Today we’d like to introduce you to Feyi Alufohai.
Feyi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my fashion and lifestyle blog in high school and over time it grew from a hobby into a business. Through my blog, marveling-mind.com I was able to discover my love for telling stories. Later on, I went to Indiana University and graduated with a degree in journalism and international studies. Now, I work in marketing and digital media. Marveing-mind.com aided in the growth of my videography, photography, and editing, which are all skills I use in my current profession.
I started blogging before I knew it was blogging and all the credit goes to my mother, who encouraged me to journal and share my experiences online. Coming from a Nigerian upbringing this is not common when your parents’ support is a hobby or career path that is not in the medical or engineering field. My mother has always been one to go against “the norm” and this shows in her parenting style. She is not only my mother but my best friend and confidant.
My upbringing contributes to the work I am able to produce. I come from a culturally diverse background being a dual citizen. I was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Nigeria. My family lived in Malaysia for four years then Qatar for three years. I have always grown up in cultures different from my own and this is where I got the bug to explore and share stories.
My blog has grown from written content to video content on my youtube. Besides, sharing my personal experiences through videos like my travel vlogs, I started a series on my channel called ‘Career Journals’, where I sit down with different professionals in various careers on their early beginnings, how they got into their profession and advice for those seeking to enter similar fields. I find so much joy in using modern tools like cameras to do something that is almost as old as human existence, which is storytelling.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Overall, my journey has been great. It is a blessing when your hobby can be turned into a profession. Although, it has not been completely smooth. When I graduated from college, I found it difficult to balance my blog and youtube while working in a traditional corporate job. Now, I am taking the steps to turn Marveling Mind into a full-time profession although that takes time and money. As someone that graduated college less than two years ago, it has not been easy. Although, I have an amazing support system with my mother, brother, and friends.
My advice for other women in this profession is to be patient and consistent. Keep in mind, I am still trying to practice what I preach. When it comes to creating content a key part of success is tied to the numbers. That can be the number of products sold or the number of people following but do not solely focus on that. The best thing you can do is focus on your craft and being the best you can be. The rest will follow suit.
What should we know about Marveling Mind? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have always been passionate about storytelling and using various tools to do so. My work consists of visual media. I enjoy sharing my experiences and experiences of others through my blog and YouTube. Recently, I have been branching out and using my talents in photography and videography to help others.
One thing I am very proud of is starting a marketing and digital media agency with one of my close friends, Odera (@derabear). We are using our skills in content creation to help small businesses in the Atlanta area. We noticed a lot of small businesses are being left behind. This is due to their lack of an online presence. Our goal is to help small businesses create content from their website design all the way to photography for social media. This will positively showcase their business to the public. We encourage small business owners to reach out to us for a free consultation at marvelingmind@gmail.com
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Americanah – Novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.marveling-mind.com
- Email: marvelingmind@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/marvelingmind
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marvelingmind
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/alufohai
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/marvelingmind
Image Credit:
@marvelingmind – I own all images
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
