Meet Abibat Durosimi | Creative Entrepreneur

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

Hi Abibat, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
20 years ago, I left the corporate world, where 7 years of my time there I had to change my name to Abi to even be acknowledged for an interview. To have to shrink my gifts and skills so the other counterparts will become successful. To just get fired for standing up for myself instead of getting a promotion. I was done! I’ve always had a creative side to me. I was an artist, a stylist in natural hair and makeup artistry. I had to hone into my passion. I wanted to meet new people that would help me develop my ambition in the right direction. So, I became a promoter. I wanted to meet people that looked like me and had the same passion and goals. I wanted to be around other creatives. So, I met the right people that guided me to where I am today. From meeting a talented artist, Liv Warfield, who later became my client and bff. We would support each other in our dreams and career goals. To work for one of the most beloved iconic musicians in the world, PRINCE, as his lead hair and makeup stylist (the glam squad). I took my experiences from the corporate world and implemented them on how I moved in the creative world.Soon after his passing I had to figure out my next step. I knew I didn’t want to be behind the chair all the time. I knew I wanted my work to be published so I threw myself back into the fashion seen. I knew there was a need for BIPOC voices to be heard within the industry. But first I had to bring all the creatives together. And how did I do that?? By throwing an event filled with designers and business owners of color along with amazing entertainment with local musicians and of course we can’t forget fashion. I ran BLOOM BEAUTY COLLECTIVE as a production and content company to curate events that lifted BIPOC creatives voices as well as giving back to the community by introducing them to the industry., through internships.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Soon after Prince’s transition I had to figure out my next step. I knew I didn’t want to be behind the chair all the time. I knew I wanted my work to be published so I threw myself back into the fashion scene. I knew there was a need for BIPOC voices to be heard within the industry, but first I had to bring all the creatives together. And how did I do that?? By throwing an event filled with designers and business owners of color along with amazing entertainment with local musicians and of course we can’t forget fashion. I ran BLOOM BEAUTY COLLECTIVE as a production and media company to curate events that lifted BIPOC creative voices as well as giving back to the community by introducing them to the industry.

Being a makeup, Natural hair stylist, and model for 20 years It was hard to find others that looked like me within the production industry. So, I wanted to strive to be that springboard for others that looked like me and were as talented as any other creatives out there. They just needed that opportunity. So, during Covid. I had to think about what was next for BLOOM as a creative entity and how I can make an impact within the industry. Why not become a casting and talent agency bringing BIPOC creatives into spaces that need our influences. Since making that decision so many opportunities have come our way to fulfill that need to bring talent BIPOC and LBGTQIA ‘s within the production industry. -Bloom by design-

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?
Living in the NW, there is so much to see and do. We have the mountains, ocean, the city and the wilderness. But we also have a huge creative scene. A lot of musicians, artists, and foodies. So of course, we will hit one of the food carts, then drive through different boroughs of Portland. Then of course not to forget the trip to the coast and win some cash along the way at the casinos. To come back into the city and watch a play or an intimate concert or band session with signature drinks. To possibly driving or walking by something weird on the streets, perhaps watching the naked bike ride that goes miles on end or the parade of people showing their views of injustice. Portland has a lot to offer and room to grow. You can never get bored out here. Despite the rain there is still a lot to do.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course, you really can’t move without any assistance or support system to produce the momentum you need to be successful. Having a tribe is important. A tribe of individuals that pour into you. Individuals that think like you that move the same way as you do. I love the amazing Queens and Kings of my tribe! You know who you are!! Having that moral support is important. I had amazing clients that became mentors to me Vanessa Morgan and Carla Penn-Hopson. They encourage me prior to Leaving the entertainment world , to live my dreams out loud. So, if I was involved with a fashion show or event, I wanted to direct,  they were there to tell me that I could create my own. With the love and support they gave me BLOOM wouldn’t be where it is today. Better MKTG founder Jonathan Riley, whom I met as a talent for a documentary that I was hired to be HMU for. To have him in my hair chair then to help me produce my first fashion show and other projects soon after that. Of course, my children help motivate me every day to do what I love.

Website: www.bloombeautycollective.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abibat-durosimi-44b2354a/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiIfBnxreu5X_zD47_Nx3ew