The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Anita Beryl’s Liteside
Any three things we don’t know about you?
I love simplicity, peaceful and easy things because I know where I come from. Unfortunately, I have always got that kind of misjudgment as people perceive me to be a proud person. The manner in which I was raised stuck in me.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I am happy when my client is happy; it gives me so much joy and makes me forget that they didn’t pay enough because I have so much emotion invested in that, they say the greatest joy for a woman is having a baby but I am yet to experience that.
What is your greatest fear?
It used to be rejection and failure but as I grew up, I realized that no matter the result, I have given it my best and that there is something better. I have however learnt to do things even more perfectly with experience.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I tend to want things done in an extremely perfect way forgetting that there are mistakes.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I can’t stand someone who lies to me.
Which living person do you most admire?
My mother, Jean Ahabwe may not be rich but she is always very contented and happy. Her character has made me realise that I don’t need amazing cars or houses to be happy but use every little thing around me to create a happy environment .
What is your greatest extravagance?
I like perfume and jewelry and it doesn’t matter whether I have too much in the room.
What is the greatest thing you have ever done?
When I started my fashion work, I was neither rich nor from a renowned. I am happy about the heights we have explored.
What is your current state of mind?
I am okay.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Hating and judging people. The time we spend thinking about the people who hate us and trying to look for every little negative thing about them is just too much and yet not worth it.
What does being powerful mean to you?
Being successful yet humble; with power comes a lot of pride and you may not mean to portray it but at times it catches up with you. However, when you walk through that path and still keep humble, it means being powerful. Only powerful people are able to do that.
On what occasion do you lie?
I have lied before but as you grow up, you form different values. From them I have leanrt to train myself so hard to try and tell the truth.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I like to appreciate myself.
Which living person do you most despise?
I don’t despise anyone; I rather appreciate people because even when people do so much wrong and you get angry at them, it affects you more than the other person.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Knowing God and with it, everything else will fall in place.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
God fearing.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
I have parents, siblings and nephews whom I so much love. I am yet to confirm another person whom I will love the most .
When and where were you happiest?
On my graduation day in 2010 because as a first born, I witnessed the joy of my parents. I also put feelings into seemingly very little things like when I featured in the Nigerian Fashion week in 2016, I was nervous knowing that their industry is on a higher level. Right from how I was received to the D-day mingling with Africa’s queen designers, showcasing and having everyone stand in appreciation for my pieces was a memorable day. I was also happy when we got our first nephew in the family to the extent that I forgot about the baby not being biologically mine.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Teaching and cooking are things I love to do and they just help me shade off the stress.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would just give myself very beautiful long hair because I have tried and it just doesn’t get longer.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I don’t have a single one but each time I see a bride walk out with a smile or when I receive messages of appreciation after, it just rings a bell of achievement.
Where would you most like to live?
I feel like it’s always safe to be home and I don’t know how to live without the people I love the most .
What is your most treasured possession?
I am not very attached to things because at a certain point, I let go and believe that I can always get the same or even better.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Being without proper health care.
What is your favorite occupation?
It’s being a fashion designer although I also look at teaching fashion in the near future when things get sorted. I believe that teaching is a means of helping others and it gives me so much joy.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty; I have friends that I am certain that even if anything happened, they will still be there even when we are not communicating and not done so much together in a long time.
Who are your favorite writers?
I am not attached to any writer and as for fashion, I read because I have to do it.
Who is your hero of fiction?
I love to step out of my reality but I don’t associate with a specific star.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
One that touches me the most is Oprah Winfrey; she has been through hell and nothing has stopped her from being one of the most powerful persons in the world.
What is your greatest regret?
I don’t blame myself and hence no regrets.
How would you like to die?
Just in my sleep
What is your motto?
Prayer keeps you focused and grounded in a proper place.
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