We recently connected with Owen Odigie and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Owen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Opulence Entertainment and “Osa’s Vantage” was born out of a challenging period in my life. In March 2020, I was laid off due to the pandemic, which left me at a crossroads. However, this adversity ignited a spark of inspiration within me. By August 2020, I moved to New York City to attend Columbia Business School, a dream come true after a series of hard-won victories.
Within six months, I was elected Student Body President, and I also pursued a dual degree in International Affairs from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs. My experiences at Columbia broadened my understanding of global cultures and issues, and I began to see the power of storytelling as a means to connect people and inspire change.
The question of what the American Dream truly means has always been on my mind. Combined with my passion for storytelling and creativity, the concept for “Osa’s Vantage” took shape. The show, inspired by my journey, explores the trials and triumphs of young adulthood, touching on identity, ambition, culture, and the relentless pursuit of dreams through the lens of a Nigerian American protagonist.
What excited me most was the potential for this story to resonate globally. Everyone has dreams, faces challenges, and seeks inspiration. “Osa’s Vantage” provides that inspiration by showcasing a relatable and empowering journey. I aimed to fill a gap in mainstream media by offering an authentic, diverse narrative that blends business, cultural diversity, and the pursuit of dreams.
In essence, “Osa’s Vantage” is more than a TV show; it’s a movement. It’s about recognizing our common humanity despite our differences and finding power in our individual stories. This idea wasn’t just worthwhile; it was necessary. And that’s what drives me every day to bring this vision to life.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Owen Odigie, and my journey into the world of media and entertainment is one built on a foundation of diverse experiences and an unwavering passion for storytelling. I started my first business at the age of 16, driven by a curiosity and determination to create something of value. This early venture ignited a fire within me, leading me to Wall Street, where I spent five years honing my skills at Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo.
After my time in finance, I transitioned into the world of marketing and advertising, working with global brands like Nike. This experience allowed me to blend my analytical skills with creative thinking, further fueling my passion for bringing people together through compelling narratives.
However, it was during my time at Columbia Business School and the School of International and Public Affairs that my vision truly crystallized. Serving as Student Body President, I realized the power of leadership and community. I wanted to create something that merged my business acumen with my creativity and passion for storytelling. This led to the birth of Opulence Entertainment, a media and entertainment company dedicated to connecting people through authentic and transformative stories.
Our flagship project, “Osa’s Vantage,” is a dramedy TV series inspired by my own journey moving to New York and navigating the complexities of business school. The series delves into themes of identity, ambition, culture, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, all through the lens of a Nigerian American protagonist. We provide not just entertainment but a platform for diverse voices and stories that resonate with people on a deep, personal level.
What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and excellence. We aim to fill a gap in the industry by offering fresh, relatable narratives that inspire and uplift. Our work is not just about creating content but about building a global community around shared experiences and common humanity.
I am incredibly proud of our recent achievements, including raising over $150k in seed money and successfully producing a high-quality teaser for “Osa’s Vantage.” This journey has been filled with challenges, but each one has reinforced my belief in the power of dreams and the importance of perseverance.
The main thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that Opulence Entertainment is built on a foundation of passion, authenticity, and a relentless drive to tell stories that matter. We are here to inspire, connect, and create a movement that celebrates our collective human experience. Join us on this journey, and together, let’s bring powerful, transformative stories to life.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Resilience has been a defining theme throughout my journey. From a young age, I’ve faced numerous challenges, each teaching me valuable lessons and shaping who I am today.
One of the earliest tests of my resilience was my determination to land a role at Goldman Sachs. Coming from a non-target school, I knew I had to think outside the box. I flew across the country, networking relentlessly and attended conferences at UCLA to meet other Wall Street firms. This persistence paid off, and I secured a position at Goldman Sachs, marking the beginning of my professional career.
However, the challenges didn’t stop there. During the pandemic, I was laid off from a new role in advertising, facing a bleak job market and an uncertain future. Rather than succumbing to despair, I used this adversity as fuel. I applied to Columbia Business School, was accepted, and pursued a dual degree with the School of International and Public Affairs. Serving as Student Body President at the business school, I honed my leadership skills and broadened my perspective.
Even after graduating, the job market remained tough. I spent months searching for the right opportunity, but each setback only strengthened my resolve. This period of introspection led to a pivotal realization: I needed to create something that was missing, something that truly resonated with me. This was the birth of “Osa’s Vantage,” a dramedy TV series inspired by my personal experiences.
“Osa’s Vantage” is not just a show; it’s a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of dreams. It explores themes of identity, ambition, and culture, offering a fresh perspective on the American Dream through the lens of a Nigerian American protagonist.
Each obstacle along my journey has reinforced my belief in the power of resilience. It has taught me that setbacks are not the end but opportunities to pivot and find new paths. This mindset has been the driving force behind my endeavors and continues to fuel my passion for storytelling and connecting people through authentic, transformative narratives.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
After graduating from Columbia Business School and Columbia School of International and Public Affairs, I found myself at a crossroads. My funds were dwindling as I searched for the right job opportunity in a bleak job market. Faced with this uncertainty, I decided to take a gamble and create something on my own. I sold my life savings and took a bet on myself. This bold decision marked the beginning of funding my business, Opulence Entertainment.
Starting a business with my own savings was a significant risk, but it fueled my determination to succeed. I knew that to bring my vision to life, I needed additional capital. This led me to embark on a friends and family round, which was both challenging and enlightening. It required me to be vulnerable, share my dreams, and ask for support. Despite the difficulties, I was able to raise over $150,000, which was a testament to the belief and trust my close network had in me.
This initial funding was pivotal in launching “Osa’s Vantage,” a dramedy TV series inspired by my personal experiences. It allowed me to produce the teaser and execute a large-scale red carpet premiere in New York City.
However, the journey doesn’t stop here. As I continue to expand what Opulence Entertainment can achieve, I am actively fundraising and crowdsourcing an additional $250,000. These funds will help take “Osa’s Vantage” to the next level, supporting production, marketing, and community-building efforts.
Raising capital has been a journey of resilience and growth. Each step has taught me valuable lessons in perseverance, creativity, and the importance of a strong support network. I am incredibly grateful for everyone who has contributed and believed in this vision. Together, we are building something extraordinary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://osasvantage.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osasvantage/ and https://www.instagram.com/triple0papi/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenodigie/
- Other: Crowdsource link – https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jointhevantage-osa-s-vantage-journey-to-tv/x/37919017#/
Image Credits
Andrew Fennell