•CALIFORNIA Based, Alhaja KAOSARAT YETUNDE OLANSHILE
Everyone calls her Alhaja Alaye Oni Coffee. But her real name is Alhaja Kaosarat Yetunde Olanshile. She is an adorable Nigerian celebrity woman who lives in California. She will be 60 in September. But she does not look it. She plays big in real estate, both in Nigeria and California. Over the years, many have come to call her by her nickname Alhaja Alaye Onicoffe. Though she resides abroad, she is always in Nigeria to see her family. Not too long ago, she told City People the story of her life.
When she clocked 59 last year, it was a quiet celebration. When we interviewed her last September at 59 we asked how she felt and how she was going to celebrate it. “Well its going to be a quiet one this year but God willing next year (2020) will be groovy.”
We also asked her, how she has been able to continue to look young. What is the secret? What is her beauty secrets? “Let me start by saying this Yoruba adage Bi o ba se lo ara e lo se ma ba arae meaning (you are happier the way you use yourself). I love designers and you must take good care of yourself if you really want your expensive designers to look good on you.”.
Because she has a robust sense of humour, many ladies like to be around her. She is also frank to a fault. She loves to say it as it is no matter whose ox is gored. She is a no-nonsense woman. She does not suffer fools gladly. She does not usually hide her feelings.
She is friends with the old and the young. She is close to Chief Mrs. Abba Folawiyo popularly called Sisi Abah. She calls her My Mummy. A lot of young ladies gravitate towards her. They love her. They say she is a nice person. She is also generous.
She says above all things the Grace of God counts more in my life. Oore Ofe Olorun ni”. How did she get the alias Alaye oni Coffee? What is her actual name? “My name is Alhaja Kaosarat Yetunde Olabisi Olanshile (a.k.a Alaye Oni Coffee. How did I get the alias? “I will tell you how I became very popular. I was the only Nigerian woman to own a Coffee Shop in California in the US so that made me popular. In 1998, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister came to perform in Oakland California to do a concert and that is how I got the nickname Alaye Oni Coffee”.
Why does she live in California and not Nigeria? “I moved from Houston, Texas to California because of job opportunity.” She says she does not feel 59 already. I actually feel younger. I feel less worried. Age is just a number I am content with what I have achieved and yet I yearn for positive vibes. I don’t like negativity around me”. How did she become close to Princess Abah Folawiyo? “Princess Abah Folawiyo’s mum and my mum are very close friends. Her junior sister Funmi Braithwaite was my childhood friend”.
Many celebrity women like her, all over the world. How did she become that popular among the women of different age grade? “Maybe its because I am very easy going. I accommodate people. I have positive energy. My approach to life is easy. I don’t complain. I don’t harbour negative thoughts. If you are constantly complaining, stressed, bored or Groomy, people will feel crummy in your presence. People will run away. I don’t adopt a negative attitude or bring others down with low energy. Instead, I cheer people up and develop a happy, optimistic and positive demean our that shows off my zest for life.
“So, I use this infectious energy to deal with people, especially my friends. I guess that’s what endears me to people and made me popular. But the secret is that I am an extremely Shy person.”
She is a stylish woman. How did she become very stylish? “Its because I love to look good. I have key points I need to share with people. (1) Don’t buy something for just one occasion. (2) Don’t buy or keep anything that doesn’t fit or suits you (3) Go for anything that makes you stand out. Those are statements of facts. (4) To be stylish, wear clothes that flatter your shape and that you are comfortable in stick to the classics.
She has many quotable quotes like; Never waste an hour with anyone who doesn’t lift you up and encourage you… Never chase Love, Affection or attention. If it’s not given freely by the other person, then it’s not worth having…If your life is characterised by envy, I’m afraid you might not find happiness throughout your entire life…One thing in life is, when you have a vision, you will definitely attract a helper…I’m never upset when I see an ex with someone else why? Because ever since I was little, my parents taught me to give my old toys to the less fortunate.” “If your ex-calls you at 3 am saying he can’t sleep, tell him to read Isaiah 48.22. “There is no rest for the wicked.”
