WHAT I SPEAK ABOUT
There are moments when people begin to question who they are, where they’re going, and whether they’re enough.
That’s where my work begins.
I speak to students and audiences about identity, self-belief, and the power of owning your story.
Through personal storytelling and honest conversation, I help young people reflect on who they are, navigate pressure and uncertainty, and stay connected to the vision they have for their lives.
Each talk is thoughtfully tailored to the audience—whether in schools, libraries, or conferences—so that the experience feels meaningful, relevant, and lasting.
My goal is to create space for people to find their voice, challenge expectations, and move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and a deeper sense of possibility.
EXPERIENCE & BACKGROUND
As a journalist, author, and speaker, I’ve spent over a decade engaging with people from all walks of life on camera and in live settings.
My journey has taken me from covering beauty and identity, to an Emmy Award–winning career in television production, and now to writing and speaking full-time.
I draw from my experience writing Patience is a Subtle Thief and my work in storytelling to create conversations that resonate deeply with students and audiences alike.
CLIENT REVIEWS
Nadia Lopez, Global Education thought leader
Abi Ishola, founder of Beyond Classically Beautiful, shared her remarkable journey with the scholars of Mott Hall Bridges Academy, and it was nothing short of inspiring. Her story of resilience, self-belief, and the power of storytelling deeply resonated with our students. Abi's passion for redefining beauty standards and showing young people the importance of seeing themselves in the narratives they consume was both empowering and uplifting. She reminded our scholars that despite challenges, they can achieve greatness when they believe in their potential and tell their own stories. Abi's message is one that young people need to hear, as it ignites hope and helps them realize what is possible in this world.
Dionna Matlock, MBA, Associate Director, Higher Education
Abi Ishola-Ayodeji is not only a brilliant storyteller but also a dear friend whose resilience and drive inspire me daily. Watching her journey from journalism to triumphantly publishing her debut novel, Patience is a Subtle Thief, has been incredible. She's spoken to young high school women at BELA and elsewhere, empowering them with her powerful story of perseverance and the importance of never accepting 'no' as the final answer. Her sense of style is as bold as her spirit, and she manages to be an extraordinary mother, friend, and advocate for change in everything she does. Abi is truly a force, lighting the way for so many with her creativity and spirit!