Today we’d like to introduce you to Olumide Akinlolu.
Olumide, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey begins in Nigeria, a place of recurring nightmares and towering expectations, especially as the preacher’s son. Childhood wasn’t easy, and those early years were marked by sleepless nights filled with frightening dreams.
As I grew, I started making some wrong turns, finding myself among the wrong crowd during high school. It wasn’t uncommon to face moments of embarrassment, and my choices worried my parents, particularly my mom, who would often cry herself to sleep over my seemingly reckless path.
Despite these struggles, I kept my focus on education. This commitment led me on a path from Nigeria to Malaysia. But life there brought its own set of challenges; I even had to go without food for a whole week. It’s friends in Malaysia who acted like guardian angels, ultimately saving my life.
One fateful day in the United States, I nearly lost my life on two separate occasions. In one instance, I was playing soccer with my local team, and the other time, I passed out during work in a hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.
My time in the United States has taught me about loyalty, pain, depression, dreams, and the importance of consistency in pursuing one’s goals. I’ve also uncovered my passion for entrepreneurship, learning that starting a business is different from merely having one. In America, I’ve met friends who have shown me the ropes and made me understand the importance of mentorship and research. My journey toward business is marked by the launch of Africanrootstore LLC and the Black & Bold clothing line.
In parallel, my passion for dialogue and fostering cultural understanding has led me to venture into the world of podcasting with CTDAmongblacks. My overarching vision is to bridge the cultural gap between Africa and African America and to support educational initiatives on the African continent.
As an influencer, my voice has grown louder on social media. I’ve used my platform to share thoughts, reviews, and insights about our shared culture and heritage.
But the path wasn’t without challenges. Personal struggles and setbacks in relationships almost cost me everything. At one point, I had to sell my belongings just to keep my dreams alive.
Yet, with determination and unwavering faith in my dreams, I am working towards my vision for the future. My goal is to expand my existing ventures, further foster cultural understanding, and elevate Africanrootstore LLC, my podcast, and my social media presence to new heights.
My journey continues, and the story is far from over.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey from Nigeria to America and all the projects I’ve taken on hasn’t been a straightforward, smooth ride. I’ve encountered numerous obstacles and challenges, which have been essential in shaping who I am today.
One of the significant early challenges I faced was dealing with constant nightmares during my childhood. I had trouble sleeping, which led to considerable anxiety, and my parents tried everything, including placing crosses on my pillow. However, the nightmares persisted and often kept me up at night.
The expectations associated with being the firstborn son of a preacher weighed heavily on my shoulders. The standards were incredibly high, and the pressure to meet them was intense. This early struggle taught me the importance of perseverance and determination.
As a young boy, I struggled with my short stature, which made me an easy target for bullies. However, I was determined not to let my physical appearance define me, and I learned to stand up for myself, slowly growing in self-confidence.
My move to Malaysia brought another set of challenges. I encountered difficulties in obtaining regular meals, to the point where I had to fast for seven days. Eventually, I ended up in the hospital due to malnutrition. It was the care and support of my friends that kept me going.
But the most life-threatening challenges I faced occurred in the United States. I had two near-death experiences here, one from a soccer injury and another during work in a hospital. These instances shook me to my core, making me realize the fragility of life.
Launching my clothing line, Africanrootstore LLC came with a fresh set of challenges. I was inexperienced in the fashion industry, which led to failures, being laughed at, scammed, and used. It was these experiences that pushed me to learn more about entrepreneurship.
Another major obstacle was starting my podcast, CTDAmongblacks. I had to overcome financial mismanagement, which nearly led to giving up on my dreams. Simultaneously, I faced personal struggles and relationship setbacks that almost cost me everything.
Yet, these trials have been essential in shaping my character and instilling in me a deep sense of resilience. Each challenge has been an opportunity for personal and professional growth. My journey has taught me that every obstacle is a chance to learn and come back stronger. While it hasn’t been easy, it has been worth every moment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my professional life, I’ve embarked on a multi-faceted journey that reflects my passions and diverse talents. I hold three degrees: one in Accounting, another in an MBA, and a third in Cybersecurity. These degrees represent my unwavering dedication to self-improvement and education.
Beyond my formal education, I’ve ventured into a diverse array of fields. There was a point in my journey when I found myself behind the wheel of an Uber, primarily because I hadn’t yet cracked the code for landing a position within a Fortune 500 company. It wasn’t for lack of trying I applied diligently, but those elusive opportunities simply didn’t materialize. Yet, I never allowed my hope to waver.
In the present moment, I find myself in a fortunate position, working with State Farm. Simultaneously, I’ve carved a niche for myself in the Nigerian influencer scene, specifically within the realms of music and film. I’ve been actively sharing my unique perspectives and reviews of various music and movie projects, establishing a noteworthy presence, especially on Twitter.
I’ve embraced a diverse range of roles, one of which is as a DJ. I frequently participate in private parties and events, using music to connect with people and bring joy to their lives.
My entrepreneurial journey led to the establishment of Africanrootstore LLC, a clothing line with a trademark already in place. While the clothing line is currently on hold due to some ongoing reconstructions and financial considerations, it remains a project close to my heart.
A significant milestone in my career is the creation of the podcast CTDAmongblacks, where I engage in deep and meaningful discussions on various topics. We aim to bridge cultural differences between Africans and African Americans, fostering understanding and unity among communities. The podcast’s overarching mission is to open avenues for African Americans to study and teach in Africa, creating a brighter future for the next generation.
What sets me apart from others is my unwavering commitment to the idea that success and progress should be shared. I have been fortunate to have a supportive network, and it’s a value I hold dear to my heart. My parents have been a constant source of inspiration, demonstrating the significance of honesty and helping others in need. These principles guide my life and career, keeping me grounded and humble.
What I’m most proud of is the collective vision to bridge the gaps between communities and give people from all walks of life opportunities they might not otherwise have. My professional journey is not solely about individual success but about lifting others along the way. My unwavering commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and creativity is a testament to my unyielding spirit, which I believe will inspire others to embark on their own journeys of discovery and accomplishment.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
For me, three pillars stand out as paramount: passion, purpose, and people.
Passion fuels the drive behind everything I do. It’s the unwavering enthusiasm that propels me forward in my career, be it through podcasting, reviewing music and movies, or contributing to the field of cybersecurity.
Purpose is my guiding light. My mission to bridge the cultural gaps between Africans and African Americans drives me every day. I believe in fostering a deeper understanding between these two groups to create a brighter future for both.
Above all, people are what truly matters. Their support, whether from my family, friends, or the fantastic teams at “CTDAmongblacks” podcast, “Black & Bold” clothing line, or “African Root Lounge,” has been instrumental in my journey. The love and encouragement of these individuals give purpose to my endeavors, making it all worthwhile.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ctdamongblacks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oyebanji_akins/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Oyebanji_akins
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fTvrJ3UVMligSwdhUtfqw
Image Credits
Eden Kebede, Gbenga Dj Cooloo, Brittani Castle
