October 16, 2020
111ICONS: Morin Oluwole
111ICONS: MORIN OLUWOLE
Morin Oluwole, Global Head of Luxury at Facebook and Instagram spearheads the centre of expertise for luxury brands, transforming their digital strategy one step at a time.
111SKIN champions and celebrates game changers and innovators in leading industries. Each discussion uncovers the insight and knowledge into their individual approach and within the 111ICONS interview, we share their journey, business and approach to life.
Not as easy as one would think, Morin Oluwole leads luxury brand partnerships. Supporting the luxury sector in developing a communication strategy rooted in creativity, innovation, precision media marketing, reinforcing the relationships between luxury brands and their consumers. Migrating from her profession as a Doctor to a 14 year career at Facebook, Morin resides in Paris as she continues to revolutionise the giant that is Digital.
111SKIN: Tell us about your role and what you do?
MO: I’m the Global Head of Luxury at Facebook & Instagram and I work with luxury brands across the globe to help them develop their communication and brand marketing strategy across digital.
111SKIN: What a unique role, how did your career develop into what it is today?
MO: I have not had a linear career path as one may think and often; I think I am better off for it. I thought I wanted to become a doctor and followed the standard path of medical courses (biology, chemistry, physics) at Stanford University. Then I had an epiphany one day after coming from an 8-hour overnight shift in the ER – I knew I wanted something different from my future and not a career that was an obligation to my family. This then led to getting a business degree at Columbia University and applying for a role at Facebook in September 2006. Since joining the company, I have been fortunate to be a part of founding teams in different groups from Product Marketing, Media Partnerships to Business Development. Thanks to this rich product and business experience, I now have the skills and confidence to lead a global business unit.
“I knew I wanted something different from my future and not a career that was an obligation to my family”.
111SKIN: Speaking of skills and confidence, has anyone inspired and supported you as you grew to where you are today?
MO: Absolutely, I didn’t get here alone! Women have been an amazing force in my life, starting with my mother, strong Nigerian women.
111SKIN: What has been the best project you have worked on and why?
MO: The best (and most challenging) project I have worked on is the work I am doing now. Creating a team, business division and relationship with luxury partners (all while learning French!). It has been one of the biggest accomplishments of my career to date and I am proud and thankful to everyone that has supported this work over the years.
111SKIN: What are your plans for the future?
MO: I was born and raised in Nigeria before living in London, the US and Paris. Bringing my expertise home to support the African continent has always been a dream of mine. In the next step of my professional and personal growth, I aim to drive growth and progress towards the African continent, I am passionate about building brand and economic opportunities in Africa or engaging with the diaspora. My focus is on my key areas of expertise which are instrumental to driving growth on the continent: the luxury sector, international business and brand development, and driving digital strategies and growth.
111SKIN: Now onto your personal routines, what is the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do at night?
MO: If we’re not physically together, send a “<3” text to my boyfriend.
111SKIN: What is your morning routine, including skincare and haircare?
MO:I like my mornings to be easy and efficient. Body care always starts by cleansing with Dove soap, I’ve been using it for 20 years now. As for skin, I start by cleansing with 111SKIN Cryo Cleanser, Vitamin C Booster followed up by a Y Theorem Serum. As for hair, I like switching up my styles and playing with looks – long, short, curly, straight … I see my hairsylist Nicole Pembrook once a month to try new looks.
111SKIN: Do you have a specific evening routine?
MO: I never sleep without removing my makeup, I like to spend time on my evening routine. I first remove my makeup with a DHC cleansing oil (best discovery!) and then followed by the 111SKIN Cryo Pre-Activating Cleanser, Celestial Black Diamond Serum, Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream and Celestial Black Diamond Night Cream. In the winter, I also use a richer cream at night and do a mask once a week. It’s important to sleep with a satin headscarf as that protects hair at night!
111SKIN: What is a typical day in the life like?
MO: There is no such thing, especially since the pandemic! I’m currently working from home so I work to make sure that I can manage professional meetings & obligations while also finding a personal & mental equilibrium. I established some “hacks” on my agenda – I don’t have meetings before 10am or after 7pm, that way it creates space to be able to reflect and work vs chasing emails and doing back to back Zoom meetings. My dining table is my “office” so I created an efficient work space with a large monitor, my computer and Portal (for VC/Zoom calls).
