"I'm The Female Version Of My Dad" - Dominique Oputa Says

[Shola Sholaz]

Dominique Oputa is the last child of the areafada himself, Charly Boy. She currently lives in Atlanta where she's studying Fashion and Design in the University of Arts Institute. Her dream is to become a famous designer some day. Like her famous dad, Dominique has tattoos and piercings and is very fearless. In this interview with New Wave Productions, she talks about her life in the US, her father and his influence in her life.
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Are you happy to be home; would you settle in
Nigeria or you would finally settle abroad?
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This will always be home for me, at least, it's comforting to know one is with family, and I am glad to be home. I missed home, mum and dad. Things may not be what it should be, but home is it. There were too many things I took for granted before I left, but now I know better. When I'm done with schooling, I will be back home, to do my own thing too, even though, the weather is killing me right now".
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You are a child of two different cultures, how do you cope?
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When I was home, I grew up fast; I had that independent spirit, so I'm coping real good. I am working now and schooling, I simply just thank God. Growing up with my parents kept me on the straight and narrow path, trust Dad, we all know how strict he gets sometimes, although I am old enough, I guess in his eyes, I will forever remain his baby. However growing up in Nigeria, prepared me for my independence. Nigerian children are more grounded than the Americans. We mature quicker and early enough to start taking responsibilities.
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You look so much like your father in looks and style, is this deliberate?
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I think I'm just the female version of my dad, we are just the same pretty much, I guess I caught his cold after years of being around him. I have always admired him for his freedom and his tenacity at a time when it was taboo to look that way. In my case, the whole thing just grew on me.
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I don't do all I do because I am trying to be like my dad. I am just Dominique, even though I wear tattoos and have piercings, but it's just because I love them, not because I got influenced by my dad. There are many people who do this stuff, not because anyone, but because they are just comfortable that way.
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What's is your choices of career, and what influence does your dad have regarding that?
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I want to be a designer and a stylist. I am like my mother in that regards. I like to make things, and I'm good with my hands too. As long as you walk that positive part and observe dad's little rules, you are free to express yourself any which way creatively.
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Knowing the battle dad fought for his independence, it would be wrong for him to remote us into something else that does not agree with our innate ability.
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My dad didn't influence my choice of career, it is just what I've always loved and desired to do. I have always had a love for fashion since I was in high school. I could say a little bit of influence as to his nature but not like I was pressured or told to do what I am doing now.

[Folami David]

Well that is actually expected from a father to a daughter.I'm nt surprised at all. Let's see how it goes

[Shola Sholaz]

But if you ask me i would say she really doesn't need to tell us anything, we can see that ourselves