Jesukorede Oluwapile: Gingered to make a difference

Jesukorede Oluwapile

We have all been there. That place where you struggle to identify who you really are and what you are called to do. It comes from being uncomfortable with the status quo, the burning desire to effect the right change and make a difference. The moment it hits you, it comes on like a light bulb, and then you start asking important questions like the Whys, What ifs, How abouts? and more.

Young, curious and ambitious, Jesukorede Oluwapile knew she was made for more. Her Dad, who is a Pastor and Evangelist, had a major influence on her life. She saw how his ministry was focused on assisting and empowering youths on the streets and displaced families, providing them with the necessary skills to create wealth. She created Rest Circles and Beyond the Hustle, a space where people can come and be honest about their struggles, pursue purpose with peace, not pressure, and find a supportive community.

Jesukorede does not take for granted that she was blessed with a supportive dad who made sure his children didn't just dream but lived their dreams. So when she delved into fashion, it was with full backing from those that mattered most. Through fashion, she was able to marry her skills and expertise to empower the next generation. 

Omote Ro Dhe learned a lot from the chat with Jesukorede, who told her story unfiltered and undiluted. Read excerpts below:

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey—how did your path into ministry, youth work, and fashion intersect?

My path into ministry, youth work, and fashion has been a winding one, but it's all connected by a thread of passion and purpose.

Growing up, I struggled to find my place, but I knew I wanted to make a difference.

My journey into ministry, youth work and fashion is connected by one man—my Dad, Pastor Oluwapile Adeoluwa Olugbeja.

He's a Pastor and an Evangelist. He retired from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and is always ministering to the youths on the street, the displaced families, and he's also big on "skills acquisition".

My fashion career started as a leap of faith, and I was fortunate to have a Father who would always support his children even if he didn't understand their vision.

Though he didn't understand why I was aiming for fashion, he drove me, upon request, to Mrs. Henrietta Agboola's office, the founder of the Fashion and Art Academy, and also introduced me to Mr. Taofik Ahmed, the founder of THAF Fashion Academy.

He also accepted and sponsored my decision to pursue Fashion at Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), where I ended up meeting Ms. Folashade Thompson, who guided me.

As I grew in my career, I realised that my faith and passion for helping others weren't separate from my work in fashion.

I began volunteering at Solid Teens and Youth Initiative after reconnecting with Mrs Henrietta Agboola. She was a volunteer Digital Pattern Drafting lecturer at Yabatech, and also a member of the board at Solid Teens and Youth Initiative.

Now, I get to use my skills and experience to empower young people and help them find their purpose.

What has been the most rewarding part of your work with teens and youth at Solid Teens?

Seeing young people reconnect to God and discover their potential and purpose is the most rewarding part of my work with Solid Teens.

I love watching them grow and develop, find answers to their burning questions, and knowing that I've played a small part in their journey.

It's amazing to see how God is working in their lives, and it's a privilege to be a part of it.

Rest Circles and Beyond the Hustle are refreshing concepts in a world obsessed with productivity. What prompted you to create these spaces?  

I created Rest Circles and Beyond the Hustle because I believe that we need to redefine what success looks like.

We're often told to hustle harder, but that's not sustainable. I want to help people find a rhythm that allows them to pursue their passions without losing themselves in the process.

Rest Circles is a space where people can come and be honest about their struggles, pursue purpose with peace, not pressure, and find a supportive community.

Let’s talk fashion. How did you get into the fashion industry, and what keeps your passion for it alive?

I got into fashion through a combination of curiosity and opportunity. I was drawn to the creative aspect of fashion, and I was fortunate to have mentors who taught me the technical and business skills.

What keeps my passion for fashion alive is the constant evolution of the industry.

There's always something new to learn, and I love the challenge of staying ahead of the curve.

If you could interview any historical or fictional character, who would it be and why?

If I could interview any historical character, it would be my namesake, Esther, the Queen, in the Bible.

She was big on self-care and skincare. She has a great relationship with God, and her faith is fiery. Her relationship with the King is admirable. He always listens to her, and she's beautiful.

She's an inspiration to me because of her strength, resilience, and passion for her people.

How do you personally balance the many roles you play, volunteer, teacher, mentor and creative without losing yourself in the process?

Balancing multiple roles can be challenging, but I've learned to prioritise and take care of myself.

For me, it's about finding a rhythm that works and being intentional about self-care.

One major rhythm I've discovered is blocking out time for "personal retreats". Once I feel I'm beginning to get confused, burnt out, and stressed, I know it's time to plug in to God.

I also make sure to surround myself with people who pour into me, as much as I pour into them.

Success is relative. What does it mean to you? Who are some women who are your yardstick of being successful?

To me, success is about living a life of purpose and meaning. It's not just about achieving certain goals, but about the impact I'm having on others. I believe that success is relative, and what matters most is that I'm being faithful to my calling.

Women who are my yardstick of success:

There are many women who inspire me, but one of them is my mom, Mrs Oluwapile Cecilia Modupeola. She's a strong, resilient homemaker who has always taught me to be hospitable and charitable. She's taught me the value of financial discipline, hard work and dedication. She's also a lover girl, and will go to any length to support my Dad's vision, as well as ours.

Other women who inspire me are Mrs Ibukun Awosika. I first met her at my older sister's graduation at Leading Ladies Africa. I was just 15 at the time.

Listening to her share her story helped me dream bigger.

If you could speak to a younger Jesukorede just starting out, what would you say to her?

If I could speak to a younger Jesukorede, I'd tell her to be patient and kind to herself.

It's okay to not have it all figured out, and it's okay to make mistakes.

I'd also tell her that Dad and Mum are actually doing all they can to ensure her future is secure. Be patient with them and help them understand.

I'd tell her to surround herself with people who support and encourage her, and to never give up on her dreams.

Most importantly, I'd remind her that she's loved and valued, regardless of what others may say.