some point due to miscommunication, clashed but resolved. There is one other person with whom we haven’t gotten a chance to resolve the situation.

Will you be willing to return for the fourth edition?
Yes. This was my first experience. At the beginning of the production, I observed a lot of things and tried to understand the personality of the women whom I had seen and also tried to liaise with and understand new people.

Will you be willing to return for the fourth edition?
Yes. This was my first experience. At the beginning of the production, I observed a lot of things and tried to understand the personality of the women whom I had seen and also tried to liaise with and understand new people.

What do you think Nigerian women can learn from this show?
Women, in general, can learn that working demands significant effort and a very high degree of discernment, emotional intelligence, organisation and a lot of guts. We are just like other people; the only difference is that we are on TV. Some people, especially, the younger generation who are probably in school and looking forward to starting a life, building a structure for themselves, going into a workplace, looking forward to being like any one of us who are cast members on this show or admire us, they would realise that life is not a bed of roses. To thrive in society, you will have to put in significant effort. It takes a lot of effort to even dress up to a set. To mentally prepare yourself, to get ready and be on set, to manage people’s personalities and characters and to have all kinds of dialogue is a lot.

A lot of the women we see on TV glammed up have a lot going on. Outside the glitz and glams, we are mothers, and we are businesswomen who are also trying our best to have a global sphere of our various industries.

How would you handle personal insults, and how easily would you forgive on the show?
I don’t think there is anything that I have never heard about myself, both true and untrue. And, at this point, for my mental health, I choose to forgive but that does not excuse the fact that I would not hesitate to carry out a level of discipline or measures to make people understand that certain behaviour is not acceptable. If somebody comes at me and it involves my child, I would never have a close relationship with such a person.

In marriage, are you for 50-50 or the man carrying all the financial commitment?
I am for 100-100, so you play your role 100 per cent, and I will play my role 100 per cent.