From the Inside Out: Serra Bellum on Beauty, Passion and Gratitude

It’s our absolute pleasure to enter the bright and beautiful universe of The Bellum Booth!

Our guide Serra Bellum – AKA Yemisi Abraham – talks us through her digital luxury marketing, fashion and lifestyle brand, and shares her top tips for looking great – and feeling even better! Follow her on Instagram @serrabellum

First of all, please introduce yourself.

I’m Yemisi, I am a 24-year-old Nigerian-British fashion connoisseur with a graduate degree in Fashion Design & Luxury Marketing.

Where does your creativity come from?

I come from a family of artists and visionaries, which I think developed my aesthetic eye, attention to detail, and ability to see hidden beauty. I’ve always loved fashion: as a child, I’d sketch designs on the back of my father’s newspapers! Fashion school nurtured this passion, and a second degree in Luxury Marketing gave me a business foundation to balance out my creative pursuits. The Bellum Booth combines both of these strands. It allows me to travel, network and explore, and collaborate with brands worldwide. I still get those ‘Pinch me’ moments!

What’s the secret to outer and inner beauty?

It comes down to inner work: constantly trying to be the best version of oneself, and unlearning behaviors that aren’t a true representation of who you want to be. Once this becomes a priority, outward beauty is inevitable. Clean eating and cutting out bad habits and unhealthy relationships also contribute greatly.

How do you stay in such great shape?

I workout four times a week, and was taught the benefits of clean eating by my mother quite early on. My favorite workouts involve toning my glutes and abdominals.

What are your skincare secrets, and what advice do you offer?

Don’t buy products based solely on hype; do independent research on the effects they have on your particular skin type, and try samples before committing. I have oily skin, so only buy products suited to my skin’s specific needs.

Lifestyle also matters, and in addition to working out, I drink lots of herbal tea and one to two liters of water every day. I remove all make up thoroughly before bed and change my pillow case often. I also avoid touching my face, and indulge in facial or two a month.

How do you care for skin after exercising?

I workout in the morning, before taking a shower. After, I use a three step system (Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing) to get me ready for the day. Twice a week I’ll lightly exfoliate and settle in with a face mask.

What do you like about FOREO products, and do you have a favorite?

I especially love FOREO products that pair with the mobile app. Like UFO, for example, and its well thought-out facial masks to suit every skin type. My favorite product would be the LUNA fofo… It’s transformed my morning routine! The silicone material is so soft to the touch yet so effective in extracting dirt and leaving the skin feeling fresh.

We see you love to travel – where’s your favourite place so far?

South Africa! The best travel advice I’ve been given is to have an open mind to new cultures, and be willing to try out new things. Also be sure to document your journey!

Tell us five travel must-haves

Phone, camera and laptop, to work on-the-go and document experiences. For downtime, swimwear and a book are essential.

Where does your fashion inspiration come from?

I’m inspired by everything from art and architecture, to music, culture and food – but rarely ever trends! I adore brands like Loewe, Fendi & Marni.

Describe a typical day

A typical day includes a workout, prayer and meditation, emails and social networking, meetings, content creation and shopping. I make time for contacting family abroad and catching up with friends. Night time rituals, like cooking, reading, or watching movies help me unwind.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love meeting new people and learning from them. I enjoy traveling, and exploring new cities on foot: checking out museums, discovering hidden gems, trying food spots, and taking photographs. I like to be in nature, so visiting the beach, dog walks in the park, boating, and so on. I also love shopping – especially for fabric and checking out interior decor stores.

What inspires you and where do you see yourself in five years time?

I’m inspired by the beauty of life. I make sure to be present, and show gratitude for the little things we otherwise take for granted and overlook. In this way, you never run dry of ideas, concepts and creativity. In five years time? It’s hard to say – but most of all, I’d like to be happy and content with all that life has thrown my way.