When you think of beauty, travel, and wellness, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of influencers online. But some creators stand out because they bring more than just pretty pictures and viral trends—they share a story, a purpose, and a mission that resonates with their audience. Folahan Amudipe, better known to her 300,000+ followers across Instagram and TikTok as @folahontas, is one of those creators. Her journey as a first-generation Nigerian-American has been the foundation for building an engaged community while staying true to her roots and passions.
Listen to Fola's full story on Apple Podcasts:
A First-Gen Story That Shaped Her Hustle
Fola's story is one that many first-generation children can relate to: navigating two cultures, balancing family expectations, and finding her own way. As the first daughter and middle child, she learned responsibility early on, especially after the passing of her father. Stepping in to help run the family business to support her family, Fola developed a resilience and work ethic that would later serve her well in the world of content creation.
"Losing my dad was one of the hardest things I've gone through, but it taught me how to step up. I knew I had to find a way to support my family and also stay true to my own passions."
That desire to carve out her own path led Fola to UC Berkeley, where she initially pursued a more traditional career path in International Relations. But as her love for the arts flourished, she realized her true calling was in sharing her creativity with the world. In 2020, as a type-A person, she bravely decided to pivot away from her 5-year plan and dive headfirst into the unpredictable world of content creation.
From Dance Enthusiast to Digital Creator
Fola's success as a digital creator wasn’t instant. Starting her content creation journey during the pandemic, she was determined to bridge communities by focusing on two of her biggest passions: natural hair care and travel.
“Growing up as a Nigerian-American, I’ve always felt like I lived in two worlds,” she explains. “I wanted my platform to celebrate both, while helping people see that beauty and self-care go hand in hand with exploring new cultures.”
Through her content, she not only teaches her followers how to care for their hair but she also educates them on the importance of cultural appreciation, especially when it comes to travel. Her dedication to natural hair education resulted in a viral moment that caught the internet’s attention—her video sharing simple yet effective tips on maintaining healthy hair amassed an incredible 22.2 million views. That was just the beginning.
Going Viral and Meeting Rihanna
Building a community around beauty and travel was just one part of Fola’s journey. Her content began gaining traction not only for its educational value but also for her authenticity and passion for storytelling. Her creativity and innovative thinking led to one of her most memorable viral moments when her iconic braids-style video hit 1.3 million views. Most recently, her talents put her in rooms where she got a unique opportunity to meet none other than Rihanna—a dream for any beauty influencer.
“I grew up loving music and fashion, and Rihanna has always been such a huge inspiration for me. Meeting her was surreal and reminded me just how far I’ve come on this journey.”
Beyond the glitz of going viral and meeting A-list celebrities, Fola continues to stay humble and grounded. One of her proudest achievements? Buying her mom a brand-new car—an emotional and heartfelt moment that resonated deeply with her followers.
Bridging Communities Through Culturally Enriching Travel
Fola's creativity spans far beyond beauty and hair-related content. She has also positioned herself as a well-intentioned creator educating viewers about culturally enriching travel experiences. Her wanderlust journey started in college during her study abroad travels to notable locations such as Barbados, London, and Paris. Her recaps have a way of making you feel like you're part of the journey with the crisp quality, powerful storytelling, and captivating looks.
What’s Next for Fola Amudipe?
Since starting her content creation journey in 2020, Fola has grown a following of 226.1K on TikTok, 75K on Instagram, and 51K on YouTube. And she’s only just getting started. Her vision for the future involves launching her own product line, continuing to support her family, and using her platform to elevate other first-generation creators.
“I want people to know that you don’t have to choose between your passions and where you come from. There’s space for all of us to thrive, especially if we stay true to ourselves and build something meaningful.”
As she looks to the future, Fola's content creator journey is a testament to what can be achieved when you follow your passions. For her, it’s not just about creating viral moments—it’s about building an authentic legacy that bridges communities, cultures, and generations.