Transcript
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Kwame
Hello, everybody. Welcome to today's episode of Beyond Influence. Currently, all the way from Seoul, South Korea. I am, it's what? Midnight. Now 12:20. But very excited to be on this call today with a very special creator. Someone who I actually ran into for the first time at Cannes, and we realized we had a lot in common, obviously, our background as well. So, welcome to the show today, Ohemaa.
Ohemaa
Thank you, Kwame. Thank you. You are in my favorite city, by the way. I dream of Korea all the time. So.
Kwame
Yeah. So you've been here before?
Ohemaa
No, no. It's funny. I should have been, but I haven't been yet, though.
Kwame
Okay. Okay, okay. I can dig it. Well, you know what? Right now. So I came here because of a branch of, actually, that came with Alaska Air. And, they're doing a lot of promotions for their flights to Seoul. So just, you know, cross your fingers.
Oh, man. Oh, man. Whoa. You know, I am. Thank you so much for getting on this, podcast. Me today. Today is your first ever podcast.
Ohemaa
Yes. I mean, I'm nervous, but we'll see how it goes. My first.
Kwame
Yeah. No, I'm excited for you. And I think you're going to do great. Obviously, like I said, I think it's all about the vibe and the person that you're talking to. And I think you've got a great vibe, so I'm sure we'll have a good time.
Ohemaa
Yeah.
Kwame
Yeah. So, you know, let's start with our, a little bit of an introduction. Because obviously I know you very well, but, you know, the people don't. So maybe you're just a minute here to just kind of tell the world about yourself.
Ohemaa
So. Hi guys, I'm Ohemaa Akosua, I'm a travel lifestyle creator based right now in Huntsville. I'm originally from Ghana and my journey started when I was a flight attendant for three years, and that experience packed up my love for capturing stories while traveling. And then I was posting my journey and got to a bit of a following. And that's how I, you know, got into this whole content creation
Kwame
Yeah, okay. That's cool. So are you no longer in the flight?
Ohemaa
No, no no, no, I'm no longer the flight attendant. Well, I left, I think, and right, right before Covid, like it was I think the time was actually pretty great for me to leave then. Yeah, because I love my colleagues. Ended up losing their job. You know, it wasn’t the airline’s fault. But a lot of things changed during Covid. So yeah.
Kwame
Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Well I mean you seized the opportunity and you seized it at the right time. You know, and obviously now you're doing really well. I love, you know, you're one of the prime examples of it's not about the size of your following, but the way that you connect with them.
Ohemaa
Yeah.
Kwame
I really love the way that you do your content. I love your creative process. I love the, like, style of it. You have these very, kind of like, intimate, conversations within your, your, your content. You do a lot of just, like, clipping, like, the screen moves a lot, right? It's a way to game. Yeah. It's like the prototypical, like, this is the way to keep someone's attention. You know, so you do that really well. Right. And so. You were going through and starting your content creation right?
Ohemaa
Yeah.
Kwame
What inspired you and who were your, you know, creators that you looked at, to learn from?
Ohemaa
So I think at the time I said content creation, I don't think it was that—I'm not saying it didn't exist, but I don't think it was that popular. Mind you, I grew up in Ghana and so content creation was our job even now. If anyone was, and, you know, our parents still don't think this is a real job. I don't know if you know what I mean. I just started it because I was a flight attendant, and I used to model a bit back in Ghana, so I would take pictures a lot, and I had a lot of photographer and videographer friends.
And so one of my friends was like, oh my God, like, I've seen you on Snapchat. I used to post so much on Snapchat. Not like that was like my social media. And he was like, can I take a picture of you in your uniform? Because we don't have any Ghanaians we know and I work for Emirates Airlines.I don't know if I can see that on the scope.
I worked for Emirates Airlines and the uniform is kind of like a lot with, half of their pilots, like a whole thing. Yeah. And he took a picture of me, my uniform and it went viral and people were sending me messages like oh we want to see you travel. Like when you go, how do Black people are received in this country.
You know, me flies everywhere. And I was like, oh, that's interesting that you guys want to know about this. And I started posting, I met so many girls a few years down the line in Emirates who applied because of my picture and my videos for them.
It was a big that's also kind of a big thing. So it just go I was like maybe having less than a thousand followers on Instagram and then it just blew up from there. Like everyone was following me to see my journey on Snapchat and I moved it to Instagram. I am. So I was like, guys, I'm going to Australia, guys, I'm going to jump, you know, all these countries. And yeah, that's how my content started. Yeah.
