Sankofa Archives proudly presents For the Archives, a new series spotlighting voices shaping culture and community worldwide. Our first feature highlights Ashley Okoli a Lagos-based stylist, creative director, and founder of Hot Girl Wellness. Through this we reflect on Ashley’s womanhood, community, and creative resilience bridging the fast-paced energy of Lagos with the creative spirit of Amsterdam. Here’s a short excerpt from our talk with Ashley Okoli.
Interview by Sonia Ihuoma & Thaniel Owusu Agyemang
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become an artist?
My name is Ashley Okoli. I see myself as an all round creative, I do a bit of everything, and I like to explore different ways of expressing myself. Growing up in Lagos shaped me a lot. It’s such a fast paced city, and that energy has always stayed with me. It pushes me to get things done quickly, even though it sometimes makes me anxious too.
Do you have a goal you are working towards?
My name is Ashley Okoli. I see myself as an all round creative, I do a bit of everything, and I like to explore different ways of expressing myself. Growing up in Lagos shaped me a lot. It’s such a fast paced city, and that energy has always stayed with me. It pushes me to get things done quickly, even though it sometimes makes me anxious too.
What do you hope to leave behind for the next generation of women?
I want them to be so self aware that nobody can come into their lives and tell them who they are. Whether you’re kind or complicated or messy, I want you to feel comfortable in that. That’s the legacy I hope to leave, women who feel powerful in their truth.
What was missing that prompted you to start Hot Girl Wellness?
Community. Specifically, women led communities. I grew up as a first daughter and didn’t really have many women around me who shared my experience. I needed to see women like me, and also women who were not like me, younger, older, just different. I wanted a safe space. And because I needed it, I knew other women needed it too.
In Nigeria, women who speak up are often called mad, crazy or difficult. I wanted people to understand that you can be sane and still outspoken, brave and courageous. Hot Girl Wellness became that space, a community where women can be themselves without judgment.