By Just4Women Europe
For award-winning travel writer, photographer, and bestselling author Lola Akinmade, storytelling has never been about simply documenting places. It is about connecting people, challenging stereotypes, and reminding the world that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.
Born in Nigeria and now based in Stockholm, Sweden, Lola has built an extraordinary international career that has taken her across continents and cultures. Her books have been translated into 18 languages, her photography and writing have appeared in globally respected publications including National Geographic, BBC, and CNN, and she has become one of the world’s leading voices in travel storytelling. Yet despite her global success, her mission remains remarkably simple: tell authentic stories that connect humanity.
In an exclusive interview with Just4Women Europe, Lola reflected on the experiences that have shaped her remarkable journey.
From Nigeria to the World
Lola’s career was anything but conventional.
Growing up in Nigeria, geography was her favourite subject, and she always loved writing. However, rather than pursuing a creative career immediately, she studied Information Technology and spent several years working as a programmer and systems architect.
Everything changed when she volunteered as a travel writer during an expedition.
That experience reignited the passions she had carried since childhood.
“I realised this might actually be the path for me,” she recalled.
Photography also came naturally. Originally an oil painter, she began taking photographs simply to use as references for future paintings. Before long, she realised photography itself had become her artistic language, allowing her to tell stories more directly and powerfully.
Breaking Barriers in Global Storytelling
Building a career as a Black woman in international travel media was not without challenges.
Lola explained that she often found herself having to prove that she was just as capable—if not more capable—than many of her peers. She encountered assumptions about who a travel photographer “should” be and worked tirelessly to challenge stereotypes that had long dominated the industry.
Rather than allowing those barriers to define her, she chose to redefine what global storytelling could look like.
She believes diversity among storytellers is essential because people from different backgrounds notice different details, ask different questions, and ultimately tell richer, more complete stories.
The Greatest Lesson Travel Has Taught Her
After travelling extensively across the world, Lola says the biggest lesson she has learned is surprisingly universal.
Regardless of nationality, language, race, or religion, every human being simply wants to be seen.
People want to feel acknowledged, respected, and accepted for who they are without constantly having to prove their worth.
That philosophy has become the foundation of both her writing and photography, influencing every story she tells and every person she photographs.
Rugby and the Power of Belonging
Many people may be surprised to learn that Lola also played competitive rugby for more than a decade.
For her, rugby became much more than a sport.
She describes it as one of the most inclusive sports because it celebrates different body types, strengths, and abilities. Whether someone is tall, short, fast, or powerful, there is a place for them on the team.
That lesson stayed with her throughout life.
“You are already enough.”
It is a message she now shares through her books, photography, and public speaking: people do not need to change who they are to belong.
Changing the Narrative About Africa
One of the most compelling moments during the interview came when Lola discussed how Africa is portrayed internationally.
She believes the continent has often been reduced to extremes.
For years, international media focused almost exclusively on poverty. More recently, there has been a shift toward showcasing luxury and affluence to counter those stereotypes.
While both realities exist, Lola believes the true story of Africa lies in the middle.
She argues that market traders, small business owners, ordinary families, artisans, and everyday communities are equally important in telling Africa’s story.
It is these authentic, everyday experiences that reveal the richness and diversity of the continent.
Working With National Geographic, BBC, and CNN
Having her work featured by internationally respected organisations has been both an honour and a learning experience.
Lola explained that these opportunities also revealed an important challenge within global media.
She observed that while many white travel journalists are encouraged to tell stories from anywhere in the world, Black storytellers are often expected to focus only on Africa or Black communities.
She has spent much of her career challenging those expectations.
For Lola, great storytelling should never be limited by race or geography. A storyteller should be free to tell meaningful stories wherever they are found.
The Courage to Pitch Big Ideas
Lola’s success did not happen by chance.
She encourages aspiring writers and photographers to embrace what she calls “audacity.”
Early in her career, despite having few publication credits, she confidently pitched story ideas to major publications.
Her mindset was simple: the worst outcome was being ignored, but the best outcome could change her life.
That courage opened doors.
Her photographs were later selected multiple times by National Geographic’s “Your Shot” platform, giving her confidence that her work had a distinctive visual voice.
Books That Cross Borders
As a bestselling author, Lola explores themes of identity, belonging, culture, and personal authenticity.
She believes identity is constantly evolving, yet people’s core values should remain consistent regardless of their environment.
Her work encourages readers to remain true to themselves whether they are speaking with world leaders, business executives, or local market women.
That message has resonated globally.
Today, her books have been translated into 18 languages, allowing readers from different cultures and backgrounds to experience her stories in their own native languages.
For Lola, knowing that someone halfway across the world can connect with her work in their own language is both humbling and deeply rewarding.
The Legacy She Hopes to Leave
When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Lola’s answer reflected everything she stands for.
She wants people to remember that her stories connected people across race, religion, language, culture, and identity.
More importantly, she hopes her work made people feel seen.
In a world where many people struggle to feel accepted, Lola believes authentic storytelling has the power to build understanding and remind people that they matter.
That, perhaps, is the greatest legacy any storyteller can leave.
Final Thoughts
Lola Akinmade’s story is one of courage, creativity, and authenticity. From leaving a successful career in technology to becoming one of the world’s most respected travel storytellers, she has shown that purpose often lies on the other side of taking a bold step.
Through her photography, journalism, and bestselling books, she continues to challenge stereotypes, celebrate human connection, and inspire others to embrace their own unique identities.
As Just4Women Europe celebrates women making an impact around the world, Lola Akinmade reminds us that the most powerful stories are not simply about where we travel—they are about how we connect with one another and how, through those connections, we help people feel truly seen.
