Journal · May 20, 2024

Who Is This Chick?

My name is Ayo Fashina (yes, this is my genuine last name). A little about me: my parents were born and raised in Nigeria. I was born in the US. I’m the eldest of 3 sisters. Despite the rich cultural heritage embedded in my ancestry, I confess to feeling regret for not yet setting foot in Nigeria. Surprisingly, my parents, too, have never made the journey back, and the majority of our extended family has settled in the US. But the desire to connect with my heritage has always lived within me. That’s why I’ve finally made the decision to go to Nigeria later this year. If you have any insider tips on must-see sights or delectable eateries, I’m all ears!

I have been with my husband, Olise — also known as my photographer — for 12 years, but we have been married for 5. I know it’s been a minute, but it’s been a blast… NOT perfect, but I find joy in sharing this life with him.

Fashion wasn’t part of the plan; I simply enjoyed putting together outfits. One evening, Olise and I were heading home from dinner when he unexpectedly asked, “Why haven’t you thought about starting a fashion page? You always dress so well, and people often seek your advice, whether they’re friends or strangers.” His passion for the idea caught me off guard; it was clear he had pondered this before but never mentioned it to me. Initially, I brushed off his suggestion, claiming I was too busy — and that if I truly wanted to pursue it, I should have started long ago. I hesitated to respond further.

Then he shared something that struck me: “Whenever I see fashion influencers on Instagram, at fashion weeks, styling others, or giving tips, I think to myself — Ayo could do this.”