Meet Tola K Lawal | Actress | Language/Dialect enthusiast|Director | Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tola K Lawal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tola K, why did you pursue a creative career?
To be very honest, I feel like the creative/artistic career chose ME. Being an artist was something I enjoyed because it made me feel good, though I’d always considered it a hobby, opportunities to engage in the artistic world seemed to follow me in practically every stage of my life. I’ve always thought of myself to be a quirky type of creative, certainly not a ‘cool’ creative nor a mastermind behind innovative things that were captivating and by nature . My creativity was more in tune with the reaction “Oh..interesting.. I never looked at it that way before.” I don’t necessarily feel like my creativeness is particularly remarkable, just different, which I suppose is what makes it unique.. I love performing. I love people. And I love stories. When you combine these three elements, you’re guaranteed a good time! There is so much possibility that exists in the culmination of the aforementioned — I love being able to connect with others on multiple levels. Everyone wants to be seen, heard and understood. Being an artist not only forces you to constantly be vulnerable but it also opens up so many avenues of opportunity to be seen, heard, and understood and in turn, reciprocate those same sensations. Throughout my journey I’ve continuously heard the expression “Art imitates life” –such a delicate gift. To be able to play at its replication to inspire change through enlightenment, evoke laughter and spread light and love really does make a difference –it is a true blessing and something I firmly believe I’ve always been called to do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m constantly looking to learn and dive into new things. I’m inspired by those considered to be a Jack-of-All trades. Personally, I enjoy being constantly stimulated. Idleness is boring to me and always makes me feel as though I’m missing out on a creative opportunity. I recently completed my very first audio book earlier this year that I self recorded and engineered on my own. It was extremely trying in more ways than one, but I learned a lot and felt really good once it was officially complete.  I’m also beginning to hold myself more accountable for things I’ve been “meaning to get around to doing but never seem to have the time” (*cough cough* writing!) I’m working on a few projects that I feel will really help me step even more outside of my comfort zone and  allow me to take more risks in the art of story telling that I haven’t yet explored. I’m excited! I’m enjoying collaborating more with artist friends too. I went to a private preparatory school through my adolescent years and the # 2 (at the time) Med school in the country for undergraduate schooling, so I haven’t always had the luxury of close friends to gush over “all things art”. (Shoutout to all my doctor and lawyer friends though!) Just saying, the balance is nice and gives me a little inspirational push more often these days. In retrospect, I really enjoyed the opportunities in Graduate School that allowed us (the ensemble) to create work in other areas of our craft  [i.e. stage combat, clowning, voice-over acting, interdisciplinary film classes, improv and sketch comedy] The latter led to an opportunity to perform in a stand-up comedy show which was one of my most treasured moments as a Graduate student. I really enjoyed it and it was fun to see how far I could pushed myself being completely outside of my comfort zone. But, the support of my classmates and the unwavering persistence of my, then, instructor was everything. It really inspired me to continue honing the skill. Two other things that I’m additionally very passionate about : 1. Linguistics and 2. Working with children. I’ve been working with the youth for over 15 years and over the past few years I’ve been gifted multiple opportunities through different institutions to be able to teach and share my passion for linguistics. It is a really good feeling to study and learn something and understand it well enough to be able to to teach and share that same knowledge with others -especially with kids. Long ago, I learned that there is a powerful fire that is ignited in children who are inspired and once they execute that knowledge they obtain , their opportunities know no bounds. Their power is limitless. Linguistics can be a broad scope, so to clarify, what I specifically teach is accent and dialect work (though also a polyglot fanatic). I’ve worked hard on mastering a select few accents/dialects to be abe to reach a point that I feel most invigorated teaching, these include; (Jamaican accent, West African -Nigerian accent,, Received Pronunciation, New York accent, Gen American )

It hasn’t been an easy road to achieving and completing the things that I have. Though I know that there’s still so much more to accomplish, I’ve learned to be grateful and express this as much as I can along the way. Still, like everyone, I have my days of doubt and my moments of feeling incompetent, but one way that I do my best to reassure myself is little reminders that I am exactly where I need to be. Faith and a diligent demeanor have been strong factors in keeping me on course, I get that from my parents.
Ultimately the experiences that I’ve had through my journey have certainly taken me on a rollercoaster ride, but they’ve molded me into the person that I am. Something that I’ve learned along the way (and honestly still working on) is patience, patience, PATIENCE! Simply put, it’s not about the destination but rather the journey there and everyone’s journey looks different. Comparison is the thief of happiness. There will always be  a time and place for every promised victory. Regardless of whether I have a positive experience or negative one, I never look at any opportunity in which I was able to grow and learn as a failure. Whatever the outcome is,  it still a blessing because it was a lesson learned. And that, to me, is an invaluable takeaway!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
-Santa Monica Pier has definitely become a staple for me and always on the top of the suggestion list. Theres so much to do, lots to see and plenty to eat (and of coursefood is always a plus)

-OUE Skyspace LA – Great for a photo opportunity– who doesn’t want to take pictures on a skyscraper in LA?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Mom is a major contributor to who I am as a person, (both mentally and emotionally too! 😉 . She’s my best friend and my immediate go-to whenever I’m having a moment, mini crisis, going through indecision — you name it! And she always, always has a solution. Not only that but she is incredibly supportive of everything that I do, she is my Number One fan in every sense of the word. I’m very grateful to have had and continue to have her support though my journey.

Website: www.TolaK.com

Instagram: @TolaK__

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omotola-lawal-65715092

Twitter: @_TolaK

Facebook: Tola Lawal

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7126358/