Ayodele | Empower 30+ Spotlight | Hadonica's Photography
Meet Ayodele!
When Ayodele found us, she wrote saying that the reason why she wanted this photo session was to, “to display the quiet strength of a woman!” She embodies all that and so much more, as we explored in our time together in the studio. She is an extremely wise individual with so much profoundness to share with the world.
One word to describe yourself. Why did you choose this word?
“History has shown cruelty to and also placed bitter and angry stereotypes on Black Women. However, I know, being a Black Woman is a VIBE. It’s the most magical superpower in the world, and Black Women have been making boss moves since forever!
Harriet Tubman, “Moses”, escaped slavery and risked her life to make 13 additional trips.
Sojourner Truth asked “Ain’t I a Woman” in her speech early in the women’s liberation movement.
Maya Angelou, a famous poet, let everyone know what it was to be a “Phenomenal Woman”.
My Great-Grandmother, Henrietta Moore Cleggs, an early settler of Mound Bayou, owned and operated her own school and taught music to local children.
My Grandmother, Annyce Mariah Perkins Campbell, an Alderwoman for the city of Mound Bayou, a mother of 9, nurse, wife, and a very wise woman, provided guidance for many and was named a Delta Jewel.
My mother Monica Campbell Micou, and aunts, Frankie C. Green, Emily C. Harris, Jackie C. Lucas, Wanda C. Stringer, Attorney Alma C. Campbell, Dr. Annyce C. Butler, Rita Lett Micou, and Terri Micou-Smith are a few of the wise women who paved the way for me, sprinkled their “Black Girl Magic” on the world, and allowed the road for me to be much easier. It is because of these ambitious and effervescent women that I am who I am today.
Graced by God and equipped with the knowledge of my history, fortitude would be the one word used to describe me. Fortitude is defined by Merriam-Webster as a strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage. With God as my guide and personal savior, I move in love and know all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord (Romans 8:28).
I, like many other women, am responsible for a multitude of tasks. We birth children and make a house a home. We pray for and with our families, love hard, and hope for the best, just to name a few. Then we clock in to work to manage and supervise, think critically, and provide insight. All while being amazing daughters, nieces, cousins, sisters, and friends and eating healthy, working out, being amazing spouses and caregivers, schedulers, uber drivers, encouragers, and so much more.
In spite of setbacks and negative connotations, the Black Woman has and will continue to excel. We are a constant in a world of variables. As a Black Woman, I am strength and courage, calmness, steadfastness, peace, and diligence.”
“I am the hopes and dreams and answered prayers of my ancestors. I am Fortitude.”
Who IS AYODELE as an individual?
“I am a child of God who believes in and knows firsthand the goodness and everyday grace and mercies afforded to me. I know who and whose I am. I also know life and death are in the power of the tongue, and I use my words carefully. I am a true introvert and I love, love, love being at home surrounded by my family. I love who I’m growing into, and I look forward to my continued growth.
Throughout life, I’ve won, lost, been hurt, unintentionally hurt people, suffered losses, overcome, and lived to see another day. I’m, as the songwriter says, “gracefully broken”, and I’m perfectly imperfect. Every day is a new day, and I’m grateful to be afforded the opportunity for another chance to get it right and to be an even better me.
I hold many titles but Boy Mom is my all-time favorite. I’m also a daughter, sister, niece, cousin, wife, friend, Soror, and co-worker. I’m an educator by trade, and I’ve been in the field since 2004. I am a former teacher and ELA Instructional Curriculum Coach. Currently, I serve as a Compliance Advisor in the Human Resource Department where I assist in overseeing employee observations and evaluations for the district and provide certification training for evaluators. Additionally, I serve as the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer for Kingdom Home Builders where I oversee business operations and scheduling.
I am a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Olive Branch, MS and I serve the community through the DeSoto County (MS) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, where I serve as the Chapter’s Assistant Treasurer.
In my spare time, I enjoy laughing on Facetime with my brother, sister, and mother, attending water Zumba, and jumping with my 40+ Double Dutch sisters. On Fridays, you can catch me at a local restaurant enjoying dinner with my husband and on Saturdays, I’m hanging with the boys at one of their many events.“
AYODELE’S Q&A:
In your opinion, what are some stigmas and beliefs that women face after they turn 30?
I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum, so I’m uncertain about any stigmas women face after 30. However, as I move into my 42nd year of life, I know the goals and dreams I had in my twenties and thirties have been refined. My priorities and outlook on life have evolved. Now, I make the “Main Thing the Main Thing”. What’s important to me now is what gets my time and attention.
In my younger years, as far back as high school, I always knew and envisioned what my life would be like and the person I would become. I saw my mother, aunts, and grandmothers and I watched Claire Huxstable on the Cosby Show. So, I saw competent, well-spoken, poised women who were confident in who they were and carried themselves with prestige. So, as I continue to grow into who I am and age gracefully, I’ve learned life gets better as you grow older. The memories, experiences, adventures, victories, losses, and everything I’ve encountered gives me the wisdom I need to continue navigating my path here on earth.
What advice do you have for other women in their 30s?
Choose you and be the best YOU, you possibly can be. Life is what you make of it, and it does not always go as planned. There were goals I set in college that didn’t happen and there were times when I thought I would never get past a situation. I felt like it was the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone, and I felt as if I would never get over it. Today, I can gladly say those things are trivial and I can’t even remember the majority of them.
In life, the experiences we encounter are either a blessing or a lesson. Be a wise steward of your blessings and reflect on the lessons. And always remember, faith without work is dead! Anything you do is worth giving your best.
What has gotten easier for you after you turned 30?
Now that I’m 40, life itself has gotten easier for me. I’m not saying I have everything worked out and all days are smiles and golden. But, I give myself grace. I rest when I need to. I know I can’t make every event and be everywhere and be everything for everyone. Self-preservation is key. I love myself by making myself a priority. I do what I want to do sometimes. I reflect on my life and learn what makes me a better me.
Ayodele is a force you cannot stop. She is set out to live life in a way that aligns with her truth, her values, and her faith. As she puts it best, “I am enjoying navigating and making my mark on the world. I look forward to many, many more years here on earth.”
We are so excited to see where life will continue to take Ayodele’s light!
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