Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Adewoyin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started making jewelry over eight years ago on a whim. I was looking for a particular type of necklace, but couldn’t seem to find anything like it. I’ve always been crafty, but I decided to go for it. I found myself researching clasps, beads, metals, tools, and finally decided to go for it. It worked. I was hooked and have been making jewelry ever since. By day I’m an entertainment lawyer, and by night I’m a jewelry designer.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I often think about the saying, “man proposes, God disposes.” When I first started making jewelry almost a decade ago, I had no idea I would ever launch a handmade business from it. In fact, I felt this imposter syndrome when it came to the things I made. I wasn’t comfortable talking about that side of myself. I could talk all day about being a lawyer but never discussed my creative passions. I would wear a piece of jewelry that I made and when people would compliment me or ask where I got the item from, I would lie and say I bought it from some type of boutique in a state far away. If I were in New York, I would say I got it in a boutique in Los Angeles, and vice versa. Fear and insecurity will make you do silly things. I struggled mentally with the concept of being both a successful lawyer and a creative. For some reason, I thought people would judge me for being good at both or would assume I would want to dump one passion for the other passion. The biggest struggle has been overcoming the fear of judgment and realizing you can be a successful corporate professional and a creative. Once you find something that makes you happy, feel the fear and do I anyway. Even if that means turning a hobby into a business.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
There are two things I’m working on at the moment. First, I am the owner and CEO of Lola Ade, a jewelry line infused with color and culture. My line includes handmade pieces of jewelry inspired by my Nigerian heritage, love of color, and global travels. Lola Ade includes a spectrum of pieces, from minimalist gold-filled earrings to 4-tier statement necklaces made out of real coral. My brand is known for being bright, bold, with an aesthetic of tropical and cultural pride.
Another thing that I am known for is my ability to make jewelry out of unconventional materials, including fruits and vegetables. Launching Lola Ade helped push me creatively and inspired me to launch my photo series called RAW, where I make jewelry using real fruits and vegetables. Some people have asked me why? I say, why not? RAW is a reflection of not only the materials that I use (raw fruits and vegetables), but more so a reflection of how vulnerable creatives feel putting themselves out there. It was a full circle challenge for me. I was so uncomfortable asking my creative friends to help me photograph the pictures that I taught myself how to self-shoot and how to edit my own images. I would get home from work and then make the edible jewelry, do my own makeup, hair, self-shoot, then edit. Hopefully, through RAW people feel inspired to create something with the gifts God gave them, and to see the beauty in everything around them.
What were you like growing up?
I was such a nerd—but a cool nerd. I was pretty much the stereotypical African child (i.e., top of the class, played sports, could go to events but still had to be home early). Through it all, I was obsessed with crafting/ DIY and color. The strong women in my family instilled the belief that I can do and make anything. My love of color has been around since childhood from the vibrant African print fabrics and the strong fashion scene in Nigerian culture. All of these things have helped shape me into the person I am today and definitely influence the content I create.
Pricing:
- Earrings starting from $19.99
- Necklaces starting from $24.99
- Bracelets starting from $29.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LolaAde.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ShopLolaAde for Jewelry | @Pamazonwarrior for RAW and my personal creative pursuits
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ShopLolaAde | www.facebook.com/pamazonwarrior
Image Credit:
1) Lola Ade Monstera Leaf Earrings worn by Rahne Keith, photo by Pamela Adewoyin.
2) Stacked coral necklaces by Lola Ade worn by Wokie Zaria, photo by Sylvanus Finney.
3) Lola Ade Forest Green Tassel Earrings worn by Marielle Washington, photo by Anatalia Zavaleta.
4) Gold Tassel Earrings by Lola Ade worn by Ahsem Lashea, photo by Breiana Autena.
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