Kwame
Wow. That's you. So you were an influencer before you were even an influencer really?
Ohemaa
Well, not in the content creation space, but like people were just interested in like, they hadn't seen, someone like, you know, I should say, like, content-forward with their journey as a flight attendant at the time. And so it was just interesting to them because I don't think a lot of people knew what it was like. Like they see them. The thing, this, like, you know, a whole mysterious job. But I was like showing them what I do, where I'm going to. And they loved it. Yeah.
Kwame
Yeah, yeah, that's really cool. So I guess staying in, in the travel space, what's your favorite place that you've ever been to?
Ohemaa
Oh my God, I think it's only because I've been there the most. I've been there I think. See, now they'll be 26 times and they'll be Singapore. Yes. It was the route I did the most. I did that with Australia the most. So it just kept up being that way. And I would say Singapore.
Just because of the food. I think when I left Ghana it was a huge, you know, thing with the food. And I felt like Asia always has the closest to some of my African meals I like. So I love Singapore for, like, the food and it's beautiful. Yeah, that was my favorite country for sure.
Kwame
So yeah, that's amazing. And, you know, obviously all of these things came together to inspire you to create and show yourself and put yourself out to the world. I guess when we think about the content platform piece, you know, you transitioned over to Instagram. I looked at your TikTok a little bit. You know, you're still developing that.
Would you say Instagram is your main one? And do you take time to venture back into Snapchat?
Ohemaa
Okay, so I left Snapchat when I had Instagram becoming like my main business.
Making money from that platform. I felt like I lost that and I wish I had kept them. I'm always big enough to see my failures and talk about them when it comes to content creation. I haven't been able to go back to Snapchat because I feel like I'm in such a different stage of my life. Like, is that all of what I'm looking for right now?
I'm actually actively looking and trying to see if I'm comfortable enough to go back. But I do know a big part of it is from this perfection thing I have. I overthink content, and everything has to be a production. So I'm really finding it hard to be just like, oh, guys, you know what I used to do before on Snapchat?
I'm finding it hard. And I think that was hard for me on TikTok. I was one of the people preaching about TikTok and talking about how amazing it is, but I wasn't able to get to three, four posts a day. You know, the consistency of it. It's sort of burnt me on, and right now I'm just trying my best to look back at it to see if I can, you know, develop it to get to where it needs to be.
Kwame
Okay. That makes a lot of sense. It—you know, I think Snap is one of our partners. So it's funny, you know, when I talk to creators about I'm actually, you know, as someone who's got a pretty big following on Instagram, I'm currently trying really hard to get myself back into Snapchat because it is it's a it's a new era and a new wave where a lot of brands are kind of migrating towards.
Yeah, Snapchat because like you said, it's not as professional. Right. It's a lot more intimate. And the more intimate you can get with your audience, the more you can influence them.
Ohemaa
Yeah, yeah.
Kwame
You know, so, so we're all working at it. Maybe we'll just we'll help propel each other to another level.
Ohemaa
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm surprised because Snapchat is really what got me into content creation in the first place. So it's always sad. I'm like, oh my God, like, you need to get back to Snapchat. I need to figure it out in this regard.
Kwame
Yeah. And I think one thing that I think was cool to hear you say is, you know, you do acknowledge and understand that as a creator, you know, you've had, you know, certain failures and certain shortcomings in certain areas that you wish you did different things. You know, but, in that same vein, maybe switching it up a little bit because as someone who can be confidently admitting areas where you could have done better, let's take a quick moment to praise you.
Right. Oh, where do you think, as a creator, that you had a big moment that was really just kind of like a wow moment to you that you were like, wow. I just did something really amazing.
Ohemaa
Oh, my God. I think that this is actually the perfect example. I have to say like 2 or 3 maybe. But I would say the first one let me go back to platforms actually. The first one is I got into the, I was picked for the Pinterest Creator Fund. It’s a platform I never understood. And last year at the end of last year, I think that was one of my resolutions for the year, was to understand the platform, stop posting. So I just started posting my content from Instagram. It was easier. I could remember to, like, post that way. And then I saw that Pinterest was kind of fun.
I was like, oh my god, this is perfect. Let me apply. I don't know if I'll get in, but this would motivate me. Maybe next year I could get in and I actually got it. My views were high, I learned so much on the platform and they actually give us money as well.
