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NOVICA Artisan Olanrewaju Azeez Oyewole

Olanrewaju Azeez Oyewole

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I am a jewelry artisan, born in 1987 in Ghana. My childhood days were spent in Nigeria, and my parents taught me to be hardworking and persistent. I am the 11th child born into our happy extended family.

In high school, I signed up for the science department but my real passion was for the arts. Finally, I went to see the department head and asked him to change my course of studies, which he did. But classmates who didn't know I'd changed would ask me why I haven't been to class for weeks. I had to repeat this over and over to anyone who asked me. It made me laugh.

"I'm a focused person, friendly and a hard worker. After finishing senior high school in Nigeria, I began learning this craft. I later moved back to Ghana, where I improved my skills.

"I used to visit art centers and museums. I had so much passion for arts and this kept me going. After six months crafting jewelry, I turned to making shoes and set up a shop in Nigeria. In 2016, I returned to Ghana where my friend, Edward Adeniran — Novica-featured batik artist — introduced me to Novica and I went back to my jewelry work.

"Once, I put money into an uncertain business with a friend in expectation that the money would yield interest. Unfortunately, my friend ran away with my investment. But I later got the police involved, and they got my money for me. This experience clearly taught me not to venture into any unsure businesses!

"Before I start crafting a certain design, I first get all the materials I'll need. They are all locally made. I also find someone to prepare the materials that must be made with equipment I don't have. My love for my culture inspires my jewelry, and I make every effort to create new and unique designs to stand out among others.

"My hopes and dreams are to make my jewelry workshop a success and be able to display my designs to the world.

"Words that inspire me are 'for the good things in life, it's worth it to go and get them.' I'm a hard worker. So I'm optimistic."