Exotique In The News...

Durham Magazine August/September 2026 Edition

"Culture, Curated.
Exotique celebrate 20 years of bringing global style and artistry to downtown Durham, offering a multifaceted collection of handcrafted clothing, jewelry, housewares and decor while celebrating the makers and intention behind each piece."

ABC 11 Eyewitness News

"Yemi Olufolabi and his wife, Lola, made a similar investment in downtown Durham two decades ago when they opened Exotique Boutique and Gallery.

"At that time it was quite difficult because there wasn't much foot traffic, but we persisted," Olufolabi said. "Gradually, there was just an explosion." "

Spectacular Magazine

"Lola travels looking for artists and artisans, specifically young or start-up artists to help them establish their businesses. She expressed that she’s been to South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Gambia, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, India, and Indonesia. Exotique Boutique has an African focus because they have the most access to artists in Africa. However, the store is multicultural and finds products from artists and non-governmental organizations." 

The Daily Tarheel

"Meet the women leading businesses in Chapel Hill and Durham..."

WUNC News

"Exotique is an African boutique on West Main Street in downtown Durham. During recent days, everybody seemed to be shopping for the same thing – an outfit to wear to the opening weekend of “Black Panther.”

“I found this cute little, I guess semi-crop top. I like the blue and the gold. So I am going to wear that with some skinny jeans and some boots!” said an excited Kalia Robinson, from Durham. "I have got some earrings at the countertop as well, some bronzy earrings. So I’m ready!”

Lola Olufolabi, a native of Lagos, Nigeria, has owned "Exotique" for 12 years. She shows off several pairs of pants, tops and wrap skirts made with fabric from West Africa. She calls it the “good” cotton. And then there’s the stand where almost all of the cloth for head wraps is gone."

The Landist News

"It is almost impossible to walk past Exotique’s enticing show window and not enter..."

Mykel Media

"Nestled along the bustling and enchanting district of downtown Durham, Exotique Boutique and Art Gallery showcases African and Non-African clothing, fabrics, arts, and handcrafted gifts made by artisans, both locally and from around the world..."