After years of a successful law career left Nigerian Temituokpe Esisi frustrated at her country’s stagnant economy, she decided to switch careers to help empower other women by starting her own tailoring and fashion design business, Tuopsy’s Enterprises, that would not only employ women, but also provide them with an education to help them better their own circumstances.

A few years ago, I found a book-length literary magazine, Conditions:Five, amongst the discarded and donated books on the shelves in a local coffeehouse.  I skimmed through it that day, just long enough to finish my cup of chai, before placing it back on the shelf.  At the time, I had no idea that I'd held such a rich piece of history in my hands.

You know how sometimes you just fall into an emotion funk? Like, self-doubt and constant criticism are hiding behind every corner of your house, and only a good movie marathon or indulgent internet purchase seem to do the trick? I found myself in such a messy state over the weekend and was lucky enough to stumble across YOU ARE AMONG FRIENDS (rather than spending over $50 on etsy stress shopping).

More after the jump!