The Last Of My 20s.
As i turn a year older, i find myself reminiscing about the past decade, and i wanted to share that journey and my experience with you.
Hi guys,
How’s it going. How are you doing and i truly hope, this meets you well; regardless of the harsh realities our individual countries are putting us through.
I know it’s been a while, and I thought to break the silence by reaching out.
Lately, everything on the outside doesn’t seem to matter anymore and I’ve got time, immersed experiences, perspective change and new opportunities to thank for that. I’m now focusing all my energy on the things that are happening internally; how I feel, how I react, how I think, how I process things and how I interact with others.
I’m turning 30 in a couple of days and there’s a wave of emotions washing over me - first time I’m actually looking forward to my birthday in a very long time. I don’t have the right words to describe how I’m feeling. Maybe, It's a bittersweet moment, laced with both nostalgia and excitement. The thing is, I don’t like change. There is this comfort that things staying the same way always brought. I always feared growing up - hence my playful side. LOL. That’s one thing I’ve always struggled with. So, the fact that I will no longer be twenty something and I’m finally turning 30 (I won’t be able to hide the white strands of hair anymore) feels a bit like a reset and I can’t help but come to accept the fact that everything changes from this point. Definitely good change. But if anything, it’s that I’m not getting any younger.
Looking back at my twenties, there’s a lot to unpack. Come with me, as we journey through my last decade, my memory lane.
In 2014
- I turned 20, and conceptualised AdireNation. At the time, I imagined a world where a piece of Nigeria; a historical element would be globally acceptable and put Nigeria on a map. Adire, something African, something Nigerian. Yes, that was it. But I didn’t know how to go about it. So, I started my research, an an androgynous fashion brand and textile company was born. Adire means tie & dye by the way. “adi” means to tie while “re” means to dye/deep in, in Yoruba language.
2015
- I travelled to the North for NYSC (National Youth Service Corp). I got posted to Borno State, but I camped in Katsina State (due to insecurity), and this was my very first encounter with tie & dye. The chemicals, the colours, the mixing, the dying techniques and the god-awful smell, yes, I had found it. Yes, I had found my passion and I was in love with it. I left NYSC camp 3 weeks later and registered AdireNation as a business in December of 2015. This is where it all began.
2016
- I started to build a structure for the business. With little or no experience, I was determined to make something out of it. This was my scariest and most brilliant creative phase. I was always designing and coming up with something new. I created my very first designs in October of 2016. I shared my idea with a couple of friends, asked them to pay for the first designs, and begged them to model for me. It was just t-shirts at the time. Called it “The Independence Day Collection”.
2017
- people started to notice AdireNation. I met a couple of people, friends, bloggers, photographers, fashion designers and it was a warm entry point into this new industry. The fashion industry. I was being fueled by passion and that led me to picking up additional knowledge. Learning how to sew. At this point, I was ready to expand and my focus had now shifted to making ready to wear women’s clothes. (yes, i know how to sew and make dresses).
2018
- I expanded my knowledge and reach. I joined a community of African business owners, I learned digital marketing, I started my first digital marketing business. I was my first client ofcourse but then I started to offer help (for free) to other small business owners who were struggling with their business. I even used to build websites for people. With this additional knowledge and resources, AdireNation started to grow, i started making custom orders for other businesses too, fashion designers. Sending DMs to order wasn’t working anymore, so I built AdireNation’s website and taking orders just became hassle free. I attended various fashion souks and I made my first million from my business by the end of the year. Somehow, this was also a very frustrating year for me. 5 years after the world just hadn’t adjusted to Adire, and it just seemed like I dreamt too early. So I decided to pivot. Little did I know.
2019
- the year Adire became mainstream. But it was too late for me. I had already cut off my Afro, traded all my Adire outfits for suits and corporate wears. I was now working in a bank - as a digital marketing manager. This is the funny thing about life, all the experiences I had gathered managing a small business from scratch was the core strength in fulfilling my tasks in the financial sector. It was a powerful and beautiful time. Life was getting pretty comfortable and this was also when I started to pay attention and getting interested in Nigerian politics.
2020
- but good things come to an end. The pandemic happened and it was lockdown. I wasn’t working anymore, everyone was home, I couldn’t watch series all day, what next? Politics. So, I founded Leaders of Tomorrow. An online political platform that aimed at bridging the gap between the government and the people. I was so excited, invested and ready to start talking politics and letting people know they need to get involved. This was also the year I became, The ElderStatesman.
2021
- Politics wasn’t paying unless you joined a party, and i wasn’t ready. So, I pivoted again. I got a new job. Financial industry still, but … New role. New responsibilities. New experience. Different sector, but bank still, more hands-on and practical, and boy did I learn a lot.
2022
- Again, good things come to an end. I pivoted again and found myself in the music industry this time, you know this story already.
Driven by ambition and always goal oriented, sometimes focused on different goals per time, I want to say I always worked towards something and I never really allowed myself live.
On the road to self discovery, I attempted something. I did the boldest thing ever. I applied for Big Brother Naija, I got selected and introduced the world to Adekunle. (What a time this was. Feels just like yesterday, but it’s 2years already.)
At this point, you’re all caught up. You pretty much know the rest of the story. The good, the bad, everything.
2023
- Biggie called, I answered and introduced the world to Bad Boy Deks. I took control of my story, narrative and changed it. An amazing time was had.
2024
- The year everything changes. This year, in particular has been a year of self-discovery and transformation (that’s kinda why I haven’t really been active online). It’s been a year of taking back control- of my life, of learning and growing; at an accelerated pace, and of rediscovering, the true essence of who I am. You see, there comes a time when everything everyone says about you doesn’t matter anymore and what takes precedence, is what you start to say about yourself. I stopped running. I started accepting my most recent experiences and coming to terms with my new life. This is who I am now. It has opened doors to new opportunities, fostered meaningful relationships, and reignited old friendships. I have found the courage to explore my talents, to step out of my comfort zone, and to embrace the authentic me without fear or judgment. I’ve come to realize that at the end of the day, what works for me should be the top priority. This year has also been the year I have felt the most free and happy. I have learned to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, to savour every moment, and to embrace the beauty of imperfection. I have found solace in new experiences, in the company of loved ones, and in the pursuit of knowledge. I also changed my lifestyle and habits, so I guess that’s a plus too.
People have come to love me for me, and that’s the most important thing. Staying true to that fact, and allowing people get to know, and experience me for who I am. Not who fame has turned me into.
So, as I clock 30 in a few days, I hope that all the lessons and experiences I’ve gathered in my 20s become very pivotal as I embark upon a new journey and navigate a new space; a new found confidence.
I am grateful for all the love, support, and encouragement I have received along the way. Your presence in my life has made a profound impact, and I am forever grateful for your friendship, counsel, protection, support and kindness.
Here's to a new chapter, filled with endless possibilities & boundless joy, to another decade of growth, intentionality and a lifetime of potential. To new things to come, and the resilience to welcome new opportunities, experiences and ideas with open arms. To be able to love freely, forgive easily and live life earnestly. To 30 & Grateful 🥂
With sincere love and gratitude,
Adekunle.
Everything changes when you stop being afraid and you take control - Adekunle Olopade.
What a beautiful and memorable journey you've had Adekunle. I'm in awe of your growth dear 😍 super proud. Best wishes and great things for now onwards. Happy Birthday in Advance!!!
We love and appreciate you Ade❤️❤️