I had the privilege of interviewing a beautiful and talented young woman, Oladoyin "Doyin" Oladapo! Our sisterhood dates back to our time in college, Wesleyan University, when I was just a freshmen and she was a senior. Since then, I have always admired her growth, tenacity, and fearlessness. Recently, she has opened up a children's book venture, Girl To The World and her dopeness is being celebrated here. #HoodEntry1
1) How do you view yourself as a young black woman in this society today?
The short answer is I don't. At least not most of the time. I really just view myself as Doyin. Now, the way the world views me is completely different and I think I'm reminded of that often. Nevertheless, my identity as a black person and as a woman are two of many parts of me. Two parts that I love but sometimes feel obligated to speak for and that can be burdensome. Still, to me, those parts of me shaped the experiences that brought me to the very point I am now. I am confident in my blackness and my womanhood and I think many times that is foreign to society. But they need to get used to it!
2) Do you believe there is enough media representations of the diversity of black womanhood and her stories?
Definitely not. I think we are lacking with this and I think when we are represented, we are boxed into homogeneous narratives. I'd love to see more nuance in the way our stories are told. I'd also love for more of us to be the ones telling them.
3) What made you interested in starting the Girl to the World Book Venture? Why is it so important to you? Do you feel like you are one of those girls?
I really wanted to expand the landscape of children's narratives; to make children be able to see the world and see themselves in cultures of their own and of others. It's important because of my background as a Nigerian American but also because I believe it affects how we relate with the people and the world around us. It really fosters a love for diversity and celebrates difference. I think I'm closest to Shivani but I see a little bit of myself in all of them. From the things I did to the things I should've done when I was their age, I share interests, hobbies and talents with all the characters.
The short answer is I don't. At least not most of the time. I really just view myself as Doyin. Now, the way the world views me is completely different and I think I'm reminded of that often. Nevertheless, my identity as a black person and as a woman are two of many parts of me. Two parts that I love but sometimes feel obligated to speak for and that can be burdensome. Still, to me, those parts of me shaped the experiences that brought me to the very point I am now. I am confident in my blackness and my womanhood and I think many times that is foreign to society. But they need to get used to it!
2) Do you believe there is enough media representations of the diversity of black womanhood and her stories?
Definitely not. I think we are lacking with this and I think when we are represented, we are boxed into homogeneous narratives. I'd love to see more nuance in the way our stories are told. I'd also love for more of us to be the ones telling them.
3) What made you interested in starting the Girl to the World Book Venture? Why is it so important to you? Do you feel like you are one of those girls?
I really wanted to expand the landscape of children's narratives; to make children be able to see the world and see themselves in cultures of their own and of others. It's important because of my background as a Nigerian American but also because I believe it affects how we relate with the people and the world around us. It really fosters a love for diversity and celebrates difference. I think I'm closest to Shivani but I see a little bit of myself in all of them. From the things I did to the things I should've done when I was their age, I share interests, hobbies and talents with all the characters.
3) I love all of the girls, but two that really stick out to me is Chazelle Wallace, specifically because she is from the Caribbean and I have never read a children's book that even touches on that region, as well as Shivani Kapoor because of the hobbies, fashion, reading, school clubs that I also enjoy. Therefore, what has that experience been like creating these characters? What have you learned?
Creating Chazelle was fun because I've always wished I was more involved in STEM as a student like she was. As for Shivani, they only thing is different about us two is that I'm not Indian! I loved student clubs, leadership, and fashion. In writing these stories, I learned that even though I come from a different part of the world, I have so much in common with each of these cultures.
4) Where do you see this venture in the future? Will there be more versions? How can your followers continue to invest in you?
I see many routes we can go. I'm very interested in expanding to as many countries and cultures as possible. I'm also looking to explore other forms of content. I've received so much support from followers already and they've shared the books in places I hadn't even thought of. I just hope they will read more of what we produce and really love it.
5) What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? Or motto you really live by? And what would you say to a young aspiring entrepreneur?
Take a chill pill is the best advice for me an entrepreneurs like me and I'm really trying to live by it. I tend to be hard on myself and try to rush the process rather than enjoy it. So I'm working on it.
Creating Chazelle was fun because I've always wished I was more involved in STEM as a student like she was. As for Shivani, they only thing is different about us two is that I'm not Indian! I loved student clubs, leadership, and fashion. In writing these stories, I learned that even though I come from a different part of the world, I have so much in common with each of these cultures.
4) Where do you see this venture in the future? Will there be more versions? How can your followers continue to invest in you?
I see many routes we can go. I'm very interested in expanding to as many countries and cultures as possible. I'm also looking to explore other forms of content. I've received so much support from followers already and they've shared the books in places I hadn't even thought of. I just hope they will read more of what we produce and really love it.
5) What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? Or motto you really live by? And what would you say to a young aspiring entrepreneur?
Take a chill pill is the best advice for me an entrepreneurs like me and I'm really trying to live by it. I tend to be hard on myself and try to rush the process rather than enjoy it. So I'm working on it.
You can buy or gift a Girl To The World book by Oladoyin Oladapo on Amazon and Barnes and Noble!
Follow the DOPENESS on
Instagram: girltotheworld
FB page: Girl to the World Books
Email: [email protected]
Follow the DOPENESS on
Instagram: girltotheworld
FB page: Girl to the World Books
Email: [email protected]