I mean, it's just work. You always want to hear that, but it was. Like it just paid off. And I can't believe I was selected and so many, they were like out of thousands. We were quite a few. And I'm still floored at the fact that I was able to make it to, you know, that kind of level on Pinterest and people don't know Pinterest can make you so much money. And also give you more views on all the other platforms.
Pinterest is a whole new world people don't understand, and this is the perfect time to begin dressed, especially now. I think they've integrated with Google in a way where if people search up a topic, your content could be pulled up. You know that's on the search for people to get the information they need. If you think about that topic. Yeah. So, my big—Yeah. And I think the next one was, Billion Dollar Boy, 5 to 9, put out a little competition for going to Cannes Lions this year. And I was one of
20 creators. I still can't believe it. US and UK and I was. Yeah. You know, I wanted a ticket to attend Cannes Lions, which also changed my life. And I met Kwame over there too, so.
Kwame
Yeah, yeah. That's amazing. You know, that's incredible. On a lot of levels. I think one, one speaks to your just your desire to find something that was challenging to you and get better at it. I think that that's an area that all of us need a little bit more motivation to get into because, you know, a year from now, things could be very different.
You know, but it's really tough to look at it now and think like, hey, if I have the energy to do the things in front of me, like, do I really want to devote my energy somewhere else? And the ultimate truth is, if you see something that looks like it could be a value, yeah, it's important to spend some time there, put some work in there and see what it can really do for you.
And you know, in a year things can be very different. But I think in addition with that, there's obviously one of those moments where it is a spark, where you think about, you know, applying for something that you may not necessarily think that you could be a candidate for. Yeah, right. I thought there and it worked. And you got to go through it and it created a connection.
Yeah. You know, and, so a lot of positives there, I think about this trip that I'm on right now, which is a massive blessing that I got to have with Alaska Airlines. And, you know, I, I remember kind of really, really working on this for quite some time and really thinking like, was this really ever going to work for me?
And it was a bit—it was a bit short notice for me. So I didn't know if it was really going to happen. Yeah. But when it did and when I got the opportunity to, I was exuberant, you know, I wanted to initially, you know, when Alaska started doing these and started having these conversations with creators, they started a straight flight from Seattle to Japan and Japan for the longest time, has been the number one like place to visit all my—Yeah. You know, and. Right. And so I remember being a little sad that I didn't get to go on that trip. Right. But I, I just kept thinking to myself like, hey, if it was meant to be, it would be, you know, let me just keep going. And what I, you know, what I want to do here. Let me keep making the effort, keep connecting with the people who are, you know, who are at Alaska and kind of just slowly building our relationship.
Yeah, yeah. And, you know, I got an invite to an event that they were having kind of just to promote the new rewards program they have with Atmos and, you know, got to just chatting and talking with a lot of them. And I think the invite to go to South Korea, I think, happened like a day or two after that event.
Ohemaa
Oh, wow.
Kwame
Yeah. Right. So it was so cool. And noticing, you know, kind of how much instant impact making connections can—Can you hear me.
Ohemaa
Yes, yes.
Kwame
Yes. And I say this all the time. Yeah. Yeah, yeah. You know, as I said, all the time, I feel like, you know, networking every opportunity you get, you know, as much as you can. So it's a lot.
Ohemaa
To change in that instant from that people to understand that.
Kwame
Yeah. You know, you could meet literally one person who could change your life. So network as much as you can, shake as many hands as you possibly can. And then in due time, really think about who you want to give your energy to, but ultimately, like be willing to open up and lead with a more giving sense with the energy that you have.
Ohemaa
Yeah.
Kwame
Yeah. Right. So, you know, you've been doing this creative thing for a— as a full time since what you said, like 2020 now.
Ohemaa
Yeah. 2020. During Covid it wasn't even that very focused. But 2022, you like the year that I actually started?
Kwame
Yeah. Yeah. You know, and a lot of things have happened over that course of time. And now you're, you know, on Instagram. And one thing that we spoke about is how much I enjoy your content.
Kwame, Ohemaa (overlapping)
Oh no, no, I don't for sure.
Ohemaa
People talking about my content. So I just like, I don't know, it's. Like, you know, when you're listening to your own voice. Like what?
Kwame
Yeah.
Ohemaa
Like I was like, oh my God.
