Visible Inspiration

My jaw dropped when she gave me the great news! 

“Aunty, this is HUGE!!! You have to post this on social media immediately!”

She smiled and said, “Omowunmi, no o! You know I’m not a social media person. Let me just lay low. In fact, some people will say I’m proud or bragging.”

I understood where she was coming from. That need to stay humble, to stay in your lane, to “do the work quietly.”

Here’s the truth I’ve come to learn — your journey is not just for you. Sometimes, it's for the woman whose dreams are still buried because she hasn't seen anyone else do it yet.

Many women don’t aspire simply because they haven’t been exposed to what’s possible. If she hasn’t seen another woman rise from where she’s standing, it won’t even occur to her that she can.

That’s why sharing our stories — especially on platforms like social media, programs, events — is not vanity, it’s vision casting.

As a young girl, I remember seeing an advert for a program in Ibadan called “Move Your World.” It featured Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, and the moment I heard she would be sharing her story, something sparked in me. I made it a point to attend the program — and I’m so glad I did. Listening to her speak that day gave me language for dreams I hadn’t even fully formed.

I didn’t know her personally then. I wasn’t in her circle. But I watched. I listened. I was inspired. There are so many other women who inspired me just by watching and reading about their stories and I am sure I am not the only one.

Years later, I still hear people say, “I didn’t know her one-on-one, but I followed her journey online — and it made me believe I could do it too.”

That’s the power of what I now call "Visible Inspiration". It’s a kind of mentorship that doesn’t need physical presence — just presence. Your growth, your values, your courage to keep going… it all speaks. Loudly. 

So today I ask: Do you have a woman like that in your life? 

Someone who doesn’t know you, but who mentored you through her visibility? Please share their names with me. Let’s honour those whose lives made us believe and give them their flowers.

As Nikita Gill beautifully said,

“When women share their stories, they create pathways for others to walk on.”

You don’t have to overshare. You don’t have to curate perfection. But, don’t hide. 

Someone’s future dream is waiting for your current courage and playing small does not serve the world.

Yours truly,

Omowunmi