September 10, 2022, I invited ten extraordinary gentlemen in London, leaders shaping narratives in their own fields, for a simple photoshoot and hangout. That gathering became more than a connection; it became the spark that would ignite Elevate Your Style, a movement that has grown into a vision for Black History Month 2023 and beyond.
Why did I begin? Because remarkable people were going unseen. I had a platform, a growing blog, and a desire to amplify voices that deserved to be heard. I also knew the harsh truth: in the UK, only 1.5% of leadership positions are held by Black individuals. That number alone should shake us. How do we get represented if the percentage of people representing us is so low? How do we get understood if there are not enough people at the forefront who truly share our experiences, our pains, and our perspectives?
Having lived much of my life in Lagos as a creative before migrating to the UK, I felt the shift immediately. In Lagos, creativity breathes freely. It thrives, it inspires, it is visible. But here, as a minority, there is often a subconscious undertone whispering that this space is not for you. I saw how difficult it is for Black creatives to blossom, how underrepresentation and stereotypes quietly restrict the possibilities before us. That reality fueled the purpose behind Elevate Your Style.
This movement was never just about clothes. It is about representation, confidence, self expression, mentorship, and collaboration. It is about reshaping the narrative of who we are, what we carry, and the influence we can wield.
As Black people, we are too often judged first by our skin color, rather than our vision, skills, or character. That is why personal style becomes more than appearance, it becomes leverage. It commands attention, earns respect, and opens doors. It shifts perception from stereotype to strength, from invisibility to presence.
Our mission is clear: bring together Black creatives with style and purpose. Create spaces where ideas are shared, networks are built, and every individual is empowered to rise. Use personal style as a bridge between confidence and influence, ambition and opportunity, individuality and community.
So this Black History Month, let this be your charge: dress not for vanity, but for empowerment. Walk with confidence, not just for yourself, but for those watching. Use your style as a canvas for self expression and a tool to challenge invisibility. Pull others along as you rise, because when one of us shines, we all shine.
But a movement grows through action—and now is the time to act.
From October 7th to October 28th, I am opening a 21-day mentorship journey. This is not just from me, but from the Elevate Your Style community itself. For 21 days, I will pour out everything I know through blogpost, interviews and personal reflections.
You will be invited to share your #ElevatedLookOfTheDay, responding to a daily style or storytelling prompt. Some days it will be about what you wear, other days it will be about what you believe, what you create, or what you dream. Post your look, your video, your reflection, and tag us. Each day, we will select a standout story and style, a winner chosen not just for appearance, but for voice, presence, and courage. Prizes will come from our partners and sponsors, but the real prize is deeper: the transformation that happens when you choose to show up, consistently, for 21 days.
This is representation in action.
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