111SKIN: Is there a signature product that you can’t live without?
MO: A Matte Red lipstick (otherwise it smears after wearing a mask) and a dash of perfume.
111SKIN: Are there any wellness and fitness habits that you cultivate?
MO: I have been a fanatic about Ballet Beautiful for years now, Mary-Helen Bowers is a lovely friend and has built a fantastic business catering to women’s health. During the confinement, I made sure to walk 45 mins each day in the park across the street, a great way to manage the anxiety that’s come with the confinement. Another habit I’ve developed since the pandemic is to always start my day with infusions, I do either lemon/ginger and thyme or mint/ginger/thyme.
111SKIN: We couldn’t agree more – is there a favourite luxury item in your wardrobe for Autumn/Winter?
MO: Winter boots are my favourite – I currently have two great over-the-knee boots options, one in leather from Hermès and the other in velvet from Dior. They both have a great chunky heel so are practical for walking in the streets of Paris.
111SKIN: Your current on-the-go essentials?
MO: In this new normal: an extra mask, wipes and hand sanitizer.
111SKIN: How do you wind down in the evening?
MO: Dim the lights to reduce strain on the eyes, drink Chamomile tea to relax the body and my latest Netflix show! Currently watching Greenleaf and Criminal.
111SKIN: Your favourite travel destination?
MO: I would dream to go back to the Maldives again.
111SKIN: Where do you see the Luxury Industry going?
MO: This year has been the hardest that many brands have seen. That said, luxury brands have lasted the test of time across decades and even hundreds of years. The resilience of the sector - thanks to the focus on high-quality expertise and products – is what will ensure that luxury will continue to endure over time.
111SKIN: What things bring you joy every day?
MO: I have been separated from my family for almost a year now, and likely won’t see them until 2021. People – connection with my family, friends, and loved ones- is most important to me. Technology helps us keep that strong connection.
111SKIN: Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
MO: I live by Mark’s Twain’s refrain, “They didn’t know it was impossible, so they did it”.
DISCOVER MORIN’S EDIT
Morin Oluwole, Global Head of Luxury at Facebook and Instagram spearheads the centre of expertise for luxury brands, transforming their digital strategy one step at a time.
111SKIN champions and celebrates game changers and innovators in leading industries. Each discussion uncovers the insight and knowledge into their individual approach and within the 111ICONS interview, we share their journey, business and approach to life.
Not as easy as one would think, Morin Oluwole leads luxury brand partnerships. Supporting the luxury sector in developing a communication strategy rooted in creativity, innovation, precision media marketing, reinforcing the relationships between luxury brands and their consumers. Migrating from her profession as a Doctor to a 14 year career at Facebook, Morin resides in Paris as she continues to revolutionise the giant that is Digital.
111SKIN: Tell us about your role and what you do?
MO: I’m the Global Head of Luxury at Facebook & Instagram and I work with luxury brands across the globe to help them develop their communication and brand marketing strategy across digital.
111SKIN: What a unique role, how did your career develop into what it is today?
MO: I have not had a linear career path as one may think and often; I think I am better off for it. I thought I wanted to become a doctor and followed the standard path of medical courses (biology, chemistry, physics) at Stanford University. Then I had an epiphany one day after coming from an 8-hour overnight shift in the ER – I knew I wanted something different from my future and not a career that was an obligation to my family. This then led to getting a business degree at Columbia University and applying for a role at Facebook in September 2006. Since joining the company, I have been fortunate to be a part of founding teams in different groups from Product Marketing, Media Partnerships to Business Development. Thanks to this rich product and business experience, I now have the skills and confidence to lead a global business unit.
“I knew I wanted something different from my future and not a career that was an obligation to my family”.
111SKIN: Speaking of skills and confidence, has anyone inspired and supported you as you grew to where you are today?
MO: Absolutely, I didn’t get here alone! Women have been an amazing force in my life, starting with my mother, strong Nigerian women.
111SKIN: What has been the best project you have worked on and why?
