Addie Olutola is living the American dream, she has developed her brand Diyanu.com, whose goal is “to boost cultural confidence” through merging African print and western aesthetics.

The daughter of a nurse who had to become a house cleaner and a professor who had to sell shoes in America, Addie saw the immigrant struggle first hand. “As with most immigrants, it’s tough assimilating into a new country” Addie told me. She got here when she was just six years old. However, with the love and support of her family, she worked her way through college and her master’s degree to a job at a major lab supply company. However, her journey didn’t stop there.

“For me it wasn’t as hard as some people think. I made up my mind that working for someone else wasn’t for me. I wasn’t even profitable when I left the company, but this was something I had to do.” And the bet paid off, within 4 months her clothing brand has grown turning her 600-square foot office into a 3,200-foot warehouse.

With all her success, she remembers her humble beginnings “Since the very beginning, I wanted to use my business to also give back… I’m passionate about water so I picked 2 organizations (Charity Water and Water Aid) that provide access to clean water throughout Africa and other 3^rd world countries”. In 2016, D’IYANU also donated to EduCare Benin, an organization that provides scholarships and supplies to the youth of Benin who otherwise would not be able to attend school.

Her brother, Dara Ajayi, who last year she hired on to become president sees this in her. “I was so impressed with her motivation to help people. Her grand vision of building school and hospitals, what’s a better reason to start a business?” D’iyanu has risen to a brand, and one of the fastest growing clothing lines in America.

“We’re so grateful for everybody who supported us from the beginning and their continued support. It’s been an amazing ride so far”. And with all the kids and people she helped so far, they are excited too.

Drew St. Juste

Writing since May 2017 · 1 story contributed