Hekaya Spotlight: Hali Oduor
Meet Hali Oduor, Kenyan Content Creator and the designer behind the Hekaya X Hali collection. We spoke to Hali about her inspirations and her career journey so far.
What inspired you to become a Content Creator?
Initially, when I started my Instagram page I started it like everyone else, to share snippets of my life. A few months after I graduated high school, I began to explore Nairobi. It was just as the restaurant scene was beginning to develop. I would share where I was eating and what I was wearing and people began to develop quite the interest, which in turn encouraged me to post more often. A few months later I moved to New York City, and continued to share more and more and my audience grew. I was approached for my first brand deal and I realized that this was something not only that I loved, but something that I could make a living out of.
How would you describe your journey so far?
It has definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions, experiences and opportunities. There is no handbook for this industry, so I have had to learn a lot from making mistakes, and from the various opportunities that have presented themselves. However, with all that being said I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love what I do, and I love that it is so unpredictable. One day I am home and the next day I am on a plane.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced?
The biggest challenge I have faced and still continue to face is my battle with self-doubt. Am I good enough? Is my content up to par? Will people enjoy this? Sometimes it gets so bad that I talk myself out of posting or sharing, because I doubt myself. In those times I have to take a step back and remember why I do this and why I started it.
Another thing that I struggle with, and I think other creators struggle with too is finding balance, finding rest. With a job where it is so hard to quantify the hours that one puts in, it is easy to pass rest by. So once in a while I have to remind myself to unplug.
How have things changed during the pandemic?
The pandemic really pushed my creativity in the best way possible. When lockdown was first announced, I was really upset and down. March and April were going to be big travel months for me, I had boards and boards of content inspiration and had planned all the photos I was going to take. However, that did not happen and I found myself at home like much of the world. This is when I started my “Quarantine Series” I tried to create recipes, home picnics etc. and shared with my followers. Everyday I woke up and pushed myself to create a different experience.
What has been your best achievement?
The Hekaya x Hali Collection is my greatest achievement yet. All my childhood dreams came true when I was given the opportunity to create a clothing collection. The response was so overwhelming and I still pinch myself to this day!
Any pearls of wisdom for inspiring Content Creators?
Be yourself and share content that you love, and that way it will always be natural and not a job.