THREE THINGS I WISH I KNEW SOONER: ADVICE FOR YOUNG CREATIVES
MEET THE AUTHOR
Favour Ogedengbe is a graduate of Eastern Technical High School. She is passionate about video making, editing, writing, and spoken-word poetry. In 2023, she earned second place in the annual WJZ Black History Oratory Contest, showcasing her talent for expression. As a Social Media Intern with Wide Angle Youth Media, she aims to build professional and social skills to create impactful works that inspire young people across various mediums and topics.
As jobs and occupations are steadily changing in the 21st century, moving away from the traditional and familiar towards gigs, freelancing, content creation, and flexible systems, more young people are finding their paths in creative spaces and pursuing their passions, following the growing occupational and technological trends. I had the opportunity to sit down with Kayla Allen, a makeup artist and hairstylist who has worked with our productions team, learning from her bravery, childhood experiences, and career journey. If anyone is a prime example of stepping out of the common and into your vision, it would be Kayla. Kayla’s testimony of working with Wide Angle is proof that the journey of life is not meant to be done alone but with the help of supportive relationships.
During her middle and high school years, she began learning hairstyling and makeup skills through YouTube tutorials. Unbeknownst to her, it would pave the way for her future career. Although her love for her craft began out of frustration that there was no one to do it for her, she took up the challenge regardless, knowing she had years of practice ahead of her and with her family’s support, she excelled. She did it purely for fun and to fulfill a need until she realized that she could make a primary living out of it while also leaving her clients feeling more confident and beautiful post-makeovers. This realization cost her some support, but she remained determined to pursue what gave her joy, allowed her to express her personality, and simply be herself, rather than follow the traditional path others had expected of her. Curious about what it takes to pursue a creative career? Keep on reading for tips that Kayla shared.
TIP ONE
Start Doing it Now and Keep Doing it
The funny thing about life that a lot of people can relate to is that when you’re young, you can’t wait to get older and experience the freedom adults have, but many adults wish they were younger so they don’t have to deal with the responsibilities and the bills. They wish they could have their free time back! In light of this, Kayla advises young people to maximize their time by learning different skills because you never know which will be beneficial in the near future. We are in the era of technology and almost everyone has a phone or access to the internet. Kayla also advises you to use the opportunity to practice your skills through online tutorials, as she did. Kayla shared, “Learn how to stay consistent in what you are doing, do it every day. Now that you have fewer responsibilities and so much free time to explore, this is your time.”
TIP TWO
Document Your Journey
Almost everyone in this generation is a content creator or considering it, and there is an audience for every creator. While more and more people are creating, there are always people consuming content in various forms. Kayla advises young people to start a YouTube channel or social media account in order to document their memories and progress as they journey into a creative outlet and skills. She emphasizes that this isn’t just about showing the world what you’re doing, but mostly for yourself to be reminded of your “why” when things get tough, when discouragements come, when you feel like what you’re doing has no impact. Whenever you come across what you have posted in the past, it will help rekindle the love and excitement you had in the very beginning if the love for your craft ever waxes cold. Your “why” is what will keep you going even when support is lacking, and documenting your journey will help carry your “why”.
TIP THREE
Meditate, Read & Journal
We live in a very busy, noisy, and eventful world where there’s always something going on, there is always news to speak on, and things to do. Many people are always on “GO,” and it’s easy to go through life without taking time to pause and be introspective, without checking in with oneself, goals, visions, growth, and internal well-being. It’s important for young people to learn the art of pausing, reflecting, and meditating because whatever is not practiced now will require more discipline to cultivate in the future. Kayla shares three things that have helped her to stay in tune with her self-growth: meditation, reading, and journaling frequently. Meditating will help you look within rather than looking at what others are doing and being consumed by it. It will help you understand where you are in your journey and what must be done to attain your desired results. Reading books will help you learn from those who have had the experiences and opportunities you desire to have, and to know the process required to get to that point. Journaling will help to download feelings, experiences, write down ideas, and apply them to become one with what you want to express.
Whether you’re someone who loves the art of makeup and hairstyling like Kayla or are still finding your own creative outlet to express yourself, Kayla advises to “do more, don’t be timid, and work on your self-confidence,” no matter what you do. Living in this era comes with its own roadblocks especially when it comes to social media, there’s so much comparison, fear and anxiety that stops people from focusing on their own path, makes people believe that they are not worthy of the things they desire, or it's only for a certain demographic of people but all of that is a lie. As Kayla says, “I was born worthy and I don’t have to prove it!” So put away comparison, go at your own pace because you’re not in competition with anyone. “Whatever is for you will come to you,” but don’t sit around waiting for it, begin practicing and gaining the skills that you’ll need until that opportunity comes that’s rightly yours.