Growing up, many of us were handed a script—rules about what we could or couldn’t do, who we could or couldn’t become. We were told that success had a formula, that our dreams had limits, and that some doors were simply not meant for us. But as we’ve carved our own paths, we’ve unlearned those myths, rewritten the rules, and discovered a strength we never knew we had.
For International Women’s Day, we asked five incredible women who have defied expectations, embraced resilience, and are shaping industries in ways they never imagined to reflect on their journeys–the lessons they’ve learned, the beliefs they’ve unlearned, and the ways they’ve grown into the women they are today. Through their words, we celebrate the beauty of growth, the power of unlearning, and the endless possibilities that come with embracing who you are.
Their answers remind us of the resilience, courage, and transformation that define womanhood.
What is a belief you once held about success, womanhood, or your craft that you had to completely unlearn?
Many of us grow up with ideas about what success and womanhood should look like, only to realize later that those ideas are limiting. These women share the biggest beliefs they had to unlearn:
“First of all, in line with my craft, I had this perception at the back of my mind that it would naturally come easy because of my gender (being a woman). Culturally and naturally, society associates women with cooking—meaning that cooking and being a woman are seen as going hand in hand.
But once I got into it and saw the business side, the passion involved, and the everyday work required, I realized that it completely challenged the idea that it would be easy just because I’m a woman.
We live in a world where the struggle is real for everyone, and it’s the same for both men and women because everyone is going through it. This equality creates a level playing field, regardless of gender.
In this field, you meet people who are just as passionate as you are, and this helps you understand that you must work just as hard, as fast, and as much as everyone else—and even more. It goes beyond just being a woman.” — Chef Koye
“One key belief I had to unlearn was the idea that success is reserved for a specific type of person. While certain traits can contribute to success, I’ve come to realize that it isn’t limited to a particular class or demographic. Anyone who believes in themselves, takes bold risks, and perseveres through challenges can achieve success.
As a woman, I also had to challenge the notion that I must focus on just one thing to succeed. I’ve learned that I’m capable of multitasking and excelling in different areas, including my career. My pace may differ from others, but I now understand that I can have it all—maybe not all at once, but with time and dedication.
In my journey as a woman developing technology solutions for the music industry, I’ve realized that many of the limitations I faced were self-imposed. No industry is off-limits, and it’s okay to take the less-traveled path. My focus on indigenous music creators may not receive as much attention or funding as other tech solutions, but I am driven by a clear purpose: to ensure that every indigenous music creator earns a decent and sustainable income doing what they love. I won’t rest until I’ve made this vision a reality.” — Adenike
“Two common beliefs I once subscribed to—mainly due to my naivety when I was younger—were:
1. Women can’t make it to the top without going through the ‘backdoor’—unless they sleep with someone.
2. Engineering is only for boys.
But as I’ve grown in age, stature, and honestly, common sense, I’ve come to realize that these are completely untrue.
Firstly, while I may not be exactly where I want to be in my modeling career, I’m far from being a slouch. I’ve walked runways, had my face on billboards, appeared in music videos, and done several global ad campaigns for companies (You get my point!) and I’ve achieved all these without engaging in any sexual favors or immoral acts. It has been purely hard work, perseverance, and God’s grace all through.
Secondly, I am a brilliant, creative, and resourceful woman who is doing exceedingly well in her studies, has skills in machine learning, front-end development, 3D modeling, and animation. In about seven months, I’ll be earning my BSc. in Systems Engineering. Engineering isn’t just for men—it’s for anyone who is confident, willing to learn, and ready to take on the challenge.” — Ginika Olua
“Growing up, I was fed the idea that success had a formula—one that involved becoming a doctor or a nurse because those were considered “real” careers. I had dreams of being a broadcaster, of using my voice to connect with people. But I was told it wasn’t lucrative, that it wasn’t a “serious” job. To some, it was nothing more than clowning on the radio or the internet.
And as a woman, I was given an extra set of restrictions—I was told there were things I simply couldn’t do alone. Living by myself, for example, was seen as making me vulnerable, and I was warned that I’d struggle to set boundaries.
But life has a way of showing you that the limits others place on you often reflect their own fears. I unlearned the idea that success has only one shape. I realized I didn’t have to follow a predetermined path to be respected or fulfilled.
