Today we’d like to introduce you to Chichi Onyekanne.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chichi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
For as long as I can remember, I always loved the community and being around people. I’ve always been passionate about gathering people to help accelerate them into what they felt destined and called to do. I like to say I have a God-given passion for people. There isn’t a shortage of resources, just a shortage of relationships. As I entered adulthood, I often found it difficult to be submerged in the community that was vulnerable and edifying. I knew I couldn’t be the only one that wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to be able to bridge gaps between people so that ultimately everyone wins. By doing so, you can eliminate the desire to compare and pick up the desire to contribute. I found a community that not only creates spaces and places for these relationships to happen but also champions people that are doing the same. I’ve had the opportunity to use media, music, ministry, and my love for people to become a part of that.
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?
Smooth roads can often lead to bumpy futures. It’s the bumps that refine us and help mold our stories. I definitely had some struggles, and still do, at times. Leadership, at times, can feel lonely. People that lead in any capacity can vouch for the “exhale” that comes in settings and environments that allow you to take your “cape” off and just be. That requires an awesome community that you can be transparent and vulnerable around. A lot of people don’t have that. I’m fortunate to have some people that will call me out on things and hold me accountable. And with the growing population of social media, it’s easy to want to compare yourself to other people and other things. We live in a time that now, more than ever, our awareness drives our discontentment. I can log on at any moment and see someone doing exactly what I desire to do across the world and immediately lose sight of the special things that my journey and process are producing. But again with an awesome community, I’m able to curb those thoughts and grow forward.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ministry Music Media – what should we know?
A lot of the times, I feel like when you ask a millennial what they do, it can be a loaded question. I like to sum it up as Ministry, Media, and Music.
As far as the ministry aspect, I partner with a group called Initiative Network. Initiative Network focuses on unifying and catalyzing the most dynamic and diverse young leaders to collaboratively transform their city. I’ve had the pleasure to help create community among millennials in the DFW area with a focus on Fort Worth. I love being able to connect others to like-minded people. When you are introduced to someone that has the same passions and desires as you, your passion begins to rise. If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.
I am also a videographer and photographer in DFW. With so many creative millennials in the DFW area, media is a way that I can give back to them and help show the world what they are passionate about. Capturing stories or recording videos of musicians and artist allows me to not only connect with someone in their element but lets others connect with them as well. One of the main things recently I enjoy is creating what I call parking lot sessions for musicians. Again, being able to create spaces and places for people to be submerged in a community is what I’m passionate about. I love being a connector.
And as far as music goes, I am a worship leader in the DFW area. I help lead a collaborative band made up of people from different demographics. I have been privileged to lead in different places and even different countries. I love being able to use something as universal as music to bring people together.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The ability to connect with others. I feel there is always a common ground that you can find with someone. And once you find it, you can build on it. No one is ever too different for someone to be able to connect with them in some capacity. When you finally establish that connection, the relationship with those people is never the same.
Contact Info:
- Email: zoba1813@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chichi1813/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chichi.onyekanne
Image Credit:
Bobby King, Laura Nicole Parker
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
