Oluchi , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the most significant risks I took in recent years was leaving my nursing job in the United States to return to Nigeria and compete for the title of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 2021. This decision came after serving as a frontline worker during the Covid pandemic, where I worked throughout the crisis. In the summer of 2021, feeling a strong spiritual nudge, I believed it was a calling from God to pursue this path. Consequently, I gave away most of my belongings, keeping only two boxes, and moved back to Nigeria to compete against 36 other contestants for the crown.

This move represented a considerable shift from the stability and structured plan I had in the U.S. The uncertainty of winning a pageant, leaving behind a country, and starting anew posed a significant risk. However, winning the pageant not only allowed me to represent Nigeria at the Miss World competition but also marked a pivotal moment in my life, reaffirming my belief in taking chances.

Having previously won two titles and placed second in another from three pageants, I had a solid background in pageantry, which bolstered my confidence to compete in Nigeria’s most prestigious pageant at that time. Despite the risks involved due to my personal journey and desire for stability, the experience proved immensely rewarding.

I see myself as someone who embraces risks, believing in the mantra that life is about seizing opportunities, stepping out of comfort zones, and living fully with the mindset that “if you do it right, once is enough.” This approach to life encouraged me to take this significant risk, which ultimately transformed my life and further solidified my belief in the value of embracing new challenges, even when outcomes are uncertain.

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

My name is Oluchi Madubuike, and I’m a 28-year-old residing in Dallas, Texas. I consider myself a multifaceted individual, merging compassion with creativity. As a dedicated part-time ICU nurse with nearly seven years in healthcare, I’ve navigated the demanding world of healthcare with resilience and skill. Concurrently, I’ve explored and grown in the fashion and creative spaces beyond the confines of hospital walls.

As an innovative content creator, I’ve blended my passions for beauty, fashion, health, faith, and lifestyle to forge my personal brand. This brand represents not just me but a beacon of inspiration, particularly for women. Through sharing my experiences of struggle, loss, fear, and overcoming financial difficulties, I aim to empower other women to discover and fulfill their God-given potential.

My journey has been driven by a desire to inspire and effect positive change. I strive to embody growth in all aspects of life—spiritual, mental, physical, and financial—believing in the holistic development of an individual. This path led me to the realm of pageantry, where I was honored with the title of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 2021. This achievement allowed me to represent Nigeria at the Miss World pageant in 2021, showcasing my grace, resilience, and strength, and inspiring other women to believe in their ability to achieve their dreams. It has also led me to founding the Become She Network. A community created for women by women to foster growth, embrace more and champion wholesome development whilst celebrating the journey of becoming.

Furthermore, this journey has expanded into the realms of beauty and fashion entrepreneurship, where I’ve infused my unique insights into these industries. I embody versatility, balancing healing and creativity, joy, love, and peace. Known for my magnetic personality, I am deeply passionate and purpose-driven, maintaining a positive outlook on life. I hold a strong belief in the inherent goodness of people and God. There’s so much beauty in expressing that belief.

Overall, I am a woman who not only excels in my profession but also leaves a lasting impact on the world by being authentically myself and serving as a source of light and love in every space I occupy.

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

For me, the most fulfilling aspect of being a creative is the act of creation itself, much like my Father — I see God as the ultimate creator. He crafted the universe and imbued us with a slice of His creative spirit, as we are made in His image. This belief fuels my passion for creativity; each time I embark on creating something new, I feel deeply connected to this divine aspect of my being. It’s a form of worship, an expression of gratitude towards God for the abilities bestowed upon me.

Moreover, my creative endeavors serve a dual purpose. Not only do they honor my spiritual beliefs, but they also inspire others. By simply exercising my gifts, I can encourage others to explore their own creative potential, to unlock the blessings and talents they’ve been endowed with. This chain reaction of inspiration is incredibly rewarding.

In essence, my favorite part of the creative process is its sacredness. It’s a practice in worship that not only fulfills a personal spiritual journey but also empowers others to embrace their innate creativity. This shared experience of discovery and expression in the creative realm is what I find most gratifying.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission and the driving force behind my creative journey align closely with my core purpose: to inspire individuals to realise their fullest potential through God’s love. This is the foundation upon which I build my work and the reason I choose to share my creativity with the world. I aim to motivate others not only to pursue their dreams but also to live authentically. We are each granted one life, and it’s imperative we live it to the fullest, experiencing joy, happiness, and fulfillment by tapping into our innate creative abilities and expressing ourselves wholly.

Moreover, my goal extends to providing solutions through creativity. Many of the tools and technologies we rely on today, such as computers and phones, originated from someone’s creative vision. This underlines the power of creativity not just as a means of personal expression but as a catalyst for innovation and problem-solving. I believe that by inspiring others to embrace their creativity and pursue their life’s vision, we can collectively make the world a better place.

The impact of creativity is akin to a ripple effect: one inspired individual can spark creativity in others, leading to a cascade of positive changes. Through encouraging creativity and the pursuit of authentic lives, we contribute to a world rich with innovation, where people are empowered to share their unique gifts and, in turn, inspire growth and learning in others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_oluchi