In an industry where success extends far beyond talent or skill, true mastery is forged in resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. It’s the visionaries—those who cultivate a profound connection with their audience—that transform beauty from a personal pursuit into an impactful vehicle for self-expression and empowerment. They inspire others to embrace their individuality, while challenging conventional norms and expanding the boundaries of what’s possible. Among these trailblazers, Adenike Marilyn Adeleke stands as a force of innovation, a digital influencer whose creativity redefines what it means to be empowered in today’s world.
Adenike Adeleke, widely recognized by her creative moniker Nikos Babii, was born on March 17, 1995. She hails from the prestigious Adeleke family in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria—a lineage not only influential but deeply ingrained in the pulse of modern Nigerian culture. As the daughter of Governor Ademola Adeleke, and cousin to the global music icon Davido, Adenike’s family is entrenched in both governance and entertainment, fostering an environment rich in creative energy.
Raised in an atmosphere steeped in legacy, Adenike’s journey into the world of beauty and entrepreneurship was inevitable. Her formative years were defined by a strong sense of family unity. With close ties to uncles, cousins, and extended family all living on the same street, her childhood was a vivid mosaic of shared experiences. Whether skating with her siblings or attending CTC International in Ikeja for her primary education, Adenike’s early life was one of laughter, connection, and the joy of togetherness. Her mother, an American, played a pivotal role in fostering these precious memories, organizing movie nights and making their home a gathering hub for family and friends. This deep-rooted sense of familial support continues to inform both her personal life and professional ethos.
At just eight years old, Adenike moved to the U.S., where she continued her education, attending Beaver Ridge Elementary School, followed by Pinckneyville Middle School, Norcross High School, and later, Archer and Berkmar High Schools. Her academic pursuits culminated at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. In 2022, she further expanded her expertise with a certification in Digital Publishing and Advanced Networking Skills, positioning herself as a versatile force in both business and the digital space.
It was during her formative years that Adenike’s creative inclinations truly began to surface. With a strong personality and a natural flair for artistic expression, she immersed herself in various hobbies, from swimming to dancing, all of which laid the foundation for her later success as a digital influencer. Her creative spirit found its first outlet on social media, where she shared makeup transformations on Instagram, quickly garnering attention and admiration. This early engagement sparked a chain of encouragement from her growing audience, urging her to expand her reach. Eventually, she ventured into Snapchat, and her followers, impressed by her authenticity, implored her to launch a YouTube channel.
In 2015, Adenike answered the call by launching her YouTube channel, Keeping Up with Nikos, focused on makeup tutorials. While her passion for beauty was undeniable, she faced challenges in maintaining consistency. Undeterred, she explored other business ventures in the hair and clothing industries. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that she truly found her niche. Rebranding her platform to Nikos Living, Adenike shifted her focus from beauty tutorials to vlogging, opening the door for her to showcase her authentic lifestyle in a way that resonated deeply with her growing fanbase.
What began as a simple hobby had evolved into something much greater. Nikos Living is more than just a beauty platform—it is a dynamic space for storytelling, where beauty intersects with authenticity, vulnerability, and empowerment. Adenike’s transformation from an influencer to a force for social change is a testament to how passion, when aligned with purpose, can become a transformative movement. Her platform’s evolution reflects her mission to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness while using her God-given talents to uplift those around her. She aspires to leave behind a legacy not just as a businesswoman but as someone who genuinely cares for people and uses her influence for the greater good.
Through Nikos Living, Adenike continues to inspire her followers with her relatability, humor, and authenticity. Her content has evolved far beyond makeup tutorials. It has become a space for real connection—a place where beauty is just the beginning. Her transparency and relatability resonate with a rapidly expanding audience, transforming her platform into a haven for those seeking genuine content. TikTok, in particular, has provided a new outlet for her creative energy, fueling her passion for self-expression and propelling her platform to new heights.
The creative process behind Nikos Living is as unique as Adenike herself. Her content mirrors the personal, authentic approach that defines her entire journey. Her platform is intertwined with her life and values, offering glimpses into her relationships with family members, including her brothers, Davido and B-Red. These behind-the-scenes moments serve as a reminder of the strength and unity of her family—a theme that resonates deeply with her followers.
Navigating the pressures of public scrutiny, especially as a member of the influential Adeleke family, has been a challenge that Adenike has met with grace and resilience. Despite the high visibility that comes with her lineage, she has remained steadfast in her pursuit of authenticity, balancing her public persona with a private, grounded personal life. As an unmarried woman, she continues to focus on her career and growth, maintaining an air of discretion while fostering an authentic connection with her audience.
Nikos Living is a powerful testament to Adenike’s ingenuity and drive. It stands as a vibrant community where beauty, fashion, lifestyle, family, and love converge. In an industry that often values surface-level allure, Adenike’s success is rooted in the ability to innovate while remaining true to her values. Her journey from a social media enthusiast to the visionary behind Nikos Living is both inspiring and instructive, a beacon of hope and motivation for those daring enough to chart their own paths.
By Olaoluwa Justice