Kwame
Yeah, yeah, I know, I just put out a piece of content that I had a bit of a narrative on, a bit of a monologue. It's so funny because in my head I thought my voice would sound a lot better. And then I listen to the video and I'm like,
Ohemaa
Yeah, right. Yeah.
Kwame
But, you know, you've put out a lot of content and you've gotten an interesting, unique style. And I feel like this isn't something we touch on nearly as much as we should hear. But, I'd love to know a bit about your creative process. Right. Like what? What you know, from start to finish, when you start thinking about what you want to do.
And I'll tell you, one of my favorite pieces is the, Oh. It's like, to get ready with me. You were going somewhere head on, like, it was like a brown jacket, brown and black. You had on these boots.
Ohemaa
Oh, my God. My music video. With, guys, the global tie that.
Kwame
Yes. Yeah, it's a great video. So I'd love to know what your creative process is. Right. Because I'm sure there are people out there who are like, I really like that and I'd really love to do something like that.
Ohemaa
Oh thank you. I think my creative process is, like, kind of scattered. I don't have a thick creative process, but one thing I've realized is I really relate a lot to music. So I would listen to a piece of music and be like, oh my God, oh, this would work for such a great video. And I have always struggled to find a way to make them marketable in a way.
So then I started being like, wait, whenever I'm doing, get ready with my videos, I'm listening to music and I'm literally rapping the songs. And I am a very big rap girl, more than rap like the Gen Z— Megan Thee Stallion. Khadijah is an album. I was listening to it. I'm more of that kind of rap person and I'm literally rapping the song while I'm getting ready.
So I yeah. I'm like the mini music video. And I was like, Why? That's good. You've been trying to find a way to make this a thing where if, let's say I have a partnership with H&M instead of me, just when the outfits and the song is playing over the video, why don't you, like, do something like a mini music video?
And so that's what really inspired that video. And then other songs, I would listen to it. I'll be like, oh, I could do certain transitions and cuts. So I think a lot of my inspiration comes with music, but also like real life situations. I could be on a train in another country and I just see this story. I see an old woman talking to her daughter.
I'm like, ooh, I feel nostalgic. I want people to feel that in this travel video. When I went to, I work with this, a Singapore recently, and I saw a lot of people going to the local food shops to get breakfast. So I was like, ooh, I would love to do like a little storytelling, you know, from him cutting the bread.
I want people to always feel something. I want to immerse them in the content. So what I say comes from so many places. It does. I don't really have a method, but music really inspires a lot of my content. Like, I could listen to something and then form a story from that.
Kwame
Yeah. No, I love that. That's a really, really cool process. And I think music is something that connects, you know, almost all of us. I, I, I'm shocked. Sometimes I hear people say I don't really love music that much, which is a crazy statement to me, so that—I know I think I may have heard that once or twice in my life, if I'm being honest with you. It's such a universal connector, you know? And, you know, you think about the way that a lot of social media has really, like, come into current times, like even TikTok. That, first of all, is a dance app, right?
You know, and everybody would just, like, tune in to people doing dances to different kinds of music. And you think about the trends that now take place on social media. A lot of them, the vast majority of them are linked to music.
Yeah. You know, so finding something that connects all of us. Yeah. And just kind of using that to perpetuate or create this feeling of, you know, togetherness and closeness and something that is relatable. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You know, and so when you think about the creative process, do you have any specific apps that you like to use?
Ohemaa
White I have to say Cup, Cup really saved me a lot. Yeah. In the past few times. Inshot is really a big one. And when I suddenly learned how to film on a camera, I do a lot of my grading because I have to, you know, film and log. I film on those who use, like, Sony's and stuff at s-log.
And then I have to do color grading. So I'm using DaVinci lately. DaVinci resolve is like a great, sort of free platform that we need. Saves me a lot when it comes to editing. So those, when it comes to the content, that's really, really helped me a lot.
Kwame
Yeah. What what, what camera do you use?
Ohemaa
I use this on zoom. E10. People didn't believe me for a while. They were like a line I use. So like, it's it's standard vlogger camera, but I use it for my storytelling or mini movies, I call it.
Kwame
Yeah.
Ohemaa
Especially for my travel content. I use that camera. I had that camera as a gift, and I was like, If I have this, I'm a new, you know, videographer. You know? Yeah, how am I going to maximize it? And I actually went to the University of YouTube. You know, all my info, what I could, you know, make the most out of this camera. And so, so many people DM me all the time. What can I use? I'm like, I use on these videos. Not about the equipment is about how you use the equipment, how you can make your equipment look like it's a pretty expensive camera. I think it's $100.
