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

Victoria, appreciate you joining us today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

My hero is undoubtedly my mother. Raised in a strict Nigerian Catholic household in SW London, my mother worked tirelessly to ensure that her children had everything they needed to be an asset to the world. She installed the principles that have guided us through life, showing us how to act, make decisions, and get the most out of life.

My mother’s visible example of good behavior showed me that believing in God, having faith, and perseverance can take you to the skies. Even in difficult times, she showed me that anything is possible if you have a dream and the determination to see it through. She was a constant support in my creative endeavors, allowing me to dream and explore the world.

One memory stands out. I remember feeling lost, stuck in a dark tunnel with no end in sight. It was one of those moments where you feel like you’re just stumbling around in the dark, hoping to find a way out. That’s when I turned to my mother for guidance, I’ll never forget the words she spoke to me that day. As I uttered the words, “Life is short,” she responded with a powerful truth: “Life is long.” Those three simple words changed the way I saw life. I realized that life is too long to give up, too long to stop fighting for what you believe in, and far too long to not be happy.

My mother’s influence has been instrumental in my journey, shaping me into the creative and determined person I am today. She taught me to believe in myself and to never give up on my dreams. Her unwavering support has given me the courage to take risks, explore new opportunities, and embrace my unique perspective as a Black British Nigerian woman with a well-traveled background.

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.

My name is Victoria Osayanetin Oshodin, and I am a Hybrid Creative Director with over 12 years of experience in the advertising, film, and television industries. I’m a Black British woman who has been fortunate enough to work on global and national campaigns in locations ranging from London to Europe, the USA, and Africa. I split my time between the U.S. and the U.K., which keeps me on my toes, to say the least!

Well, I’ve always had a passion for storytelling and creativity. It’s what drives me to get up in the morning and do what I do. After graduating from Drama School, I dove straight into the industry, starting as a runner and working my way up the ladder. I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible people and on some truly remarkable projects, which has allowed me to build up a diverse portfolio that spans across multiple industries.

So, what type of products/services/creative works do I provide? Well, the short answer is anything that involves imagination and innovation! From 360 campaigns to digital, experiential to short-form documentaries, promos to sizzle reels, social media content to digital/social key art – you name it, I’ve probably done it. My goal is always to elevate my clients’ dreams to new heights and bring their vision to life in an authentic way that they never thought possible.

I’m most proud of the work I’ve done on global and national campaigns that have made a meaningful impact on audiences. One of my favorite projects was a short-form documentary that I produced and directed, which focused on the importance of diversity and inclusion. It was a challenging project, but I was able to bring together a talented team that shared my vision and brought it to life beautifully.

I’m a visionary who understands the power of storytelling and the importance of creating a meaningful connection with audiences.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that I needed everyone to like me and believe in me to succeed. It’s something that I think a lot of us struggle with, especially as women and people of color in industries that are not always welcoming to us. For a long time, I felt like an imposter, despite my years of experience. I constantly sought validation from others and worried that I wasn’t good enough. It was a draining cycle that left me feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.

But then I realized that the only person whose opinion truly mattered was my own. I had to learn to believe in myself and trust in my abilities. I call it “godfidence” – the confidence that comes from knowing that you are a unique and valuable creation of the divine.

I embrace my inner light and take pride in my journey and achievements. I’ve come to realize that it’s perfectly alright if not everyone understands or supports me, even if I stand out from the crowd. What truly matters is that I possess the unwavering faith in myself and the bravery to stay authentic because I have godfidence and the courage to be true to myself.

So, if you’re struggling with imposter syndrome or the need for validation from others, remember that you are enough. Believe in yourself, trust in your abilities, and walk in your light.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had always dreamed of becoming a successful actress, and after graduating from drama school in 2009, I was excited to embark on my career. However, I quickly realized that there were hardly any roles in the UK for black female actresses. It was a harsh reality to face, but I knew I had to pivot and find a new path.

Luckily, I was introduced to the world of television as a runner, and I realized that I could use my creativity to tell stories behind the camera. I started working on various projects. I found that I had a natural talent for directing and producing. It was a major pivot in my career, but it ultimately led me to another passion and helped me become a Hybrid Creative Director.

So, my advice to anyone who is facing a similar situation is to be open to new opportunities and trust that the path you’re meant to be on will reveal itself. Sometimes, pivoting can be the best thing you do for yourself and your career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.creativevixstory.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoria_oshodin/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-o-oshodin/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxcXjmjVZUBkpL3Lh–pWjQ

Image Credits
Thomas Salako @naijaboy_photography