We recently connected with Casey Nwachukwu and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Casey , thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

-This journey started back in high school. I was someone that people could go to for advice, emotional support, and an energy boost when they needed it the most.

-Furthermore, there was a specific class project during junior year of high school that really brought out the
inspiration to get into motivational speaking. In my English 3 class, my teacher, Mrs. Simmons, gave the students a project that required us to create our own quote. Having been tired the night before from band practice and other clubs, the initial plan was to take a Michael Jordan quote and claim it as my own. However, I had an epiphany moment that told me to create my own quote last minute. After nervously presenting to the class an original quote, surprisingly everyone was applauding me. This gave me the confidence to start brainstorming quotes and affirmations.

-Three years later, this confidence in high school led to posting daily motivational posts on Snapchat. Being someone who enjoys being in front of the camera, as well as people persuading me to create a channel, the quotes later transitioned into videos. In March 2018, the #CaseysMotivationMondays platform was finally created.

-The reason behind feeling that this platform could be successful from the jump was due to the commitment to activities that brought peace. Coming up with topics for videos was a way to distance school work from my life. At the beginning stages of this journey, one topic would be brainstormed per week. A few months later, a shift had occurred—multiple ideas would be thought of per day. This exciting feeling of momentum was when the realization that these videos would take off became a reality.

-Furthermore, having an outlet that promotes positivity on a Monday is essential. Growing up in high school and the first few years in college, Mondays were a day that was dreaded by not only myself, but others as well. Having to flip the switch from a relaxing weekend to attending classes was not the most pleasing. Making videos and posts for people that needed a smile on their faces to start the week was when I knew the #CaseyMotivationMondays platform had serious potential.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

-Hello everyone! My name is Casey Nwachukwu, and I am a lifelong Houstonian. I am a big-time Rockets fan, having been a fan since 2007. Being the oldest of four boys, giving advice has been natural. Whenever the younger siblings need guidance, there is a sense of joy and privilege to guide them to levels higher than what I had previously reached. Growing up, I was musically talented, having been a pianist for 3.5 years (from 2nd grade-6th grade) and a tuba player for 6 years (from 6th grade-12th grade).

-During my time at the University of Houston, I had always wanted to get into a hobby that really brought me joy. An organization that allowed me to realize who I really was at the time was the Orientation Team. This program gave me the space to do what I do best: be goofy while being informative. From this moment, the creative juices for creating motivational quotes came back to life, leading to the creation of the #CaseysMotivationMonday platform.

-Some of the topics that are discussed on this platform includes unlocking gifts within oneself, happiness, limiting comparing oneself to others, disabilities, etc. A major goal when doing the videos is to be as transparent and vulnerable as possible with the personal struggles associated with the above topics. This allows viewers to know that just because positivity is spread 24/7 does not mean that there are no imperfections present.

-One thing that I am most proud of is the tremendous personal growth that has been made. This platform has given me the blessing to feel as if I am in my “own world”; a place where being yourself feels smooth and right. Transforming from someone who was shy to being confident has been a blessing in disguise. Without this platform, happiness would not be present.

-If there is one thing viewers should know about #CaseysMotivationMondays, it is to be yourself. To be yourself, you can not compare your journey to other’s journeys. By constantly watching what others are doing, you can not achieve true happiness, which is what I want all of us to aim for.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

-The most rewarding part of being a motivational speaker is the impact that the videos and posts has had on others. Going back to when the platform took off at the University of Houston, there were individuals that would come up and tell me how these videos uplifted their spirits, whether it was the energy that was given off or the advice that was preached. There were people that even imitated the video’s intro, “What’s up, what’s up y’all man! It’s ya boy Casey”!

-In addition to doing videos, I had the blessing to have been a motivational speaker for my friend Quin’s middle school class. During the presentation, the topic of unlocking special talents within yourself was discussed. Afterwards, Quin informed me how his students loved both the energy and advice given to them. This experience was one of the most rewarding and appreciative moments of my life. Placing the future leaders of tomorrow in the right position to succeed is what is needed from individuals of this present generation.

-Furthermore, a quote that I created that viewers associate with the platform is “Small change is wayyy better than no change.” There have been countless instances where people have either took a screenshot of this saying, messaged or informed me in person that the phrase gets them over the hump. This praise means a lot, as it shows that the content is achieving its intended purpose—to motivate others no matter the magnitude of impact.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

-A major mission for the #CaseysMotivationMonday videos and posts is to help people unlock gifts within themselves.

-The progression that my brother, Charlton, went through is the driving force for this mission. Growing up, Charlton had a physical disability within the shoulder region that resulted in limited range of motion and self-esteem. After undergoing surgery and physical therapy, he went from being shy to having dreams of becoming a creative director, model, actor, etc; he essentially “unlocked gifts” within himself.

-The message that I want viewers to take in is by remaining locked in on our own separate lanes, we will unlock special talents within ourselves at the right time—whether it is to become an artist, dancer, nurse, business person or any incredible gift. Our time to shine will come, but we further push back our journey to success by comparing ourselves to others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casey_nwa411/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/caseynwachukwu411
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/casey_nwa411

Image Credits
-Ryne Williams (Styles of Houston) -Eniola (Ajax Productions) -Mo (Mo Media)