Today we’d like to introduce you to Olumide Akinlolu.

It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?

Thank you, my name is Olumide Akinlolu; At the same time, and some people know me as DJ O’Fresh; I’m a Nigerian Immigrant that has lived and schooled in Asia and was also privileged to be in the United States, I grew up in Nigeria, and I went to Olabisi Onabajo University (OSU) Nigeria and got my Bachelors in Accounting. I have ten years of working experience in Accounting and Administration for Ogun State Civil Service in Nigeria. I have worked as an Information Technology Auditor, and I have an MBA from Anglia Ruskin University East London and a Master of Science in Cyber Security from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). I am a published writer. I published a book on “Transformational Leadership on Job Satisfaction: The effects of Transformational Leadership on Job Satisfaction: A study on Four and Five Star Hotels in Kuala Lumpur; also I’m the proud owner of Africanrootstore LLC, which is a clothing company focusing on bridging the gap between blacks around the world, and again hoping to start my podcast channel very soon.

I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?

The journey has not been easy, but through determination, perseverance, and God’s support. I could accomplish all stated above—my determination serves as a driver in achieving my dreams and goals. It’s not been easy coming from a home, family, race, and community that so much believe in a 9-5 job, which I am indifferent about. Still, it was tough to see or have anyone around that would motivate and understand my vision or dreams of having my own business. That alone was a giant leap of faith by putting my eyes on the price for me to stay on course to make an impact for the world to see and ultimately benefit from. Every time I fail in my approach toward my dreams, I can see everyone’s reaction, saying, get a job and forget about your dreams. Still, God has brought people into my life that gave me a reason to believe in my dreams; even though I’m far from where I’m going, the present state of my mind and result towards my goal has given me a reason to believe everything will come to reality sooner than I can imagine.

Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?

I’m an Entrepreneur, Businessman, Dj, Accountant, IT Auditor, cyber security analyst, and Hustler. Presently, I focus more on my Entrepreneurship, doing what I love: Africanrootstore LLC with a brand name BLACK and BOLD. Connecting the dots, I want to take the company to the next level, where it can compete with the likes of Nike and Addidas while we focus more on bridging the gap between all blacks worldwide through fashion. I’m also working on my new podcast that will be coming out soon (CTDamongblacks); the channel will focus more on Africans living in America and how they cope and interact with blacks in America; lastly, I’m still an active DJ. Who loves to put a smile on people’s face; growing up with my parents have raised me to believe that for you to go far in life, you must be someone that can be trusted, which have implemented in my entire life, Integrity, also I’m more of peoples person, and I’m easily approached by everyone.

What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, don’t lose hope regardless of your present condition; you need to believe in yourself constantly and that you will always find a way out. Whatever faith or religion you believe in, hold it firm (Once you know within yourself you are serving God) cause you will need it when things seem difficult in your process toward your aim, goals, and dreams. Never presume anyone will help you while going through your journey of life (your parent, relatives, friends, partner, husband, wife, children, even your enemies) because you don’t know their present situation as at the moment you need them, if you understand this you are one step closer to you destination. Pray to God, pray for yourself regardless of your faith or belief, pray for that helper you want help from because you don’t know what they are facing, and pray for the world to get better.

Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?

Personally, my primary and wild knowledge from my struggle to where I”m today makes me a believer; Success is something you can feel within your mind and soul for the world to see, feel and benefit from it; how? Let me give you an example. Imagine when your life can change your fellow human being to believe in themselves by just looking at what you have achieved. It does not matter how small or big; “that is what I believe success is” it has been a privilege having people calling and telling me how my life has motivated them to believe in themselves. That’s what I think success is all about. That feeling will motivate you when no one is around.

What’s next for you?

I want to make Black & Bold a household name for all Blacks worldwide. I am determined to bridge that gap and connect the dots by bringing awareness to the diverse cultures/values we possess to know more about ourselves through fashion and use my podcast to bring more awareness.

Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?

Thank you, people can connect with me via all social media platforms, and my handle is:- @Oyebanji_akins