Born and raised in Abeokuta, Ogun state, Omolola Adebayo is an international supermodel, hailing from Osun state, Nigeria. Focused and determined to explore her creative side, Lola quit her 9-5 job to give modelling a shot. Four years later, and with an impressive career, Lola speaks to the Deeds team on finding herself, modelling, and the power of alignment. 

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How did you start modelling? 

I was working one day at my old job and a customer scouted me. I was encouraged to compete in Nigeria’s next supermodel and I got signed to ISIS models right after that. I’m currently signed to a couple of agencies in New York, Paris, and London. Professional modelling has been such an interesting journey for me, I’ve seen myself grow, and learn and I’m grateful to everyone I have met and for all the lessons I’ve learned.

‍How did you feel during your debut as an international model? Did you experience any cultural shocks? 

My first show was for Prada and it felt so surreal. So far, I have walked for several top brands like Alexander McQueen and many more. The first time I ever traveled was to meet my agency in London, and I struggled a lot with the weather. Coming from Nigeria, which is quite sunny, London was very cold at the time. I experienced a lot of other culture shocks, but thankfully I had people who helped me settle in and I learned so fast.

It's been a great journey so far. Now, I love London!

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Let’s talk about castings…

When it comes to castings, I think of it as a  process. God is a huge part of my journey and I believe that when something is mine, It’ll find its way to me. I always walk into castings with an open mind and I try to put my best foot forward and let everything else play out. 

‍Looking back, did you ever see yourself becoming a model? 

Growing up, I was quite creative. I was working for money at the time I got scouted. But one thing is when modelling came, it happened naturally to me and I didn’t have to struggle. I fell in love and enjoyed it so much. I had no idea I was going to be a model. But after the first casting I attended, I had a couple of shoots and I loved the process. Then when I had to decide between my job and modelling, I chose to model. I wanted to explore it and I did.  

I did an Arise fashion show and when my photos were out, my current agency in London noticed me and scouted me. And that was the beginning. One thing I've learned in my journey is that a lot of things won’t come easily. But so far, I’m happy and fulfilled.

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‍What advice do you live by? 

One, believe in God.
Two, trust the process.
Three, comparison is a thief of joy, don't do that to yourself.
Four, enjoy  your process.
Five put in the work, and hope for the best. 

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CREDITS

Creative Direction & Photography- Roderick Ejuetami
Assistant Creative Direction & Styling- Ololade Olamide
Videography- Deeds Studio (Olubambi Oresanya)
Makeup- Farian Dada
Editor- Adekemi Thompson
Writer- Jacqueline Alabi

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