Folu Storms: A Trailblazing Creative Entrepreneur

Folu Storms is a visionary creative entrepreneur, actor, broadcaster, and media personality who has left an indelible mark on the African entertainment industry. With a decade-long track record of collaborating with top brands and producing award-winning content, she has established herself as a force of innovation and creativity.
Her passion for promoting Global African culture and empowering women through her work has earned her widespread recognition. In this exclusive interview with MARY NNAH, Storms shares her entrepreneurial journey, creative process, and commitment to using her platform for social impact

How did your journey as a creative entrepreneur begin, and what inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

It really began with a desire to help change the narrative around Africa and Africans – how we see ourselves and how the world sees us. I started by pitching a travel documentary idea. Interestingly, my first break didn’t come from that directly; while pitching the idea at a radio station, they offered me an on-air job instead because they liked my presentation style. That was my entry into the industry. I kept pursuing the travel show concept, alongside other opportunities like the MTV VJ search, and eventually, Ndani TV commissioned the show. It was a bit of a winding path, driven by that initial inspiration.

You are known for your versatility, having worked as an actor, broadcaster, host, and media personality. How do you manage to excel in so many different roles?

Honestly, it’s a constant juggling act, and I won’t pretend it’s always easy or that some things don’t occasionally get less attention than I’d like. But I’ve learned that, like most things in life, it’s about finding a balance. The different roles – acting, hosting, broadcasting – feel interconnected to me. They all serve a larger purpose related to communication and influencing narratives, which is what truly drives me and brings satisfaction. The practical side involves regularly checking in with myself and adjusting my priorities based on what needs the most focus at any given time. It’s an ongoing process.

What drives your passion for promoting Global African culture, and how do you incorporate this into your work?

It truly stems from a deep understanding and appreciation of my own identity as an African woman. I’ve learned how much our sense of self, and how others perceive us, shapes our journey and potential in the world. This realization has been the bedrock of my entire media career. It’s not just an abstract concept; I try to embody it in tangible ways – how I wear my hair, the clothes I choose, even the names I embrace. So, incorporating it into my work feels very natural. When hosting, I often consciously wear African designers. When producing, I’m drawn to projects that explore the connections between identity, value, and perception within the Black experience. It’s less about ‘promoting’ and more about operating from that authentic cultural space as my default.

As a passionate advocate for women’s causes, can you share with us your experiences advocating for gender equity and women’s economic empowerment?

It’s been a really insightful journey. I didn’t always focus on gender equity explicitly when I was younger, but as I’ve grown, I’ve seen firsthand how critical things like agency, financial independence, and simply being heard are for women – and how often they face hurdles, both obvious and subtle. Working in media, I’ve increasingly recognized the responsibility and opportunity we have to influence change through the stories we tell. Even small shifts in narrative can have a ripple effect. One experience that stands out is being in meetings where demonstrating the actual data on gender disparities is necessary to move past the assumption that everything is already fair. Seeing that moment of realization – that ‘lightbulb’ – in others, particularly men acknowledging their privilege, is quite impactful.

How can the creative sector be more intentional about creating stories that reduce negative gender norms and stereotypes?

The change begins at the very foundation: the script. From the outset, writers must consciously challenge traditional roles. While there’s no inherent issue with depicting a woman in the kitchen, the overrepresentation of this image, while top chefs globally are often men, reveals an unconscious bias. Why not flip the script? Let’s see more narratives where men are the primary caregivers and women lead in diverse professional fields. Crucially, stories must grant women genuine agency. A focus on crafting narratives where women are active participants in their own lives, driving the plot and making their own choices is key. By consciously considering the roles and actions of female characters from the initial writing stage, the creative sector can foster a more equitable and representative storytelling landscape, ultimately contributing to a society that embraces diverse possibilities for all genders.

In your opinion, why is it important for women to be economically empowered?

In my opinion, the economic empowerment of women isn’t just a matter of individual gain; it’s a fundamental driver of societal progress. As you rightly pointed out, empowering women has a ripple effect that benefits everyone. When women have economic opportunities, their earning potential increases, directly boosting the financial health of their families and communities. Beyond the economic benefits, women are often the linchpins of their communities, actively involved in building and sustaining social structures. Their economic empowerment strengthens these roles, leading to improved overall quality of life for everyone. It’s a clear pathway to a more prosperous and equitable society where the talents and contributions of all its members are fully realized. To put it simply, investing in women’s economic empowerment is investing in a better future for all.

You are certainly a champion for Women’s Health and have done quite a number of advocacy around SRHR in particular this year. Can you share why SRHR awareness is so important and how this is interconnected with WEE?