Today, my work has positioned me as one of the pioneers of indigenous language content on the internet. You can’t talk about it without mentioning my name. And as for living alone? It didn’t make me weak or lost—it gave me a deeper understanding of my own strength. I set my own boundaries. I define my own success.” — Omotara Lawrence
“I once believed that success was solely about relentless hustle and long hours. Over time, I had to unlearn this mindset and realized that true success also requires balance, strategic thinking, and prioritizing well-being. Working smarter—not just harder—and embracing collaboration have been just as crucial in my journey.
As a food content creator and videographer, I used to think success meant strictly adhering to traditional recipes and methods. I believed that as a Nigerian woman, I had to stay within a well-defined mold. Over time, I unlearned this and realized that innovation and creative reinterpretation can elevate our culinary heritage. Today, I confidently blend classic Nigerian flavors with my own creative twists, proving that success comes from challenging outdated norms while still celebrating my identity and heritage. This shift not only boosted my confidence but also allowed me to bridge our rich past with new flavors for a global audience.”
— Jennifer Achioya
The world often sees only the finished product—your success—but what was the unseen journey like? What moments shaped you the most?
People celebrate success but rarely see the sacrifices and struggles behind it. Jay Five reflects on her journey:
“The journey was filled with challenges, sacrifices, and countless moments of doubt. There were long nights, failures that felt like major setbacks, and times when I questioned whether I was on the right path. But the moments that shaped me the most were the ones where I had to push through adversity—learning resilience after failure, finding my voice in rooms where I felt unheard, and realizing that growth often comes from discomfort. It was in those quiet, unseen struggles that I built the strength and skills that led to success.”
We often hear about resilience, but what does resilience actually feel like in the middle of a storm? Can you describe a time you felt it most deeply?
For Omotara Lawrence, resilience wasn’t a glamorous or heroic trait—it was sheer survival:
“Resilience feels like torture in the middle of a storm—like trying to hold your breath underwater while waves keep crashing over you, each one heavier than the last. It doesn’t feel noble or inspiring at the moment. It feels like survival, like gripping onto the edge of something with greasy fingertips, praying you don’t slip.
2020 was the year that nearly swallowed me whole. It wasn’t just one thing—it was everything. It felt like the world had turned against me, like all the effort I had poured into my career, my life, and my dreams was unraveling right in front of me. I remember lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking,What if I just let go? What if I just disappeared? For a moment, that seemed easier than enduring the weight of it all.
But then another thought crept in—What if I don’t? What if I just hold on a little longer, just to see what’s on the other side of this pain? That small, fragile “what if” was the only thing that kept me going. Not hope, not strength—just curiosity. The stubborn need to find out what happens if I don’t give up.
Looking back, resilience wasn’t some heroic trait I possessed. It was raw, ugly, desperate endurance. It was dragging myself through the wreckage of my own mind, one painful step at a time. And when the storm finally passed, I realized something—I had survived.”
As a woman in the food industry, how do you see your work shaping the way women connect with food—whether it’s through culture, nourishment, or empowerment?
Food is more than just sustenance—it carries history, culture, and identity. Chef Koye shares her thoughts:
“As someone involved in multiple things within my field, my work has impacted many young people around me. It goes beyond just inspiring young women—it extends to both young men and women. People see how hard I work, how I thrive through my ideas, new innovations, and the endless effort I put into my craft—even on days when negativity tries to derail certain plans. But I always push through, and that has made me a source of inspiration for others to do more for themselves.
I love seeing the people around me win. I’m not an island; I like to carry people along and watch them grow. I believe in the saying, “If you go alone, you go fast, but if you take people with you, you’ll go far.” That’s why I strongly believe in building a community of like-minded individuals. The vision cannot be carried by one person alone—when you pour into others, they, in turn, become a source of strength for you. There are days when I feel down, but just a call from someone reminding me of how far I’ve come or the impact I’ve made is enough to keep me going.
Ultimately, I’d say that my journey, my work, and everything I do have spoken for themselves. They have empowered people in different ways—whether financially, through the little I give, or through the countless students I’ve awarded free scholarships from my academy. Even the small ways I give back to society matter because in a world as tough as this, upholding, encouraging, and supporting one another makes a much bigger impact than we often realize.”
Do you ever feel like your success represents more than just you—like you’re paving the way for others? If so, how does that influence the way you work and make decisions?
For Ginika Olua success is bigger than personal achievement—it’s about legacy:
“Honestly, I’ve never really thought about how my work influences others. But I’ve had a few ladies tell me that my work—not just in modeling but also in 3D animation and art—has inspired them to pursue their own interests. That’s always amazing to hear. This sort of gives me the extra push to keep going harder in everything I do so I can continue to inspire all the lovely women around me.”
