Abuja’s vibrant creative industry has just received a significant boost with the grand launch of King Flash Photography’s state-of-the-art ultra-model studio in the heart of the Central District. This new facility marks a major milestone for the rapidly growing brand, representing its sixth branch and further extending its impressive reach, which now includes two thriving studios in Liberia.
The launch event on Sunday saw industry leaders and enthusiasts gather to celebrate this expansion, which promises to set new benchmarks in professional photography services and training within the capital.
From Humble Beginnings to Presidential Photographer: The Inspiring Journey of Oluremi Olalere
At the heart of King Flash Photography’s success is its visionary CEO and founder, Oluremi Olalere. During the launch, Olalere shared his incredibly inspiring journey, revealing a path that took him from a struggling photographer to becoming the official photographer for both the former and current Presidents of Liberia.
“King Flash Photography, I can say from day one, is a testimony,” Olalere recounted, emphasizing the power of self-belief and unwavering focus. “It got this far because I believed in myself and my dream. Even when people doubted me and said, ‘Who are you to think you can do it?’ I stayed focused. I don’t do what others are doing. I don’t get what they get. I remain focused on my dream.”
Olalere’s early career was marked by significant challenges. He began in Suleja, where his first studio was forced to shut down due to an inability to pay rent. Yet, he refused to be deterred. A year later, he reopened, expanded, and eventually launched numerous branches across Nigeria and internationally in Liberia.
“I started with nothing. My first studio in Suleja was closed down because I couldn’t renew the rent. But I refused to give up. Today, we’re here in Abuja, and I have studios in Liberia where I train young photographers for free,” he proudly stated. His incredible rise saw him become personal photographer to former Liberian President George Weah, and later commissioned to produce the official portrait of Liberia’s new President, Joseph Boakai.
A Testament to Focus and Determination
Olalere’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of sheer determination. He candidly shared his experience of riding a commercial motorcycle (“okada”) for seven years to make ends meet, all while never losing sight of his dream. “I’m writing a book titled ‘A Determined Mind.’ I rode ‘okada’ for seven years, but I never lost sight of my dream. Youths today sit around waiting for handouts. I tell them, focus. You being a lawyer or doctor doesn’t make you better than me. Photography took me places because I believed in myself.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Beyond his personal success, Olalere is a strong advocate for youth empowerment. King Flash Photography currently employs over 40 Nigerian youths across its studios, providing them with valuable skills and opportunities. He strongly believes in fostering talent and urged young entrepreneurs to have a clear mission. “Your mission must be clear to you before people will help you. Many people are doing photography, but they don’t believe it can take them places. It’s not a curse; it’s a mindset,” he advised.
He also called upon the government to establish platforms that identify and nurture young talents, asserting, “The government should have platforms to ask people what they do and find those who excel. That’s how you grab and empower talent.”
King Flash Photography’s new Abuja studio is poised to become a hub for creativity, offering not only ultra-model photo sessions but also advanced photography training for aspiring professionals. This expansion marks an exciting chapter for the brand and for Abuja’s thriving creative economy. Sources
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