Mode Around The Globe: Christine Obanor
@christineobanor
Photography by Jorden Keith @jordenkeith
Location: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
www.montereyplazahotel.com
@montereyplaza
Tell us a little about yourself and how you would describe your personal brand in three words?
Confident. Ambitious. Playful.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a lot sillier than I look. I think people expect “model serious,” and then they actually meet me.It’s so funny hearing people say “I thought you’d be quiet and uptight”. I guess my RBF works overtime.
What’s your ultimate main-character moment?
My ultimate “main character” moment is definitely my day 3 hair. The fro is big, voluptuous, and honestly the ultimate icebreaker. There’s just something about it that makes me feel like an IT girl, and the endless compliments only back me up.
What’s one thing you never travel without?
I cannot travel without my hair pick. I can’t believe there was ever a time in my life when I thought my fingers were enough. I need maximum volume at all times, and my pick is the only thing getting me there.
What does your perfect getaway look like?
My perfect getaway is somewhere tropical where I can fully romanticize my life. I want crystal clear water, a cute little breakfast overlooking the ocean, a boat day, some kind of water activity (despite the fact that I can’t swim”, and just enough adventure to make me feel like I’m in a movie and could possibly run into my husband.. And obviously, I need at least one night where I get way too dressed up for dinner for absolutely no reason.
Are you more of a meticulously planned itinerary girl or “let’s see where the day takes us” girl?
I aspire to be a meticulously planned itinerary girl, but somehow I always get overstimulated during the planning process. So instead, I’ll have an idea of what I want to do and let the day take us from there. It really comes down to the weather, the vibes, and whatever activities sound fun in the moment.
What’s your go-to travel outfit when you want to look effortlessly chic?
Give me anything linen. Give me a flowy linen set, a cute sandal, minimal jewelry, and a good pair of sunglasses. Linen automatically makes me look like I have my life together, even when I absolutely do not.
What’s one destination at the very top of your travel bucket list?
It’s a hard pick between Switzerland, Japan, Bali, and Bora Bora, but I’m going to be like everybody else in the world and say Bora Bora. I mean… have you seen that water? Put me in an overwater bungalow and let me live my delusional little life.
What is one piece of advice that has had a lasting impact on your life?
“Comparison will have you questioning blessings you once prayed for.” It’s so easy to look at what someone else has and suddenly feel behind, while completely overlooking how far you’ve come. Sometimes you have to remind yourself that your current life has things your past self was praying for.
What’s something you’re currently learning, working on, or trying to get better at?
I’ve been spending more time learning how to day trade, and whew… the journey has been rough. It’s honestly one of the hardest things I’ve tried to learn, but I’m determined to stick with it until I finally get it right. I refuse to let the stock market bully me forever.
What’s one quality you admire most in the people you surround yourself with?
We can all succeed in our own lane without feeling like there is any competition. I’ve experienced jealous friends before and its honestly such a distasteful quality to have. When you get older, your circle becomes smalled and I’m just grateful to have my small circle.
If you could spend a day living someone else’s life, whose would it be?
Honestly, forget living someone else’s life. I want to be a bird for a day. I want to fly, sit on random rooftops, people watch from above, and go wherever I want with absolutely no itinerary, no bills, and no responsibilities. That sounds like freedom to me.
What’s your ultimate comfort activity after a long day?
Give me my favorite snacks, a cozy blanket, and a good movie, and I’m set. Bonus points if it’s raining outside and I have absolutely nowhere to be.
What’s one thing that instantly puts you in a good mood?
Food is basically the off button for my bad mood. Feed me something good and suddenly I’ve forgotten what I was upset about.
What does “feeling your best” look like for you right now?
Feeling my best right now looks like feeling good from the inside out. Staying close to God, taking care of my body, feeling confident in how I look, and being at peace with where I am while still being excited about where I’m going.
What’s a personal mantra or motto you’re currently living by?
“The life I want requires the version of me I’m becoming.”
What’s one thing you hope people feel when they see the content you create?
I hope people feel like they can see a little bit of themselves in me. Whether it’s confidence, faith, beauty, or just figuring life out as I go, I want someone to watch my content and think, “If she can do it, maybe I can too.”
If your life had a soundtrack right now, what song would be playing?
“Golden” - Jill Scott
What do you have coming up that you’re really excited about?
I have a few projects I’ve been quietly working on that I’m really excited to finally bring to life. I’ve spent a lot of my career being the face of other people’s visions, so I’m excited to step into a season where I’m creating and building some of my own.
What was your favorite part of your stay at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Definitely waking up with the beautiful view. There’s something so peaceful about hearing the ocean first thing in the morning and being able to just sit there, take in the view, and slow down for a second. I felt like my nervous system was finally resetting.