Kwame
It's still, you know, I think that's an important lesson. Yeah. A lot of people think in order to be a content creator, you need all this expensive equipment. I saw a video the other day from a mom content creator who talks about how she only uses her iPhone.
Ohemaa
Yeah. Yeah. Pulled out of her iPhone. Can do a lot.
Kwame
Yeah. You follow the phone in your head a lot. And I really, really heavily echo the message that it's not about what the equipment is. It's about how well you know how to use it, you know? And so no matter what it is that's in your hand, you should learn as much about it as you possibly can. On this trip, I brought one of my closest friends with me, Marshall. And he uses a Sony, Sony camera. And although it's, you know, one of the real high-level. I, I get that, you know.
One thing that I did notice was that he knew everything about it. He knew all every setting that you needed to do. He knew why it was, you know, the exposure was too high or this or that. And, I mean, like, you could think that those are very basic and rudimentary in terms of, like, content creation, but in all honesty, like, it's the minor things like that.
Yeah. You know. Yeah. And so no matter what the equipment is, whether it's $100, you know, basic phone all the way to a $5,000 camera, whatever you are creating content with, it is your job to just know as much about it as you possibly can.
Ohemaa
Yeah, I think people don't understand that at all. I use my iPhone seven for years and I do my following through my iPhone seven. They have their iPhones. People would meet me and notice I was like, wait, is that a phone used for content? I'm like, yes. I used to.
I got to 13 somewhere in 2022 and I still use that. I made sure I maximized everything I can from the equipment I have. It has never been about the equipment, it has always been about that content. And I always try to make people understand that if you keep pushing and saying, oh, I need this equipment, I really want to have high quality content to be able to match what is out there.
You will never create the content I can yeah, it's an excuse that's going to put you behind everyone. The content you're using to watch people's content right now, can you get content start that, maximize it. That way it makes it easier for you to actually use a camera. Or a drone. Or a 360 camera. I have almost all the equipment, but I hardly use it because I know when I need it, or I know everything about the things I have on hand to, you know, make my content better, if that makes sense. Yeah.
Kwame
Yeah. No, it makes a lot of sense. Yeah. I think an interesting thing about content creation as well as people are really interested in the journey of it, you know, and if you start with, you know, the basic camera in your hand, people start to see the progress of you as a kind of creator. And I see a lot I have like I see a lot of comments or DMs where people are like, I've been following you from the start, right?
And, you know, people love. Yeah, yeah, people love. You know, I think one thing that really powers the internet is people feeling like they have, friends or connections, or family or any different places, you know, and you see people who are fans, or within, you know, communities of really big creators who once weren't big creators. Yes. You are. You know, everyone starts from somewhere. And I think one of the really cool things is seeing how people and how much people love the fact that they've been there since the start, you know, they're like, it almost feels like a family member or best friend and you're like, oh my gosh, you've made it.
And I love watching your content. So, you know, I think when it comes to the creation aspect of it, people want to see the journey as well. They want to be like into yours. Now they may be like, oh my gosh, your photos look so much more amazing, you know?
Ohemaa
Exactly. It's like someone that is the best thing. Like you get to feel proud. I have that for other people. I follow celebrities, other content creators. So yeah, that's the best one. The journey is the best part for sure.
Kwame
Yeah, 100%. So I mean, it's interesting when you think about how we met, right?
Ohemaa
Yes.
Kwame
We got an opportunity to connect over a Cannes and another echo, just like the awesome experiences that you get to have with people and creators and just networking. And I think one thing that immediately connected us is we're both gone in, you know, I don't and I've never met another Ghanian content creator. Which is actually kind of crazy, right. But based on. So continue, at Lions—
Ohemaa
And I was like, wait, who do I know? About me. Like you alive. I was like, yeah, you're—
Kwame
Right. It's it's crazy when you really think about it. Yeah. You know, I, you know, I've been consecrating for, what, 2 or 3 years now. And I've been to a lot of events shaking a lot of hands. Met a lot of people. And I've seen representation in so many different forms, but I had yet to meet a Ghanian content creator, so I thought that was a really cool moment for me.
