Matador Goods editor, Lola Akinmade; Photos courtesy of Lola Akinmade
Do you know the names behind Matador’s blogs? In this new series, we’ll introduce you to the people who keep the Matador machine humming.
After resigning from a cushy 10+ year job as a System Architect and 14+ years in the GIS industry Lola Akinmade takes a few minutes to tell us about herself.
Name:
Lola Akinmade
Side note: My full first name is 15 letters long.
Role at Matador:
Editor of Matador Goods
How You Found Matador:
Back in 2007, I was searching for online travel communities and resources to help me plan a round-the-world trip. Stumbled across Matador Travel through a Google search and was instantly hooked.
I’d begun planning a RTW trip that same year and the trip was to commence in 2009, but life had other, more important plans.
How You Got Brought on Board as an Editor:
After milling around the community for awhile including writing two articles for Matador Traverse, I was interested in writing an article for Matador Goods to review the Keen Womens Targhee II hiking boots which helped me through the Inca trail without a single blister.
I sent CEO and founder, Ross Borden an email. Ross’ response was, “Your timing is great, actually. Would you like to help me with the gear blog?”
And that was it.
Other Projects You’re Working On For Matador:
There are tons of exciting projects in the works, most notably our Travel Photography course which I’m working on with Matador contributing editor and photographer extraordinaire, Paul Sullivan.
Can’t divulge too much right now.
I’m also on the lookout for travels, authors, photographers, filmmakers, and all around cool people to feature on our popular, What’s In Your Backpack? series.
Where You Live:
Currently splitting time between Stockholm, Sweden and the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area.
Your Next Trip:
Shifting base again to Stockholm this December and maybe a trip to Morocco in January. Also traveling up to Northern Sweden not too far from the Arctic circle. Fun times.
What You Do When You’re Not Working on Matador Stuff:
I write for a variety of travel publications and try to do as much photojournalism work as I can. I recently launched three projects:
Lemurworks – which is my official company that provides GIS consulting and programming/development services.
Art By Lola – which features some of my oil paintings and past exhibitions. I took a hiatus in 2009 to focus on travel writing and photography, but will be back on the canvas in 2010.
Office Supplies, The Comic – my comic strip centered around office supplies and their take on life. This comic strip is certainly my baby and labor of love project.
I truly love photojournalism work with NGOs and will be looking for more assignments and opportunities to collect impressions and document field projects in 2010. (hint. hint.)
A Favorite Travel Memory:
Pushing a van stuck in mud deep within the remote jungles of Fiji. Those weeks I spent with my fellow volunteers on the island were surreal.
Community Connection:
Want to read more from Lola? Here are two of my favorites:
About the Author
More By This Author
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29 Comments... join the discussion!
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Thanks Michelle!
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Oh wow, same comment as Michelle, I had no idea you’re a painter. Just spent some time browsing through your work, amazing!
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P.S. Totally curious about your first name.
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Candice – the full name is ” Ònòaraloláoluwa ”
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Damn, that’s impressive
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I’m glad you shortened your first name to Lola, and I have to third the Candice and Michelle… I love the flower paintings
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Love your art Lola! Also, fab photo
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I always smile when I see a jumping photo of Lola
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You are one fascinating woman. GIS, travel writing, editing, and photography, artwork, comic strip…Amazing. Got to peek at your artwork too-beautiful!!
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You’re super prolific, Lola! And just super.
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I like the Eye-phone
You are very international. Sweden, the USA and, I think, looking at your name, Yoruba? (I had a few classes at uni with a guy called Olaoluwa. He was Yoruba. And gorgeous.)
What do you do in Stockholm?
Hej då.
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Sophie – Yes! I’m Yoruba. Stockholm is where my heart lives (http://lolaakinmade.com/2009/08/27/postcard-the-rest-of-your-life/)
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Wow. You guys are too kind. Thanks so much!
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that top photo makes me grin from ear to ear.
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I continue to find new reasons to be inspired by Lola. I have a deep respect for her talent, drive and commitment to her journey. You go girl!
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Lola I’ve seen your name on bylines all over the Internet and this is the first time I’ve heard your back story and your other interests. Very cool.
Great inspiration for travel writers. Just keep showing up and putting out great content and you’ll get noticed.
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Have loved working with Lola since the very beginning!
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Excellent stuff Lola. It’s great to read more about one of the editors and to get a feel for the many (impressive) projects you are involved with outside of the Matador community.
The Travel photography course intrigues me SO MUCH! I’d love to see more articles on Matador for photographers and maybe even illustrators. There are lots of great features on here about promoting yourself as a writer; what about equivalent articles for photographers – editors?
Kathleen
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@Kathleen – Thanks! We’re currently working on the photography course and will be reaching out to professional photographers to share tips and real-life experiences.
Stay tuned
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You guys can definitely make a girl blush! Thanks so much for your kind words. Truly humbled here.
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Don’t tell the other editors Lola, but you’re my favourite
I Love your photography!
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Lola rocks
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you’re a real renaissance woman, lola!
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It’s so great to learn more about all of you. You are one fascinating woman Lola!
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Many thanks everyone!
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Your photography rocks Lola,
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Thanks Matt!
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