Today we’d like to introduce you to Wale Oyerinde.
Wale, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Originally born in West Africa in the late 80’s, I grew up in the mega city of Lagos (I call it the boot camp city – It toughens you up).
I started out working in Magazine as an assistant to the editor for over 3 years.
With really big dreams and aspirations, I packed my bags at the age of 18 and moved to Cape Town, South Africa to study Fashion Retail Management at the University of South Africa. Simultaneously, I got a certificate in Visual display at the London College of Fashion.
Before graduation, I worked in retail, visual merchandising, production, fashion styling and e-commerce.
Upon graduation I worked as a buyer and merchandiser for South Africa’s start-up company, now biggest e-commerce website, superbalist.com
After 2+ years, I took a break from retail, joined a talent agency and worked as a fashion stylist and creative director for shoots, campaigns, advertisement and magazine editorials.
In 2015, I moved to Los Angeles where I now permanently reside and work as the Senior Fashion Editor of e-commerce jewelry destination Motif.
I find it very difficult to define what I do, I believe I am a multiplatform creative, the new kind of creative that understands design, attention to details , the process involved but also having a strong business and commercial approach.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s never been a smooth road, I have come across so many challenges. A good example is a client not wanting to work with me because I am not specialized in a particular niche, but instead of getting disappointed, I feel more driven to find that one client that wants and need every skill I have to offer.
Have you ever felt like giving up?
I have never felt like quitting, even when times are tough. I do what I love and enjoy every aspect of the journey. There are good and bad times, but there’s always a lesson to learn. The thirst to learn something new and reach better results is my ultimate drive.
Let’s change gears – is there any advice you’d like to give?
Become a sponge and absorb as much as you can, work with different people no matter where they are from, there’s always something new to learn. Don’t get too comfortable and niche yourself too soon. Be limitless. Be free.
What are you looking forward to?
I don’t know what the future holds but I’m very excited about not knowing. I’m passionate about what I do, working with different creative people and on different projects and I believe this is an important vehicle to drive me into the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.waleoyerinde.info
- Email: waleoy@gmail.com
- Instagram: @walewals
