Imole Ayo Ladipo juggles many hats: mom, engineer, and wife. Despite her demanding roles, Ladipo’s passion for film and faith led her to create two companies, Lumiere Films and LumiCulture. Ladipo’s family have played key roles in her career. After her grandmother passed away from cancer, she designed a water bottle with uplifting messages. Ladipo’s husband bought her a Canon for Christmas, sparking her love for filmmaking. Her faith-based film company can be described as the Hallmark Channel meets BET.
Q: When you were a kid did you imagine that one day you'd be an entrepreneur?
“As a kid I dreamt of being a doctor. That dream changed quickly when I moved to Canada and I saw the long hours doctors work. Kudos to them! I didn’t enjoy the sight of blood. I quickly knew this wasn’t for me. However, as a kid I saw my entrepreneur mum go at it from sunrise to sundown while she controls and creates her own time. I wanted that, so it was a no-brainer.”
Q: Your water bottle was inspired by your grandmother's passing. How does her legacy live on in your company?
“During the last few years I spent with my grandma before her passing, my mum and I discovered she drinks water only when she eats. Even then she would quickly replace it with any soda available. My grandma is the sweetest person I know but some habits are just too normal to get out of. Overtime, she would go to the doctor and the complaint would be “drink more water.” It was a no-brainer for me after we lost her to cancer in 2021. I decided to help other women drink water in an elegant, affirmative way. The bottled water is designed for you to take anywhere, be it the gym or office without losing your elegance as a lady. The words on the water bottle have helped many women believe more in their own ability.”
Q: What inspired you to create your film company? How do you think you've grown as a filmmaker in the process?
“For me, I feel like our society is somewhat filled with negativity, hate and fear. Lumiere films was created to bring love and God inspired stories to the industry. I am a storyteller with a meaning. I tell stories that are happening around and to us. Maybe, perhaps we can learn kindness, compassion, and love. I’ve grown incredibly over the last five years as a filmmaker.”
If you want to hear more from Ladipo, listen to her full interview on City Cast Houston.
