We were lucky to catch up with Christiana Unaeze recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christiana, Where do you get your work ethic from?
I get my work ethic from my parents and siblings. My dad was a businessman who specialized in construction, and my late mom was a housewife who ran a small business from home while raising 7 kids. Together, they instilled in us the value of work and determination. Despite not having the privilege of a college education themselves, they poured all their energy into ensuring each of us got that chance.
My dad’s wisdom still echoes in my mind. He would always tell us that each person is blessed with God-given ability and talent. So you have to use your God-given ability as your way of thanking God for blessing you. It’s a lesson that’s stuck with me through thick and thin.
But beyond the lessons learned at home, there’s a truth I’ve come to embrace. There’s an old saying “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop”. Whenever I find myself in a rut, comparing my journey to others or dwelling on setbacks, I’ve learned that throwing myself into meaningful work brings clarity and purpose. It’s a lesson I’ve come to cherish, and one that’s shaped my approach to life and work.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Picture this: a little girl mesmerized by her mom’s sewing machine, stitching together fabrics bursting with colors and patterns. That was me, soaking in the magic of creativity from my seamstress mom. Fast forward a few years, and that love for vibrant hues and beautiful designs is still burning bright within me. I often joke that my love for all things bright and colorful must be coded into my DNA!
As a kid, I was utterly mesmerized watching my mom transform simple fabric into patterned works of wearable art. Sunny yellows, electric blues, dazzling prints in every imaginable hue and design. Needless to say, my mom’s artistic flair and entrepreneurial spirit left an indelible impact on me. I carried that awe for color and craftsmanship into my own creative career.
I’ve always been drawn to creating, whether it’s through crafting, designing, or dreaming up new ideas. I have a design background that spans several years and have designed a wide array of products both digital and physical. Some of which include an african language children’s book series, an animated children’s planetarium show, corporate branding materials and a 3D version of an exhibit for the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in NYC – to name a few.
Deep down, I’ve always harbored this dream: to channel my passion for color and creativity into something of my own. And that’s where OhSoColorful Co. is helping me make that vision a reality. It also serves as a tribute to the woman whose colorful legacy still ricochets through my soul daily. A collection of bold, uplifting gift items and stationery essentials that are colorful and spark positivity.
OhSoColorful Co. is an ever-evolving maker’s playground where I intertwine my professional design expertise with my mom’s colorful spirit. Whether you’re sipping from one of our vibrant tumblers, jotting down your thoughts in a journal, or unwrapping a giftbox filled with colorful surprises, I want each moment to spark a smile. With OhSoColorful Co., my mission is clear: to infuse a little brightness and cheer into your everyday life. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about curating beautiful things, but inspiring people’s vibrant self-expression!
If relevant, please also tell our readers about anything new (events, product/service launches, expansion, etc)
Imagine that you’re planning a celebration, whether it’s a kiddo’s birthday bash or a grown-up get-together. And as you’re browsing through options for party favors, you stumble upon something amazing: OhSoColorful Co.’s new line of gift favors!
As a maker, I’m always dreaming up fresh ways to infuse more vibrance and cheer into people’s daily lives. This time around, my new collection is all about making celebrations even more memorable. I’m beyond excited to announce that we’re expanding our product line to include a collection of stationery and gift items perfect for party favors. I’m talking about the ultimate party-starting accessory – a whole line of custom gift favors guaranteed to turn any gathering into an ultra-personalized, themed soiree!
Think: adorable coloring books for kids’ birthday parties, stationery packs for kids class gifts, chic stationery favors for corporate events, and patterned favor boxes stuffed with OhSoColorful’s signature items. So whether you’re planning a princess-themed extravaganza or a sophisticated soirée, keep your eyes peeled for our new party favors collection. I’m so excited to expand into the favors realm and help make your big celebrations even more memorable.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my career journey and now finally starting OhSoColorful Co., three qualities really stand out as my not-so-secret weapons. Weapons against self-doubt, stagnation, and wanting to quit altogether! The first, and probably most important, is believing in myself. Seriously, how many dreams have been deferred or squashed entirely simply because someone decided they weren’t worthy or capable enough? I’ve 100% been there. Those pesky voices of self-doubt and insecurity constantly trying to convince me my creative pursuits are lofty pipedreams. But at some point, I decided that my skills and passions are not only viable, but absolutely vital to fulfill my greater purpose.
For quality number two – an eagerness to constantly learn and evolve. In a world that’s constantly evolving, being open to learning is like having a superpower. Whether it’s mastering a new technology or embracing a fresh approach, I’ve found that staying curious and adaptable has been my secret weapon. With each new lesson learned, I’ve expanded my horizons and grown stronger, ready to tackle whatever challenges come my way. To this day, some of the most challenging tasks I’ve taken on ended up offering me the opportunity to learn game-changing skills to add to my creative toolkit.
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about persistence. Think of it as that little voice inside you saying, “Keep going, you’ve got this!” Life is full of obstacles and setbacks, but I’ve learned that it’s not about how many times you fall—it’s about how many times you get back up. I have to keep reminding myself that setbacks are temporary, not permanent. Every setback is just another opportunity to dust yourself off, learn from the experience, and come back even stronger. So, when the going gets tough, I do my best to dig deep, summon my inner strength, and press on toward my goals.
So there you have it—belief in oneself, a thirst for knowledge, and unwavering persistence. These qualities have been my steadfast companions in my career and entrepreneurial pursuits, guiding me through the ups and downs and propelling me toward success. And I’m here to tell you, with the right mindset and a sprinkle of determination, you can conquer anything that comes your way.
What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Imagine that you’re standing at the foot of a mountain, gazing up at its towering peak. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, isn’t it? But here’s the thing—every mountain climber starts with that first step. So, my advice to anyone just starting out is this: embrace your journey, and don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to others.
Think of it like this: each of us is on our own unique adventure, complete with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. So instead of measuring your progress against someone else’s, focus on taking those small, steady steps forward. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, and keep your eyes fixed firmly on the path ahead.
And remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Success takes time, patience, and plenty of perseverance. So stay true to yourself, stay focused on your goals, and above all, believe in your ability to reach the the top. You’ve got this!
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
I’m a creative at heart. I can dream up ideas and crafts and figure out a way to bring them to life. But then there’s the other side of the coin—the business side and figuring out this whole social media game. In today’s world, social media is a part of the beating heart of any successful business venture. And that’s where I’m facing my current challenge.
The thought of meticulously planning an Instagram grid or trying to decode the TikTok algorithm makes my eyes glaze over. Yet in today’s digital world, having an engaging social presence isn’t just smart business – it’s absolutely vital for growth and longevity, especially for smaller brands. Because how else will our tribe discover the vibrant wares we’ve painstakingly created?
I find myself struggling to be visible and consistent on social media. I go through phases of diligently posting, engaging, doing all the socially strategic things…only to inevitably hit a wall of overwhelm and inconsistency. But I know deep down that shying away or surrendering to that social media whirlwind isn’t an option for long-term success. I refuse to let my discomfort with social media hold me back from sharing my creations with the world.
So these days, I’m lasering in on building an assembly line of resources to help foster my visibility and consistency online. From using templates to scheduling tools to potential social media management support, I’m determined to streamline my online efforts in a way that feels authentic and energizing, not draining.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.OhSoColorfulCo.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/OhSoColorfulCo
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/OhSoColorfulCo
- Youtube: www.YouTube.com/@OhSoColorfulCo
- Other: Tiktok – www.tiktok.com/@OhSoColorfulCo Blog – www.OhSoColorfulLiving.com
