Conversations with Chikodinaka (Kodi) Ejiogu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chikodinaka (Kodi) Ejiogu.

Hi Chikodinaka, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have loved all things beauty for as long as I can remember. I can recall watching makeup tutorials from some of the biggest names in beauty and lifestyle like Michelle Phan and Alisha Marie. I knew within myself that I had to share my passion with others on the Internet.

After years of practice, I began recording myself creating tons of different makeup looks at the age of ten with my very first iPad. The looks I created ranged from natural, everyday looks to celebrity-inspired makeup looks. As I got older, I started to place more effort into the actual production of my content. This investment into my videos definitely paid off as my audience grew over the years.

I started using more advanced equipment and editing software that allowed my creative juices to flow just as much as they did through the makeup looks and outfits I put together. As I began to branch off into other sectors of the industry and began creating fashion and lifestyle content, I continued to allow myself to stay inspired by creators that I looked up to as I hope to be on the same level as them one day.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think the journey of any content creator has been smooth. There have definitely been many different challenges and hurdles that I’ve faced (and still face) as a rising creator. One of the biggest struggles that I have faced and still face is imposter syndrome. I have always struggled with feeling like I’m not good enough to do something or that what I produce will never be as good as that of other creators. I have this habit of comparing myself to other creators because I know that what they put out is what people want to consume.

While this is the case, I try to remind myself that I am not meant to be a carbon copy of my favorite creators. I am the only me that ever was and I am the only me that will ever be and I have to live and rest in that truth. Embracing this truth has set me free from the shackles of comparison and has allowed my creativity to flow naturally and authentically instead of stunting it with the idea that I have to create the same exact content as others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create content mainly centered around beauty and fashion while still capturing moments from my life. I love creating and recreating different makeup looks and outfits, sharing my favorite skincare products, as well as documenting my everyday life as a Catholic college student through vlogs, reels, photos, and TikToks.

At times, I find myself watching my old videos and viewing old posts and am in complete shock when I think of how much I’ve changed as a person and how much my content has evolved. I’m most proud of how much more thoughtful and intentional I’ve become with what I create and when planning content out. I allow myself to be inspired by the creative process and content of other creators and I’m not as afraid of taking breaks from posting. I feel as though as I’ve grown in love for my craft, the length of time that my creative process takes has also grown with it.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I would consider myself an overachiever growing up. I wanted to be the best at everything I put my mind to simply because I came from a large family of overachievers. I made sure to put my best foot forward because I wanted my family members to be proud of me.

Unfortunately, this caused for perfectionism to creep in on me at an early age, I became hard on myself when things didn’t turn out as I planned. As far as interests go, I was your stereotypical “girly girl”. I loved anything that involved makeup, Disney princesses, Barbie, or the color pink and I made sure everyone knew that I loved it too.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kodiejiogu/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikodinaka-ejiogu-847342228/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kodiejiogu
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCojKL-PTCX5zrG9gHiH3g
• Other: https://kodiejiogu.my.canva.site/ugc

Image Credits
Ryan Ng and Emily Martinez