Olamide Balogun: Championing positive change through cultural expression
What began as a small creative project has evolved into a platform for challenging norms
When most 16-year-olds were learning TikTok dances or stressing over exam schedules, Olamide Balogun was building a business from the floor of her bedroom. Armed with beads, wire, and a vision far bigger than herself, she co-founded Balogun Sisters Jewellery, a brand that doesn’t just accessorise, it amplifies. But this isn’t just another teenage side hustle. For Olamide, jewellery is activism. It’s culture. It’s storytelling. “It doesn’t matter how young you are. If you believe in your idea, just start.
From day one, Balogun Sisters Jewellery has been rooted in more than just beautiful designs. Olamide and her sister intentionally built a purpose-driven brand that fuses fashion with feminism and creativity with cultural pride.
Image: Supplied
There’s really no ‘perfect’ time. You grow by doing,” she said. And grow she did. What began as a small creative project has evolved into a platform for challenging norms, championing equality, and giving voice to people often left unheard.
“Balogun Sisters is a platform for activism. It’s our way of contributing to positive change,” she added. Each handmade piece carries powerful themes: gender equality, minority pride, self-love, and cultural identity. For the Balogun Sisters, jewellery is a vehicle for telling stories that matter. “I don’t create just to impress, I create to express. That’s the whole point of Balogun Sisters.”
Young entrepreneurs, take note: when your business reflects your beliefs, you build more than products, you build movements.
In a world of fast fashion, drop-shipping, and AI-driven trends, Olamide is choosing the slow, intentional route. There’s nothing wrong with those other methods. She is just staying true to what feels right for her brand.“We wanted to keep it authentic,” she says. “We don’t want to compromise who we are just to fit into what’s popular.” For Olamide, it’s not about mass-producing; it’s about meaning. “Even if we scale globally, we will stick to what we believe in. The story behind the jewellery is just as important as the jewellery itself.” Her authenticity is her edge. In an age where bots can write captions and influencers can be hired overnight, the human touch is still important.
Starting young also forced Olamide to learn financial discipline early. “When we started, we weren’t even thinking about profit. It taught us discipline, how to manage what we had, how to budget, how to reinvest,” she said. For many young entrepreneurs, managing money can feel like an afterthought. But for Olamide, learning to balance creativity and business was key to keeping the venture sustainable.
Every bracelet, necklace, and earring is handcrafted with care, making each one feel personal and soulful.
Image: Supplied
One of the smallest but most impactful details is that every Balogun Sisters purchase comes with a card bearing a personal, uplifting message. “We don’t just send out jewellery. We send a message. We want people to feel empowered when they wear our pieces.” It’s a small gesture that leaves a big emotional imprint. Thoughtful packaging like this transforms casual buyers into brand advocates. It’s not just about what you sell, but how you make people feel.
Olamide and her sister are intentional about partnering with stylists, influencers, and brands that align with their values.
“Partnerships help us grow. We’re always looking to work with people who share our values.”
Their approach shows that growth isn’t just about scaling fast, it’s about building the right community around your brand.
Though they started small, Olamide has no plans to stay small. “It might have started in our home, but we’re dreaming big. We want Balogun Sisters to be international.” For her, growth isn’t about chasing viral trends or overnight success. It’s about slow, steady impact rooted in purpose. Olamide’s story is a sharp reminder that you don’t need millions to make a meaningful brand. You need vision. You need courage. And you need the discipline to grow with your purpose intact.
If you’re waiting to feel ready, just go for it. There is no perfect time. If you’re waiting to be older, do it now. There’s no time like the present. Start now. Start bold. “Stick to what you believe in, even when it’s hard. That’s how you build something that really lasts.”
So what’s your story? What will your business stand for? The world is ready for something that sounds and feels like you.