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

Hi Nkem , thanks for joining us today. What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?

I am a big fan of transparency and authenticity. I remember many girls in high school, being very comfortable faking their lifestyles to be what they were not. They painted what they believed were prettier pictures. On visiting Sundays, a few of them were intentionally cruel to the parents who bore them, fed them, nurture them, and raising them to be educated (against all odds). They constantly denied their “poor-looking” parents who came to visit them with foods and the provisions they could afford. My heart always sank. These were the kind of girls that were pretty on the outside, but with no substance on the inside. They were clear examples how no human being should think and behave. I learned from their bad personalities and behaviors to always be honest with myself and others. My mom taught me well, and I am teaching my four kids same lesson.

Children are our future, and the future starts now. The need to teach them better and for us to be better role models should be daily needs.

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

I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Networking and masters in Health Services Administration. But, I was born an artist. I don’t paint with words, but with words and actions. I am a creative writer and a filmmaker. I love to come up with empowering, engaging stories for the younger generations, to inform, educate, and nurture them. My friend and brother from another mother, Iyke Obasi, in Los Angeles, encouraged me to write my first book when I struggled to get a job with my certificates. However, I started playing words from the age of 10. I figured in 2012, after I wrote and published my first book, Tribal Echoes, for teens, young adults and adults, that I should write for children instead because they are the future. It’s best to mold their mindset at tender ages.
I have written 14 books so far. I write on social issues like the dangers of bullying, racism, xenophobia, human/sex trafficking, suicide one. I also write on the importance of love, mental health, kindness, self-love/care, culture, oneness. If I can mold or remold the mindset of more than one child at a time, then, I’d have done something amazing. I’d have nurtured and empowered wiser future adults.
As much as I am yet to sell as many books as Michelle Obama, I commend myself for constantly being inspired to write. I am proud of my desire to use my passion and craft to make positive differences. I am also always elated when I get phone calls, texts, or emails from parents that their children want to talk with me after reading my books. It also makes me happy when I read their text message reviews and Amazon reviews. Creative writing is an art, as much as making motion pictures is. Told you I was born an artist (hahaha). Btw – I have produced a few independent feature films. Pound of Flesh made me a “Rising Star” at the 2014 CIFF – Canada International Film Festival, after being selected as one of the best 10 films from 1500 submissions in that category. Lone Star Deception (streaming on Amazon Prime) won Remi Award at the 2019 Worldfest Houston Film Festival. I was both the producer and casting director. Since I can’t act, I stay behind the camera (hahaha). It matters to know your strengths and weaknesses. No matter the struggles or/and obstacles in what I enjoy doing, I work hard and do my best.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

What drives my creative journey is life itself. There are so many happenings in life. They happen because we most times make them happen; the good, the bad, and inhumane. I am always fascinated by how we choose to think and behave. Especially adults that should know better. How are we to teach the younger generations to behave right when we choose not to think wrongly and behave in the worst ways? This is one of the reasons I write for the younger generations. I am inspired almost everyday by what goes on in our world. My inspirations can come from good and not-so good. But my goal remains to use my inspiration through written and spoken words, and films, for good. I am a VERY positive ‘kinda’ girl. I find hope in the midst of hopelessness or pain. I am mindful of my every blessing and grace. I put myself in others’ shoes. Understanding myself helps me to apply the best of me in all that I do. Life is not meant to be easy, but we were built strong to survive in life. My personal goal is to live, and not just exist. As I live each day, I embrace the best of me, as much as I learn from the worst of me to make me better.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

An ex friend of mine (a pharmacologist, a wife, and a mom) was supposedly helping me to look for work. She referred me to her “potential” contact. I was very happy and thankful. Be mindful that she had known me for 8 years at least. Unbeknownst to me, she wanted to pimp me to her male friend. When I found out and turned down her suggestion, she boldly said to me, “Nkem, you are a pretty girl. You don’t look like you’ve had four kids. Stop behaving like a child. Use what you have to get what you want and need. Oh! Don’t tell him that you have kids because he likes sexy, pretty girls like you, but with no kids.” My jaw dropped on the phone. After I picked up my jaw, I gave her a piece of my heart. I told her to lose my number. She tried to reach out a few times, but it was meaningless. I haven’t talked with her in 12 years. When I couldn’t get a job with my degrees, skills, and experiences due to racial discrimination, educational inequality, sex trafficking and sexual harassment, I sought to find ways to survive, without having to lose my sanity and integrity. So, I started to write more, edit more, ghost-writing, book-coach, private-cater, do project management, and filmmaking. My peace of mind and integrity are priceless, therefore, I will not give anyone the power to jeopardize either.
It’s hard being a Black woman in America. It’s harder when you are an immigrant, a Black mom, and single. Certain men believe that you are a piece of tasty meat that they can put a price on, add different spices and sauces, and devour as it pleases them. Sadly, every woman is different. I am every woman, but a woman and a half; a well-raised Igbo woman from Enugu State of Nigeria, born of a great Igbo woman.
However, in between my every journey, I learn and grow through the sweet and sour tastes that life throws at me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nkemdenchukwu.com
• Instagram: @nkemdenchukwu
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/DenChukwu.Nkem
• Linkedin: Andrea DenChukwu
• Twitter: @nkemdenchukwu
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JmdMF-VGvFc

Image Credits
3 Professional Photos by Joseph Profit (Unleashed Cinema) The B&W black African attire photo by Uche Photos