Meet Laolu Olasimbo | Innovator, Makeup Artist, & Health Care Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laolu Olasimbo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laolu, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My Atlanta-based makeup artistry brand, Laolu, is where beauty meets health. Laolu is a nickname derived from the full Yoruba name of “Olaoluwa”, which is intended to mean “the grace of God”. Everything in my brand from the makeup style and studio aesthetic to the way I operate my business and actively promote health works together to represent grace.

As an entrepreneur, I provide makeup services and promote optimal health in different ways. I give every client “fact cards” to take home with them. One side shows tips to maintain the makeup, while on the other clients will find “Health Checks” that display health information specific to Black and Brown people. The health care industry is so complex and often results in consequences affecting minority communities. I want to help ensure that Black and Brown people can receive affordable, quality care and gain an understanding of how best to maintain their health.

A key factor of my brand’s mission is giving back. In 2020, I created a “Sweetheart Program” Initiative which was held from August to December. This was my brand’s first major event to promote beauty and wellness. The first part of the program was a service initiative called COVID CONNECT, where my team and I collected and donated items to provide hygiene and safety essentials to a homeless shelter in Baltimore, Maryland. In December, my team and I hosted a virtual Beauty-con with speakers from different levels of the beauty and health industries to inspire and network with upcoming entrepreneurs. We also had a raffle in which all of the proceeds went towards Christmas toys for children at the Believe in Tomorrow Foundation in Baltimore, MD.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 2017, I started my brand as a freshman at Howard University. Fast forward 6 years later, I have worked as a head makeup artist for the university’s first modeling organization, participated as a makeup artist and production aide in both the 2019 NYFW Art Hearts Fashion Show and the DC Fashion Week show, as well as built a steady client base in the DMV area. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s degree in public health, working full-time for a Fortune 500, and running my makeup business. It seems like a lot, but everything I am doing is connected. I use the information I learn from my graduate program and job to spread health care awareness through my platform as a makeup artist and content creator.

My professional career is focused on leading health system strategy and hospital operations. Working in this field, I hope to expand health equity in hospitals and encourage people to take initiative with maintaining their individual health. My makeup brand, Laolu, gives me the platform to promote health resources and inform people about how to benefit from the complexities of the health care industry. The more people know about their health (and the industry), the more they will be able to take care of themselves in ways that are best for them.

It definitely wasn’t easy getting to where I am now.

The first issue I encountered as an entrepreneur is learning how to REST. As a Nigerian woman and the only child of immigrant parents, I inherently make it my mission to chase every opportunity that comes my way. I was raised on the notion that determination and tenacity are important keys to success. But how important is that success when you burn out trying to get there? Now I try to be more intentional with prioritizing and incorporating rest into my routine. That way, when it’s time for me to work, I can put in my best efforts with a refreshed mind and body.

I also came across the challenge of being underwhelmed by my business. I went through more dry periods than I can count- times where I had absolutely no clients mainly due to competition. I had to become creative with my marketing methods, and I invested in classes which drastically improved my makeup technique.

In trying to gain more clients, I often changed my brand to fit others’ expectations. There was a lot of inconsistency and it showed through my work. Eventually, I realized that the only expectations I needed to meet and exceed were my own. That is why I named my brand Laolu. Every aspect of my brand now represents me and what I stand for. It’s like yes, I want my work to be seen… but in the way that I am proud of, not what best fits the current trend.

I think my story, overall, is one of resilience and persistence. I’ve learned to keep going in spite of adversity because adversity doesn’t last forever. I’ve learned the importance of authenticity, patience, and giving myself grace. Most importantly, I’ve learned to have faith in myself and in God. Everything will work out the way it is meant to and, in the end, I’ll be better than what I could’ve ever imagined.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
At the moment, I am based in Atlanta, GA. One of the first places my friend and I are going to is the outdoor art gallery on the beltline. It’s one of my favorite places to just walk and clear my head. Other places we could go to for fun is Colony Square, Little Five Points, Atlantic Station, or the Battery which are all areas full of activities and restaurants. Special mention to the strip on Edgewood because that’s where the real fun is. The nightlife in this city is also a good time for the weekend… but just for the weekend.

On a regular day, I am indeed a gym-rat. But I also love exploring other types of physical activities like yoga, pilates, pole-dancing, and hiking with great views. I love love love going to art museums, paint and sips, and brunches. And one thing I am always down to do is visit a farmer’s market!

Now Atlanta has ALOT of eats. But while my friend is down here, we’re definitely going to Slutty Vegan, Toast on Lenox, Yebo Beach Haus, Mangos Caribbean spot, and Mojave. Special mention to the Garden Room even though they are always booked.

In LA, however, an event I would loveeee to go to is the Everyday Ppl event. It’s meant to bring together all different types of Black people and honestly just seems like such a good time. It also seems like an amazing opportunity to network and meet creators from different industries.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I always gotta thank God first. There’s no way I could’ve made it as far as I have in life without divine intervention, so shoutout to Jesus for always looking out.

Thank you to my parents who have instilled in me persistence and drive. Both have been prime examples of resourcefulness and determination as entrepreneurs. They have always invested in me and my business.

Shoutout to my friends and family for always supporting me and pushing me to be my best self. Thank you to the Howard University Elite Models for serving as an environment where I could advance and explore as a creator during my time in college. Lastly, I am so so grateful for all of my clients who book with me, recommend me to others, and say my name in rooms full of opportunity. I am especially grateful to my clients who have faithfully stuck by my side, even when I wasn’t considered the best. They know who they are <3.

Website: https://laoluthemua.as.me/schedule.php

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laoluthemua/

Image Credits
Mesus Studios (my picture in the pink dress, graduation picture with howard stole) HU Elite Models (girl with rose petals) One and Dunn Boutique (picture with green background) Designed By CM (girl in white jumpsuit)