Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Victoria Makanjuola. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Victoria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

I created a whole series on my podcast around this word, “misunderstood.” As a whole, Gen. Z is very misunderstood. Some of us are big ballers, living large like Kylie and Kendall, and the social definition of successful. Others are still figuring out what they want to do tomorrow. I personally have felt misunderstood because I still live at home with my parents (I’m in my 20’s) and have felt like I haven’t lived up to my full potential. There’s a tendency to personalize everything we go through and I’m no stranger to that. The #MISUNDERSTOODseries was created on The Feel Your FeelingZ Podcast in late 2022 out of a desire to push past social stigmas. I was on Tik Tok one day and found a livestream of a young woman by the name of Bryana Ferrell who was uplifting and blessing her audience with her passion. I found this inspiring, and it led to an opportunity to meet and interact with her virtually and invite her as a guest on my series. Following that wonderful interview, I reached out to more people including my favorite Gen. Z artist- Asher Yelo (who happened to release a new album called “Mr. Misunderstood”).

These conversations I had with others in the midst of professional uncertainty in my career made me feel less alone. I chatted with influential voices, my friends from college, and fellow creators. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!!

Victoria, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have always been a creative individual. Since I can remember I’ve wanted to become either an actress, author, or an athlete. I played tennis in high school and even summer camp but even I’ll admit that I wasn’t that skilled or competitive. In 2019, I launched “As Told by Victoria,”- my blog, which was really a creative outlet for my writing outside of graduate research papers. This led me to creating a podcast for my capstone media project which birthed “The Feel Your FeelingZ Podcast.” I try my best to focus on bridging the gap between mental health and Gen. Z. When the pandemic hit, I felt a generalized sense of anxiety (like most people) of the unknown. After moving back home, I obviously had time to watch tv and sit around. I discovered an acting and modeling program after my Dad’s suggestion to get into a tv commercial. I recently graduated from John Casablancas Centers in February- on Valentine’s Day! It broadened my perspective of the entertainment industry and gave me a sense of peace and alignment with the desires of my younger self. So, as of right now I’m signed to an agency! You may see me in one of those Superbowl commercials one day- who knows?

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

There’s a quote I love that says: “Never waste time trying to explain yourself to people who are committed to misunderstanding you.” The creative journey is not linear- like a career in medicine or science for example. It’s a willingness to be seen in spite of others not understanding. My star sign is a Leo- and its qualities represents a lot of who I am as a person. Working hard is a must- to live, and to thrive. When your job no longer exists- like mine happened to back in January of 2022, I had to find a way to make some of my visions come to life. It was hard, I faced rejection and uncertainty. I think the 9-5 mindset had me feeling like that was the only way forward. So I became a freelancer. My creative journey changes everyday and could look very different this time next year. It’s not for everyone, but I encourage people reading this to surround themselves with positive encouragement from people, family, books, and their personal faith. God lights my path and I believe that everything is designed to happen in His divine timing.

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

Definitely! I recently purchased a book called “Higher is Waiting” by Tyler Perry. Tyler’s journey as a creative was wracked with emotional trauma, financial struggle, and self-doubt. He worked at a dead-end job that went against his morals but paid his bills. He persisted through poverty and look at him now! I also want to shout-out the badass Gen. Z CEOs/Founders who I had a chance to work with when I was finding my footing after a job loss. Kési Felson is the Founder of Better to Speak- an Atlanta based Black-owned community media platform dedicated to transforming silence into language and action. Also, Dillon Bernard is the visionary behind ‘Create for Change’- “A community for changemakers who use art and storytelling to push social justice forward.” Both of these initiatives opened my eyes to new perspectives from people who used the platform they have to make a big difference in the world. Also, I have to give a shoutout to my cousin Oyinda, who gave me access to her Masterclass account (you’re the best girl!). I’ve taken classes from Elaine Welteroth on designing my dream career and from Kris Jenner on the power of personal branding.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.astoldbyvictoria.com