We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vivian Elecha. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vivian below.
Vivian, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.
If I were to start my career over, I wouldn’t jump straight into full-time freelancing. Instead, I would begin in a corporate setting while freelancing part-time until I was ready to transition. While working on projects like the USAID-YPE4AH project through my role at Yellow Brick Road, I learned something crucial, there’s nothing wrong with a 9-5 job, despite what people might think. The only problem is being in a bad environment with a poor culture. A good workplace can teach you vital lessons invaluable for your business.
In a corporate setting, you learn structure, discipline, consistency, and business communication, such as when and how to send professional emails. These are key skills for running a successful business. When I later joined a corporate body, I saw firsthand how a business operates and sustains itself, and I realized that I wouldn’t have been able to run my own business well without these insights.
Even if you don’t start a business but instead build a strong career in a healthy work environment, I believe that’s equally fulfilling. Passion is important, but to turn that passion into a sustainable business or career, you need to understand how the corporate world functions. Looking back, I wish I had started my career in the corporate world earlier to gain that foundation before transitioning to freelancing full-time.
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 Vivian Elecha, and I’m a creative storyteller with a passion for visual narratives that explore social, cultural, and environmental themes. I’ve had the privilege of working across various disciplines, including photography, film production, social media strategy, and documentary filmmaking. My journey into the creative industry began with a deep fascination for capturing the world through images and telling compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Over time, I honed my skills in producing, cinematography, and post-production, gaining certifications and practical experience from working on notable projects, including commercials for MTN and USAID, as well as documentary productions.
Through my work, I offer a range of creative services, from photography and videography to full-scale film production and social media content creation. Whether it’s crafting engaging visual content for brands, telling powerful human stories, or creating awareness for social causes, my goal is to bring stories to life with authenticity and emotional depth. What sets me apart is my ability to combine creativity with strategy, particularly in projects that involve cause-driven campaigns. For instance, my work with organizations like Slum2School and my foundation, Teach the Rural Child Foundation, involves not just storytelling but also creating content that drives change, raises awareness, and supports community building.
I’m particularly proud of the impact my work has had in the non-profit sector, where I’ve contributed to campaigns focusing on education, youth empowerment, and family planning in rural areas. My documentary work allows me to explore issues close to my heart, such as wildlife conservation and human connection, which is why I’m also passionate about wildlife cinematography and environmental storytelling.
For potential clients or followers, I want them to know that my brand is built on authenticity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to creating work that not only looks great but also serves a purpose. Whether it’s for commercial projects, brand storytelling, or social impact campaigns, I strive to deliver content that connects on a personal level and leaves a lasting impression. Ultimately, I believe in the power of visual storytelling to create change, and I’m excited to continue using my craft to make a difference.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I’m a huge book lover, and I truly believe that to achieve something great, you have to be passionate about learning. HBR (Harvard Business Review) books are among my favourites, as they offer deep insights into leadership, innovation, and business strategy. Along with books, I regularly take courses on Coursera to stay up-to-date with new skills and trends, and I read insightful write-ups on Medium, which provides fresh perspectives on entrepreneurship, management, and creativity.
I also draw a lot of inspiration from Chris Do’s videos on branding, which have helped shape my approach to positioning both myself and my projects in a crowded marketplace. Whether through books, online courses, or articles, I’m constantly seeking knowledge, as I believe that continuous learning is essential for success in any field.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A big lesson I had to unlearn is that passion is all that matters. For years, I poured my heart and soul into my work, shooting countless projects, but I wasn’t making enough to sustain myself financially. That’s when I realized that while passion is crucial, profit is just as important. Passion alone won’t keep you going if you can’t make a living from it.
The turning point came when I understood that to thrive in a creative career, you need to learn how to monetize your passion effectively. It’s about finding ways to turn what you love into a sustainable business model. It was a tough but necessary lesson, understanding that balancing creativity with business acumen is key to long-term success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vivianelecha.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: vivianelecha
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivian-elecha
Image Credits
All Images right are owned by me Vivian Elecha