We had the good fortune of connecting with Lola Ashimi-Howard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lola, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Right before Christmas,2022, I got laid off with no explanation. They left it up to me to assume what was going on behind the scenes. Funny enough, the day before, I was talking with God, I told him, “Yo G, I do not want to be at this company working this position come the New Year. I originally took the position to grow within the company, but quickly realized that was not going to happen.

My first job was at the College of Staten Island, I was maybe 13/14, I remember because I wasn’t even eligible to get a workers permit.

I am now 33, Bachelors under my belt, graduated my Masters program with a 4.0, started my Doctorate Program, taught myself coding and started a project building crypto from scratch.

I realized I have a lot of diverse experience and skills, I’m at the point in my life where I don’t see myself being successful working under somebody else’s wing. I have always been a natural born leader so working under someone doesn’t fit my true personality anyways.

I have ALWAYS been in the business of helping others, I really get a lot of fulfillment in helping but my true real passion, is FASHION. I always assumed it to be a hobby, even a necessity. Never really considered it a CAREER.

A wise man, a wise wealthy man, once said “do what makes you truly happy, and you will never feel like you’re working”.

Now, more than ever, that quote resonates with me, my spirit, my soul. Fashion is exactly where I WANT to be. Not sure exactly what space in the industry but I know that’s where I can truly make a difference.

Entrepreneurship is a scary journey, that’s why it’s the road less taken. However, I’m willing to take the risk for peace, happiness and more importantly the freedom and flexibility my family deserves from, ME, and what I owe to MYSELF.

Sometimes what you think is a set back, is really a blessing in disguise and God positioning you for your true purpose. TRUST THE PROCESS!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create content for brands around fashion, skincare, fitness and lifestyle. I do not work with every brand that approaches me, I ensure the brands I work with align with my purpose.. It’s extremely difficult to be a content creator in such a saturated market.The hardest part is self-doubt and inconsistency. What contributes to my success is the capability to be me.I have a quote I share with my audience, “be bold, fierce and unapologetic”. That’s what drives me. To inspire others by sharing my story which is my favorite part about being a creator. If I can help at least one person a day with the content I produce, I’m completing my God given assignment. That fills my heart with joy and my spirit with purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have to be completely honest and admit I’m a boring wife, Mom of two. When my friends do visit from NY, it’s revolved around our children. We take them to trampoline parks, water parks, food and treats.

My husband and I love to try new cute food spots around the city. I enjoy museums and attending networking events (networking is key).

Sometimes if I’m feeling unmotivated, I drive around the city and your neighborhoods and houses I can see myself and my family in. Manifesting is what I would call it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a S/O first to my husband for allowing me to step into this new journey. Entrepreneurship is always slow starting off, there is no way I would make it without his support.

I want to thank my support system and the UGC (User Generated Content) community for always pushing me and encouraging me not to give up.

Website: https://lolaashimihoward.my.canva.site/dafxr80j69q

Instagram: TheLolaAshimiHoward

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lola-ashimi-howard-a739b715a

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lola.ashimi.1

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@LolaAshimiHoward

Other: https://lnk.bio/LolaAshimiHoward?fbclid=PAAaZCXan1jp0Xz_KmJe6WBc8OBg_iS8poYZe-I0jbCe116uVFAs0nRySwb6k

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.