And, you know, obviously for you as well, I remember you. I actually have not— I've never said this to you or really ever talked about it, but, brands always ask, you know what your 30, 60, 90, are for like, Stories and views and you're blah, blah, blah. And I actually just sent one to a brand. I think it was like mid week, maybe like Wednesday or so. And so it did it 30/60/90. And in the last 90 days, my second highest performing story view was our photo on my story. Crazy, right? So is, I might say it’s—Some people know it's crazy.
It's created. I have to think there has to be a correlation with people being like, well, my gosh, there are two Ghanian creators, you know? Okay. That's really cool. I have a lot of Ghanian followers, and I'm really grateful for that.
And you know how it is, I feel like, Ghanian. And when we. And just like, you know, just like most areas in which you have, you know, a minority of people, I feel like, you know, the people who have an opportunity to support really show support.
Do, you know, and so I guess just thinking about that and thinking about, you know, all of these circumstances, that of line for us to have this opportunity to have this talk. How do you feel about representation? As a creator?
Ohemaa
Okay. I do get what you mean by the Ghanian thing. When I was moving out here, that was the main thing because everyone I followed was Nigerian. I mean, would have a background of being Nigerian. I just moved to the U.S in 2023. So it's— everything is still new.
The representation hasn't been a big like, you know thing. I don't think I was necessarily looking for a Ghanaian creator per se. I just wanted something where I could find someone I could relate to a bit more and there than in the new, you know, nuances of living in the US now and being a creator in the field. And it's funny how it works here.
How I can do a better job of connecting with my audience, my new audience here, if that makes sense. Yeah, I think one of the people I found was Vanessa Jean Marsh is a makeup, makeup creator. She is Ghanaian. But she's a big creator who's I think lived here most of her life. So I still didn't find very close, but she was the closest because I admired the way her content looked and that made me also persevere to be like, okay, I need to actually have high quality content.
When it comes to presentation out here, I don't know if I have so much to say on the topic because I'm still learning. I'm still learning. But I have to say, a lot of the other people who are also having, like, backgrounds have been so open. To me, I remember moving to Dubai for my job for the first time. That was like my big move, and I had a lot of worries with my speech.
So when I say, how do I voice my speech? Like a few people? Black, You know, like, yeah, let me speak. And that would you, that you should throw me off in conversations. And I was really worried about coming into the content space and speaking to people, working for brands, being, you know, content for them in the face for brands.
Yeah, I was really nervous about that. But I have seen a lot of the other creators, you know, who have migrated, come out here, do a great job with not so much of an issue, and that sort of motivated me to be more comfortable, you know, just be myself. People don't really look at so much of that.
You're also just them. And so that's all I can say. Much underrepresented. I think I'm still navigating that when it comes to that. I don't know if I ask the question though, but.
Kwame
Yeah, no.
Ohemaa
I am sort of navigating that. It's not easy to move and come into a space, understand the taxes. That's something, you know, understanding living here is very different from living, everywhere else I've lived. So.
Kwame
Yeah.
Ohemaa
Yeah. Oh, I hope I do. I didn't answer that question, though.
Kwame
No, I think that's fine. I think you did a great job. I think, ultimately, you know, just wanting to understand a bit about how you viewed representation. And I think that you hit the nail on the head there. Right. And, right. And, you know, as, you know, I think of myself as a person who falls into that kind of like, social celebrity category. Do it, you know, having exposure to a big platform and, you know, a reality TV show and so on and so forth.
I think you get a really, really big magnifying glass on what representation looks like. You know, and I think whether you want it or not, okay. Sometimes I think about, like, you know, I feel like it's too much.
Ohemaa
I do, I do, I, I, I know what you mean. Without even saying anything, I do.
Kwame
You know, as much as I love it. Right, you got to take the good with the bad. And, you know, I do get a lot of DMs that are really positive and they're like, yeah, you know, like, yeah, you're Ghanian, you're this I put out, this video. I'm sure you heard the Minister of Enjoyment.
Ohemaa
Yes, I did. Oh, it goes I mean. I also, I got to say, the first time I encountered you was, I mean, we did meet, but I saw you on my television screen and all I kept saying the whole time, like, my partner is also Ghanaian.
Y'all say, you know, love is blind. I think. People might not understand, but that is a big deal. Like yeah, I mean. Ghanaians like if I find an African on it's not a Ghanaian.
I don't know if you get what I'm saying. I, I would see Africans, I would support them, I'll be happy. But a Ghanaian. I was like oh my god. There's a— in, oh. We were like just, Oh my god this, like I—you the whole time. Like the whole time you want to know.
