Hi, I’m Dami and I’m the founder of Talojé.
Talojé is a Yoruba (Nigerian) phrase that translates to “Who are you?”.
As a Third Culture Kid (TCK) this is a question I’ve constantly had to grapple with. I was born in Nigeria but have also lived the majority of my formative years in 4 other countries – Niger Republic, England, USA, and Canada.
As a result, I’ve experienced an identity crisis while navigating the idea of home, which can feel like it’s both everywhere and nowhere. When I’m in Nigeria, I’m considered as not Nigerian enough, and when I’m in the West, I’m also not considered Western enough. As a result, it feels like I don’t truly belong anywhere. At the same time, there is an expectation and idea of how I should show up in the world and be defined, which feels like I’m constantly being placed in a box. Can you relate?
Talojé was born out of a desire to break out of expectations/boxes and provide an avenue for individuals to confidently embrace their evolution and own the authentic expression of their identity, despite outside voices. A few of my “rebellions” include: taking a career swerve (choosing Business school over Medical school) or exploring interests (e.g. fashion) that are contrary to what I’m known for. These decisions have come with external resistance. My response has been to honor my intuition and unapologetically accept myself in my becoming.
In addition to that, the vicissitudes of life have not eluded me. I’ve packed my bag multiple times, struggled to navigate life abroad and belonging, dealt with visa issues, been at risk for deportation twice – but managed to survive through it all. Despite these uncertainties, I’ve successfully founded a public health nonprofit organization, got featured on CNN for it, launched a fashion business, reinvented my career path, made friends that became family, live my best life exploring our beautiful world etc. And so can you! You can reinvent yourself, adapt, develop resilience and have fun at the same time.
One thing I have learned through all this is that humans are complex, multifaceted and constantly becoming. Do not place them in a box. They are more than one story. Listen.
My lessons & reflections in this blog will be primarily chronicled through the lens of travel & tips for navigating life. I’ll share with you how the world can be your oyster, and how to move from surviving to thriving! My identity crisis forced me to evaluate the boxes I was being placed in, but it also made me realize that I’m the best person to tell my story, not others. Just like me, your story is still being written, by you. You are enough in who you are becoming. Although your change/swerve may scare others, it’s not about them. It’s about your commitment to show up and allow the full expression of your authentic self, even if it brings others discomfort.
If any of this resonates with you, stick around, send me a message and/or share a post with your friends 🙂
