Can you share with us a bit about your background and early experiences, and how these moments led you to build the ‘Lumina brand’?

I am the product of an inter-cultural marriage, with my father being Nigerian and my mother Sri Lankan. Growing up, I was immersed in both cultures, as my parents made sure we understood the value of embracing diversity. This upbringing shaped me into someone who builds relationships without bias, always open to learning from others. To this day, I consider myself more open-minded than many, having been raised with a deep appreciation for different perspectives and backgrounds

As the only girl in my family with two brothers, I was never treated differently. We were all expected to share responsibilities equally, and respect was the foundation of our household. My parents instilled in us a sense of fairness, love, and tolerance, and that has profoundly influenced my adult life, shaping who I am today.

Leadership, I believe, chose me. Throughout my primary, secondary, and university years, I was consistently entrusted with leadership roles, whether in academics, sports, or social activities. After completing my studies in the United States, I returned to Nigeria to play an active role in the creative industry. I began working with brands to help them connect with consumers in fresh, engaging ways, and to craft their brand stories. Over the years, I’ve collaborated on numerous projects with major global brands, including Google, Microsoft, Adidas, Fenty, Guinness, Johnny Walker, Pernod Ricard, and more.

My personal brand is rooted in integrity, creativity, consistency, and resilience. Above all, it is grounded in a commitment to service—service to humanity, to community, and to the people whose stories I help tell. These values have been the driving force behind everything I do.

Your name, Adaora, carries deep cultural significance in Igbo culture. What significance does your name hold for you personally, and how has it influenced your identity and the way you approach leadership and community building? (You may choose to answer this question in a short video if you prefer).

My name, Adaora, meaning “First daughter of the family,” holds deep significance in my life. From an early age, I’ve embraced the essence of this name, and it has shaped how I move through the world. Being the first daughter comes with a unique sense of responsibility, one that often calls for empathy, care, and the nurturing of both self and others.

One of my core gifts is empathy – the ability to feel deeply, to connect with others in meaningful ways, and to offer support when it’s most needed. Within my family, I’ve naturally stepped into this role as a nurturer. Whether it’s through small, everyday actions or standing as a pillar during times of difficulty, I’ve come to realize that nurturing is not just an act – it’s a way of being. I care for those around me, offering love, support, and guidance where it’s needed, and in return, I find a deep sense of purpose.

This gift of nurturing extends beyond my family and into my mission work. In everything I do, from leadership to creative projects. My work is not just about achieving goals or fulfilling tasks – it’s about nurturing others’ potential, supporting their growth, and creating environments where they can flourish. The same way I nurture my family, I nurture those I lead, the projects I touch, and the communities I serve.

Heritage often shapes the way we perceive and interact with the world. In what ways do you consciously integrate your cultural identity into your work and the brands you’ve built?

I am of Igbo heritage, a culture renowned for its industrious spirit and strong initiative. Igbos are also known for their remarkable resilience, and I’ve seen these traits manifest throughout my journey. I’ve always been willing to take more risks than the average entrepreneur, driven by an inner belief that even if things don’t go as planned, I have the capacity to rebuild. This mindset has proven true time and again, as I’ve taken bold steps that required me to start over, and in the process, I’ve built some incredible platforms, products, and projects.

My industriousness is rooted in my family history. My paternal grandfather was a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s tax assessment authority under the Internal Revenue Service, where he transformed revenue collection in Aba. His impact earned him national recognition as a Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). My grandmother, equally enterprising, ran a successful clothing and jewelry business. I come from a lineage of service-oriented leaders, and this legacy of industriousness and resilience inspires me as I navigate my own path today.

Reflecting on my heritage and the leadership that runs through my lineage allows me to embrace challenges with a sense of purpose and confidence. It’s a reminder that I’m equipped to take risks, rebuild when necessary, and continue creating meaningful work that reflects the strength of my roots.

The Lumination Global Network is known for its emphasis on helping individuals and organizations clarify their vision. How do you guide people in the process of identifying their core values and translating them into a personal or corporate brand?

Lumination is more than just a company, it’s a movement actively shaping the path towards a brighter and more inclusive future. We believe that every creation – whether an idea, product, platform, or project – holds the potential to contribute to a world that embraces innovation, purpose, and conscious creation.

We provide innovative and tailored strategies for businesses and organizations, placing a strong emphasis on creative problem-solving, crafting educational content, and designing effective learning programs.

At Lumination, every creation is more than a solution—it is a mission and a purpose unfolding. Everything we create makes you feel like you have a place to express your true self and have the freedom to not self-censor your most interesting ideas.

