In early March 2024, celebrated entrepreneur and creative leader Omolola Akinboade, Founder and Creative Lead of LolaExpress Hair, reaffirmed her commitment to women’s empowerment with a five-day training program designed specifically for underprivileged women and girls. The initiative, which took place from March 4–8 at the LolaExpress headquarters in Lagos, brought together 20 participants for an intensive, fully sponsored course in wig making and wig styling.

Announced publicly on LolaExpress Hair’s official Instagram page, the program was intentionally created for women who could not otherwise afford professional training. Akinboade emphasised that the opportunity was for single mothers, unemployed women, and young girls from disadvantaged families. “If you can afford to pay for classes like this, please do not apply,” she stated in the announcement. “This is for that single mother who needs to start again, that girl on your street whose parents cannot afford this.”

The program was comprehensive in design, blending practical skill-building with entrepreneurial development. Participants were guided through the full process of wig making and styling, with attention to detail and quality standards that reflect LolaExpress Hair’s reputation for excellence. To ensure sustainability beyond the classroom, each woman was provided with a complete starter kit of wig-making tools to enable her to begin practising and earning independently. In addition to the technical training, the programme introduced the women to fundamental business skills, covering areas such as pricing their work appropriately, attracting and retaining clients, and maintaining consistency in service delivery.

Recognising the barriers that often prevent women from fully engaging in such opportunities, Omolola ensured that food and drinks were provided throughout the five-day training. At the conclusion of the program, participants received certificates of completion, marking the official start of their journey as trained hairstyling professionals. The ceremony also included a special recognition for the most outstanding participant, who was awarded a brand-new wig crafted by LolaExpress Hair. The award symbolised not only her achievement during the program but also the potential of what could be built with the skills acquired.

For many of the women, the experience was transformative. Several entered the program facing personal and financial struggles, burdened by a lack of opportunity and low confidence. By the end of the week, participants expressed renewed hope and self-belief. One graduate reflected, “Before this training, I felt stuck and without options. Today, I leave with a skill that can sustain me and my family. I feel empowered for the first time in years.”

For Akinboade, this initiative represents the true essence of luxury. While LolaExpress Hair is known for its high-end wigs and extensions, worn by celebrities, public figures, and international clients, she believes that luxury should extend beyond products to create meaningful impact. “Luxury is about more than exclusivity. It is about excellence, integrity, and impact. Through this program, we showed that the beauty industry is not only about glamour but also about transformation and opportunity,” she explained.

The empowerment program underlines Omolola Akinboade’s broader mission: to position Nigerian beauty brands as leaders on the global stage while ensuring that women at home are not left behind. By merging creativity, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility, she continues to expand the definition of what it means to be an industry leader.

About Omolola Akinboade

Omolola Akinboade is the Founder and Creative Lead of LolaExpress Hair, a luxury hair brand established in 2017. She is also the founder of LEH Academy, a training hub for hairstylists and wig makers, and LEH Empowerment, a social impact initiative offering free training for disadvantaged women and girls, known for her innovation, craftsmanship, and commitment to empowerment.

Founded in 2017, LolaExpress Hair has grown into one of Africa’s most recognised luxury hair brands, serving elite clients in Nigeria and internationally. The brand is celebrated for its premium-quality wigs and extensions, setting new standards in craftsmanship and customer experience. Through LEH Empowerment, LolaExpress provides free training, mentorship, and starter kits to underserved women, helping them achieve financial independence through hairstyling.