In an exclusive with Okoye Chinelo, granted Bayo Speaks as a face of the week. She revealed her background, lifestyle, career and achievement.

Okoye Chinelo was born in Enugu state, Nigeria. She was born in a place filled up with so much love that all she knew was just Love.

She’s seasoned in Zoology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state.

Chinelo is a simple lady and endowed with so many talents in the likes of Voiceover Artist, On Air Personality, Branding Expert, Chef and Product Packaging Designer. She’s passionate towards helping brands achieve their dreams.

Background Check:

May we get to meet you; who Really is Okoye Chinelo?

I am a simple and creative Lady. I was born and raised in Nigeria. I love drawing, cooking, writing, shooting commercials, gaming and creating packaging designs. I’m always excited when I’m in front of the camera, designing, or building something that didn’t exist before. Design and creativity are my life. It’s my five-star spa. It’s my roller-coaster. It’s something I do before going to bed, and something I can’t wait to do in the mornings.

Can you please tell us about your background?

I was born in Enugu state, Nigeria. I had the most wonderful upbringing and I also have the most supportive parents. I was born in a place filled up with so much love that all I knew was just “Love”.

 I started drawing (scribbling absolute nonsense) on our walls at home with a pen when I was just 2yrs old. My mum would scream and take the pen away from me. I will cry out my heart and sleep off.

My dad kept observing this and subsequently bought me a large drawing book and lots of pens and pencils. He was someone who believe in my hidden talent behind every mess I created. Soon. I forgot about the walls and focused more on my drawing book. It was much appreciated because it was one of my best gifts ever.

In essence of it, I became an art prodigy and could draw what my age mates couldn’t even do without being taught.  A few years later, I was always on my dad’s laptop typing ABCD…on his Microsoft office word and my mum would interrupt because she was worried about me not deleting an important file when I am not under supervision.  So, she would politely take me away from his desk but it never stopped me from stealing my way back into that same desk at night. My Dad became so nervous and He bought me a laptop when I was still in primary six.

The laptop began the birth of me with the foundation of everything I know today in tech. Before age 15, I could write computer codes, edit videos and do basic graphics. I was so multi-talented that it scared my dad and he didn’ t know what I should study, but he was ready to support my passion.

Today, I own a branding agency where I lead a team of other creatives and also Helping brands achieve their dreams.

Briefly tell us about your educational background?

I studied Zoology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state.

What do you do for a living?

I am a chef. I own a food and delivery company in Awka, Anambra state.  I’m also endowed in various field (voiceover artist, on air personality, branding expert and product packaging designer).

When did you know you wanted this job?

It wasn’t a job. I am multi-talented and everything I do today, chose me before I could choose them. So, I had to take them apart one after the other and nurture them in other not to get overwhelmed. They’re just my passion and hobbies which turned to multiple sources of income as God will have it.

What career mistake has given you the biggest lesson?

Not being prepared with my portfolio the first time I met my high paying client.

What dream did you have while growing up?

 While growing up, I wanted to be a lot of things. A doctor, like my dad. A model, a Forbes woman, a philanthropist and lots more.  It was a longlist and funny enough, most of those things have started falling into place.

What was your first win that made you confident that you were doing the right thing?

My first ever win was actually writing my first book in Primary 4 (2006/2007). When the book

was authorized by the school authority to be part of the books in our library and also added to the

school literature curriculum, I immediately knew that I could be more and I was doing the right thing.

Who is your mentor and why?

My Dad was my first ever mentor. He is a foresighted man and very supportive. He made us understand at a very young age that the sky was just our stepping stone. There was no limit and impossibilities in his dictionary. In which, I and my siblings grew up with that mentality.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I love drawing and cooking.

If you could know the absolute and total truth to one question, what question would you ask?

I have really thought long and hard, but I can’t figure out a question. Lol

Can you please tell us about the people you admire?

I admire every single woman out there crushing it and constantly raising the bar.

Are in a relationship; if yes, what advice would you give to young couple out there?

I would like to keep my relationship status private.

Are you ever depressed and why?

I have never been depressed. I don’t pray to be. In as much as I have had my own rough side of

life, I have led a generally happy life and I think I am either too busy to get depressed or I am just

surrounded by so many things I love and so many people who genuinely love me.

What are some of your achievements?

Owning my own design agency. Being an author at age 10. Owning a lucrative food and delivery company. Working and influencing for so many international brands. Training over 100 students on personal branding and leveraging the power of LinkedIn to seal jobs.

 Where do you hope to be in the next four years?

I want to be at the peak of my career.