Toluwani is not your average woman. She is a walking vault of talents, a quiet storm of creativity and innovation. Her hands are anointed capable of doing what many need years of training to master. She cooks and bakes with a culinary prowess that turns ordinary meals into unforgettable experiences. She plaits hair with the ease of tradition and style, crafts clothes, bags, shoes, and fascinators like a seasoned designer, and paints and draws with a soul that sees beyond the surface.
She makes beads, knits, designs graphics, creates content, styles makeup and gele, operates computers and machines with skilled hands. Most of these talents weren’t taught in classrooms; they were inherited, flowing through her from her mother and a divine source she simply calls “God-gifted.”
You’d think someone like that would be loud with confidence eager to show the world what she can do. But not Toluwani.
Behind the many skills is a tender, quiet heart one wrapped in fear and self-doubt. A part of her constantly whispers, “What if I’m not good enough? What if I fail?” So instead of stepping into the spotlight, she hides behind silence, masking her gifts under a shroud of humility and fear.
When called upon, she often freezes. Her mind floods with thoughts of imperfection. She convinces herself it’s better to keep quiet than to be seen trying. She calls it “not showing off,” but deep down, she’s scared,scared of falling short, of being criticized, of not being perfect.
Ironically, Toluwani is a powerful encourager. Her words lift others. She is the type of person who can convince you to start that business, chase that dream, and believe in yourself again. She’s everyone’s hype woman but not her own. Her wisdom flows freely to others, but when it comes to herself, doubt takes the lead.
She’s a computer guru but chooses to go out to print her work telling herself she’s “not that brilliant.” She’s excellent at what she does but allows fear to shrink her presence. Opportunities pass, and she lets them, simply because fear talks louder than her inner truth.
Yet even in this struggle, her light refuses to dim. It’s as though something inside her is still fighting, still yearning to rise. And that something deserves a voice.
Let this be that voice. If you see yourself in Toluwani—if you are Toluwani—know this: You are not lazy. You are not incapable. You are not weak. You are a silent wonder a masterpiece afraid of being seen.
But it’s time. The world needs your talents. We need your art, your words, your skills, your mind, your presence. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing. Willing to try. Willing to show up. Willing to let go of the fear that holds you back.
Your beauty is not just in your smile, your looks, or your gifts it’s in your heart, your resilience, and your quiet strength. So rise, Toluwani and stand tall. Shine unapologetically.
Command fear to go back to where it came from. It has no home in you.
You are enough. You are ready. You are needed. And most importantly—you can do it!
Deborah Adeyemi
RENARSA PRESS UI 