Conversations about mental health and wellness are rarely seen in the Nigerian creative industry given the culture of silence and shame that many associate with the topic. However, international model, Adesola Adeyemi, is on a mission to spread mental health awareness in this industry within Nigeria and across the globe through her NGO initiative — “Styling the Mind”.
Styling the Mind aims to empower young individuals in the fashion industry, as well as the creative/entertainment industry by addressing the prevalent issues of mistreatment, mental health neglect, and other mental wellness challenges faced in these professional fields and associated personal spheres.
With a focus on equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary for thriving in their chosen careers and personal lives, while providing comprehensive mental health resources, this initiative seeks to foster a culture of well-being and resilience, applicable across the entertainment/creative industry.
The initiative officially debuted via an exclusive event that took place on the 6th of April, at Mantra, Lagos, Nigeria; during which Adesola and the guest speakers present created a safe space to empower the audience — individuals in the creative industry — with the necessary resources and mentorship they need for mental health and wellness in their personal and career journeys.
Speakers at the event were Erica Nlewedim (Actress), Michelle Adepoju (Founder, Kilentar), Bankole Williams (Life Coach), Aliet Alier (international model), and Neanda Salvaterra (international journalist).
In addition to these, acclaimed therapist, Angel Yinkore, enlightened the audience on best practices for ensuring mental wellness.
Speaking on her inspiration for launching Styling the Mind, the covener, Adesola said:
As someone who has faced tough times and challenges both in the fashion industry and her personal life, and has witnessed the toll these traumatic experiences can take on one’s mental health, I reflect on a recent visit to Lagos to support a friend during a fashion week event.
I encountered some unpleasant experiences backstage, which triggered memories of the struggles of being a model in Nigeria. Models approached me to express their concerns about how in some instances, they aren’t treated well in the fashion industry in Lagos, which made me question society’s emphasis on physical appearance over mental wellness.
This led me to advocate for taking a more conscious approach to mental health that mirrors the effort we put into our physical appearance and fashion choices.
For me, Styling the Mind is not just an initiative; it’s a journey back to my roots, a mission to offer the support once longed for, bridging the gap between adorned exteriors and neglected interiors of minds while eradicating mental health stigma in the fashion industry, and creative/entertainment industry in general.
This initiative isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about creating a safe harbor where individuals in the fashion industry and creative industry in general, can find solace, support, and strength. It was an awesome feeling to have the opportunity to mentor models and creatives who attended the event.
My hope is that together, we can shatter stigmas and cultivate a culture of wellness within our community and beyond.
— Adesola Adeyemi
To further promote a culture of mental health wellness, Adesola is giving away free therapy sessions to some of the event attendees.
For more updates on Styling the Mind, keep up with Adesola:
Website: iamadesola.com
Instagram: @desola.adeyemi
Instagram: @stylingthemind