Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Olawunmi Olayinka. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Olawunmi , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
For me, confidence wasn’t something I woke up with, it was something I had to fight for internally. I’ve always been someone who felt everything very deeply almost like I was carrying not just my own emotions, but the unseen energy around me too. Early on, I realized that true confidence doesn’t come from being the loudest in the room or needing constant validation. It comes from facing yourself privately first. I had to dismantle every version of me that was performing for acceptance. My nature made me go deep into the uncomfortable parts, the insecurities, the fear of being seen too much or not enough. And through that, I learned that real self esteem is built like muscle through the small, daily choices to back yourself even when no one is clapping for you. I stopped waiting for someone to ‘grant’ me permission to be who I already knew I was. I started treating my identity like sacred ground like something I protect, nurture, and express without needing approval. It’s an ongoing process but every time I choose myself, every time I stay loyal to my vision over my fears, that’s when my confidence roots even deeper. At the end of the day, confidence is about devotion. It’s not loud. It’s not shallow. It’s the quiet decision, over and over to believe in your own becoming even when it feels hard, even when it feels lonely. That’s where my power really lives.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My work exists at the intersection of transformation, identity, and storytelling. Everything I create is rooted in transformation turning emotion, identity, and cultural energy into a visual experience. Whether it’s a visual concept, a styled piece, a campaign, or a direction, its all about giving people permission to express themselves more fully and more honestly.
I’m a creative director, stylist, and multidisciplinary artist but above all, I consider myself a visionary. I work through visual mediums to channel self expression, to challenge the norms around beauty and identity, and to create worlds where people can feel both powerful and seen. What excites me the most is the possibility of taking someone’s unseen essence and making it visible, giving it emotion, culture, and a spirit tangible form through design, imagery, and creative storytelling.
Right now, I’m heavily focused on expanding my brand and creative platform, MarkedOJ, where I explore visual storytelling, fashion direction, and conceptual projects pushing deeper into art direction, styling, and concept development for editorials, brand campaigns, and personal projects that honor individuality and the beauty of becoming. I’m building something that’s less than just a visual brand but more of an emotional archive. Every shoot, every concept is a meditation on transformation, resilience, and creative freedom. What makes my work special is that it’s not manufactured, it’s channeled. I treat each project like a ritual blending emotional storytelling, bold visuals, and intentional symbolism. Every shoot, every piece, every collaboration is designed to leave an energetic mark, something that lasts beyond a scroll or a trend
Long term, my focus is on building a multidisciplinary creative house, a brand that includes clothing, scent, storytelling, ritual spaces, and cultural commentary. I want my work to live beyond screens or runways, I want it to live inside people. To mark them, to move them, to remind them who they are becoming.
For me, the work is about more than visuals. It’s about offering people permission to be fully themselves and showing that beauty and power are found in the parts of ourselves that we often try to hide.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey so far, I would say three qualities have been absolutely essential to my growth: resilience, emotional intelligence, and creative courage.
First, resilience. Nothing about building yourself, your vision, or your art is linear. There were times where things moved slower than I wanted, or when doubt crept in, or when I felt invisible. But resilience taught me that visibility isn’t the goal, becoming undeniable is. I had to learn how to keep going when no one was clapping yet, how to stay rooted in the work even through seasons of quiet. That muscle changes everything.
Second, emotional intelligence. Being able to understand my own emotions and to not just react to them has been very transformative. It’s what allowed me to create work that’s real and layered, not surface level. I always say that emotional intelligence is the secret superpower that creative people don’t talk about enough. If you can name what you feel, you can move through it and turn it into art, leadership, and self mastery.
Third, creative courage. Not the kind of courage that comes after success but the kind that shows up when you have nothing but a vision. Early on, I realized that the most revolutionary thing you can do is create from your truth without asking permission. Creative courage means trusting your instincts, building even when you’re scared, and being willing to evolve publicly.
For anyone starting their journey, my advice would be: respect your process. Don’t rush to be seen before you’re rooted. Build your resilience by moving through the uncomfortable moments with grace. Develop emotional intelligence by actually listening to yourself before the world tells you who you should be. And feed your creative courage every day by showing up, even when it’s terrifying. The world doesn’t just need more content, it needs more soul.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely. I’m always open to collaborating. Right now, I’m looking to connect with other creatives, visionaries, brands, and storytellers who move from soul, people who believe in building legacies, and who understands that creativity isn’t just about aesthetics but about transformation, identity, and emotional resonance. I’m especially interested in partnering with folks across visual arts, fashion, media, and cultural production. Collaboration to me isn’t just about working together, it’s about weaving something that leaves a lasting impact. If you move with depth, clarity, and vision, and you’re looking to create experiences, visuals, and projects that shift the way people see themselves and their possibilities, I’d love to connect.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ojanet_ & @markedoj
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olawunmi-olayinka-36269425a
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