Lola Ro inspires you to follow your dreams. On the road to getting her master’s degree, she decided to pursue her passion—creating jewelry. She now puts her energy into her business and dreams of making it big—real big. Have a look at her jewelry at the Pop-Up Shop this Saturday and see why she will succeed.

Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration was derived from where I am originally from Nigeria. I met my best friend there making jewelry as a hobby. Nigeria is known for its intricate and unique jewelry making techniques and I got fascinated about it and thought I could mix its traditional look with contemporary style to create one of a kind pieces. So I decided to take a couple of classes from the local jewelry artisans in Lagos when I visited Nigeria for vacation. Since then I got hooked and I have been making jewelry ever since. Other inspirations I derive my creativity from are magazines, TV shows or where I can get fashion news trend. The whole idea is to create one of a kind jewelry that creates a little drama and make you look exotic and unique.

When and how did your company come to life?
After taking all my jewelry classes and at the same time preparing for my master’s degree, I felt comfortable with jewelry making. I decided to make my first collection of about six one of a kind necklaces which I named “Asi-ko” (in Yoruba language, a tribe in Nigeria) which means season or contemporary. The understanding is that women select their attire and accessories based on the function or ASIKO or season of the year. It could be a season for wedding celebration, thanks giving holiday or a huge party and so on.

So my friend convinced me to sell my pieces to a boutique shop where she usually shops in Georgetown. So after several times convincing me, I made an appointment with the owner at Celine De Paris and he bought all the pieces from me. I was so excited and decided to pursue it as a business which has been a great move for me.

This is a picture of one of the necklace from my first collection:

What’s your ultimate dream for your company?
I see Lola Ro Jewelry expanding to other products such as hand bags and other accessories. I would also love Lola Ro Jewelry to be recognized international and be well know like Chanel, my favorite fashion idol. The ultimate dream is for Lola Ro to be recognized has a lifestyle brand.

What do you sell?
I sell statement jewelry which includes unique necklaces, bracelets and earrings. I also make customized jewelry based on the customer’s specifications.

Where can I find your product?
You can visit www.lolarojewelry.com to make and order online, email me at info@lolarojewelry.com or call at (240) 421-5817 if you have any questions.

What do you think of the DC Metropolitan Area style?
I love DC style because it’s versatile with a mixture of conservative and urban lifestyle. That is what excites me because I make my jewelry to satisfy both ends of the fashion world of DC.

Favorite neighborhood/town for shopping:
I love downtown Georgetown in D.C and U street. Well my favorite is U Street because I am always intrigued about the little fashion boutiques hidden on the corners. I am always fishing out for outfits that are not common as compared to the regular big malls.

Favorite fashion blogs:
I wouldn’t say I have a favorite blog but I am a big fan of any blog that is interesting and I can find the latest fashion and jewelry trends. I do a lot of Google search. But if you ask me to pick up I would choose Refinery29.