And also to find a Ghanaian who still have a Ghanaian name, not just like a last name, because I would encounter Ghanaians and they would have like their first name being on the show. They sound British or American or German, but I would never know till I'm like, oh, the surname is Ghanaian, but you had it and then on our screen with your age and it. That's a big deal. I don't think you understand. Like, wow. On Netflix, you know. Yeah. That was that was amazing to see.
Kwame
Yeah that's cool man. Thank you for sharing that story. You know I think I had a really interesting experience with that because when I was about to get on the show, I knew what I was like. If I go into a pod and I'm supposed to be this guy that they don't recognize, have any idea, because the goal is to make sure you as you are as far removed from your physical as possible. And I remember thinking to myself like, should I, you know, go as my American name, you know, because I was like, the minute they hear, Kwame, they're going to know it's going in. Yeah, right. It's going in. Right. You probably has this, you know, kind of, you know, look or whatever, whatever it sounds like.
All right. So I went back and forth a lot, but I remember saying on the show, like I was like, hey, like ultimately I knew that it would put me in a very specific category, but like, it is what it is. If that's the category that I fit into, it is what it is. Let's move forward with that.
And I'm really glad that I did, honestly, because at the end of the day, I would have had to come out and be like, hey, I'm Kwami, so on and so forth, so I might as well just lead with that and just call it a day.
You know? And yeah. Yeah, yeah, I'm really glad I did. It was cool because I don't like, it's so funny when I tell people like oh yeah, my name is also Alex. Like, like they like to look at me funny and I'm like, yeah, you're right. Like, I could never go by that. You can never go back.
I think my parents, actually, I would have been so much like you, but they didn't. You an English name. So I have no options. I can’t hide. Yeah, and I mean, it has its cons, but I don't get if I was supposed to go on a show. I don't get to hide behind an A-list or Mary or I should see every single part of my name.
Yeah. It's like I can't hide at this point, but I'm so happy you did. Yeah. And it was good planning to tell people what your name meant and how you name, you know a common day name. Yeah I, I'm happy you did Kwame. You don't know. It did a lot but it did.
Kwame
It did. Yeah. All right. That's awesome. Well, I appreciate you sharing that feedback. Now, you know, we're getting to a pretty good portion of the conversation. And, you know, I kept you for a long time. And obviously we had technical issues for like 15 minutes.
Ohemaa
Yeah.
Kwame
So you know, we're getting to the tail end of this conversation. So, you know, there's something that we'd like to go through with creators. We call it kind of just like our, our, you know, tactical quickfire. So yeah. So it's gonna be a this or that, I'm going to ask you, you know, this or that, you give me the answer, that you give me just one sentence as to why do you think you're ready for that?
Ohemaa
I think so, yeah.
Kwame
All right, let's make it happen. So first question, Instagram and TikTok.
Ohemaa
Instagram. Yeah, I know, just because Instagram has served me better than TikTok. No special.
Kwame
Yeah, I can dig it. And then, batch content or create spontaneously.
Ohemaa
Can I say both? I watch content like clips, but I'm more of a spontaneous, you know, person, but I batch content, and then I post spontaneous moments, too, so both.
Kwame
Okay, I love that. And then, would you say you prefer Reels or carousels?
Ohemaa
Reels, even though carousels perform better? I just don't think about it. I love being able to. Yeah. Video play. Yeah.
Kwame
Yeah. Okay. No, I like that. And then, do you have a, you know, an underrated growth tactic? You think as a creator?
Ohemaa
Oh, underrated growth tactic. Oh, actually, replying to people as soon as you post. People think it doesn't really work, right. I think so.
Kwame
Yeah, that's a good one. That's honestly a good one.
Ohemaa
My engagement would be—And I feel like the new Instagram insights are amazing. You can even see like, oh, what's past the second? Actually replying to people right away, People like to wait for it to become like a lot of comments and you know, you reply, I do see that. The views skyrocket. So yeah, that works.
Kwame
For sure. Okay. And then the very last one, what's your dream brand partnership?
Ohemaa
Airlines. Any airlines? Another dream partnership would be to have something like Alo Yoga in Ghana. You know, or tourism board. Yeah, any major tourism board, but majorly airlines. Delta is one of my biggest dreams. And Disney, Netflix. Yes.
Kwame
Okay. All right. We love that. We love that. We love that. Well you know what, you've come to your first—You've showed up to your first podcast.
