Folasade Adeoso
Folasade Adeoso
Co-Founder of Teranga / Graphic + Web Designer / Model
New York, NY
www.itsteranga.com/home
www.folasadeadeoso.com
instagram @itsteranga_
Instagram @lovefola
instagram @artbyfolasade
youtube
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a Nigerian-born entrepreneur, digital designer, and overall, creative based in New York City.”
I’m one of the co-founders of Teranga, a Pan-African fast-casual in Harlem, N.Y. I'm also a freelance model on the side.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
In 2014 I got fired from my barista job at Starbucks and it turned out to be a great blessing. I was devastated when it happened, but it forced me to lean into my creative talents and the things that I was actually passionate about. During this phase of figuring how to turn my talents into something I can live off of I started to hone in on my entrepreneurial and creative skills. I began designing websites and graphic posters for people in my friends’ circle, as well as creating paid content on Instagram. In late 2015, using Kickstarter, I co-founded my first business, called Open Space, a shop for diverse and innovative makers, and a place for gathering and dialogue with other cultural enthusiasts.
The following year, I was approached by my now business partners about a new African restaurant concept. The relationships blossomed and in 2019 we finally opened up Teranga. Being part of the Teranga from the beginning stages has allowed me to really tap into my cultural and creative interests. I help support the creative direction at Teranga, including; sourcing furniture from Africa, designing the website from scratch, and assisting with art direction. I even got to use my barista experience to help train the staff!
How do you stand out in your field?
More than being a multidisciplinary Black creative, I’d like to think that I bring all of my unique life experiences to my work. From being born in Nigeria and being raised in a Nigerian household in Canada to spending the last 10+ years in NYC, my work is an extension of these experiences.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I am currently working on Teranga’s marketplace called Tamba. The name was inspired by my experience at an art residency in Tambacounda, Senegal through the Thread foundation.
My residency was rooted in research and interviewing local artisans in the village. With the help of local community members, we put together an exhibition where the artisans had a chance to showcase their work. The exhibition quickly turned into a marketplace. It was beautiful to witness people from the community and surrounding villages purchasing goods and crafts from the artisans after hearing their stories.
I’ve recently gone on to design 4 covers for The Wall Street Journal’s Off Duty Magazine!!! I’m super proud of this because designing for a major news publication is a completely new lane for me and it has boosted my confidence. I am also working on completing both the ilovecreatives’ Squarespace and Video editing courses.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style is always evolving, but one thing that is consistent for me is my love for minimalist design. At the same time, I also enjoy both bold and playful editorial design and typography.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I love being creative but sometimes I feel like I lack a traditional business background. I would love to hone in more on the business side of freelancing.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Since quarantine began I’ve realized that I really miss working out of cafes. Working from home ALL DAY/EVERYDAY is very new for me. I get distracted with my need for everything to be super tidy. I look forward to Super Productive Time. Working around people even if it’s digitally gives me the same feeling of when I’m locked in and getting shit done at my favorite cafe.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would definitely hire someone to help with email management. I receive inquiries from different fields, and it can get overwhelming managing all of this by myself. I would also hire a career coach, which I know I’d have to save up more than $20 an hour for, but it would definitely be worth the investment.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Me to my late teens/early twenties self:
It is important that you don’t get lost in believing that you have to get things done all on your own. Lean into a community of like minded people to help further your vision, and in doing so be sure that you too are of service when others look to lean on to you for support.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
This where having the expertise of a career coach would come in handy. I would love to gain more insight into making clear and tangible career goals and all things financial planning.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Enrolling in the ilovecreatives Squarespace course has reignited my love for web design. I am looking to get back in the game and help fellow entrepreneurs and small businesses owners design a website for their goods or services.
I also love modeling, if you’re looking for a New York based model for your next shoot, holla at your girl!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client would be someone who I vibe with creatively and loves minimalistic and playful design and typography. I love to collaborate with people who take their craft seriously and have a good sense and feel for what direction they want to go in.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me with a concise subject on what type of project you’re looking to collaborate on.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Recreating inspirational ideas I find from Pinterest.
This member profile was originally published in July 2020.