INSPIRATION
it took me many movies, hundreds of rejections, and lots of heartbreaks before I was able to pay my rent and live a normal life.
07
have no regrets about not being a Judge or Surgeon.
I’m the youngest child of 10 siblings of 3 wives. When I was 7 years old my dad went to the hospital because he was so sick. About 5 years later, in 1975, he passed away without saying good bye. However, he left an important message about me to my mom. His legacy was to send me to school and have one of his daughters known worldwide. So, my late mom and my siblings sent me away to school and always encouraged me to be that daughter.
LEGEND: How has Oprah inspired your career development?
Is Your Partner driving you crazy?
LYDIE: Oprah inspires me every day. I heard about Oprah for the first time 15 years ago in France, after watching the movie “The Color Purple”. Her example moves me to strive for greatness and to not let anything or anyone stop me from positively impacting the world with my product. I may not have Oprah money, but Oprah pushed her passion and the money came. I am determined to do the same.
LEGEND: How has being a woman impacted your options to key opportunities in Africa and in the US and how have you successfully overcome them?
I grew up in a polygamous environment where men have multiple wives, thus many children. I remember thinking as a little girl that, I will not accept living in that type of marriage. I moved to the U.S. as a French Investor and I’m currently raising my son as a single mom in Los Angeles. I’m proud that my daughter graduated last year from the 3rd ranked Southern California Private University in Liberal Arts.
As I have become more of a mature woman in the business world, I have found and enjoyed more challenges. Mature women (women over 50) sometimes feel invisible in the business world, when in reality, we have juggled children, husbands, 40 hours a week jobs, babysitters, homework, teenagers, sick babies and we are still standing. We have learned time and life management. Women over 50 can become the best investment for employers, if they continue to dream. If they continue to enjoy taking more challenges.