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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKarra Ideozu Photography | DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS FACE OF THE WEEK <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI believe in the power of storytelling to connect with others. Through my role, I strive to celebrate our heritage and push for greater representation in every campaign we create.<\/strong>\u201d Rukayat’s commitment to authenticity extends to her partnerships with brands that share her vision of making a lasting impact in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Driven by a desire to embrace diversity and create extraordinary success, Rukayat Yusufu exemplifies what it means to be a modern leader in the marketing space. As she continues to shape narratives that matter, her work as a Brand Ambassador is not only about promoting the pageant but also about uplifting her community and fostering connections that transcend borders. With a passion for innovation and a dedication to her roots, Rukayat is poised to make a significant impact in both the marketing industry and the cultural landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m Rukayat \u201cRue\u201d Yusufu, a first-generation Nigerian-American, and I\u2019ve always been driven by the entrepreneurial spirit that runs in my family. Those early experiences gave me a strong foundation in strategy and helped me develop a unique ability to connect brands with their audience in impactful ways. Today, I specialize in influencer marketing and event production, where I get to leverage that background to create memorable campaigns and collaborations that drive results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What inspired you to pursue your career or business?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What truly inspired me to pursue a career in marketing and event production was growing up surrounded by entrepreneurship, largely thanks to my father. Witnessing him build and scale a successful business gave me a firsthand perspective on transforming a cultural delicacy into a high-quality, mass-produced consumer good. It also highlighted the importance of storytelling in brand building. I realized how effective marketing can elevate a brand and forge meaningful connections with customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That early exposure sparked my passion for marketing, and I knew I wanted to use those same principles to help other brands thrive. I\u2019ve always been drawn to the creative process of crafting campaigns and events that resonate with people, so moving into influencer marketing and event production was a natural fit. I love the challenge of bringing together business strategy and creativity to create something impactful, whether it’s through a launch event, a digital campaign, or influencer collaborations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Staying motivated and focused on my goals is all about staying connected to my “why.” I constantly remind myself that what I do goes beyond just marketing or event production\u2014it’s about helping brands make meaningful connections with their audience and creating experiences that leave a lasting impact. I\u2019m driven by a desire to see the results of hard work, whether that\u2019s through a successful influencer campaign or a well-executed event that brings a vision to life. Setting clear, actionable goals helps me stay focused, and I break them down into manageable tasks so I can see steady progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s the biggest lesson you\u2019ve learned in your career\/business journey so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The biggest lesson I\u2019ve learned in my career is the importance of adaptability. No matter how much planning you do, unexpected challenges will always pop up. Embracing change and being open to new ideas has helped me navigate those moments with confidence. It\u2019s taught me that every setback can be an opportunity for growth. Staying flexible and keeping a positive mindset allows me to pivot when needed and find creative solutions, which has been a game-changer in my journey. Ultimately, it\u2019s about trusting the process and knowing that each experience good and bad adds value to my path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do you define success?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ” I define success as the ability to create a meaningful and lasting impact, both personally and professionally.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n It’s not just about hitting targets or achieving external milestones\u2014though those are important\u2014but more about how well I’m able to align my work with my purpose. Success, to me, is about consistently growing, learning, and pushing boundaries while staying true to my values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How has your faith or spirituality played a role in your career\/business?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My Christian faith has been a foundation in my career, providing me with both guidance and confidence, especially when navigating uncertain paths. There have been moments when I wasn\u2019t entirely sure of a decision or the outcome, but my faith gave me the clarity and courage to move forward, trusting that things would work out as they should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s helped me take strategic risks, believing that even when I can\u2019t see the full picture, God has a plan. I lean on my faith to stay grounded, focused, and optimistic, even during challenging times. It reminds me that there\u2019s a purpose in everything, and as long as I continue to work with integrity, creativity, and passion, I\u2019m walking the path meant for me. It\u2019s also given me the ability to lead with kindness, empathy, and a sense of service, knowing that my work can impact others in meaningful ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Who is your biggest inspiration, and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ” My biggest inspiration is my father, Fatai Yusufu, the founder of Ola-Ola. “<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Watching him build the business from the ground up has shaped so much of who I am today. His journey taught me the value of perseverance, strategic thinking, and the power of connections. He didn\u2019t just build a business\u2014he created a legacy by staying true to his vision and putting his heart into everything he does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His entrepreneurial spirit, resilience in the face of challenges, and ability to create meaningful relationships through business have inspired me to approach my career with the same mindset. He showed me the importance of believing in yourself, trusting your instincts, and having faith even when the path isn\u2019t clear. That\u2019s something I carry with me every day, and it motivates me to push forward, make bold decisions, and build something impactful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For me, keeping a healthy work-life balance comes down to setting boundaries and making time for what really matters. I stay organized and focus on getting the important stuff done, so I can enjoy my downtime without feeling overwhelmed. Taking time to recharge\u2014whether that\u2019s through family, faith, or just doing what I love\u2014keeps me grounded and ready to tackle work with a clear mind. It’s all about finding that flow and not letting one side take over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re just starting out in the field, my biggest tip is to stay curious and keep learning. Explore different areas and see what really excites you. Don\u2019t hesitate to ask questions or seek advice from people who have been around a bit longer; having a mentor can be super helpful. Also, focus on building genuine relationships and networking with others in the industry. You never know where those connections might lead! <\/p>\n\n\n\n What is something that people often misunderstand about your work\/business?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n People often assume my work is just about planning fun events for influencers to post online, but there\u2019s a lot more to it. It involves strategic thinking, managing tight deadlines, coordinating with multiple teams, and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. It\u2019s not always glamorous, but seeing all the planning and hard work pay off in a successful campaign or event is incredibly rewarding!