In an industry that often rewards visibility, have you ever felt invisible — and how did you reclaim your spotlight?
As a woman developing technology solutions for the music industry, Ginika Olua shares her thoughts on visibility:
“Not at all. I know how to put myself out there whenever I feel the need to. My work simply requires me to meet and connect with the right people, and I’m grateful for the connections I’ve been able to build.
But let’s be real—there’s no hiding in today’s world. Times have changed!”
If the younger version of you sat across from you today, what is the one thing she would be most shocked to learn about the woman you’ve become?
“I think she’d be more surprised that I didn’t burn dinner last night—just kidding. But honestly, I think she’d be surprised by how much I’ve embraced self-acceptance and resilience after facing so many challenges. I’m no longer that shy, timid kid who used to hide her talents from the world. Instead of chasing flawless perfection, I’ve learned to turn my imperfections into strengths.
I remember when she believed success meant having everything neatly planned and under control. Now, I’ve come to appreciate the unexpected missteps. I used to be terrified of failure, but I’ve realized that every mistake is an opportunity for growth. That lesson has been crucial—not just in my journey as a content creator but as an individual. It’s taught me resilience, creativity, and, most importantly, the art of laughing at life’s little surprises.” — Jay Five
“When I was younger, seeing people on TV seemed like such a bizarre and unachievable thing. I used to think they were just stars in their own little bubble, and I would never be part of that. But look at me now!
I think my younger self would be very surprised and proud of everything I’ve accomplished in such a short time. I feel truly blessed. And she’d probably also freak out about how tall I’ve gotten.” — Ginika Olua
“If the younger version of myself sat across from me today, she would be absolutely shocked—eyes wide, questioning if I was even real. She’d probably ask, “Wait… we actually did all that?!”
She would be stunned to learn that the shy, overthinking girl who second-guessed herself at every turn grew into a woman who makes bold moves, commands rooms, and partners with some of the world’s biggest brands.
She wouldn’t believe that the same girl who once doubted her own voice is now influencing thousands, shaping conversations and building a career out of her creativity.
She would also be deeply impressed—to learn that I’ve survived failures, heartbreaks, and
moments that felt like dead ends, only to reinvent myself stronger each time. She’d be baffled that the fears she thought would define her have instead become the fuel that drives me forward.” — Omotara Lawrence
“If the younger version of myself saw me today, she would be shocked at how confident I’ve become.
People have always seen me as an extrovert—someone who enjoys being out there—but the truth is, I’d rather stay in my room all day than go outside. Maybe business did that to me. So much so that I’ve come to value my personal time more than anything else.
My younger self, however, was too shy to be in the public eye for anything. Yes, I post, but I only share what I want people to see. Most of the time, I show up online because I know I have to—for my business. But the confidence I’ve gained through this journey, the doors it has opened, and the way people now perceive me are truly incredible.
These days, I have conversations with people who mention how confident and outspoken I am. I close deals just by having one conversation because my words reflect the experiences I’ve been through in my field. My articulation and expertise make it clear that I know what I’m doing—my experience truly speaks for itself.
Overall, my younger self would be so proud of how confident and strong I’ve become, how I handle challenges with wisdom, and how I’ve learned that not every battle needs to be fought—some are best left for another day, or not at all.
Honestly, even now, I can’t believe how far I’ve come, how much I’ve acquired, and what I’ve been able to establish.” — Chef Koye
“Honestly, I don’t think my younger self would be shocked by the woman I’ve become—and the one I’m becoming. I had a clear vision for my life, and I’ve been working tirelessly to bring it to fruition.
What might surprise her, though, is the level of resilience and determination it has taken to get here. I think she’d be proud to see that I haven’t given up, despite the obstacles and challenges. It’s been a journey of sacrifice, but every bit of effort has been worth it.” — Ginika Olua
Celebrating Women, Celebrating Resilience
These women have not only broken barriers but also redefined success, resilience, and legacy in their own unique ways. Their stories remind us that womanhood is not about fitting into a mold—it’s about breaking it, rewriting the rules, and paving the way for others to do the same.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, wisdom, and perseverance of women everywhere.
To every woman pushing forward: Keep going. The world is watching, learning, and inspired by you.
Happy International Women’s Day to every woman out there!
