If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit the mould of who you’re ‘supposed to be’, this episode of Zero Generation is for you. Maya Elious is the embodiment of blazing your own trail – she’s an African-American personal branding expert who defied her strict upbringing with immigrant parents to build a successful business coaching women of faith. In this candid conversation, I got to dive behind the scenes with someone whose online presence I’ve admired for years.

Growing up with strict African parents who had a vision for her to get a good education and corporate job, Maya shares how a twist of fate led her to drop out of college and pursue entrepreneurship instead. She vulnerably discusses the challenges of pivoting from her parents’ expectations to striking out as an entrepreneur, and explains how her upbringing instilled the discipline and faith that ultimately allowed her to succeed.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was Maya’s perspective on branding. She shares how being herself online and listening to how others described her naturally attracted her ideal clients and allowed her to shape an on-brand messaging strategy and business. We also discuss what Maya wants for the next generation of her family and Maya reveals details of an exciting new project that she’s working on. Whether you're building a business or just want to share more of your authentic self with the world, Maya’s insights are sure to inspire you.

Subscribe to the Zero Generation podcast to catch more stories that shed light on the immigration experience.

Connect with Maya

Follow Maya on Instagram

Listen to Maya’s Work Hard, Live Soft podcast

Join the Zero Gen community:

• Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter
• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah

Theme Music by

• Akinoluwa Oyedele

Video & Audio Production by

• JSB Video (Season 2)
• Adode Media (Season 1)

Food brings people together and makes them feel at home, no matter where they are in the world. As a Nigerian immigrant who has lived in Chicago, Seattle, and Austin to name a few, I understand this deeply, I feel it in my bones. In this episode of the Zero Generation podcast, I sit down with Bawo Oyowe, the owner of Little Lagos, a Nigerian restaurant that has become a cultural ambassador in Atlanta for the vibrant and delicious cuisine of my homeland.

Bawo shares his fascinating journey, from learning to cook alongside his mother who nourished their community with her meals, to taking a chance on entrepreneurship after a serendipitous encounter with a Korean developer. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering belief in the power of following your passion. Despite numerous business ventures that didn't work out, Bawo persevered, drawing strength from his immigrant experience of collective struggle and support.

Little Lagos stands as a testament to Bawo’s determination and his desire to share an authentic taste of Nigeria with the world. As he reflects on the challenges of maintaining high service standards and consistent product sourcing, I’m inspired by his openness to new ideas and willingness to embrace evolving food trends. 

You can hear more accounts of the Zero Generation migrant experience by subscribing to the podcast.

Check out Little Lagos restaurant and follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlelagosatlanta/

Join the Zero Gen community:

• Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter
• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah

Theme Music by

• Akinoluwa Oyedele

Video & Audio Production by

• JSB Video (Season 2)
• Adode Media (Season 1)

Have you ever felt torn between two cultures, wondering where you truly belong? Then join me for this amazing conversation with my latest guest, eLDee - the iconic Nigerian musician-turned-American real estate mogul.

Growing up straddling American and Nigerian influences, eLDee shares his fascinating journey of immigrating to the U.S. while his music career was taking off back in Lagos. From intentionally shifting his base to Nigeria to raise the bar with visuals like being the first to use the RED camera for a music video, to eventually settling more permanently in America, eLDee 's story offers a unique lens into the immigrant experience. He gets candid about grappling with his identity, feeling both Nigerian and American, and hoping to one day help remedy systemic issues in Nigeria through the wisdom gained abroad.

eLDee's life is a powerful example of how our cross-cultural experiences can be assets rather than obstacles. If you're ready for honest, thought-provoking conversations about finding home between two worlds, hit subscribe on the Zero Generation podcast feed wherever you get your podcasts. There are more incredible stories like this coming soon!

Follow Lanre ‘eLDee’ Dabiri on Instagram and on Twitter.

Join the Zero Gen community:

• Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter
• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah

Theme Music by

• Akinoluwa Oyedele

Video & Audio Production by

• JSB Video (Season 2)
• Adode Media (Season 1)

What is the ‘Zero Generation’? What’s it like to be a part of it? I’m Damilola Onwah, a writer and product manager, and these are questions I have on my mind all the time. Historically, we have this concept of first-generation immigrants and second-generation immigrants, but what about those of us who moved countries as adults in recent years, charting our own path? I'm part of this ‘Zero Generation’: I’m a millennial who chose to move to America and start a new life, leaving my old version of home in Nigeria behind me.

There’s a tension in straddling two places that don’t quite feel like home any more. There’s so much courage and hope involved in uprooting yourself from your home for an unknown future in a land far away. These are conversations we’re having behind closed doors, in group chats, on social media, and I want to move them out into the open.

On the Zero Generation podcast, I dig deeper into the Zero Generation experience with others who get it. Guests who moved as adults or children, or whose parents made the move before they were born, those parenting cross-culturally, even the ones who tried it and returned home. Whether the journey has been one filled with regret, wistfulness, or hard-won success, I explore all sides of this story. Is immigration worth it? There’s no simple answer, but I’ll pull that thread with every new conversation. Join me on this journey and tell me about your Zero Generation story.

Connect with Damilola Onwah:

Visit my website: https://damilolaonwah.com/

Sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter

Follow me on Instagram,  and catch this podcast on YouTube.

Join the Zero Gen community:

• Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter
• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah

Theme Music by

• Akinoluwa Oyedele

Video & Audio Production by

• JSB Video (Season 2)
• Adode Media (Season 1)