It is impossible to discuss women’s economic empowerment without placing a strong emphasis on their health, particularly their sexual and reproductive health rights. A woman’s ability to participate fully in the economy is intrinsically linked to her well-being. If her health isn’t prioritized, if her wellness and sexual health are neglected, she lacks the fundamental stability needed to thrive. Considering the biological realities, sexual and reproductive health is paramount to a woman’s overall health. The statistics surrounding maternal and neonatal health, particularly in places like Nigeria, paint a concerning picture, underscoring the urgency of this issue. Therefore, empowering women economically must go hand-in-hand with empowering healthcare workers, especially those in primary care, who support women during vulnerable stages. Women need autonomy, control, knowledge, and agency over their bodies and their health decisions. Without this foundation of good health, the strength and resilience needed to navigate the demands of the economic world are severely compromised. Prioritizing women’s health is not just a matter of well-being; it’s a prerequisite for true and lasting economic empowerment.

What role would you say the media plays in advancing women’s economic empowerment and gender justice?

The media wields immense influence in shaping public discourse and, consequently, the advancement of women’s economic empowerment and gender justice. Even a single headline can significantly impact public perception, often before anyone reads the full story. The way media outlets position an issue – its prominence, the language used, the framing – directly dictates whether the public deems it important or not. Media is, without a doubt, critical in determining whether the general public accepts a cause as fundamental and worthy of attention. Its power to shape narratives makes it a crucial lever in fostering understanding and driving societal change towards gender equality.

How do you believe your platform and influence can be used to create positive change and promote social justice?

My platform, like any platform, is simply a mouthpiece – a way to draw attention to what truly matters. Through my work and how I engage with the world, I’ve been fortunate to gain a following in various spaces. It’s crucial to remember that we all hold influence within our own circles, and it’s our responsibility to use that influence for good whenever possible. For me, this means lending my platform to organizations doing vital work, often behind the scenes, to champion women’s health and economic empowerment. Groups like– Hacey Health, WRTHY, Smile with me, Gender Mobile, Mama Moni – are on the ground making a real difference. They need support and, crucially, awareness. If I can use my voice to shine a light on their efforts and amplify their message, I am more than happy to do so. For me it is about using whatever influence one has to contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career, and what qualities do you admire about them?

When I think about the women who truly inspire me, my thoughts immediately turn to the incredible individuals in my everyday life. My Mumsie, for one, embodies so many qualities I admire. As a doctor, her dedication and work ethic are undeniable, but what truly stands out is her unwavering commitment to her community. She consistently gives her skills and time freely to those in need, always striving to make the world around her a better place. I’ve witnessed her firsthand stopping to offer help in emergencies – that’s the kind of woman who inspires me. Similarly, my sister and my cousins are constant sources of inspiration. They are incredibly hardworking, not just to build comfortable lives for themselves, but also to ensure the well-being of their families and loved ones. For me, inspiration often begins at home, with the people closest to you. While there are certainly many admirable figures in the public eye, the women in my life are the everyday heroes who truly shape my perspective and drive.

Looking back on your accomplishments, what legacy do you hope to leave behind, and how do you want to be remembered?

Looking back at my accomplishments, the legacy I hope to leave behind is simple: I want to have done my part in making the journey of life a little more comfortable for others. We’re all just passengers on this shared ship, and I believe it’s our collective responsibility to ensure a positive experience for everyone. My aim is to leave the world a bit better than I found it. This means actively working to create systems that will benefit not only my loved ones but also future generations in the spaces I occupy. Whether it’s fostering equitable and fair conditions, advocating for dignified labor, or simply promoting well-being, I strive to leave a positive footprint wherever I go. When my time comes, I hope to be remembered as someone who was solid, someone who truly did her part. That, to me, is the most meaningful legacy one can hope to achieve – to leave the world a little brighter than when we arrived.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you? One thing people might be surprised to learn about me is that I often navigate life while feeling quite afraid. I worry about making mistakes, about whether I’m doing things the right way. Truthfully, I probably live with a fair amount of underlying anxiety more often than people might imagine. However, what I’ve learned to cultivate is courage. I continually push myself to strive and try, even when things feel daunting or unrealistic. It is that very act of pushing through fear that, when I look back, often leads to moments of genuine accomplishment. I know I often come across as assured and confident, and in many ways, I am. I also have come to believe that a little bit of fear can actually be a good sign, suggesting you’re stepping outside your comfort zone and heading in the right direction. It’s about learning to embrace that fear and finding the courage to move forward anyway.