Today we’d like to introduce you to Oluwakayode Kajogbola
Hi Oluwakayode, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Dreams to Reality: My Journey to a Fulfilling Life
OluwaKayode Kajogbola (Yode)
Early Years in Nigeria:
Growing up in a large and loving family, I experienced the challenges and blessings of life in Nigeria. My parents, both pastors and business owners, worked tirelessly to provide for their six children. Despite the economic hardships, they ensured that we never lacked the necessities of life. Our family vacations to different countries exposed me to a world beyond the confines of Nigeria, broadening my horizons and igniting a desire for more.
Discovering my Passion for filmmaking:
My journey into the world of filmmaking wasn’t always clear from the start. Initially, it was a fascination with sports cars that sparked my interest, watching the elegance of machines like the Aston Martin Vanquish at the Dubai Motor Show. Yet, it wasn’t until I stumbled upon the films Blood Diamond and Mad Max: Fury Road that my true calling became evident. These movies didn’t just entertain me; they left me mesmerized by the power of storytelling through cinema. The raw intensity, complex characters, and breathtaking visuals of Blood Diamond opened my eyes to the potential of films to convey deep, impactful stories. Meanwhile, Mad Max: Fury Road ignited my excitement for high-energy, visually stunning filmmaking.
This awakening paved the way for my Hollywood aspirations, blending a newfound passion for visual storytelling with the ambition to create cinematic experiences that resonate with people worldwide. These films became more than just movies—they became my inspiration, marking the beginning of my pursuit to craft stories that would one day grace the silver screen.
Educational Pursuits Abroad:
Recognizing the limitations of the Nigerian economy, my parents made the difficult but strategic decision to send all their children abroad for education. At 16, I left Nigeria for Canada with high hopes for a better future. However, my initial missteps and squandering of financial resources led to a humbling return home. Undeterred, I was given a second chance, this time in the USA, where I vowed not to repeat past mistakes.
Having learned valuable lessons from my previous experiences, I dedicated myself to academic and personal growth in the United States. After graduating with my undergraduate degree and currently pursuing an MBA, I gained a taste of financial independence through various sales experiences and my freelance photography and videography business. This exposure fueled my determination to break free from the conventional “9-5” path to success and seek alternative routes to financial freedom.
My Current Stage in Life:
After observing the competitive job market and the traditional path to success, I realized that the corporate world might not lead to the freedom and success I envisioned. Drawing on the knowledge I gained from my sales experiences, I decided to take a different route. I challenged societal norms and pursued financial independence on my terms.
Motivation:
As my father and mother transition into retirement, I understand the responsibility that lies ahead of me as my mother’s eldest son. I need to uphold the legacy my father has built by taking care of my family and ensuring their well-being. This realization has solidified my decision to grow my freelance business. With the lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey, my higher education, and my determination, I am committed to charting my path to success and fulfillment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the journey hasn’t been a smooth road for me.
Growing up in Nigeria, I experienced the challenges of living in a large family with limited resources, even though my parents worked hard to provide for us. Watching them balance their roles as pastors and business owners in a tough economy taught me resilience, but it also exposed me to the difficulties that come with pursuing dreams in a world of limited opportunities.
When I first left Nigeria for Canada, I was filled with hope, but I quickly found myself struggling. Immaturity and financial mismanagement led me to squander the opportunities I had been given, resulting in a humbling return home. That experience was a tough lesson in accountability and the consequences of taking things for granted.
Thankfully, I was given a second chance in the United States, but it was not an easy journey either. I had to rebuild my confidence, refocus my goals, and work hard to make the most of my education. I also had to adapt to a new culture and learn to stand on my own financially. My work in sales, along with my photography and videography business, gave me a taste of independence, but it came with long hours, financial uncertainty, and the realization that the traditional path to success wasn’t for me.
Now, as I look toward the future, I’m driven not only by my aspirations but also by the responsibility of carrying forward my family’s legacy. This road has been filled with setbacks, hard lessons, and moments of doubt, but each struggle has made me more determined to carve out a fulfilling and independent life on my terms.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is a freelance video creation service dedicated to helping local businesses strengthen their online presence through high-quality marketing content. I specialize in producing compelling photos and videos that capture the essence of each business, creating content that resonates with their audience and drives awareness.
What sets my business apart is my commitment to understanding each client’s unique story and goals. I don’t just produce content; I craft tailored visual narratives that bring out the best in every brand I work with. I approach each project with the perspective of a creative partner rather than just a service provider, which helps me build meaningful relationships with my clients and deliver impactful results.
Right now, I operate as a one-person show, but my vision is to grow beyond that. I aspire to build a team and transform my freelance business into a full-scale advertising agency. Eventually, I plan to expand into studio rental spaces where other creatives can work toward their goals in a collaborative environment.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of my dedication to quality and authenticity. Each piece of content I create is a reflection of my clients’ values and ambitions, and I take pride in helping small businesses shine in a competitive market. I want readers to know that my services are not just about creating visuals; they are about building connections and elevating brands to reach their full potential. Whether it’s through photography, video production, or future studio collaborations, my brand is all about supporting others in their journey to success.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Throughout my journey, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and the power of second chances. Growing up in Nigeria, I watched my parents work tirelessly to support our family, and that instilled in me a strong work ethic. When I moved to Canada, I encountered my own setbacks and missteps, but I quickly came to realize that failure isn’t the end of the road—it’s simply an opportunity to learn and redirect my efforts.
Each challenge I’ve faced, whether it was figuring out how to manage my finances or rebuilding my confidence, has shown me just how vital resilience and adaptability are. This lesson has been especially clear in my business journey. Running a freelance operation on my own while trying to expand it into a full-scale agency requires a lot of patience and perseverance. I often have to remind myself to trust the long-term vision, even when immediate results aren’t obvious.
I’ve come to understand that every setback is a necessary part of the process, and even the smallest steps forward are still progress worth celebrating. It’s all about staying resilient, learning from mistakes, and having the courage to carve my own path. This journey has taught me that true success is grounded in persistence, humility, and the determination to keep moving forward, especially when things get tough.
Pricing:
- 149.99/hr (Photo Shoot Session)
- 199.99 (1min Social Media Video)
- 499.99/month (Weekly Social Media Video)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yode_vp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YODEVP
- Other: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Lvfh_MdmygaMTphHRIV7B4sNeO1uLoQV?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAab8EyczEP3C00XRg_QE5KrLOG5RzYwrP2bXUltIePtRylMmNpXZt2vFyEk_aem_R-d72TVjxKouKNVFSX8P8A
Image Credits
Benjamin Braten
