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"Japa" is a term used in Nigeria to describe the process of immigrating—the act of leaving home in pursuit of a better future abroad.
Five years ago, on February 20, 2020, my family—my husband and our two daughters, just 30 months and 18 months old—took that bold step. We left behind everything familiar, not to start from scratch—but to start from experience in Canada.
We landed in London, Ontario, on a freezing winter night, stepping into the unknown. My husband left behind a thriving career in oil and gas. I walked away from a garment manufacturing business I had built from the ground up—a business where I had made a name for myself designing couture wedding gowns.
I had spent years telling stories through fabric—through the intricate stitches and embellishments that turned dreams into reality. But in that moment, I was stepping into a story I had no control over.
The Hardest Part Wasn’t Just Starting Over—It Was Finding Myself Again
Three weeks after arriving, my husband began his MBA at Ivey Business School. I was actively job-hunting. And then—the world shut down.
The lockdown that followed would stretch for two years.
We faced many challenges, one of which was building a community when everyone was forced to social distance. For me, it was also about finding a job—finding my independence—being able to support my family whilst my husband was in school.
It took me six months to find that job. Six months of questioning my identity as I transitioned from an entrepreneur to a job seeker. In that uncertainty, I turned to art.
I had always created. Whether through fashion, textures and colors, or movement—I had always told stories. But now, without my business, without a job, and without the comfort of familiarity, art became something more than creativity. It became my lifeline.
I painted to make sense of what I had lost.
I painted to find my place in this new world.
I painted because even when everything else felt unstable, my art was mine.
Through each brushstroke, I discovered that art had the power to not only heal me but also connect with others—sharing stories of resilience, hope, and cultural identity.
Art Became My Bridge—From the Old Life to the New One
I could never have predicted where those brushstrokes would lead me. Looking back, I am eternally grateful that we made the bold decision to immigrate—because if we hadn’t, I wouldn’t be able to recount these milestones:
Landing my first job as a Business Manager in a garment manufacturing company, where I supported frontline workers by producing PPE garments at the height of the pandemic.
Creating job opportunities for fellow immigrants during the pandemic, providing them with an income during one of the most difficult periods in recent history.
Partnering with the London Arts Council on community engagement art projects to educate, entertain, and engage the City of London community on African culture and the arts.
Being awarded the "Face of London 2021" in the annual I AM LONDON awards by the London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership for my contributions to the development of the city through art and business during the pandemic.
Raising $250,000 for the City of London as the Run Director, Community Engagement for the Canadian Cancer Society’s CIBC Run for the Cure in 2021.
Having my artwork auctioned for two consecutive years by the UPwithART Unity Project, raising funds to fight homelessness in London, Ontario.
Seeing my artwork, “Strength & Unity,” become the official Black History Month image across Amazon fulfillment centers in North America.
Winning a grant from the City of Ottawa to develop Portraits of Resilience, an exhibition celebrating the stories of fellow African immigrant women in Canada.
Becoming Canadian citizens and contributing to this amazing country that has given us so much.
Leaving a Legacy Through Art
When I think back to that cold February night five years ago, I remember the uncertainty, the sacrifices, and the fear of the unknown. But I also remember the excitement and faith I had in myself.
Today, I stand as an artist, a cultural storyteller, and a proud Nigerian-Canadian, using my work to shape narratives that matter. My art is a reflection of the resilience, identity, and heritage that define my journey—and I share it with the hope that it resonates with others who seek strength and belonging.
I am deeply grateful for all the opportunities this beautiful country has given me and my family. But beyond gratitude, I am committed to creating art that leaves a lasting impact—because, as my grandfather taught me: "Always leave a place better than you met it."
Join the Journey
I invite you to explore my artworks—a visual reflection of resilience, identity, and cultural storytelling.
Feel free to share your story with me—I’d love to hear from you.
Love,
Taiwo
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You found yourself through art and you touched many lives in different ways. Thank you.