In today’s interconnected world, the internet offers countless opportunities to expand beyond physical borders. Building a digital business typically falls into two categories: selling physical goods or offering intangible services. Tolu Michaels chose the latter, focusing on creating digital products that help individuals build personal brands and gain online visibility.
Operating from her home in Lagos, Nigeria, Tolu has guided tens of thousands of people globally in establishing purposeful and profitable personal reputations online. But before diving into her journey as a digital entrepreneur, let’s explore her career path.
From Engineering to Digital Branding
With a background in mechanical engineering and a passion for cars, Tolu initially pursued a career in engineering. After interning at a Toyota after-sales franchise, she realized the automotive industry wasn’t for her. She then transitioned to investment banking. However, marriage and relocation disrupted her career, leading to job loss.
Faced with rejection due to assumptions that marriage would conflict with her career, Tolu pivoted toward digital entrepreneurship. “I started asking myself what I could offer to people without being limited by location or capital,” she recalls.
Mastering Digital Knowledge Commerce
Digital products—such as eBooks, online courses, and videos—are services delivered electronically. Tolu recognized this as an opportunity to create value. By leveraging personal branding, she established herself as an expert, positioning her services to attract the right clients and opportunities.
Her journey involved acquiring new skills, including earning a certification in Disruptive Strategy from Harvard Business School. With an enhanced social media presence, she landed her first international client through Instagram.
Global Impact and Personal Fulfillment
Tolu’s platform has since trained over 20,000 individuals across 12 countries. Her mission is to help modern entrepreneurs build impactful personal brands, communicate their values, and create profitable ventures. Through consultations, online courses, podcasting, and her book Show Up, she empowers others to show up confidently in the digital space.
For Tolu, the journey is not just about earning a living—it’s about creating a global impact. Her first $1,000 from selling digital products marked a turning point, solidifying her commitment to creating for an international audience.
Balancing motherhood with her entrepreneurial career, Tolu’s work-from-home lifestyle allows her to stay close to her family while building a thriving business. For her, selling digital products isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle that aligns with her values and ambitions.
