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

Hi Lola, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think of risks as another form of keeping myself very open-minded. It helps me think more creatively and research intensely.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a self-taught holistic artist; visual/abstract/graphic art, craftswoman/jeweler, plant-based chef, and a yoga practitioner. My art and craft explore the relationship between what is known and unknown in this journey called life. It emphasizes on my higher self/lower self, spirit body/physical body, and what it means to be free. The association between the spirit world and this matrix we live in has always been a focus of discussion in my art and craft. I got to where I am today because I and my family moved to Nigeria in 1998. Being a part of a diverse and unique culture that always expressed life through art is something I am genuinely thankful to my parents for. My father was an imaginative entrepreneur while my mother was a jack of all trades; she crafted jewelry, catered food, braided hair, and tailored African wear. Had they not instilled my culture in me at a young age, we probably won’t be doing this interview.

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?
My favorite place to be is in nature and thankfully Texas is full of fun nature spots. I would definitely take them to Austin to go kayaking, hiking, swimming in natural spring rivers, and get some good eats in downtown Austin area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My favorite books that has helped me on my journey are The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo and The Alchemist Almanac by Harlan Margold.

Website: www.artbysteelo.net

Instagram: @artby_steelo

Twitter: @artby_steelo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.