Today, Toyosi Olowe is the founder of ToyoWrites, a creative brand that fuses visual storytelling, cultural heritage, and entrepreneurial vision. Her path from corporate analyst to internationally recognized artist has been anything but conventional but it is precisely this blend of resilience, heritage, and innovation that makes her story so compelling. In this candid interview, Toyosi reflects on the cultural duality that shaped her, the pivotal moments that sparked her creative fire, and the philosophies that continue to guide her through both brushstrokes and boardrooms.
This is more than a career narrative, it’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever navigated the tension between duty and desire, heritage and innovation. Step into Toyosi’s world, where vibrant creativity meets sharp strategy, and art becomes both a personal mission and a thriving enterprise.
How did your early experiences and cultural heritage shape your creative vision and artistic journey?
To be honest, art was never part of the original plan. I grew up in a family of academics, where success was defined by traditional careers; think doctor, lawyer, engineer, anything considered ‘respectable’. Creativity wasn’t exactly celebrated, so my passion for art remained in the background. I’d sneak in moments of expression, summer art programs here and there, but nothing that felt like a real path. I was constantly being scolded by school teachers for sketching in my textbooks, but drawing felt as natural to me as breathing. Still, I followed the expected route: went to university, landed a corporate job, and played it safe for three years. But no matter how polished it looked from the outside, it never felt like me. Eventually, I made the leap back to what had always felt right—art.
My Nigerian roots have had a profound influence on my creative voice. The vibrant colours, the fluid forms, the deep sense of storytelling—all of it reflects the richness of African culture. Each piece I create carries a narrative, just like my own. Growing up British-Nigerian meant constantly balancing two identities, and that dual perspective is woven into my work. It’s about honouring tradition while embracing the contemporary, merging the past with the present to create something deeply personal, yet universally resonant.
What role did your upbringing and family values play in guiding your career choices?
My family has always championed excellence and resilience. There’s an unspoken expectation in many Nigerian households to pursue traditional career paths, but my parents also instilled in me the belief that success is about impact. That foundation gave me the courage to step away from the corporate world and pursue something less conventional but deeply fulfilling, building a creative legacy through art and entrepreneurship.
Can you share a formative moment from your childhood that sparked your interest in art and entrepreneurship?
It was my art teachers who first recognized the spark in me; they saw something others overlooked and enrolled me in a selective summer art school in my borough. At the time, it felt like a major milestone. I had always been that kid endlessly sketching, completely immersed in my drawings, so having my passion acknowledged in a formal way meant everything.
But even then, art wasn’t my only instinct—I had a natural entrepreneurial streak, too. At university, I started designing custom Snapchat filters as a side hustle, and even before that, I’d create personalized calligraphy gifts for family members, thanks to my unusually neat handwriting. Looking back now, it’s clear that I was always merging creativity with business, long before I had the words to define it.
How has your Nigerian heritage influenced both your personal outlook and professional style?
Nigerian culture is vibrant, bold, and unapologetically expressive. It’s embedded in how I approach my art—whether through colour palettes, themes of migration and memory, or the fusion of textures in my mixed-media pieces. Professionally, my heritage fuels my ambition. Nigerians are known for their resilience and ability to thrive anywhere, and that global mindset has been crucial in taking my brand to international markets from London, to the UAE & now KSA.
What personal hobbies or creative outlets do you enjoy, and how do they inspire your work?
Travel is one of my greatest sources of inspiration. I love exploring new cities, immersing myself in different cultures, and getting lost in exhibitions or architectural home tours. I’m especially fascinated by off-plan residences; there’s something magical about envisioning a space before it even exists. I take photos constantly—capturing textures, colour palettes, or simply a feeling I want to remember and recreate.
Self-care is a crucial part of my creative rhythm. Long walks, soulful music, slow intentional days to reset; they all help recharge my mind and spirit. When I feel grounded, it naturally shows in my work. My colour choices often lean towards soft, calming tones with bright, joyful accents—designed to evoke emotion and invite pause.
And then there’s the power of creative community. Sharing space with other artists, exchanging ideas, and witnessing how different life experiences shape expression, it’s endlessly inspiring. These connections and moments, even the subtle ones, always find a way into my art, sometimes not immediately, but their influence is always felt.
How did your academic background at the University of Warwick prepare you for the transition from a corporate role to entrepreneurship?
Studying at Warwick was a pivotal moment in my journey. The business school’s focus on innovation, strategy, and entrepreneurship gave me the tools to build and grow my brand with purpose. The courses weren’t just theoretical, they taught me to think critically, adapt quickly, and spot opportunities, which has been essential in my transition from corporate to creative entrepreneurship.
Group work and collaboration played a huge role too, preparing me for the partnerships that now define my career, whether with global brands like Barclays and John Lewis or international interior designers. Warwick shaped my ability to navigate across industries, and more importantly, to approach my art with a structured, business-minded lens. It taught me how to turn creativity into something scalable and impactful.
What key experiences in your corporate career helped shape your decision to launch ToyoWrites?
My corporate journey was a great start to my career, but I began to feel unfulfilled at KPMG. That’s when I discovered a team that brought in artists to live-scribe C-suite meetings. Watching them in action, I realized I could do the same. I pitched myself for the role, and after a successful trial, I became their in-house creative scribe and event manager. The experience was transformative, combining real-time visual storytelling with high-level business discussions. To sharpen my skills, KPMG even brought in a professional artist to train me for six months, which significantly elevated my style. After a year, I took the leap—resigned, launched my own e-commerce art brand, and stepped fully into the creative world. The timing aligned perfectly with the pandemic-driven e-commerce boom, and that move became the foundation for everything I do today.
