Meet the Founder: Mudi Iyamu
O.M. ‘Mudi’ Iyamu is the visionary behind FreshLemonWater, a platform born out of a deep love for storytelling, cultural preservation, and inclusivity in the art world. With an academic background in Economics and a Master’s in International Business from the UK, Mudi brings a multidisciplinary lens to everything he touches. His career spans over a decade across investment management, oil and gas, and several high-growth startups, where he built expertise in project and portfolio management, logistics, and commercial bidding on major infrastructure and energy projects.
But Mudi’s journey isn’t defined by titles alone. He’s also a passionate advocate for social change, working with NGOs such as Hope Worldwide to support orphaned and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS and VoteOrQuench to amplify civic engagement in underrepresented communities. This blend of commercial insight and social consciousness forms the foundation of his approach—building platforms that create both value and impact.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and with cultural roots in the ancient city of Benin, Edo State, Mudi’s connection to art runs deep. Benin is renowned globally for its ancient guild of bronze casters—symbols of Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage and resilience. This lineage shaped his early appreciation for artistic expression, further fueled by his family’s collection of works by iconic Nigerian artist Bruce Onobrakpeya. Onobrakpeya’s textured storytelling and visual depth continue to inspire Mudi’s belief in art as a vehicle for cultural memory and personal truth.
His professional path briefly intersected with the art world during a logistics role in London, where he coordinated the shipping of artworks for galleries and exhibitions. It was through this experience that he began to observe the structural challenges artists face—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. The lack of visibility, the gatekeeping, and the disconnect between raw artistic talent and global platforms sparked something deeper.
That insight evolved into action.
The Vision Behind FreshLemonWater
FreshLemonWater is more than a name—it’s a mission. A refreshing entry point into the world of art for new collectors, curious enthusiasts, and artists looking for a safe, authentic space to share their stories. Mudi’s goal is clear:
“With FreshLemonWater, we’re creating a space artists can trust—where exclusivity doesn’t mean elitism, and where new collectors can begin their journey with confidence. We’re not interested in a physical gallery just yet. We’re focused on showing up at fairs, hosting pop-up exhibitions, and building a digital-first platform that promotes artists with a story to tell.”
Mudi sees art not just as something to be looked at, but something to be lived with—a force that can uplift a space, shift a mood, or serve as a timestamp capturing the spirit of an era. To him, art is deeply personal, inherently powerful, and undeniably necessary.
Through FreshLemonWater, Mudi is championing artists whose work is rooted in clarity, inclusivity, and authentic storytelling—while building a space that is as accessible as it is inspiring.
Anel Imanbay, writing under the pen name Imani Cortez, is the celebrated author of the US children's bestseller "Her Name Was Flower." A graduate in financial economics from the UK, Anel has diversified her career across corporate finance and innovative startups. With over a decade of experience in commercial roles spanning the education, gaming, and beauty industries, she brings a rich expertise to her endeavours.
Additionally, Anel has orchestrated numerous charity events in various countries, including Kazakhstan, Portugal, Namibia, and the UK, demonstrating her commitment to global community engagement. Anel hosts the popular podcast "Voices of the World," which amplifies diverse perspectives and stories. Residing in Marvila, Lisbon (Portugal) she has chosen to deepen her impact by serving as the lead organiser for TEDxMarvila, driven by a desire to foster a vibrant community of ideas and innovation right in her neighborhood.
Art has always been my way of connecting with the world and expressing emotions beyond words. Though not an artist myself, I’ve long been inspired by the power of visual storytelling to evoke feelings and spark change. Growing up in Kazakhstan and living in countries like Namibia and Angola, I’ve seen the untapped creative potential of the developing world—a passion that drives my mission to make their art accessible to global audiences.
FRESHLEMONWATER allows my vision to bridge creativity and opportunity. By spotlighting artists from underrepresented regions, we aim to transform how art is appreciated, offering bespoke commissions, branding collaborations, and curated exhibitions. More than an agency, FRESHLEMONWATER is a movement to celebrate diversity, elevate innovation, and ensure these vibrant voices are heard worldwide.