Check Out Chidi Ezemma’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chidi Ezemma.

Hi Chidi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Los Angeles 3 months after graduating college. I left New York with $2000, 2 bags of clothes and a dream. I wanted to be an entertainment publicist at first. I was obsessed with a character named Ari Gold from a show called Entourage. He was a slick talking successful publicist that ran LA. He never took no for an answer and I wanted to be just like him. I knew I had the personality and drive to make people famous.

The beginning was tough, but through the grace of God things always fell in place. I relied heavily on my personality and style to push me into rooms. I showed up to every interview in a tailored suit, even if it was just to apply for a smoothie shop, which I did. For a couple of years, I did odd jobs: I walked into a lifestyle store not having any background in management and got the job. I always told myself if my resume didn’t get them, I could draw them in with my big personality and an angelic smile.

While applying for a publicist position, I took on any job I could. I had two retail jobs that required me to take a 2 hour bus ride every day there and back. I worked at Superdry from 8am – 5pm then Macys from 5:30pm – 12:00am. Still waiting to land a publicist position. I landed a personal assistant position that took me around the world. I was an assistant to a manager that managed impersonators. We had everyone from Cher to Celine Dion to Michael Jackson. It was a very interesting time in my life where I was able to get a taste of the entertainment industry and I was around celebrities…almost.

From there I became a personal assistant/ nanny to a business investor. He taught me everything I know about being an entrepreneur. He opened my eyes up to see life is what you make it as long as you hustle. I handled all his business deals while juggling his 4 kids. I went from taking meetings in the morning to carpools to football practice and princess birthday parties. Honestly, it was probably one of the funniest times in my life.

I was determined to accomplish my goal to be a publicist and I applied every day all day to any and all jobs in the field. One day I got the email of my dream and got a junior publicist position at Starz Entertainment. I was ecstatic. I loved my job. I arranged events and handled promotional materials for their shows and movies. I showed up to work excited and eager every day dressed to the nine. I would walk around the office dancing, singing and putting on skits for my co-workers. My thing was if we’re going to be here all day let’s make it fun. Everyone in the office constantly told me I had a big personality with the style to match. They questioned why I chose to be a publicist when I could be an entertainer. At the time I just never believed I had what it took to make it big.

I used to take pictures of my outfits daily and post them on Instagram. I received a message from a photographer who had seen my page and wanted me to model in a photoshoot. At the time I never had a real photoshoot. I mostly took pictures by myself. I had a free weekend so I took the gig just for the experience. I showed up to the set and realized I was shooting with another model. All I kept telling myself is you have to be confident. I couldn’t let them know this was my first real photoshoot. There was this unexplainable spark I felt when I was in front of the camera. I felt like I had come alive.

I left feeling like that was one of the best experiences I had ever had, it was almost unrealistic. I knew I had to check back to reality and go back to my career as a publicist. When the images were posted they instantly went viral. All of a sudden, I was being contacted by numerous photographers to model. I started shooting on the weekends and continued to work as a publicist. I had a rush that I had never felt before. My life was changing in ways I never expected. Over time, I realized I chose to be a publicist because I was afraid to put myself out there. I realized I always had the confidence I just had to tap into it.

Being on set and filming all day felt like I was living my true purpose. I built up the courage to leave my job and pursue a modeling career full-time. I was able to support myself with brand deals I received from social media. I became a full-time model and content creator.

In addition, being on set for long hours sparked my interest in videography and producing. I would be on set for 10 hours waiting around and I would interact with the production team and ask questions about their jobs and the equipment. I was extremely intrigued by the process of creating a photo shoot. I later fell in love with being behind the camera as much as being in front of it. I started to produce my own photo/video shoots for fun with friends. Which later caught the attention of brands, designers and entrepreneurs. My first production, a brand reached out and wanted me to shoot an entire campaign similar to a concept I had shot with my friends. I put together an entire team and put my heart and soul into the project. I loved the entire process from start to finish. I didn’t sleep for two days because I was engaged in making this project perfect. I realized from there being a producer was also my calling and I was going to dive head first and perfect my craft. I can proudly say now, I am a full-time model and producer living my dream.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey had several obstacles that I had to fight through and the only logical explanation on how I made it out is God. My first day in LA all my housing options fell through. I went to dinner with a group of friends I had met that very same day. One of them graciously let me stay with them for two weeks after knowing me for about four hours. After that, I made friends in the same building who let me stay with them for a month until I was able to afford my first apartment. I truly believe all these people were angels sent to guide me to my destiny.

In addition to my housing situation, finding a job was tough. But I knew my personality and style would get me to where I needed to be. I even had one employer tell me they never read my resume. They were captivated by my energy from the moment I walked into the room.

Although I was able to land a couple of jobs, over time they would fall through. I used to wonder why I couldn’t keep a regular job, but I truly believe it was a sign to keep going and to not settle. Being jobless gave me time to work on my craft. I was able to shoot, collaborate and build my modeling portfolio. This portfolio is what I used to pitch to brands that got me to where I am today.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a model and content creator in front of the camera and a content producer behind the camera. I create everything from social media ads to editorial campaigns. I am best known for always having an energetic set and creating extraordinary content.

I have had the privilege of being in ads for Express Men, Stacy Adams, Novemen, Gillette as well as starring in music videos with Lizzo and the City Girls. I have produced campaigns for Steele, Claude Kameni and Elle Reve. In addition to creating my own production company called Sir.Chidi Productions, which is a team of producers, photographers, videographers and editors dedicated to making visions come to life. We provide a one stop shop for content creation and campaign development. Above all, I am a creative that loves to make timeless content that lasts forever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sirchidi.tv/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sir.chidi/?hl=en