Could you describe the challenges you encountered during your transition from the corporate world to founding your own brand?
The biggest challenge was mindset, moving from a structured corporate environment with clear career progression to the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. It required unlearning stability and embracing risk. Imposter syndrome creeped in occasionally as many didn’t know this side of me but this later faded. There were also financial hurdles, learning how to price my work, and breaking into the right circles. But I believed in the vision, and that persistence paid off.
How do you integrate lessons learned from your professional background into your creative business model?
I approach my art brand like a business; there’s strategy behind every creative decision. I think about market positioning, brand storytelling, and scalability. Corporate taught me about operations and partnerships, which now help me collaborate with global spaces, from exhibitions with Barclays and Christie’s London. To how I manage stakeholders through luxury art commissions for high networth collectors.
In what ways has your entrepreneurial journey influenced your approach to art and business?
It has made me more intentional. I see art not just as self-expression but as a tool for positive activism e.g. End SARS, Women empowerment conversations, and improving wellbeing. My entrepreneurial journey has also reinforced the importance of innovation, always evolving, always thinking about how my work can be more impactful, utilize technology through immersive experiences, upgrade decor and customer experiences that are relevant in today’s art and design landscape.
Who has been the greatest inspiration in your career and life journey?
It all truly began with Meagan Good—my first celebrity and high-net-worth client. She she wasn’t just a client, she was an ambassador, she actively championed it, introducing my work to elite circles and giving my brand, ToyoWrites, a powerful boost. Watching her build a lasting career from her passion as an actress inspired me to believe I could do the same with my art. Her example shifted my mindset and helped me envision a future where creativity and success could coexist.
From that moment on, I saw my path more clearly. I realized my younger self—and others like me—needed to see that building a creative career is possible, even when it goes against cultural expectations. That thought continues to motivate me.
Of course, my journey has been shaped by many influences. My mother’s encouragement, the early support from friends and family who promoted and purchased my work, and the lessons from university and corporate life have all played vital roles. Warwick taught me strategy and structure, while my corporate experience instilled discipline and professionalism. Together, these experiences built the solid foundation I stand on today—something I’ll always be grateful to my parents for.
Art requires creativity, but running a business requires discipline and strategy. How do you balance the artistic and entrepreneurial sides of your work?
It’s a constant balance between intuition and structure. I create freely, but I’m also intentional about making sure my business is growing. I track what works, make data-driven decisions, and structure everything properly; contracts, licensing, pricing, and strategy are just as important as the art itself.
I’ve learnt that being an artist isn’t just about making beautiful things; it’s about building something sustainable. I give myself creative space, but I also set goals, plan ahead, and make sure my work isn’t just seen but valued at the level it deserves. It’s about longevity, creating from the heart, but moving with strategy.
If you weren’t an artist and entrepreneur, what other career path do you think you would have pursued?
I’d be a writer—hence the “W” in TW. Writing has always been second nature to me. I started with affirmations, then moved on to poetry (some of which got published), and I’d write short stories just for fun. English was my best subject in school, and I always knew I had a way with words. Now, I’m finally bringing that full circle with my upcoming book. I’d also love to be a songwriter; I’ve written songs before and even led the gospel choir at uni.
Music, much like art, is all about storytelling, and I love how lyrics can move people. Another career that excites me? International photography. I’ve always been obsessed with aesthetics, capturing moments, and finding beauty in unexpected places. In another life, I’d probably be travelling the world with a camera in hand, documenting cultures and hidden gems.
Outside of art and business, what hobbies or activities help you relax and stay inspired?
Photography is a huge creative outlet for me—I love capturing moments, whether it’s the texture of a wall, the warmth of a space, or the way natural light transforms a scene. Travel is another major source of inspiration. Exploring new cultures, wandering through unfamiliar cities, and spending time in museums always recharges me and sparks fresh ideas.
Journaling is how I stay centered. It helps me process thoughts, set clear intentions, and track my personal and creative growth. Music also plays a big role—there’s nothing like the energy of a live concert to reignite inspiration. And of course, self-care is essential. Whether it’s a spa day, a swim, or simply unplugging to reset, those quiet moments of rest keep me grounded and creatively energized.
We hear you’ve got not one, but two limited edition art collections on the way; what can you reveal about these upcoming releases, and why should art lovers be paying attention?
I am so thrilled to unveil two very special limited-edition art releases in collaboration with Luminara, a luxury print platform celebrated for showcasing some of the world’s most impactful creatives. This marks a significant moment for all art enthusiasts and collectors who value storytelling, bold aesthetics, and meaningful ownership.
The editions feature signed prints of two of TW’s most iconic pieces—Break Time, a celebration of rest and feminine power, and Global Unity, a striking visual tribute to cultural togetherness. Each print is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a personal letter from me, offering collectors a deeper connection to the work and its meaning.
As an international artist who has exhibited at Christie’s London, with a global art footprint stretching from Dubai to Hollywood, this is a rare opportunity to own collectible works from my archive in a refined, exclusive format. Only 10 editions of each piece are available—making this not just a purchase, but a lasting investment in art, culture, and creativity.
Now officially live and accessible—don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this story.
What is one personal philosophy or life lesson that has guided you through both challenges and successes?
‘March Forth.’ I was born on March 4th, and I’ve always seen it as my life’s instruction—keep moving forward, no matter what. So many people wait for the ‘perfect moment,’ but I’ve learned that growth comes from action. You don’t have to have everything figured out—the path becomes clearer as you go. My journey from corporate to creative entrepreneurship has been built on calculated risks, resilience, and trusting that if you create something truly valuable, the right opportunities will align.
It’s about progress over perfection—just keep marching forth.
luminaraeditions.com
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By Irini GOLEMI
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