CREATIVE DIRECTOR . AUTHOR . MENTOR . ARCHITECT. MAGIC MAKER

FEATURED IN:

Well Hello

My name is Ola-Tokunbo, but you can call me Ola. Thank you so much for visiting my personal site.

It’s hard to believe that in 2 years, I’ll be 50. I know you’re probably like NO WAY! But, yes, the saying is true—black don’t crack. Which brings me to why this space was created—

BIWOC in my industry are underrepresented. Therefore, before I exit out into other creative ventures, my desire is to equip as many women of color interested in picking my brains with over 25+ years worth of knowledge learned.

Of all things, I hope you take away 3 that are relevant to me —Empowerment, Integrity, and Great Aesthetics.

Photo Credits - Tarji Michelle Photography

STRUT WITH INTEGRITY

Every successful entrepreneur has a business mentor or strategist. I am in the business of helping creative women strut confidently, without stepping on necks. And I do so by mentoring.

Are you a Creative but struggle when it comes to understanding the business aspects of your budding enterprise?

Do you have issues negotiating rates with clients or charging your worth?

Are you having a hard time finding the right resources but nobody will show you the way?

Do you need clarity on discovering your niche?

These are just a few examples I constantly hear Creatives complain about—you’re not alone. I know there are a lot of people in the creative industry who let’s just call them “SOP”—Stoppers Of Progress. You will not find that here.

In my exclusive Leap to Luxury program, I nix the grooming & learning process and hand you a thriving Six-figure business on a silver platter!

Learn more about Leap to Luxury

Testimonials

“One of the most important things I learned from Ola is to believe in myself and my abilities.”

When I went to her for mentorship, I was at a very low in my business. It felt like I knew things but I also didn’t know things. Business was almost dead. After a year of coaching, I have consistent clients, seen growth in my business and I feel confident in my work. She patiently answered all my questions and gave me so much more in return. She shared her own experiences which has saved me stressful work situations. She truly wants me to succeed and has rooted for me from the beginning. She also went out of her way to problem solve a situation I was stuck in. If you decided to work with her, you will surely walk home with a ton more than asked for.

- SHREYA FARIS - Co-owner of VS Invitations

“I went from a handful of clients to overbooked”

“Ola has watched my tiny business thrive from a handful of clients to being significantly over booked. Through that time I’ve leaned on her for advice, guidance, and honestly just the cheering on that creatives really need. She’s encouraged me to go for it, and made things that certainly seemed impossible totally achievable. Watching a woman have an idea and then grow it into something giant is a big inspiration for me. Nothing is beyond the realm of my moxie & Ola shows me that daily”

– ASHLEY FRYE | Calligrapher + Owner of Paper Love Club

Ola helped me to focus on my vision, and work diligently towards reaching my goals.

“If I had to sum up my experience with Ola as a mentor, it would be in one simple word- CLARITY. Ola not only offered a clear sense of her purpose during our interactions, she also steered me to achieve clarity with my creative endeavors. And once I became clear on my vision, my thoughts and ideas came into sharp focus. Therefore, rather than ‘Feel’, I was able to See my way. There’s the saying, “If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there” I can honestly say that Ola is akin to that much needed compass that helped me get my bearings. As a creative, I would often find myself, drowning in the overflow of creative juices; which led to me being overwhelmed and unmotivated to push forward. However, Ola helped me to sort through my channels of creative expressions, allowing me to focus on my vision, and work diligently towards reaching my goals.”

– RASHIDAT RAJI | Architect AAIA

“ Ola is the person I went to for advice when I made the decision to go back to school. Ola motivated me and encouraged me to continue despite obstacles.”

“I have known Ola for 14 years. I met her and her family when they moved to Chicago and from day one, we had an instant connection. Throughout all these years, she has been not only a friend but a person whom I deeply admire and look to for guidance and advice. Ola helped me with personal struggles, when I needed love and support. She has a compassionate heart and, although she is a busy woman, she always finds time to listen or just a simple hug. She was also the person I went to for advice when I made the decision to go back to school. Every time I asked her to help me with a school project or felt a little discouraged, Ola motivated me and encouraged me to continue despite obstacles. She is resilient and a role model not only to me but many others, but most importantly to her family. I am truly fortunate to have such a wonderful and successful woman as one of my dearest friends and advisers.”

– MARIA PERFUMO | Child care and human services

Ola doesn’t sugarcoat her advice but genuinely guides you to see your potential.

“Ola is a natural coach. She is full of optimism but a healthy dose of giving you helpful constructive feedback and observations. I really appreciated that Ola doesn’t sugarcoat her advice but genuinely guides you to see your potential. Another thing I love about Ola is that she is always ready to give you her undivided attention because sometimes you just want to be heard!”

- ZAINAB ZAFAR | Owner of Maha Studios Photography

“Ola taught me to pay attention to details.”

“… Early twenties are hard and I met Ola fresh out of college trying to figure my life out. Ola taught me to pay attention to details. Like in the BYOB painting days simply making the room smell good and the presentation of the place, to the live music and themes we’d do. Made it an experience rather than a usual Groupon outing for guests. Ola also taught me the dynamics of friendships in business.”

– LIZZIE HALBMAIER | E-commerce Associate Buyer at Ulta Beauty

MEMOIR

gET YOUR FOOT OFF MY NECK

Get your foot off my neck: Memoirs of a Nigerian-American architect is an autobiography and business self-help book”

My story is told in two-folds sharing my personal experiences with vivid transparency. It’s about trauma, betrayal, tragedy upon tragedy, abuse, and cautionary lessons that lead to the triumph of a Nigerian-American girl turned architect and creative entrepreneur.