We recently connected with Christina Abiola and have shared our conversation below.

Christina, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I started Abiola & Co because I saw firsthand how challenging it can be for creators—especially women of color—to navigate the influencer industry, secure brand partnerships, and turn their creativity into a sustainable business. As a full-time beauty and lifestyle creator, I built a platform that generated millions of views, over $300K in commission conversions, and meaningful collaborations with top brands. But I also experienced the struggles of negotiating fair rates, understanding brand expectations, and maintaining consistency in an ever-changing digital landscape.

I didn’t just want to succeed—I wanted to create opportunities for others to thrive, too. That’s why Abiola & Co was born: to be a creator hub that empowers influencers with the education, resources, and brand connections they need to build long-term, profitable careers. We are more than a management company; we are a mentorship-driven community that prioritizes inclusivity, transparency, and the financial independence of our creators.

Our mission is meaningful to me because I know what it feels like to be underestimated and to have to carve out space in an industry that often overlooks diverse voices. Through Abiola & Co, I’m ensuring that more creators—especially those who don’t always have a seat at the table—can step into their power, transform their passion into profit, and create the impact they envision.

Christina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Christina Abiola- a beauty and lifestyle content creator, entrepreneur, and the founder of Abiola & Co Creator Hub, a community-driven agency dedicated to empowering and elevating diverse voices in the influencer space.

I got my start over a decade ago as a content creator myself. I’ve always been passionate about storytelling, beauty, and the power of authenticity online. I was blessed to turn that passion into a full-time career—working with industry giants like Sephora, COVERGIRL, Fenty Beauty, La Roche-Posay, Michael Kors, and more. But as I climbed the ladder, I noticed how often Black and Brown creators were overlooked for the very opportunities they were qualified for. That gap sparked a vision much bigger than just my own platform.

That vision became Abiola & Co—a Creator Hub and influencer incubator designed to bridge the gap between underrepresented creators and major brand partnerships. We offer community support, mentorship, hands-on coaching, and direct access to brand deals, creator challenges, and strategic workshops. Our services empower creators to not only grow their platforms but to turn their creativity into sustainable income.

For brands, we help solve the problem of lack of representation and authenticity in influencer marketing. We provide access to high-performing, high-potential talent and handle everything from casting to creative execution. We specialize in building influencer campaigns that are genuine, diverse, and rooted in community.

What sets us apart is our creator-first approach—we’re not just a management agency, we’re a movement. We see creators as entrepreneurs, and our job is to equip them with the resources, relationships, and confidence to thrive long after the campaign ends.

One of the things I’m most proud of is watching creators who started with little to no brand experience now land five-figure deals and create full-time careers doing what they love. Seeing their confidence grow and their voices finally be heard—that’s what fuels me.

If you’re a creator looking for real support, or a brand looking to collaborate with fresh, diverse talent—we’d love to work with you. At the core of everything we do is intention, impact, and representation. This is more than a business—it’s a calling. And we’re just getting started.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

I started Abiola & Co with a clear vision but limited resources. Like many first-time entrepreneurs—especially women of color—I didn’t have access to venture capital, grants, or even a business loan when I launched. The truth is, I bootstrapped the business from day one using the income I earned as a full-time content creator.

Every brand deal I landed, every affiliate payout, every piece of UGC content I created—I strategically reinvested that money into building the foundation of Abiola & Co. Whether it was funding our first creator brunch, hiring part-time support, or building our brand identity, I treated every dollar with intention and stretched it as far as I could.

I also leaned heavily on community and relationships. I bartered services, collaborated with people who believed in the mission, and focused on building real impact before I focused on profit. Our first big partnership came through relationships I had nurtured for years in the industry—not from a pitch deck, but from trust.

Now, as the business grows, we’re starting to explore outside funding through brand sponsorships, partnerships, and long-term strategic support. But the foundation? That was built from grit, purpose, and a whole lot of belief.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation was built on a foundation of authenticity, consistency, and community-driven results. I didn’t enter the industry trying to be someone else—I leaned into my voice, my story, and my commitment to representation. That realness helped me form genuine relationships with both my audience and the brands I’ve partnered with.

As a content creator-turned-founder, I’ve always led by example. I deliver on what I say I’m going to do, I take my work seriously, and I focus on creating impact, not just content. Whether it’s a campaign, a creator mentorship, or a branded workshop, I show up with intention—and I believe that level of care is what sets me apart.

I’ve also made it a point to build a reputation for excellence. The brands and creators I work with know that when they collaborate with me or Abiola & Co, they’re going to get a well-executed, thoughtful experience that prioritizes both innovation and inclusion.

Lastly, I believe in collaboration over competition. I’ve built my platform by creating space for others—especially women of color—to grow alongside me. That kind of leadership builds trust, and trust is the currency that sustains your reputation long-term.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://abiolaco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinaabiola/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@christinaabiola?si=DSepqv75r3JGac9O