Ohemaa
And just say I would love to just feel it and then says, I hope this makes sense for the people.
Kwame
No. You did absolutely amazing. So thank you for being here. Thank you for taking the time. I'm excited to share this conversation with the world. You know, as a, as two Ghanians, let's see. Let's teach the world one Ghanian word. Oh, yeah. We'll make that when we get, you know what what what got you into the. Oh. You know, I feel like everyone, everyone goes with the very basic at the same right—
Ohemaa
Thing or, I feel like some know how people in Ghana devastated will be. Thank you. Because. Because people say Ghanaians see a lot of. Please and thank you. It's something. Yes, Crown us for something we do a lot.
Kwame
Yeah, yeah I see it.
Ohemaa
Maybe they learn it to be very Ghanaian. You should know them. Thank you. So “thank you” is "Medaase". And then and then, “please” is “Abeg.” So I don't know how you are going to say that one. But that's that—.
Kwame
Well yeah we'll keep it. Medaase, I like that one. Right. And it is funny. Yeah.
Ohemaa
Someone gives you a cup of water, you can surprise them and be like “Medaase.”
Kwame
Ghana is becoming a huge hub for tourism. Accra women more so than ever. So you never know you might need that word sooner than later. But yeah, I think, I think the reflection on that means something important, right? I think the Ghanaians are very graceful and they're very grateful. Group, we're very overly appreciative of things.
And I think that manners and morals are really important to Ghana. And so, you know, as someone who's gotten to be fortunate enough to grow up in a Ghanaian culture, I think it's had a lot of impact on me. And, you know, it's great spending some time. But then I think gone in and hopefully we see some more Ghanaian content creators come up through the ranks.
And, you know, if you're a Ghanaian content creator out there and you want some support, feel free to hit me up. Share him. I would love to talk to you as well, but, and, you know, in any vein, any content creator at this point. Any contact. So.
We're right at the end of this conversation. I'm gonna open the floor up to you really quick. Is there any last word you want to give the audience? Or maybe even tell them where they can find you on the internet? Whatever works for you?
Ohemaa
I think the only thing, like, I think I wanted to, touch on was when when I got on, you were talking about, I'm one of the creators where you realize that it's not about the numbers to get to anyone, and it's something I wish I knew at the beginning of my journey that, when I got on, I wanted to be at 100,000, 200,000.
I still want to get there, but I realized I didn't need the numbers to get to the brands. I've worked with most of my dream brands on my list. It's more about the content you are sharing. And I really want a lot of creators. Ghanaian creators, anyone, focus on that? Then maybe focus on viral moments where there's no longevity in the business or how to make money?
Because I'm not making money from viral content. I'm actually making money every day from, you know, high, quality looking content or content that matters. So that's something I just wanted to touch on. The numbers don't matter. You can still make this a business. Oh, wait, my numbers matter because they still ask for your analytics and stuff. After you post.
Don't forget what you can still get to where you want. You can still be in the same spaces as people like Kwame, even with, you know, a smaller following. As long as your content makes sense and you know, you have been able to reach a group of people that need it. So yeah, yeah.
Kwame
I love that. I love it. I do think it's really important. You're right. Like numbers matter, but don't make it the focal point of your inspiration to create because you want to create and I think the opportunities.
Ohemaa
Yeah. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. I don't know if Clive is going to leave it. I don't know how you guys are getting it, but I'm on all platforms across your HQ or USA. A H on all platforms. And yeah, I hope to see you guys there so we can connect and.
Kwame
Yeah, perfect. Yeah, I'll, I'll make sure I leave the handle in the description for the podcast so people will be able to just highlight and get to that I got you. So yeah, with that being said, it might have been such a great conversation. Thank you so much for taking the time. You absolutely did so well in this, and I hope you, venture off into many more podcasts and many more speaking engagements and many more partnerships and opportunities with brands.
I think you're a great creator and I think you're an awesome person as well.
Ohemaa
Thank you so well. Thank you for having me. So kind of you to have me. And yeah, I hope the best for you as well. And congratulations on your friendship with Alaska Air.
Kwame
More. Yeah. More to go. Yeah. All right. Well, with that being said, thank you, everyone, for tuning in today. We're excited to keep sharing these kinds of conversations and episodes with you. Because there are some really, really amazing people who get to create content, and you are a really amazing audience who gets to tune in, and help us to continue to build. So with that, hopefully we'll see you next week. Bye bye.
Ohemaa
Bye guys.