Chantel Ross Francois is one of the few names that combine international expertise, local impact, and visionary leadership in the world of tourism. Interestingly, what shaped her love for tourism and cultural exchange is her household. Francois grew up in a Canadian Caribbean American household, which gave her a unique lens on the world. She was surrounded by different cultures, traditions, and values from an early age, and it taught her that hospitality is more than just service; it’s a connection. For her, every family gathering was like a mini cultural exchange, and that naturally expanded into a love for showcasing destinations, cultures, and experiences. Tourism has always been a passion and a bridge for Francois—it’s about bringing people together and creating spaces where the world feels a little smaller and more familiar. Her job entails reimagining how cities welcome people, and she does so effortlessly.

Read Chantel Ross Francois’s story on pages 8 to 10.

Shoes carry us through long walks and busy workdays; however, they can also become a source of pain when they are too tight, too hard, or not designed for comfort. Pages 4 and 5 outline suggestions to make your shoes more comfortable.

Our beauty page discusses makeup essentials. Beauty writer, Dorcas Akintoye, reminds us that less is more when it comes to makeup, and that we don’t have to carry our entire vanity case with us everywhere we go; just a few key items are needed—think of them as your “emergency kit” for quick touch-ups throughout the day. Scroll to page 12 for this.

We celebrate Nigeria’s 65 years of Independence with a special feature on pages 13 and 14. I urge you to read it.

Happy Independence Day to Nigeria.

Until next week, enjoy your read.