MO: The best (and most challenging) project I have worked on is the work I am doing now. Creating a team, business division and relationship with luxury partners (all while learning French!). It has been one of the biggest accomplishments of my career to date and I am proud and thankful to everyone that has supported this work over the years.
111SKIN: What are your plans for the future?
MO: I was born and raised in Nigeria before living in London, the US and Paris. Bringing my expertise home to support the African continent has always been a dream of mine. In the next step of my professional and personal growth, I aim to drive growth and progress towards the African continent, I am passionate about building brand and economic opportunities in Africa or engaging with the diaspora. My focus is on my key areas of expertise which are instrumental to driving growth on the continent: the luxury sector, international business and brand development, driving digital strategies and growth.
111SKIN: Now onto your personal routines, what is the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do at night?
MO: If we’re not physically together, send a “<3” text to my boyfriend.
111SKIN: What is your morning routine, including skincare and haircare?
MO: I like my mornings to be easy and efficient. Body care always starts by cleansing with Dove soap, I’ve been using it for 20 years now. As for skin, I start by cleansing with 111SKIN Cryo Cleanser, Vitamin C Booster followed up by a Y Theorem Serum. As for hair, I like switching up my styles and playing with looks – long, short, curly, straight … I see my hairsylist Nicole Pembrook once a month to try new looks.
111SKIN: Do you have a specific evening routine?
MO: I never sleep without removing my makeup, I like to spend time on my evening routine. I first remove my makeup with a DHC cleansing oil (best discovery!) and then followed by the 111SKIN Cryo Pre-Activating Cleanser, Celestial Black Diamond Serum, Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream and Celestial Black Diamond Night Cream. In the winter, I also use a richer cream at night and do a mask once a week. It’s important to sleep with a satin headscarf as that protects hair at night!
111SKIN: What is a typical day in the life like?
MO: There is no such thing, especially since the pandemic! I’m currently working from home so I work to make sure that I can manage professional meetings & obligations while also finding a personal & mental equilibrium. I established some “hacks” on my agenda – I don’t have meetings before 10am or after 7pm, that way it creates space to be able to reflect and work vs chasing emails and doing back to back Zoom meetings. My dining table is my “office” so I created an efficient work space with a large monitor, my computer and Portal (for VC/Zoom calls).
111SKIN: Is there a signature product that you can’t live without?
MO: A Matte Red lipstick (otherwise it smears after wearing a mask) and a dash of perfume.
111SKIN: Are there any wellness and fitness habits that you cultivate?
MO: I have been a fanatic about Ballet Beautiful for years now, Mary-Helen Bowers is a lovely friend and has built a fantastic business catering to women’s health. During the confinement, I made sure to walk 45 mins each day in the park across the street, a great way to manage the anxiety that’s come with the confinement. Another habit I’ve developed since the pandemic is to always start my day with infusions, I do either lemon/ginger and thyme or mint/ginger/thyme.
111SKIN: We couldn’t agree more – is there a favourite luxury item in your wardrobe for Autumn/Winter?
MO: Winter boots are my favourite – I currently have two great over-the-knee boots options, one in leather from Hermès and the other in velvet from Dior. They both have a great chunky heel so are practical for walking in the streets of Paris.
111SKIN: Your current on-the-go essentials?
MO: In this new normal: an extra mask, wipes and hand sanitizer.
111SKIN: How do you wind down in the evening?
MO: Dim the lights to reduce strain on the eyes, drink Chamomile tea to relax the body and my latest Netflix show! Currently watching Greenleaf and Criminal.
111SKIN: Your favourite travel destination?
MO: I would dream to go back to the Maldives again.
111SKIN: Where do you see the Luxury Industry going?
MO: This year has been the hardest that many brands have seen. That said, luxury brands have lasted the test of time across decades and even hundreds of years. The resilience of the sector - thanks to the focus on high-quality expertise and products – is what will ensure that luxury will continue to endure over time.
111SKIN: What things bring you joy every day?
MO: I have been separated from my family for almost a year now, and likely won’t see them until 2021. People – connection with my family, friends, and loved ones- is most important to me. Technology helps us keep that strong connection.
111SKIN: Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
MO: I live by Mark’s Twain’s refrain, “They didn’t know it was impossible, so they did it”.
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.