The L8 Bloomers Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with one of the most self-determined men I’ve come across . This episode was recorded at Afrotech last year in San Francisco. He made managing director in 2017 at one of the worlds leading investment banks finding solutions to everyday technology programs. Raised in Nigeria,  Leke Osinubi came from a family of engineers. He started his career in tech selling sneakers on campus and found a way to hack websites, get sneakers at lower prices and sell them on to friends not knowing he’d go into doing technology for a living. We spoke about how it started his career not really knowing what he wanted to do but morphing into his role, how your gift can open doors, What satisfies his soul and impacts the things he cares about the most. We spoke about purpose and pain, his old dreams of wanting to become a musician, self-doubt and having to leave people behind. I loved how Leke was able to show up as a truly multifaceted individual showing that even if you do take a traditional and corporate route you can still keep your creativity alive in other areas of your life. So, read, share and subscribe!  Enjoy the episode

In this week’s episode we sit down with Jade Douse a London based stylist, creative director and fashion consultant. Jade started her styling career assisting celebrity stylist Avigail and Damian Collins, working with the likes of Rihanna, Sam Smith, Lorde and more. Jade later went on to work with stylist Victoria Young, assisting on editorial and commercial campaigns for titles such as Vogue Italia, and brands like Jo Malone, H&M.
in 2016 Jade created her own  brand OH HEY GIRL, with business partner. OH HEY GIRL was an online fashion brand heavily influnced by East Asian street style.  Jade was the brains behind all things creative, from visual brand idenity, styling to creative direction. 

Now this episode is as real as it gets as we discuss Jade’s tough upbringing and some of her adulting struggles, including having to liquidate her company last year. For anyone who’s thinking of starting a business this episode and Jade’s invaluable advice will be music to you ears so rate, share and subscribe, enjoy guys!

Today, I'm joined by an old friend of mine, who I've known since I was 17. 

Nicholas Amfo also known as Nicholas Dex. Having broken the mould as an enterprising creative, specializing in lifestyle products such as his award-winning lifestyle brand ODF which focuses heavily on spreading the message of diversity. ODF has featured in GQ magazine and the metro newspaper, his luxury menswear brand ‘Nicholas Kingsley’, including Aromatherapy Home fragrances and have also been featured in Forbes Magazine and Polo Lifestyle. He is also responsible for starting the independent fashion show platform RIP the runway UK. 

Nicholas has illustrated his influence by being an ambassador for Croydon's 6.5 Million Legacy Youth Zone, a foundation dedicated to creating better opportunities for young people aged 8-19. He has been a key figure in encouraging the youth to identify their creative side and thrive with motivational speeches and one-to-one workshops. To compliment his work in the community, Nicholas has founded a mentoring programme titled L.I.F.T. (Learn. Improve. Focus. Transform.), that is committed to guiding young people to integrate into society.

In his episode, we speak about Nicholas' journey thus far and how he set out to become an entrepreneur from a young age. What some of his motivations are and how he has kept his dream alive despite the odds.

Instagram & Twitter:  @nicholasdex

In this episode you will hear from an remarkable woman named Rachel Aschalew. Who I met last summer in New York. 

She is a highly sought-after luxury real estate broker, and founder of the RARE boutique real estate firm. she has helped countless residents and businesses find a home in New York City.

She arrived in the US with her mother as an Ethiopian refugee just after She was born and, together with her younger brother they moved around New York. Despite these challenges of constantly uprooting, Rachel learned to build strong relationships pretty quickly, a skill that has served her well in her career today. 

Prior to real estate, she briefly attended Pace University in New York City and got a job on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. she learned first hand that in business, the power of your network is often the best indicator of success. 

She’s currently working on a video series where over a good meal — and even better wine — Rachel will speak with clients, celebrities, restaurateurs about what makes them RARE.

In this episode, we really get to know Rachel. She talks about the importance of building community, and what life was like for her growing up. She openly discusses her struggles of having to prove herself and what it’s taken to make her mark and be seen in the world. You’ll hear stories of abusive work culture and how she stumbled into her career as a real estate broker. She also discusses going into business with her former boyfriend, unpacking how their relationship painfully unravelled. We really got to hear Rachel’s heart in this episode as she takes us along a beautiful journey of her bloom story and reveals that just like all of us, she’s figuring it out one step at a time, and killing it in the process. 

So please enjoy, and if you want to keep hearing more stories, please be sure to subscribe to our tribe, rate this podcast share with another bloomer. 

#stillwebloom

In this week's episode we sit down with The Queen Hadassah, the most talented make-up artist you'll ever meet. Starting her career at only 17 years-old, she went from working at MAC to beating the faces of some of your favourite artists and growing a platform to shape the beauty industry not just on the outside but also from within. Stay tuned as she takes us on her journey of growing up and discloses her hard battles with depression along the way. 

We're passionate about the mental health and wellbeing of all Bloomers, so If you know anyone suffering from Depression or Anxiety at this time, please share this episode with them. Like, share and subscribe. #letsbloomtogether