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

Hi Victoria, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

When I decided to start my photography business in 2021, Even though I had a decade of photography experience, I knew I needed to stand out from the hundreds of other photographers around me. So, I embarked on the journey of branding myself as a luxury brand photographer, offering a celebrity photoshoot experience along with branding and marketing strategies tailored for female entrepreneurs and professionals with side hustles. I anticipated challenges, but nothing prepared me for the reality of being a mom, wife, employee, and entrepreneur, building a business from the ground up during COVID.

I started with a clear vision and had a mentor to help refine it. My background as a drug research scientist gave me the analytical skills and attention to detail necessary for branding and marketing, but it was still a steep learning curve. I took on projects during weekends and evenings, gradually building a portfolio that resonated with my target audience.

In the early years, I was fortunate to keep my corporate job and pursue photography as a side hustle. This balance allowed me to refine my craft without the immediate pressure of making a full-time income. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary, and I am incredibly thankful for my supportive husband and children.

Fast forward to 2024, after 17 years in drug development, I did a complete 360 and dove into the entrepreneurial world full-time in January. Now, I have my own photography and content studio in Indiana, where I also record my podcast, and I publish my own magazine featuring the women I photograph.

Looking back, the journey to earning a full-time living from my creative work has been challenging but immensely rewarding. My scientific background honed my analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, which I integrate into my branding strategies. My 23-year journey to U.S. citizenship, achieved in March 2024, reflects the perseverance I and other female entrepreneurs need to overcome challenges in branding, marketing and business. This fuels my dedication to empowering women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

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’m Victoria Odekomaya, a former drug research scientist turned branding and marketing expert. After years in the scientific field, I felt a strong pull towards a more creative and impactful career. In 2021, I made the leap into the world of photography and personal branding, driven by a desire to help women entrepreneurs build strong, bankable personal brands.

My journey into this industry was fueled by my passion for storytelling and visual arts. I realized that many women entrepreneurs struggle to make their mark and attract their ideal clients, so I decided to use my skills to fill that gap. My services include brand photography, content creation, and comprehensive marketing strategies, all tailored to empower female entrepreneurs to be seen, known, and heard.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to branding. I don’t just take photos; I create visual stories that resonate deeply with my clients’ target audience through a celebrity photoshoot experience. This experience includes professional hair and makeup, wardrobe styling, wine and chocolate-covered strawberries, and playing their favorite music. With creative direction, I help my clients feel confident, allowing me to capture their authentic side. I offer a range of services, including

1. Brand Photography: Capturing professional and authentic images that represent your brand’s essence.
2. Content Creation: Developing engaging video content that aligns with your brand’s voice and message.
3. Marketing Strategies: Crafting customized marketing plans to help you reach and convert your ideal clients.

The problems I solve for my clients include:

– Visibility: Helping clients stand out in a crowded market with a strong visual presence.
– Client Attraction: Creating content and strategies that attract and retain ideal clients.

In addition to my services, I also run a magazine called **”Boss Ladies.”** This magazine is dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs, sharing their stories, and providing valuable insights and tips for building successful businesses. It’s a platform where female change-makers can connect, learn, and get inspired by each other’s journeys.

I also host a podcast called **”The Own Your Brand Show.”** This podcast aims to help small business owners grow their business and brand by inviting experts from diverse fields to discuss specific topics relevant to entrepreneurship. Each episode is packed with step-by-step practical tips that listeners can implement immediately. It’s a space where guests demonstrate their knowledge, expertise, and authority, encouraging the audience to reach out for their services.

Lastly, I also host the Boss Ladies Gala. This annual event not only celebrates the incredible achievements of women entrepreneurs but also serves as a powerful platform for making a tangible impact in our local community. The Boss Ladies Gala has raised over $19,000 for local non-profits like Dove Recovery House for Women and Pink Ribbon Connection. These funds support vital community services and empower women at various stages of their personal and professional lives.

What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has on my clients’ businesses. Seeing women entrepreneurs gain confidence, grow their brands, and achieve their dreams is incredibly rewarding. I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is all about empowerment and transformation. I’m dedicated to helping you accurately represent all that you know, have accomplished, and are destined to achieve, positioning you as the top-tier expert you are.

In summary, my brand is about celebrating the incredible achievements of women change-makers and helping them shine in their respective fields. I’m here to support you every step of the way, providing the tools, strategies, and visuals you need to build a successful and bankable personal brand. Whether through my photography, the “Boss Ladies” magazine, or “The Own Your Brand Show” podcast, my mission is to empower you to be seen, known, and heard.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Branding myself as the go-to expert for branding photography and strategy, along with hosting the Boss Ladies Gala and publishing the magazine, has been one of my most effective strategies for growing my clientele.

Networking and collaboration have also been tremendously beneficial. I dove right into networking events, both online and in-person, to meet other entrepreneurs and potential clients. Joining a BNI chapter was particularly helpful, providing valuable insights and connections with fellow entrepreneurs. Building a supportive community around my business was a game-changer.

Social media played a massive role in my growth. I used Instagram and Facebook to showcase my work, share behind-the-scenes moments, and connect with my audience. This approach not only attracted clients but also helped me build a loyal following.

Starting an email list was incredibly helpful too. It allowed me to stay in touch with my audience, share updates, and offer exclusive content. This added another layer of connection and support for my business.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that truly illustrates my resilience is my 23-year journey to U.S. citizenship. I came to the United States as a student at the age of 17, having never traveled internationally before. I arrived just a week before 9/11, which was an experience in itself. After graduating college, I started my career in drug development but decided to go back to film school to learn video production and filmmaking.

The legal process to become a U.S. citizen is long and challenging. Fortunately, I had an employer willing to go through the entire process and file the necessary papers, but it came at the expense of my career progression due to U.S. immigration legalities. Finally, in 2024, at the age of 40, I achieved my dream of becoming a U.S. citizen.

In addition, navigating the reality of being a mom, wife, employee, and entrepreneur while building a business from the ground up during COVID was incredibly challenging. I anticipated difficulties, but nothing fully prepared me for the balancing act required.

My journey to U.S. citizenship and the balancing act during COVID reflect my perseverance and the resilience female entrepreneurs need to overcome obstacles in branding, marketing, and business. My determination to achieve my goals fuels my dedication to empowering women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.victoriaodekomaya.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiMStudios
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaodekomaya/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LiMStudiosTv
• Other: https://www.victoriaodekomaya.com/bossladies

Image Credits

Victoria Odekomaya (Myself)