Today we’d like to introduce you to Vivian Nweze.
Vivian, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always been a bit of an overachiever. My parents are immigrants from Nigeria and it always gave me a feeling that I had to be my parents “American Dream.” Growing up in Orlando, FL I played sports, ran student government, worked retail, and competed heavily in pageants. When I won the IJM Miss Florida Teen title, after eight years of competing. Pageants were my first step into entertainment and media. I learned how to walk with confidence, interview, and started public speaking in elementary school. The development pageants gave me, my endless curiosity and thirst for knowledge, and writing skills led me to Howard University’s School of Communications in Washington, DC on a full ride scholarship. 3.5 years and ten internships later (including the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia), I moved to LA. Howard University taught me how to hustle and network like a pro, which is how I ended up with so much work experience & on-camera experience (I was a Multimedia Journalist for MTV’s college network) before moving here.
When I got to LA, I followed up with basically everyone I’d ever met through interning, working, and volunteering to get to Access Hollywood. I worked there for nearly four years, was promoted several times, and became a producer for their shows and reported on-camera daily online. I took a leap of faith almost a year ago to work as a Host & Glam Lifestyle Influencer full time.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest thing I’ve struggled with in the past and still am working on now is self-doubt. In LA you have to have so much confidence in yourself because we all face so much rejection. You also have to realize the entertainment industry isn’t “fair.” Sometimes, qualifications don’t matter. Some things are pure luck. I’ve worked hard for my whole life, for everything I’ve ever wanted. I haven’t gotten everything of course, but often there has been an explanation or logical rationale. That’s rarely the case with entertainment. If you’re super confident in yourself and your abilities and throw away any inkling of entitlement, you might make it out here.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My bubbly personality and my relentless work ethic are why my “Vivaciously Vivian” brand is perfect for me. I like to think I add sparkle and sass to everything I do since so much of my work is dependent on my personality. I work as a TV Host, Glam Lifestyle Influencer, and a few other things. Jack of all trades is an understatement. I act in various projects and work with individuals and companies as a Creative Strategy Consultant as well. For me, having multiple streams of income is very important. Everything feeds into each other, so it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing too many hats. Entertainment isn’t the most consistent industry, so it’s better for me to have other things going on.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
If you wouldn’t do it for free, re-evaluate how much you love it. Money is important, but it comes and goes. Happiness and fulfillment mean more than anything else.
Pricing:
- If you would like to schedule a 1-hour Creative Strategy consultation, mention this VoyageLA feature to lock in the $50/hr reduced rate.
Contact Info:
- Website: VivaciouslyVivian.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/VivaciouslyViv
- Facebook: Facebook.com/VivaciouslyVivian
- Twitter: Twitter.com/VivaciouslyViv
Image Credit:
Pink dress – Lauren Cheek, Yellow shirt – Jeremy David Creative
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