Paula Okunzuwa: Entrepreneur | Business Consultant | Model & Content Creator

Dear 2024,

As I reflect on this year, I’m reminded that I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I’ve always focused on the experiences I want to have and how I’d like to feel along the way. This approach has served me well, especially during this year of significant change.

My name is Paula Okunzuwa, and I wear many hats – entrepreneur, business consultant, model, and content creator.

This year marked my return to London after five years in Dubai. Despite thriving personally and professionally in the UAE, I felt I was starting afresh in a city that was both familiar and new. The thought of rebuilding my life and connections was both exciting and daunting.

The transition wasn’t without its challenges. I had to put my fashion and lifestyle brand, Paula London (@paulalondonofficial), on hold as I navigated this move. It was bittersweet, considering the brand’s success in Dubai, including collaborations with Puma and being stocked in top retailers like Namshi, FLTRD and Wolf & Badger. However, this pause has allowed me to focus on new ventures and growth opportunities.

One of my proudest achievements this year has been building my fashion and lifestyle community as a content creator (@thepaulaldn) and It’s been incredibly rewarding to connect with my followers and collaborate with brands I genuinely admire. Additionally, I ventured into the London property market (@paulalondon. interiors), focusing on short-stay rentals, interior decorating, and property staging. This new endeavour beautifully merges well with my passion for fashion and lifestyle.

Navigating entrepreneurship in London has been both empowering and challenging. I’ve learned to embrace my uniqueness as a strength rather than a hurdle. The unwavering support from my followers and peers has been a constant source of motivation, reminding me of the impact I make, both knowingly and unknowingly.

This year taught me the importance of adaptability. Embracing change and new beginnings has become my greatest asset. I’ve found joy in empowering women through my work, which in turn inspires me to continue growing and evolving.

If I could change one thing about this year, it would be to worry less about perfection. The word that encapsulates my 2024 is ‘resilience’. As I step into the new year, I carry forward these lessons, excited for new adventures in 2025.

Thank you for being part of my journey, 2024. Here’s to continued growth and new horizons!