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

Hi Odunayo, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve always known I wanted to pursue a Creative and Artistic Path Professionally starting at a very young age. I was about 10 years old when I started using my imagination and creating characters and scenarios. I would pretend I was a different person and imagine I was having a conversation with other Characters. At around 12 to 17 years Old, I also had a fascination with Television Shows and Movies. I wanted to be on Television and was obsessed with Storytelling. When I was in Middle School, I started Performing in Shows, then High School and by the time I made it to College, it was crystal clear to me that my Purpose was in the entertainment Industry. I studied Acting and began Performing in Plays and knew I was on the right Path.

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

I’m Nigerian, a New York Native, an Actor, Playwright, Director, Producer, Youtube Personality And Podcast Host. I’ve been in the Entertainment Industry for about 20 years, which includes Studying Acting, Training and Performing on Stage in Several Productions. I started really Performing in College but my Passion for Performing took off when I attended AMDA (The American Musical And Dramatic Academy) in New York. I learned a lot about being a Professional Actor, Perfecting the craft of Acting and I developed the Confidence to pursue my Dreams further in Los Angeles. My Acting Career and Spiritual Growth eventually evolved and I gained the courage to Write plays, Short films, be a Casting Director, Direct and Produce my own Projects. As a result of my life experiences, obstacles and Challenges, my Faith and Spirituality became the Center of my Creativity and in 2019 I wrote and Produced my One Woman Show Entitled “Girl From Schenectady”. The show had 8 Success runs and led to me starting my Youtube Channel And Podcast entitled “Girl From Schenectady Podcast”. Topics derived from my One Woman Show regarding Dating, Self-Love, Relationships, Marriage, Friendships, life Goals and Spirituality. Then I wrote, Produced and Directed my first ensemble play entitled “FAITHNLOVE” which Premiered last Spring at the Santa Monica Playhouse and successfully Sold Out to a 88 Seat Audience! My intentions with all my Projects is to Inspire, encourage, Motivate and help Men and Women deal with Heart break, Depression, Mental Health, Self-Love and Life’s Obstacles.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect for me is the feedback I’ve received from other Actors, Friends, Followers and Audiences that have Supported my Projects. I’ve received a lot of Positive feedback but most importantly, the stories of hardships and challenges that they overcame and how my Plays, Content, Podcast Topics have helped them move forward with hope and have faith to accomplish their Dreams. I never realized the impact of my work until after the finished Product and how it made people feel just to be a part of it, whether they were performing with me or entertained by it.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I moved to Los Angeles in 2006 with $40 bucks in my wallet and a Dream. I knew I had a difficult Journey ahead of me but I never realized how much it would affect my Mental Health and stability. Throughout the years, I was unemployed, constantly Laid Off and couldn’t make ends meet. However, those were the moments my endurance developed and I used my hardships to move me forward and create art. I knew my Creativity was the only tool I could use to help me through those hard times. Then my Spirituality started to evolve and I surrounded myself with other Creatives, Family and Networked with other like minded Friends. Over the last few years, my resilience became a natural element for living my Life and Continuing to Create Art and help others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @omajekodunmi77
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/odunayo.majekodunmi
• Twitter: @AyoMajek1
• Youtube: @odunayomajekodunmi5646

Image Credits
Radical Snaps