Check Out Mayowa Akinwole’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayowa Akinwole.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always had a passion for everything creative since I was a young girl. Whether it was music, dance, fashion, acting — ANYTHING, I wanted to be involved. I remember watching artists like Beyoncé and Rihanna on my TV screen when I was about 8 years old and thinking wow, I can do that too. My obsession with America’s Next Top Model had me inviting my cousins over to do photo shoots and impromptu runways. As I got older, this passion only blossomed. I remember doing my first musical “Hairspray” in 7th grade, and after the whole production, I completely fell in love with everything that came with it; the rehearsals, the backstage rush, the feel of the lights on my skin, hair and makeup, the quick outfit changes . I knew this was my calling. I continued participating in these things as I got older through talent shows, church productions, etc. However, as I got older the pressure to find something more “serious/stable” got real from family members so I put my endeavors to the side, but during 2019 I got an epiphany and decided it was now or never to chase my dreams. I started with music because to me, music includes all of my passions : singing, dancing, performing, hair, makeup, fashion, etc. I would write my own songs secretly, and not tell anyone lol. I had about 15 songs written before I finally shared it with my best friend, who then encouraged me to keep going, to my advantage, he also owned a music studio, and allowed me to record there for free and that was the start of my music career. But as the busy body I am, I couldn’t just stop there. My love for fashion and entrepreneurship grew inside of me and for years I secretly worked on a clothing brand. (I’m sensing a pattern here of working secretly before putting things out there) Constantly wondering what unique pieces I could bring to the world, before I finally settled on Ankara. This idea was mainly stemmed from a trip to Nigeria back in 2024. My first time going back since 2005, and what stuck out to me most was the beautiful vibrant colors in the city. Many people will convince you that these countries are dirty and “sh*tholes”, but in reality there is so much beauty to be found. So much color everywhere, and I knew that was something I wanted to bring back to the dull and modernized US. After much planning, I was able to launch this past February during Black History Month, and it has been great ever since then.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t. Growing up as the eldest daughter in a Nigerian immigrant household, the pressure to be the best example and follow a more traditional\stable route has always been there. Having started my music career while attending UCLA and living on my own, I was able to keep it to myself. Once I moved back home, and my parents were surprised I didn’t immediately go back for my masters, they immediately asked for an explanation. And let’s just say they did not understand initially. The first few years back from school were hard. Hell sometimes it still is hard, but I’m grateful for the growth. They’re starting to see the world for what it is and now suddenly there can be more to life than what you might have always believed . Sometimes the American dream isn’t coming here, going to school, and becoming a doctor or lawyer and working under someone until you’re finally able to retire (the route my parents took”. Sometimes it’s going after your dreams full force, and hoping it works out, because you can. After all I always live by the saying “even if, rather than what if”

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer/songwriter from Carson, CA. I make Pop/RnB/ and AfroPop music. I just like making music that people can relate to, catch a vibe to, or both. I also have a clothing business called OLUMAY where I sell beautiful and unique pieces straight from Nigeria. People know me as a jack of all trades because there is absolutely nothing you won’t see me doing. I host and MC parties as well from Birthdays, to Baby Showers, Graduation Parties, anything — I’m there. Anywhere with a mic in hand honestly. I am most proud of continuing to be a creative despite being one of the only people in my family to pursue creative endeavors. I may be the only one doing it now, but I have a feeling many more of my younger cousins will follow suit, or at least have the courage to do so now.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think life is all about taking risks. I’m an Aquarius (sorry I’m one of those people whose whole personality is their zodiac lol), but every thing I do is about breaking out of the norm and crossing boundaries. I would say the biggest risk I’ve taken that I can think about is starting my clothing business. It’s always hard venturing into a new area especially when people know you for one thing already. Previously on top of my musical career I was catering food and selling plates with my business Mayo’s Nigerian Cuisine. It was a business venture I started while in my last year of college at UCLA. It was a great business, and I tried to maintain it when I moved back home, but it wasn’t as sustainable compared to when I was on a college campus. So I decided to stop. At the time, many people would ask me why I stopped, or what happened. When I decided I wanted to pursue OLUMAY, a fashion venture, I was initially skeptical about what people would say, but I’m so glad I did it anyway. And coming to think of it, no one has brought up my previous cooking business, or the what seemed like a 180 switch.

Pricing:

• Opening Sale All Items are currently $50 – dresses, bubu gowns, 2 piece sets etc.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://solo.to/mayowa
• Instagram: Instagram.com/mayowaakinwole and Instagram.com/shopolumay
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@mayowafilmtv1340
• Other: https://TikTok.com/shopolumay