We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Precious Ajayi-Olowo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Precious, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
“My purpose is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and the values my parents instilled in me. After my father, Olowo, passed away, I felt a strong desire to honor his legacy. That’s when I realized my art could be more than a creative outlet—it could become a platform to celebrate African culture, beauty, and heritage. Naming my brand “Olowoart” was my way of keeping his name and memory alive in everything I create.
My mother’s resilience during that difficult time also inspired me deeply. Watching her navigate life with such strength encouraged me to be more vocal and creative about highlighting the power and resilience of women—a strength we often overlook. Through “Olowoart”, I channel these inspirations to tell meaningful stories, celebrate cultural identity, and create art that inspires and uplifts others. It’s a journey I know both my parents would be proud of.”
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
“Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I’m the founder of Olowoart, a fully registered company dedicated to celebrating African culture and the beauty of dark-skinned women. My art is inspired by my late father, Olowo, whose legacy I carry through my brand, and my mother’s strength, which motivates me to highlight the often-overlooked resilience of women.
Olowoart was officially launched during my first solo exhibition in China in the early months of 2020, before the onset of COVID-19. The event brought together people from various countries and cultures, making it a truly global experience. In my early career, I focused on visual paintings on canvas, and I continue to blend traditional techniques with digital art to tell my stories.
I’ve had the privilege of showcasing my work in previous exhibitions and projects in China, collaborating with organizations such as Wenzhou University and Wenzhou Media Company. I’m now preparing for another exhibition in 2025, which will include both digital and visual pieces. Additionally, I’m collaborating with companies and interior design organizations to bring African art into modern living spaces.
Expanding my digital presence on platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and ArtPal, I’m also working on new projects like coloring books featuring tribal-dressed African women with empowering messages, along with wall art and book covers that reflect my vision of celebrating cultural beauty. My goal is to create art that inspires, uplifts, and honors African identity while preserving my family’s legacy.”
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, there are three key qualities and skills that have been most impactful on my journey: resilience, creativity, and cultural awareness.
1. Resilience – Life has a way of presenting challenges, but the ability to stay focused, adapt, and continue moving forward despite obstacles has been invaluable. After my father’s passing, resilience became a foundation for me both personally and professionally. My advice to others is to embrace setbacks as learning experiences. Understand that perseverance is key to long-term success, and never underestimate the power of bouncing back stronger. Besides don’t be afraid to fail because it means you are about to be two steps forward because you learn while bouncing back.
2. Creativity – Creativity is at the heart of everything I do. It’s what fuels my artwork and keeps my brand fresh and engaging. Over time, I’ve learned to push boundaries and experiment with new mediums and techniques, combining traditional art with digital forms. My advice for those early in their journey is to cultivate a creative mindset—experiment, make mistakes, and keep evolving. Don’t be afraid to express your unique voice, because that’s what will set you apart. Avoid personality syndrome, pick your style, develop it and rule the world while having fun.
3. Cultural Awareness – Understanding and appreciating the richness of my African heritage has been instrumental in defining my brand’s identity. It’s important to not only know your roots but to celebrate them in ways that resonate with others. I encourage those starting out to explore their cultural narratives and incorporate them into their work. It helps build authenticity, which is essential in creating something that people can connect with on a deeper level.
For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: stay resilient in the face of challenges, nurture your creativity, and always be proud of your culture and identity. These qualities are essential in building something meaningful and impactful. Keep learning and evolving, and trust in the process—it may take time, but your hard work will pay off.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I’m always open to partnerships and collaborations! I believe in the power of collective creativity, and I’m looking to work with individuals and organizations that share a passion for celebrating culture, creativity, and empowerment. Specifically, I’m interested in collaborating with companies in the interior design space, other artists, organizations focused on cultural awareness, and brands that align with my mission to elevate African heritage and the strength of women.
If you’re someone who appreciates the power of storytelling through art, or if you’re looking to integrate culturally rich and inspiring pieces into your work or space, I’d love to connect. I’m always looking for new opportunities to bring my art into different contexts, whether it’s through wall art, product designs, exhibitions, or joint projects. You can reach out to me directly through my email ([email protected]) or social media channels-Instagram (@Olowoart_princess), where I’m most active. Let’s collaborate and create something meaningful together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10D5927RMfjHIhZklY4z1Rd6F2mgJVImu/view?usp=drivesdk
- Instagram: @Olowoart_princess
- Other: [email protected]
