How This 22 Year Old Became the Youngest Labour Councillor in the UK, Despite Being Suspended From School 5 Times | Tele Lawal | Voice #72

1000 Voices: Black British Leadership & Inclusive Diversity

Have you ever pondered the resilience it takes to break barriers in politics and fashion? Tele Lawal, a former youngest and first black councillor in Havering, sheds light on her extraordinary journey. In this revealing interview, she delves into her experiences with racism and backlash in politics, her challenging school days, and her bold transition into the world of fashion entrepreneurship.

Tele Lawal is not just a former political trailblazer; she's also the visionary behind Kouture Paradise, a fashion brand that's making waves. Her story is one of overcoming adversity, challenging societal norms, and reinventing oneself.

In this discussion, you can look forward to hearing:

- Tele's ground-breaking path from multiple school suspensions to becoming a pioneering young councillor.

- The trials and tribulations she faced in politics, including confronting racism and personal attacks.

- Her journey from the intense world of politics to founding her fashion company, Kouture Paradise.

- The entrepreneurial challenges she has encountered and how she's navigating them.

- Insightful reflections on why she chose to leave politics and reinvent her career in fashion.

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Timestamps:

00:37 - Early Beginnings in Politics

06:09 - How Tele overcame backlash

10:55 - 5 school suspensions and turning life around

17:03 - Getting attacked for her choice of clothing

26:46 - The toll politics took on Tele's mental health

34:18 - Politics vs activism

39:24 - The goal with Kouture Paradise

42:31 - Main challenges in entrepreneurial journey

46:52 - What would you tell your younger self?