Fashion and Shutters with Naomi Ribigbe

Naomi Ribigbe is an award winning freelance model based in Ibadan and Lagos state that specializes in fashion, beauty and commercial work. Naomi is a creator who has collaborated with different brands, worked on various campaigns and enjoys expressing herself through visual storytelling. As a unique creator, Naomi has received various recognitions for her work including the Nigerian Youth Achievers Award (6th edition) and has been named one of the top 50 most industrious women in Africa 23’ at an event hosted in Ghana. Naomi is currently expanding into more brand partnerships and content-driven projects.

What is Your Opinion on the Creative Industry?

The creative industry is one that is exciting and challenging at the same time. On one hand, there's the freedom for her to build her brand, tell her stories in her own type of way and connect directly with her audience. And on the other hand, it demands her consistency, clarity and courage.

To Naomi, the creative industry is not something a person does once and expects the result he/she is looking for. You actually have to put in the work.

She also loves that creativity is being recognized as a currency; your style, ideas, and vibe all hold value. One has to know how to own it and sell it without losing one’s sense of self.

What is Your Take on Collaborations and What Collaborations are You Open to?

Naomi believes collaboration is where the magic happens. She is big on energy, as long as the vibe aligns and the magic is right. Her own take is that the biggest collabs happen when everyone brings their all to the table. She is especially looking forward to working with photographers and stylists who push boundaries as well as brands that celebrate individuality.

In Naomi's words, “more fashion films, editorials, beauty campaigns, and content collabs with other models and creators? Yes please!”

What Is Your Overarching Goal For Your Work?

To be a face and a force. Naomi wants people to recognize her presence in front of the camera, not just for the look but for the mood she brings. Her goal is to create visuals that feel timeless and also create a space where confidence, softness and edge can coexist.

Expanding into brand campaigns and maybe mentoring or directing some of them are part of her long-term goals, but she is currently focused on building a body of work she is proud of and staying consistent.

What Are Your Top Three Favorite Projects?

Vixen Video Shoot.

It was shot in April. Naomi expresses that this shoot pushed her out of her comfort zone in the best possible way. The shoot was bold, styled to perfection and made her feel like she owned every second on set. And that ownership energy was translated on camera as pure confidence.

Beauty Campaign.

This was shot in January. The Beauty Campaign was one of Naomi's first major campaigns. She felt surreal, seeing her face on billboards. The look was clean and elegant. “I felt like it introduced me to the industry.”

Fashion Content Collab With Olivia.

Naomi explains that this collaboration was pure fun. The intention was to style themselves, vibe, and create something authentic that still looked editorial, and it came out exactly that way. This project reminded Naomi that not every great project has to be big-budget. Sometimes, it's just real chemistry and creativity.

Tell Me About Your Creative Process.

Naomi's process starts in her mind. She, more often than not, visualizes the vibe even before she gets dressed or steps in front of the camera. There are important questions she brings to her consciousness, before the process itself. Questions like “what mood is she bringing? What feelings is she trying to spark among her audiences?

Music is also a big part of her creative process. Her playlist is always set, while she gets ready, depending on the character she is playing. Think soft R&B, Afrobeats, or anything that is in line with her character.

Furthermore, she does a mini reset, just before any shoot or content day; skin prepped, a cleansed energy and a pep talk, directed to herself. Anything that keeps her locked in.

Tell Me About Your Inspiration and what Led You to Start Creating?

Naomi's biggest inspiration stems from women who own their beauty and presence: models, muses and artists who created impact just by existing boldly. Naomi has always been drawn to visuals—fashion, beauty and energy.

She took the bold step into creating when she realized that there was no need for her to seek approval, or wait for a perfect set-up. It was a step-by-step process. The idea that there was absolutely no need for her to wait for anything changed Naomi's perspective into being a Creative.

It made her fall in love with expressing herself and sharing the journey publicly.

Is there Something You're Working on Currently?

Naomi is currently focused on consistently building her visual brand. She has been curating shoots that reflect different sides of her; soft glam, high fashion. She is also working on expanding collaborations. Naomi expresses that she is looking forward to working with more creatures and brands that align with her aesthetics.

The Behind the Scenes of the creative industry is experiencing a soft rebrand and she is excited to show more of her versatility in the next few months.

Describe Who You Are in Detail, as a Human Being and as a Creator.

Naomi as a human being is an intuitive, thoughtful and soft spoken person, but with an edge. She loves and appreciates beauty in all its forms and prefers surrounding herself with people who bring peace and inspiration. Naomi values intention, energy and real connection.

As a Creator, Naomi is visual and emotion driven. She creates from her feelings. If the emotions are not there, then she won't translate accurately.

She is constantly evolving, always learning and has a keen eye for detail: be it the angle, the mood and the styling. They are all important.

In her words, “ It all matters to me. I'm not just here to post pretty pics; I want people that feel something when they see my work.”

Fashion brought to the forefront, alongside cameras and lighting is a different kind of art altogether. You can always reach out to Naomi on Instagram @Youfoundnaomi.