CREATIVE DIRECTOR . MENTOR . AUTHOR . ARCHITECT

Ola wears many hats, each more beautiful than the last. She established IJORERE, Inc.​, a premier invitation and design company​, in June 2008. Her architectural expertise is evident in the unconventional approaches to her designs. Done with such precision, it is this background that sets IJORERE designs apart from the rest. Ola’s creative sensibilities don’t simply herald GRAND occasions, and her designs are works of art.

Over the years, Ola has garnered accolades in the media, including the likes of NBC, The Knot, Entrepreneur Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, INSIDE Weddings, BellaNaija Weddings, Chicago Social Modern Brides, Munaluchi, and more.

She also has designed for celebrities; a few mention-worthy are NBA superstar player; Lebron James, recording music artist; J.Cole, Louis Carr of BET, and David Tutera.​

Ola’s new creative venture, Yellow Bliss Co., nixes the inconvenience of going to multiple locations and the stress of planning a party by offering online curated-themed parties for children and pets, making planning a party an ultimate breeze.

Ola says her life story is ever shaped by culture, geography, and a God-given eye for unique designs. Her burgeoning enterprise results from a directed path, a drive to see her creative vision brought to life, and the realization that limits are often an illusion.

Ola’s debut memoir: GET YOUR FOOT OFF MY NECK, is an eye-opening memoir about a resilient little girl who grew up to become an architect and successful creative entrepreneur despite the abuse, betrayal, and internalized racism. Infused with colorful multicultural anecdotes, quotes, and stories, Ola’s message is clear:​ ​Stepping on necks is undoubtedly consequential.

Work Experience

CEO + Creative Director IJORERE, Inc. | Naperville, Illinois | 2008 – Present

Conceptualizing custom invitation, stationery and branding items. Wedding and event designing, coordinating, and management. Manage all aspects of social media marketing campaigns and promotions. Closely working with worldwide clients on creative projects. Strategizing on business objectives and implement solutions. Hire and train creative talents to aid in the business objectives and goals. Manage remote and local vendors/contractors: delegating to ensure project execution.

Architect | Regional ADA Officer U.S General Administrative Services | Chicago | 2008 – 2013

Reviewed & interpreted drawings relating to accessibility issues of federal buildings. Inspected & reviewed federal buildings for ADA compliance. Assisted organization in various subject matters, this included but not limited to space planning, interior design, communications & public relations. Provided onsite & offsite training on accessibility issues and ADA updates to employees and consultants within the organization. Space planned government facilities during reorganizations and relocations. Contracting Officer Representative Trainee (CORT), liaison for CORs during project or construction management.

Project Architect | ADA Expert Sears Holding | Hoffman Estates | 2007 – 2008

Developed & managed construction documents of the renovation, remodeling, and conversion of Sears, Lands’ End, and Kmart stores within the US. Directed and coordinated with outside consultants and MEP engineers within the Design & Construction Department on Architectural projects and projects requiring ADA Compliance. Visited existing store sites; attend meetings to coordinate the development of projects with city officials, business owners, and developers. Assessed site survey reports determining effective ways to eliminate superfluous high budget cost spending by consultants.

Coffee Shop Designer | Starbucks Coffee Co. (Headquarters) | Seattle | 2005 – 2007

Space planner for international Starbucks coffee shops to ensure proper integration within site and space while maintaining its unique design & function. Produced Architectural and MEP drawings consistently on a fast-paced 2-week deadline. Prepared schematics, palette (color & building materials), and ‘test-fit’ drawings used for reviews & presentation during Schematic/Palette reviews. Analyzed site surveys and accompanying store development budgets. Corresponded with the site construction managers, and casework vendors, regarding final sets & Additional Décor Packages. Trained new Starbucks partners (Associates) on the business procedures and Starbuck store design.