In today’s spotlight, we feature Rosemary Osozo Ojo, a vibrant voice in Nigeria’s development space and the creative founder of Radiance by Rose, an Afrocentric earring brand. From Igara, Edo State, to representing in advocacy spaces and running a successful side business, Rosemary’s journey is a masterclass in passion, purpose, and persistence.
Rosemary began her academic journey with a National Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s in English and Literature Education from the University of Benin. However, her career took a defining turn in 2016, after an unexpected encounter with the NGO world during her one-year post-diploma break.
I didn’t even think I was going to be like a walker walker, I just needed to work… and that’s how I went to Brave Heart Initiative for Youth and Women in my hometown, Igara, in Edo State.
Initially applying as a volunteer, she was quickly offered a role as an Intervention Officer a position that exposed her to the deeply emotional realities of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
‘At that time, I had never been to a police station or hospital… Suddenly, I was responding to emergency calls at midnight, supporting 5-year-olds, 10-year-olds, even a 16-year-old girl who was drugged and raped by someone she once trusted.’
Despite entering the NGO world with limited knowledge, Rosemary discovered that advocacy aligned with both her emerging skills and personal convictions.
‘I realized that some of the things I had experienced were actually SGBV… but I didn’t get into this space because of my personal story. I stayed because people need people, people need someone to help them heal.’
‘This space needs people who are strong emotionally and mentally. You will see things that will make you question the world.’
Since then, Rosemary has worked across communications, advocacy, and intervention in multiple organizations, including her current role as Communications Associate at Stand with girls Initiative.
Funding, or the lack thereof, is a recurring challenge in development work.
‘We had to rely on collective donations. Sometimes, staff gave out part of their salaries. Funders like MacArthur and Ford Foundation helped at some point but there was a major funding gap.’
Even though stipends helped, Rosemary emphasizes that:
‘Please pay volunteers. The country is not smiling. Even as little as 50k… it matters.’
In February 2024, Rosemary officially launched Radiance by Rose, a passion project that started back in 2022 when she bought a few earrings that didn’t fit her at the time.
‘I bought 10 earrings and planned to resell them. I couldn’t, so I gave out a few, and kept the rest. Then someone gifted me a white Afro girl earring… I wore it and said, “Why have I been hiding this beauty?”’
The love for Afrocentric accessories became a brand. By March, she opened an Instagram page, took photos with the help of friends, and began selling earrings that celebrate African identity and beauty.
‘I don’t make the earrings. I’m the middleman. But yes, there’s profit. Not so much, but it’s good.’
She continues to thrive through word-of-mouth marketing, community support, and consistent social media storytelling.
Balancing a full-time job and a business isn’t easy. Burnout is real, but Rosemary shares how she copes:
‘My business doesn’t cause me burnout. What causes burnout is my main hustle my job. When I feel overwhelmed, I shut everything down, rest, sleep, meditate… then come back stronger.’
From her first job in 2016, Rosemary has understood the value of meaningful connections.
‘Everyone in my office has bought at least 2 or 3 pairs of my earrings not just to support me, but because they believe in what I do.’
‘Choose people who align with you who mention your name in rooms. This space is friendly but not friendly. So build your circle wisely.’
Rosemary leaves us with powerful advice for anyone just stepping into the NGO space or any purposeful career:
‘Be open to new learning. Stay humble. Take collaboration seriously. When you represent your organization, do it well, they should want to send you again.’
‘Research your organization’s focus area. Always know what you’re talking about. It’s how you get promoted and how you earn respect in the field.’
From healing communities to empowering women through fashion, Rosemary Osozo Ojo is a beautiful reminder that you don’t have to choose between passion and purpose. You can live both and make a difference while at it.
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