Fumi Desalu-Vold

Fumi Desalu-Vold is an American and British model, actress, and social media influencer known for her successful career in various fields. She won the first-ever Super Model competition for West Africa in 1991, which launched her career as a model for major fashion houses in Paris, Milan, London, and New York.

She has also had a successful acting career and appeared on the hit TV show Ugly Betty and starred in films such as Norbit(with Eddie Murphy) and American Dreamz(with Hugh Grant). In Norway, she made her mark on popular productions like the soap opera Hotel Caesar and the feature film Varg Veum—notably as the only actor in the cast fluent in English, Afrikaans, and Norwegian.

She was also a judge on "Africa's Next Top Model."

Additionally, she has established herself as a social media personality and "powerhouse," with millions of views on her YouTube channel, where she shares content on fashion, beauty, fitness, pop culture and lifestyle. She has also used her platform to provide motivational and inspirational advice, and to discuss topics like beauty standards in the industry and the need for the industry to better cater to Black beauty. 

Fumi founded the “Sister-2-Sister” platform, which empowers women through honest conversations on relationships, body image, and aging. Some episodes have even been screened at Harvard University.

Her authenticity, relatable messaging, and consistent uploads have made her a standout creator, especially among women seeking genuine guidance in lifestyle, beauty, and personal growth.

Fumi married her husband Ole Vold (a former Norwegian swim champion) in 2009. Their wedding took place over three continents. She had her first child at about age 49.

Her journey highlights success and fulfillment in life’s later chapters—marrying at 40, launching YouTube at 45, collaborating with beauty brands at 50, and experiencing significant audience growth thereafter. “Everything has happened to me later in life … Just because something is delayed doesn’t mean it’s denied” she aptly says.

Fumi is a truly remarkable figure whose life and career span modeling, acting, content creation, and empowerment.

She embodies resilience, creativity, and inspiration—showing that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, pursue dreams, and positively impact others.

Age is just a number after all.