Follow Us on Google
By Omolola Akinboade
One of the most fulfilling parts of my journey hasn’t been the sales, the recognition, or even the growth of the business, it’s been the people. Watching someone I trained go on to start their own brand, open a salon, or teach others is one of the greatest joys I’ve ever known. It reminds me that success isn’t truly success until it multiplies.
When I started LEH Academy, my goal was simple: to give others the kind of opportunity I didn’t have when I started. I wanted to make the path clearer for the next generation of hairstylists, wig makers, and beauty entrepreneurs. Because the truth is, talent alone is never enough. Without guidance, many gifted people never get to see how far they can go.
Mentorship is more than teaching techniques. It’s teaching mindset. It’s helping someone see beyond their limitations and believe that their skill is valid, valuable, and full of potential. I’ve met so many young women who are talented but hesitant, they love what they do but don’t believe it’s “big enough” to build a career from. That’s where mentorship steps in. Sometimes, all someone needs is one voice saying, “Yes, you can.”
The creative industry is one of the few spaces where your imagination can become your income. But to sustain that, people need more than creativity, they need community. Mentorship creates that bridge. It’s the difference between walking alone and walking with wisdom.
In Africa, we’re blessed with so much raw talent, but not nearly enough structure to nurture it. I believe that’s why we must make mentorship a culture, not a favor. Every established creative owes it to the next generation to share what they’ve learned, the wins, the mistakes, the mindset. Because when you pour into others, you don’t lose value; you expand it.
At LEH Empowerment, our free training programs are not just about skill; they’re about self-belief. We’ve trained women who once thought they had nothing to offer, and today, they’re building brands, training others, and earning confidently. Some of them started from homes where hope felt impossible, but mentorship gave them a new picture of what was possible.
What I’ve learned is that empowerment doesn’t always start with resources; it starts with responsibility. It’s the understanding that someone, somewhere, is watching you, not for what you have, but for what you represent. Every time you share knowledge, you remind them that success is possible.
Other News
Mentorship also keeps you grounded. It reminds you of your beginnings, your lessons, and your why. It forces you to lead by example because people are not just listening to what you say; they’re watching how you live. I often tell my mentees that I’m still a student too. The learning never ends, and that humility is what keeps the journey beautiful.
We need more women in creative industries who are open about their stories, not just the polished parts but the process. Young creatives need to see that building something meaningful takes time, mistakes, and consistency. They need to understand that it’s okay to start small, as long as they stay faithful to the work.
The beauty of mentorship is that it turns pain into purpose. Every challenge you’ve survived becomes a lesson you can pass on. Every door you had to fight to open becomes a path someone else can walk through with ease. That’s how industries evolve, through shared experience.
Empowerment is not a campaign; it’s a culture. It’s the quiet decision to lift others as you climb. And in the creative world, that’s how we build legacy, not just through what we make, but through who we make stronger.
At the end of the day, what I want every young creative to know is this: your gift is not small. Your work matters. And no matter how crowded the field feels, there’s room for your voice, your style, and your story. The world needs what only you can create, and sometimes, all it takes is one mentor to help you see it.
Omolola Akinboade is the Founder and Creative Lead of LolaExpress Hair, a leading African luxury hair brand redefining beauty through craftsmanship, innovation, and empowerment.
Omolola Akinboade also leads LEH Academy and LEH Empowerment, initiatives training and supporting women across Africa to build sustainable careers in the beauty industry.
