Meet Ngohile Yakubu

We recently connected with Ngohile Yakubu and have shared our conversation below.

Ngohile, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from growing up in a big family household, where I learned to be independent at a very young age—starting as early as 4. Being part of such a dynamic environment meant navigating different personalities and responsibilities, which taught me adaptability, resourcefulness, and self-reliance. Those early experiences shaped my ability to face challenges head-on and find solutions on my own. It also instilled in me a strong sense of perseverance, as I had to figure things out and contribute from a young age.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a multi- published model based in STL. I am determined to curator unique experiences centered around sustainable fashion and the impact it has on the environment. Hence my name ‘The curator’. I would love to be a recognized global model and one the influential people driving a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.

My brand is called Leyla’s Kloset. We curate high end pieces that elevate your wardrobe and most importantly, distinguish you from everyone else. We are online and can be found at www.leylaskloset.com and social platforms. My goal is to venture into Africa with a collaborative approach on how we can tackle the fashion waste that ultimately ends up on our continent as I am from there and would love to preserve our planet for future generations.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

To answer this question, you can reflect on the traits, skills, or lessons that played the biggest role in shaping who you are today. Based on your background, here’s a suggested response framework:

1. Independence:
Growing up in a big family and being independent from such a young age taught me self-reliance. I learned how to take initiative, manage responsibilities, and navigate situations without always depending on others. This ability to trust in myself and adapt has been a constant source of strength throughout my journey.

2. Emotional Intelligence and Adaptability:
Being in a big household meant constantly interacting with different personalities, managing conflicts, and understanding the needs of others. These experiences gave me the ability to read situations, communicate effectively, and stay flexible in the face of change—a skill set that has been invaluable both personally and professionally.

3. Problem-Solving and Resourcefulness:
Starting life with limited resources meant I had to think creatively and make the most of what was available. Whether it was finding ways to complete tasks, help others, or overcome challenges, this resourcefulness became a defining skill that helped me thrive even in tough circumstances.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One book that has played an important role in my development is The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. It fascinated me with its exploration of how small, seemingly insignificant actions or moments can create a tipping point for significant change.

One of the key lessons I took away was the idea of ‘connectors’—people who bridge gaps and bring others together. It made me realize the value of relationships and the impact of building networks, no matter how big or small. Another impactful concept was the ‘stickiness factor,’ which highlighted how small tweaks can make an idea, message, or product memorable. This taught me the importance of being thoughtful and intentional in how I communicate and present ideas.

Finally, the book’s emphasis on the power of context resonated with me. It helped me understand how the environment and circumstances can influence behaviors, and this insight has shaped the way I approach challenges and problem-solving in my own life. The Tipping Point showed me that transformation doesn’t always require massive effort—it’s about finding and amplifying the right factors to create meaningful change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leylaskloset.com
• Instagram: @garden_of_hile

Image Credits

Photographers:
Carol Lara
Echo Exposure – Monte
Elegance Creations
Ryan Anthony