Meet Funmi Oloyede | Engineer & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Funmi Oloyede and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Funmi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Becoming a content creator was driven by my passion for makeup and the challenges I faced in finding foundation shades that matched my very deep complexion. I realized that the foundation is the cornerstone of every makeup routine, yet it was incredibly difficult to find suitable options for my skin tone. This inspired me to create content that could help others in similar situations.

I began my journey on YouTube with the “Foundation Find” series, where I reviewed and discussed foundations that offered deeper skin tone options and radiant colors, making them accessible to a wider audience. As my online presence grew, I expanded my focus to include other makeup products that needed more visibility in the beauty community. This evolution allowed me to share my discoveries and help others find products that work for them, leading to me continuing my ultimate goal of changing the beauty community to have a broader range with more accessibility, while also emerging myself into the content creation world and building my brand.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I’m not creating content, I am in the corporate world and have a background in engineering. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Systems and Engineering Management. I’ve had the opportunity to work for a missile and space company and currently at a renowned auto company. Engineering has not been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding.

Content creation is my way of doing something I absolutely love. It’s my safe space where I can express myself and connect with others. Getting my degrees came with a lot of stress and tears. It was far from easy, especially being a woman and a woman of color in such a male-dominated field. But I was determined and never gave up on myself.

I often look back on those challenging times and remind myself that if I could make it through that, I can continue to build a successful brand. The lessons I’ve learned along the way include resilience, perseverance, and the importance of believing in oneself. I want the world to know that my journey is about more than just makeup or engineering; it’s about overcoming obstacles and inspiring others to do the same. My brand is built on the foundation of empowerment, inclusivity, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting the area, I’d make sure they had the best time ever! I’m a huge foodie and love a good drink, so we’d be eating a lot lol. Some of my favorite spots in Dallas include Ka Thai for authentic Thai cuisine, and Paparazzi, a new restaurant that has quickly become a favorite of mine. Of course, being in Texas, we’d have to stop by Gloria’s for their amazing margaritas. Outside of food, we’d spend time at Klyde Warren Park, enjoying the urban green space, or take a stroll along White Rock Lake for some beautiful scenery. Dallas also has multiple wineries, especially in the suburbs, which would be perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Shopping at NorthPark Center would be a must, followed by a meal at Joey Dallas, which has amazing food with a vibrant aesthetic. Although I’ve become more of a homebody, if we were to go out, we’d definitely hit up one of the Afrobeat lounges to end the night with great music and dancing. This mix of food, outdoor activities, wine tasting, shopping, and nightlife would make for an unforgettable visit to Dallas!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friends and family have always been my biggest advocates, providing unwavering support and encouragement throughout my journey. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength and motivation.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my younger self. Growing up, I faced a lot of bullying because of my dark complexion. I remember the tears and the feelings of inadequacy, wishing my skin tone was different. Those were tough times, and it took a lot of resilience to overcome those negative experiences.

Today, I look back and see how far I’ve come. I’ve learned to embrace and celebrate my skin tone, turning what was once a source of pain into a source of pride. I hope that my younger self can see the progress I’ve made and feel proud of the person I’ve become. My journey has been about more than just makeup; it’s been about self-acceptance and empowerment. I want to inspire others to love themselves and recognize their own beauty, no matter what challenges they face.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xoxofunmilayo/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@xoxofunmilayo

Other: TikTok: Xoxofunmilayo