We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chioma Okoronkwo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chioma below.

Chioma, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I used to be a corporate superstar, but my drive for perfection was fueled by a “lack mindset” from childhood, and it was slowly killing me. Art was always a hobby, but it wasn’t until I moved to Philadelphia and met young artists that I truly found my voice. After retiring from the corporate world due to burnout and physical exhaustion, I struggled with uncertainty and dwindling savings. Through therapy and self-reflection, I learned to let go of control, ask for help, and prioritize my well-being. Today, I work for myself, earning money through my unique personality and skill set, while enjoying more rest and curating my daily routines. I’m no longer a robot doing others’ bidding; I’m living for myself now.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As a Creative Consultant and the founder of Visuals by Chi, LLC, I help artists, influencers, and businesses visually tell their unique stories through media strategy, content creation, and creative direction. My background in research, data analytics, and global project management combined with my passion for design, photography, film direction and production allows me to create customized conventional and non-conventional strategies that align with the business goals of my clients.

At Visuals by Chi, we pride ourselves on being a company that values authenticity and the power of visual storytelling. We prioritize working with Black and Brown businesses of all sizes who want to stand out in their respective industries by taking necessary creative risks to build a memorable brand presence online. Our services range from full social media platform auditing, content strategy and scheduling, to individualized content creation, including commercials, and short films.

What sets us apart from others in the industry is our approach to creating unique, personalized, and impactful visual experiences for each of our clients. We carefully take the time to understand their brand, their values, and their vision, so we can create a tailored strategy that is both authentic and effective. Our goal is to help our clients establish a strong and consistent visual identity that reflects who they are and what they stand for.

I am most proud of the impact that Visuals by Chi has had, especially on small businesses. By providing a platform for underrepresented voices to tell their stories, we have been able to help businesses grow and thrive in a competitive market. I want potential clients and followers to know that when they work with Visuals by Chi, they are not just getting a service, they are gaining a partner who will help them achieve their business goals through the power of visual storytelling.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I had to pivot my career and my life in May 2022. It was a difficult decision, but it was necessary for me to redefine my purpose and find more fulfillment. Over the past year, I’ve been unlearning unhealthy behaviors and relearning how to take care of my mind, body, and spirit. My therapist pointed out that I tend to minimize my accomplishments, so I made a promise to myself to be present, full of gratitude, and to celebrate my wins unapologetically.

This new direction has taught me to check in with myself and let go of things that don’t align with my values. I’ve learned to let go of the fear of missing out and trust that what is meant for me will not pass me by. While missed opportunities are subjective, I know that there will always be another chance to do something great as long as I’m breathing.

Overall, this pivot has been a profound experience, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. It’s taught me to be more self-aware and intentional about my choices, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Myleik Teele has been a huge influence on my management and entrepreneurial thinking. As the founder of Curlbox, she’s built an incredible brand and has shared her journey through her podcast, “My Taught You.” What I appreciate most about Myleik is her honesty and authenticity. She’s not afraid to share her struggles and failures, and she always keeps it real with her listeners. Her advice is practical and actionable, and it’s helped me navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

One book that has significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy is “The Originals” by Adam Grant. The book challenges traditional ways of thinking and encourages readers to embrace their unique perspectives and ideas. As an entrepreneur, I’ve found the book to be particularly useful in helping me think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems. The stories and examples in the book are both inspiring and informative, and I’ve applied many of the concepts to my own business. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to spark their creativity and originality.

Another resource that has shaped my thinking is the TED Talk “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown. In this talk, Brené explores the importance of vulnerability in building meaningful relationships and achieving success. As an entrepreneur, it can be easy to put up walls and try to project an image of invincibility. But Brené’s talk reminded me that vulnerability is actually a strength and that it’s essential for building trust and connection with others. It’s helped me be more open and honest in my interactions with clients and colleagues, and I believe it’s made me a better leader.      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.visualsbychi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbychi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chioma-okoronkwo/

Image Credits
All photos taken by Visuals by Chi, LLC