<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the most rewarding aspect of your work\/business?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The most rewarding part of my work is seeing everything come together and actually make an impact. After all the planning and behind-the-scenes work, it’s so satisfying to see an event or campaign resonate with people. Whether it\u2019s influencers connecting with their audience or a brand\u2019s message hitting the mark, knowing I helped make that happen feels great. And seeing everyone\u2019s excitement and positive feedback? That\u2019s just the cherry on top!<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is something that you\u2019re passionate about outside of your work\/business?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Outside of my work, I\u2019m passionate about self-discovery and keeping my faith first. They both ground me, helping me grow personally and stay focused on my purpose, no matter where life or business takes me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the most valuable skill you have learned in your career\/business?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The most valuable skill I\u2019ve picked up in my career is definitely effective communication. Whether I’m working with teams, connecting with influencers, or chatting with clients, being able to express my ideas clearly and really listen has made a huge difference. Good communication helps build strong relationships and makes it easier to tackle challenges together. Plus, it\u2019s a skill that helps me connect with people on a personal level, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do you deal with failure or setbacks?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When I run into setbacks, I like to see them as lessons rather than failures. I take a moment to reflect on what didn\u2019t go as planned, figure out what I can learn from it, and keep moving forward. It\u2019s all part of the process, and every challenge helps me grow. Staying positive and resilient is key\u2014each setback is just a stepping stone to getting better and stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Karra Ideozu Photography<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is your philosophy in life?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My philosophy in life is to stay true to myself, keep my faith at the center, and approach everything with a mindset of growth. I believe in embracing challenges as opportunities to learn, staying open to new experiences, and always striving to make a positive impact on others. For me, it’s about balancing ambition with gratitude and staying grounded while reaching for new heights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is that one life lesson that you learned a little too late?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One life lesson I learned a little too late is the importance of therapy, especially as a first-generation child in America. Growing up, I didn\u2019t realize how much pressure I was carrying\u2014from navigating cultural expectations to figuring out my own identity. Therapy has been crucial in helping me unpack those experiences, process emotions, and better understand myself. It\u2019s something I believe all first-generation kids could benefit from, as it provides the tools to manage the unique challenges we face while staying connected to both our roots and our personal growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is one thing that you have accomplished that you\u2019re most proud of?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is being considered for the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for my impact in influencer marketing within the fashion industry. While I didn\u2019t place, the recognition itself was a huge milestone and was external validation of the work I\u2019ve done to connect brands with their audiences in meaningful ways. On a personal level, I\u2019m also proud of the time I’ve invested in developing my self-awareness and understanding of others. This journey has not only helped me grow but has also enhanced the way I work with teams and influencers. It\u2019s all about making an impact, both professionally and personally!<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do you see yourself and your business\/career evolving in the future?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I see myself and my career evolving in exciting ways as I continue to embrace new opportunities and challenges. I plan to expand my expertise in influencer marketing and event production, exploring innovative strategies to connect brands with their audiences even more effectively. I also envision building stronger relationships within the industry and mentoring others who are just starting out. Overall, I\u2019m committed to continuous growth and learning, and I\u2019m excited to see where this journey will take me in the future!<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do you give back to your community or make a positive impact in the world?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I give back to my community through my non-profit, SheConnects, which empowers young Nigerian women to break into the marketing field. We offer resources, mentorship, and training to help them build their skills and confidence as they pursue their careers. I really believe in the power of support and education to create opportunities, and it feels great to help shape the next generation of women in marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you have a favorite quote? What is it?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of my favorite quotes comes from the Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:11: \u201cHe has made everything beautiful in its time; also He has set eternity in their heart, yet so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from the beginning even to the end.” I love this verse because it reminds me that everything happens for a reason and at the right moment. It encourages me to embrace the journey, knowing that even the challenges and waiting periods can lead to something beautiful and meaningful. It\u2019s a great reminder to trust the process and have faith that everything will come together in its own time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe has made everything beautiful in its time; also He has set eternity in their heart, yet so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from the beginning even to the end.” <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n What is the best advice you have ever received?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The best advice I’ve ever received is to have faith that everything will come together in its own time. This reminder has helped me stay patient and optimistic, especially during challenging moments. It\u2019s easy to get caught up in the rush and feel pressure to have everything figured out, but trusting the process allows me to embrace each step of the journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How do you stay innovative and adapt to changing circumstances in your field?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To stay innovative and adapt to changes in my field, I focus on continuous learning and keep my curiosity alive. I love diving into new trends, reading up on industry news, and attending workshops or conferences to soak up fresh ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, can you share a funny story or experience related to entrepreneurship that you\u2019ve had?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I planned a fun Mother\u2019s Day brunch to celebrate mothers out there for the brand I was working with, and I even got Christina Milian to host! She brought her sister, Danielle Flores, along, which was a nice surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But then there was a funny mistake\u2014the team accidentally printed out a picture of Elizabeth Flores instead of Danielle\u2019s for the event. When Christina saw it, she just laughed, and I couldn\u2019t help but join in. We ended up turning it into a little joke for the brunch, making light comments about how Elizabeth might show up unexpectedly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the end, everyone had a good laugh, and it just added to the fun vibe of the day. Christina was such a great sport about it, and we all left feeling good. Lesson learned: always triple-check the work from your team, but if you mess up, just go with it and enjoy the moment!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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