Tea Time Tuesday's: How I Stepped Out Of My Comfort Zone & Moved To Ghana!
I never would've imagined Ghana would be my home base. Why? You ask... because i'm a City girl. New York and London have been my first and second homes since birth (shhhh, they still are...lol)
Growing up, I always knew in my heart, I would work in the media industry and I had to take the risk to see where my passion would take me next.
Imagine, I hadn't been to Ghana in 20 years when I decided to start a new journey there. So many people have been asking, "How"?, "Why?"...Well, it hasn't been the easiest transition but it has been worth it on a career-level. When my Auntie Pearl and Uncle George made the suggestion that I move back to Ghana being that I had accomplished so much career-wise in New York but it was time to take my knowledge and passion to another level and they thought it would only be right for me to do it in Ghana, I didn't hesitate. Thankfully, it was during a transition period of SheSoMajor and figuring out what's next. I had rubbed shoulders with the who's who of the entertainment/fashion industry, interviewed people I watched and admired growing up such as the legendary Boyz II Men, Swizz Beatz, Wendy Williams, and Angela Yee, just to name a few. I had a soft launch of Sincerely, Vee years before and even released a t-shirt line which was receiving rave reviews. The fact that I didn't hesitate, let's me know this was all in God's plan. I moved across the world without questioning my decision. If it weren't meant to be things wouldn't have fallen right into place once I landed.
Just two months after moving to Ghana, I stepped foot at eTV Ghana and the next phase of my career began. I will always remember Mr. Edward Boateng saying, "Yes, you have your Degrees. Yes, you have efficient experience but you still have to prove what you have to offer my company." I am so thankful for those words because it pushed me harder. JOT Agyeman saying, "I love the concept of Sincerely, Vee. Prove to us why it should be on air" and I did just that. I couldn't let them down and I didn't. I was producing and directing numerous shows while also doing the same for Sincerely, Vee. It wasn't easy but honestly, when you love what you do and you are in an environment that pushes you, your joys of working overshadow the stressful days.
On a personal level, it hasn't been the easiest. I didn't grow up in Ghana. Heck, I hadn't been back in 20 years. My mom, sisters, and step-dad don't live in Ghana. My closest girlfriends don't live in Ghana. When you're at a certain age, building new friendships is easier said than done because you never know why someone wants to be around you especially, when you work in the industry or when you're "new" in town. I will admit, I was a bit too trusting only to realize, I have the best support system already and I don't need to allow every "smile" into my life. Don't get me wrong, i've met a few people who have shown loyalty but the majority just weren't what my life needed or needs and that's absolutely okay. It's all part of the journey.
Speaking of support system, my cousin Tatum has been my rock. Since I touched down in Ghana, she's been my ride or die, my confidant. I always say, she's been there for me every step of the way. Every mistake, every high, every low, through the tears and the smiles, she's never left me astray.
This is God's plan for me. It truly is. He wouldn't take me out of my comfort zone without having a reason. As each day passes, i'm figuring out the reason. Almost four years later, God is still pushing me to be the greatest. The greatest in which HE has planned.
My advice for anyone stepping out of their comfort zone? It might be scary for most but it's worth it. The growth that can happen to an individual when they take that leap of faith, it's incredible, it's life-changing, it's needed.
I am no longer AFRAID because I took that leap of faith. I can conquer the world.
I want all of you to trust in GOD and chase your dreams. It won't be perfect or easy but you just have to go for it and have faith in all you do.
One more thing, if I can make it in the BIG APPLE, trust me when I say, I can make it ANYWHERE!
