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

Hi Olumide, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
As a Nigerian Immigrant that has lived in Asia and is privileged to be in the United States, I have been able to experience the differences in cultures, lifestyle, and many more within the black communities, some positive and others negative. I notice a huge gap among blacks across the world and I want to bridge that gap. The idea was to create a youtube channel to discuss and bring awareness to the gaps between Africans and African Americans (Blacks). Having a good friend who is from Louisiana (Brittani) introduce me to her talented Mum (Carlita Hart), I brought the idea forward and she came up with the first design of a t-shirt as a gift “A Black Man from a Black Continent with Big Dreams”. I loved the idea of a clothing brand and so I came up with the African Root Store LLC which is a subsidiary of Black and Bold with the slogan “Connecting the Dots”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I went to Olabisi Onabajo University (OSU) Nigeria and got my Bachelors in Accounting. I have acquired 10years of working experience in Accounting and Administration working for Ogun State Civil Service in Nigeria. I have worked as an Information Technology Auditor and I have an MBA from Anglia Ruskin University East London and a Masters of Science in Cyber Security from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). I am a published writer.  Published a book on “Transformational Leadership on Job Satisfaction: The effects of Transformational Leadership on Job Satisfaction: A study on Four and Five Star Hotels in Kuala Lumpur.

The journey has not been an easy one but through determination and perseverance and God’s support. I was able to accomplish all that was stated above. My determination as a driver for my dreams and goals. I will like for Black & Bold to be a household name for all Blacks across the world. I am determined to bridge that gap and bring awareness to the diverse cultures/values we possess.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many fun places in Houston. Some of my recommendations will be to visit the museums like the museum of fine arts, contemporary art museum Houston, and the Cockrell Butterfly Center. You cannot visit Houston and not eat, some of my favorite spots are Cafe Abuja, Taste Bar & Kitchen, Davis Street at Hermann Park, Aria Suya Kitchen, HoneyKaz and NASA Johnson Space Center lastly if you find yourself having any car issues you can visit Erinles Global Inc.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my family and friends both home and abroad… too many names to mention but I will particularly thank my team for their commitment: Carlita Hart, Brittani Castle, Adeola Akinlolu, Shontay Brooks, Ojo Akinnisola, Daniel Popoola, and MFC Football Club of Houston and Ayo-funtones for the special jingle. Finally my parent’s Pastor and Mrs. Akinlolu for their prayers and support.

Website: https://africanrootstore.org/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akinlolu-olumide-bb1a79108/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackafrican_root-107430211393720

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDMn5hZ8n04

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.