Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Byron Ene.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my journey as a filmmaker when I was a kid. My dad was a cinematographer, and I’d tag along with him to work in Lagos, Nigeria. I was completely in awe of the magic of filmmaking—not just the way it captivated audiences but also how it impacted the people behind the scenes, providing them with opportunities and putting food on their tables.
Growing up, though, I never thought I’d follow this path. I didn’t want to be “that kid” who just went into the same career as their parent because it seemed easy. Funny enough, at one point, I actually wanted to be an accountant! But it didn’t take long for me to realize that numbers weren’t my strength—storytelling was. That realization led me to where I am today, as a creative director and filmmaker, pursuing what I truly love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve always believed that nothing worthwhile comes easy. When I realized I wanted to be a filmmaker, it wasn’t enough for me to just make films—I wanted to study it, learn the craft, and understand the techniques to truly succeed. That’s what led me to start applying to schools in the U.S.
When I first told people I wanted to study film abroad, especially in Atlanta, a lot of adults around me weren’t exactly supportive. I even had a friend’s dad laugh at me and tell me to go home and really “think” about my life choices. Many people felt it was out of my league or too expensive, and they tried to push me toward other career paths. At first, it was discouraging. But over time, their doubts fueled me—especially with the unwavering support of my parents. I became determined to prove them wrong.
That was just the start of the challenges, though. Moving to the U.S. at 19, all on my own, came with its own hurdles—culture shocks, homesickness, and learning how to navigate a whole new world. But every day has been a learning experience, and I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a creative director who’s all about storytelling—not just through narrative films but also by exploring brand design and identity. I love being involved in the creative process as a whole. On film sets, I’ve worn many hats: 2nd AD, director, producer—you name it. I’ve worked on a few short films, including some of my own, and last year, I got an amazing opportunity to go back to Nigeria to shoot a short film. It’s currently in post-production, and I can’t wait to share it with the world!
What excites me the most is telling stories that elevate Nigerian voices on a global stage because, let’s be honest, if you know Nigerians, you know we always have plenty to say!
What I think sets me apart is that I don’t like to put myself in a box. I’m always learning new ways to tell stories. Lately, I’ve been exploring motion design (basically graphic design that moves), and it’s been so cool to create video content right from my computer. I love learning from other creatives and understanding what makes them thrive in their fields—it’s inspiring and gives me ideas for future collaborations.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I definitely consider myself a risk-taker. Moving to the U.S. on my own was a huge risk—it’s something I have to live with and navigate every single day. But I believe that taking risks is essential if you want to achieve anything meaningful. The Bible says that God orders our steps, but that also means we have to take those steps, no matter how uncertain or shaky they might feel.
For me, risk is about starting—whether it’s a bold leap or a small, wobbly step forward. It’s the act of moving forward, even when you’re unsure of what’s ahead. I’ve learned that no matter how tough things seem, they eventually fall into place. If we hold back out of fear of failure, we’re essentially cutting off any chance of success, no matter how small that chance might be. Taking risks isn’t easy, but it’s the only way to grow, learn, and discover what’s possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://byronenestephanie.wixsite.com/portfolio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.creativestoryteller_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UsonwaByron
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/omenalafilm/
Image Credits
Temi Bakare