We do this through our various platforms – Media content (videos, podcasts, magazines), Events ) masterclasses, seminars, summits) Training (Skills & Mindset, corporate training), and Platforms.

Investing in Southeast Nigeria has long been challenging, particularly in building Igbo generational wealth and preserving family legacies. From your perspective, what are the major barriers, and how do you think we can start creating sustainable solutions that will drive lasting change?

I believe one of the primary barriers to investment in Southeast Nigeria is the lack of essential infrastructure – particularly in transportation, security, technology, and human capacity development. I experienced this firsthand when I attempted to launch a fashion brand. I partnered with a vendor in Aba to handle fabric sourcing and the production of garments. While they had the skills, the final product’s finishing didn’t meet the standards I envisioned. It wasn’t a lack of capability, but rather the need for consistent oversight to ensure the product was finished to the quality required for my target market.

To achieve that level of quality, I would have needed a reliable and quick way to travel to and from Aba for supervision or, alternatively, relocate the production team to Lagos for training and monitoring. The logistics and cost of these options made the production process far more expensive and ultimately discouraging.

This experience highlights a critical need for capacity development in the Southeast. The region is filled with ambitious, driven, and industrious individuals, but in today’s world, quality assurance and efficiency are paramount. We need to create more opportunities to develop the skills and infrastructure necessary to produce high-quality, competitive products efficiently. Only then can we start to unlock the full potential of the region, foster sustainable investment, and build lasting generational wealth.

You’ve spoken about the importance of finding purpose in your work. What moments in your journey led to a deeper understanding of your purpose, and how has that understanding influenced your path?

I often tell people that I discovered my purpose early in life, and I believe that gave me a head start on where I am today and where I’m heading tomorrow. My purpose became clear when I first connected with my spirit and then focused on serving the needs of others. Service has always been the common thread throughout my journey. I’m deeply passionate about people and purpose, and whenever there’s an opportunity to contribute to personal development or transformational growth, you can count on me to be there.

I also believe we are multi-purpose beings, and we can only uncover this through active engagement—by both being and doing. It’s in the process of living and serving that we discover the many layers of our purpose.

Personal resilience is crucial in leadership and entrepreneurship. What are some of the core practices or mindsets that have helped you stay resilient in the face of adversity?

I don’t rush through anything. As an entrepreneur, I’m in it for the long game, so I fully immerse myself in the journey, taking each lesson as it comes. My focus isn’t on seeking validation, but on creating solutions that address real problems. The joy I experience comes from seeing the things I create make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. This mindset has been key to my resilience – it’s allowed me to stay in the game and build a journey with longevity.

I’m also deeply committed to lifelong learning. Whether it’s acquiring new knowledge or finding more effective and efficient ways to approach challenges, I always take a learner’s stance. This continuous growth mindset has been essential in helping me navigate adversity and keep moving forward.

What advice would you give to the young creatives and entrepreneurs who look up to you and are looking to make a meaningful impact in their industries while staying true to their values?

Passion is important, but purpose is even more powerful. There’s a common misconception that purpose is only about our “Why,” but it’s much more than that. Purpose isn’t just about “Why are we doing this?”- it’s also about “Who will benefit from this?” When you recognize that your journey is about being a solution, you’ll begin to express yourself with greater confidence.

Be open to collaboration. If you don’t care about who gets the credit, you’ll find yourself accomplishing incredible things. But remember, don’t say yes to everything. You need to either show up fully or not at all – your integrity is your greatest currency.

Lastly, practice patience. Time is the best storyteller, and this is my personal mantra. While we can control many variables in life, we can’t outrun time. Understanding and accepting this brings clarity, peace of mind, and ultimately, joy. I know you want to “hammer” (succeed) overnight, but keep putting in the hard work and trust that all things will come together for your good. Your future self will thank you for the dedication and effort you invest today.

Moving forward, what’s next for Adaora Lumina Mbelu? Are there any new creative projects you’re particularly excited about?

What’s next for me is simply a continuation of what I’m already doing for as long as I’m able. I don’t measure my success by milestones or the number of projects I take on, but by my ability to continue making a positive impact while enjoying the journey. If I’m not passionate and energized by my work, then it doesn’t feel like success to me.

Rather than focusing on the next big project or client, I’m most excited about the fact that I get to exist in this world and contribute my creative energy to it as a co-creator with God. That sense of purpose and alignment is what truly excites me, and for me, that’s more than enough