It’s lonely at the top without a mentor –Nana Ama Royale

MOST people see celebrities as ‘demigods’ who have it all figured out; but oftentimes, it is far from the reality. And that is why Nana Ama Agyeiwaa, the winner of 2010 Ghana’s Most Beautiful pageant, is challenging those in the limelight to have mentors.

To Nana Ama, popularly known as Nana Ama Royale, mentors shaped the path of celebrities and as such, they (public figures) shouldn’t see themselves above supervision.

 “A mentor is someone who always makes time for you, and shares knowledge, skills and life experiences to guide you to reach your goal.

 “Oprah Winfrey has been a mentor to many women all over the world. 

For many years, Oprah has also mentioned that she takes lots of inspiration from renowned author and poet, Maya Angelou.

“If even with Oprah’s status, she is inspired by others, what prevents people like me from having a mentor?” she asked in a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz.

Fame, when not well handled comes with a lot of mental stress that negatively affects individuals and Nana Ama Royale said the role of a mentor should not be underplayed considering that they had walked in a similar path.

“Being at the top is lonely and not having someone in your life to help steer affairs is mentally stressful. As a human, you need people to tell you the truth when you are going wayward to protect your public image.

“If you are ignorant of the power you wield and how to positively make an impact, fame will be a weapon of destruction to you and your brand will be badly affected,” she added.

After Ghana’s Most Beautiful, Nana Ama Royale used the platform to build a strong brand and today, she boasts of a Montessori school and various businesses which she attributes to the guidance of a mentor.

As a show of commitment to her advocacy, she recently held a mentorship programme dubbed  Royale High Tea Party to empower and mentor the youth.

The event, themed, How Do We Empower The Next Generation To Feel Enough, had Director Marketing Garnier at L'Oreal, USA, Aretha Yorke Sabeng; Writer, Political Analyst from South Africa, Bonologo Makgale; Style and Etiquette Coach, Ms Nancy Adobea Anane, and Gospel Artiste, Empress Gifty Adorye, as speakers.

 “Okay, so, basically, I opened my doors to the people who have been seeking my help to mentor them. My team had over 100 people applying to be part of the mentorship programme. Surprisingly, we received applications from even PhD holders and that shows that no one is above mentorship,” she said.

On what she hoped to achieve with the programme, she said, “I can enhance these skills through guiding and supporting these mentees and also be a means to give back to society”.