Who would have thought a photobomb could land one a modelling contract? Jumoke’s story is a clear example of how the race is not to the swiftest, God’s timing is always perfect. Jumoke was an Agege Bread seller, her profit she recalls was about 300-500 Naira a day, a price many would agree could barely be enough to feed a family for one day but Jumoke did not see it as working in vain, she kept up her hustle and suddenly her minimal income has multiplied a thousand fold!
“Agege breeeeead!” Jumoke probably screamed while she walked the path that ended up making her famous. She would have walked that way everyday and would probably have had times where she was praying to sell at least one loaf of bread. She would have had disappointments a few times and would have probably been weighed down by the minimal return she gets for all that hard work. Carrying a child on your back in a living room can make one weary at times so imagine the days she might have had to carry her 14 month old for miles with the extra weight of the bread on her head.
All these and many more trials were enough for her to give up but this mother surely believed that one day things will be better so she continued to struggle on and slowly but surely that “one day” came!
Chance
TY Bello, a popular photographer happened to be taking pictures of a famous UK rapper Tinie Tempah in the area one day. Jumoke as usual was passing by through her Agege bread route and accidentally ended up in the artist’s picture. At first there was confusion as to whether she should wait or quickly pass by till TY Bello asked if she could take her picture. Jumoke probably agreed shyly, not fully understanding what was going on or knowing who the celebrity was. After the picture she went on her way. Her moment came later that day while TY Bello was looking through her archives, she saw how Jumoke photographed so well and noticed her delicate, model like frame. TYBello posted the experience on social media and put this up:
A few days later a mallam brought her to TY Bello’s studio and that began Jumoke’s rise to stardom. In a flash she was featured on ThisDay Style, got a modelling contract and has become the brand ambassador for Payporte and Stanbic IBTC. Stanbic IBTC has gone ahead to offer her children the gift of education, the gift of a lifetime. Within a space of two weeks Jumoke has become the talk of the Country and a Global sensation. CNN, YahOO, The Independent, Huffington Post and other major media outlets have featured her story as it is trending on numerous social media platforms. Her remarkable tale has given hope to those on a daily struggle and has also encouraged those who can help to support those in need.
Jumoke says she never would have thought her fortunes would change this way, in her interview on CNN she expressed how fortunate she was and how much joy it has brought to her family:
“My friends have told me they saw me on the TV and they are really happy. My parents cannot believe their own child can become such a success. They are all so happy.”
The mother of two recalled on woman.ng how she attempted hairdressing back in Osun state where she lived. She did not have enough money to continue the business so was advised by a relative to come to Lagos. Although this was not her passion, Jumoke used the same zeal to make sure she sold fresh bread constantly and this has now led her to her new life. She has been given an internship at the prestigous Make me salon and landed another internship at a high brow salon on the Island. She has secured a scholarship for herself at Poise Graduate Finishing Academy, education for her children to university level and a luxurious apartment sponsored by Sujimoto Construction Ltd.
Jumoke is experiencing success, happiness and joy in her life at a level she probably never imagined. As a hardworking mum and wife she kept doing what she could selling her Agege bread and all her dreams and more have come true. We pray for her to excel during this new season and that she will be surrounded by wise counsel and people to guide her on the right path.
