We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ololade Fatunmbi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ololade, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

I advocate for restructuring the education system to emphasize interdisciplinary learning. It’s been far too common for subjects like history and math to be taught in isolation, fostering a perception that they can be appreciated separately. But this approach only leads to a fragmented understanding of the world.

I firmly believe in integrating subjects and emphasizing their interconnectedness from an early age. For example, for the students who love history but is not the biggest fan of math, teaching them the historical context behind mathematical concepts can deepen their appreciation and comprehension of math. Similarly, recognizing the mathematical principles underlying biological processes can enhance one’s understanding of biology. I am sorry the break it but all the questions in biology that are only biology as with other “subjects” have already been answered and if we want to answer some of our hardest problems we need to explore the intersection of subjects. That mean exploring areas like psychology or even music to help us answer new questions or even the oldest unsolved mysteries in biology. For example, we have mapped the human genome and identified many genes associated with diseases, we still have much to learn about the role of genetic variation in health and disease susceptibility. Maybe the requires the collaboration of sociologist to help understand that better.

Reflecting on my own life, I sometimes wonder if I was always destined to explore the intersection of science and policy, even though I had no idea it was a possibility. As a child, I envisioned myself as an expert scientist in a suit rather than a lab coat. I was that child that wanted to know Newton’s Laws but also where did he grow up? What did he look like?

An unforgettable moment occurred in 8th grade social studies, the year the twin towers were hit. We had a competition where completing assignments earned points, with the student accumulating the most points winning $500. Determined to surpass my peers, I set my sights on a challenging task: creating a website for historical figures. At just 11 or 12 years old, I taught myself HTML and coding, crafting a website on the most influential presidents and hosting it on Tripod. Initially, no one, including my teacher, believed I had created the website. However, after a quick Google search revealed my other website creations, the truth became clear. I won that entire competition.

That experience was my earliest exposure to using technology in conjunction with history. I didn’t realize it but understanding computational languages helped me communicate history a major component of science policy. I believe more classes should adopt this integrated approach, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Lola, and I hold a PhD in biophysical chemistry. I combine both my computational modeling and experiments to study protein structure. But beyond my scientific endeavors, I’ve been drawn to art since childhood. Over a year ago, I embarked on a journey to combine my sketches with computational algorithms to create art for my home. I grew tired of buying mass-produced art that paled in comparison to what I crafted in middle school.

Driven by a desire to infuse my artwork with depth and meaning, I decided to merge my own drawings and photographs with computational imaging techniques. This allowed me to capture the diverse beauty of African art that I envisioned. Each piece of art I create tells a story, blending elements of history and science into visually stunning compositions.

At LolabsArt, I offer a range of products and services that reflect my unique approach to creativity. I sell printed art that seamlessly blend traditional mediums with AI enhancements to customized pieces that tell personal stories, I strive to offer something truly special. But beyond just creating art, I’m passionate about fostering collaboration and dialogue between different disciplines.

My background in biophysical chemistry informs my approach to art, emphasizing not only innovation but also ethical and responsible use of technology. I’m proud to be at the forefront of a movement that seeks to bridge the gap between art and technology, bringing together diverse communities to shape a more ethical and sustainable future.

Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that Lolabs Art is more than just a brand; it’s a platform for creativity, collaboration, and positive change. I would anyone interested to join me in exploring the intersection of art and science, where every piece tells a story and sparks meaningful conversations

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a scientist, policy expert, real estate investor, artist, and poet, I’ve encountered a common challenge as a business owner: the need to unlearn the idea that being multifaceted is a liability. Growing up, I observed my dad, a chemist who also built houses, embodying versatility and mastery across multiple fields. However, I’ve often felt pressure to conform to traditional expectations and hide the breadth of my skills and experiences for fear of appearing scattered.

The truth is, embracing my diverse background has been a journey. At times, I’ve felt embarrassed by my ability to excel in various domains, wishing I were more conventional. However, I’ve come to realize the power of the full quote, “Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than master of one.”

This realization has been liberating. I’ve learned to embrace my multidimensionality and let go of the fear of being pigeonholed. While some may try to put me in a box for the sake of simplicity, I’ve come to understand that my ability to navigate different fields and perspectives is a strength, not a weakness.

Reflecting on my successful faceless swimsuit business, I now recognize that sharing my story openly could have enhanced my sustainability as a business owner. By embracing my multifaceted identity, I can connect with others authentically and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive business landscape.

So, the lesson I need to unlearn as a business owner is the belief that I should conform to traditional norms and limit myself to a single identity or skill set. Instead, I embrace my versatility and celebrate the richness of my experiences, knowing that it sets me apart and empowers me to make a meaningful impact in all that I do.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

As someone who prioritizes personal relationships with clients, fostering brand loyalty goes beyond transactional interactions; it’s about building genuine connections and becoming friends with my clients.

I keep in touch with my clients by nurturing these friendships through regular communication and meaningful engagement. Some of my clients have even become my closest friends over time. I’m genuinely curious about their preferences, and I take the time to understand why they resonate with my art.

I’ve noticed that some clients may struggle with how to hang art or showcase it effectively in their homes. When they express uncertainty or mention hiring someone to hang it for them, I take proactive steps to ensure they feel confident and empowered. In some cases, I’ve personally visited their homes to hang the artwork myself, providing hands-on assistance and teaching them the proper techniques.

Additionally, I embrace technology as a tool for maintaining connections with my clients. Whether it’s through video calls or messaging platforms, I engage in brainstorming sessions with clients to discuss how they can creatively decorate their spaces with my art. These conversations not only strengthen our bond but also ensure that their homes reflect their unique personalities and styles.

By going above and beyond to cultivate meaningful relationships and provide exceptional service, I create a sense of trust and loyalty that extends far beyond a simple business transaction. My clients know that they can count on me not only as an artist but also as a friend who genuinely cares about their satisfaction and happiness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lolabsart/?etsrc=sdt
• Instagram: Lolabsart
• Linkedin: Ololade Fatunmbi