An Inspired Chat with Mildred Opendi of Downtown Los Angeles

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mildred Opendi. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Mildred, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are all about grounding and alignment. I start with about 15 minutes of meditation and stretching to wake up my body and clear my mind. Then, I spend around 30 minutes journaling using the Morning Pages from The Artist’s Way, it’s my favorite way to release thoughts and spark creativity. After that, I dedicate about 25 minutes to morning devotion and prayer to set the tone for the day and get my mindset centered. Once I’m done, I make my pre-workout smoothie and head to the gym downstairs for an energizing session to kick off the day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Mildred Opendi. I’m an African-Ugandan creator based in Los Angeles with a deep love for storytelling, travel, and culture. My creative journey has taken me across more than 40 U.S. states and 10 countries around the world, each destination adding a new layer of perspective and inspiration to my work.

I tell stories that blend lifestyle, travel, and authenticity, capturing the beauty of everyday experiences and the richness of discovery. In addition to my work as a creator, I run a boutique social media agency that helps brands and entrepreneurs tell their stories with purpose and style through strategy, creativity, and a genuine human touch.

At the heart of everything I do is a passion for connection, inspiring people to see the world differently, embrace their creativity, and chase meaningful experiences wherever they are.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
That would definitely be my family. They’ve always seen my potential long before I could fully recognize it myself. From an early age, they celebrated me and encouraged me to be unapologetically authentic, which helped me build the confidence to believe that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. To this day, my siblings remain my biggest supporters, the first to engage with my content and proudly share it with anyone who will listen. Their unwavering belief in me continues to give me the courage to dream boldly and keep pushing forward.

Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I deeply miss the simplicity of my boarding school days, six unforgettable years in an all-girls high school where life felt beautifully uncomplicated. Back then, distractions and responsibilities were minimal. We spent hours just talking, laughing, reading books, and playing, completely oblivious to the world’s problems. There was a serenity and sense of freedom that I’ll forever cherish, a time defined by innocence, sisterhood, and unwavering hope for what was to come.

I miss that girlhood, the late-night conversations, the shared dreams, and the bonds we formed that still stand strong today. Those years shaped me in ways I didn’t realize then, and I carry that warmth and connection with me wherever I go.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I deeply admire my mother for her generosity, resilience, hard work, and poise. She lost her parents at a young age but built a beautiful life for herself, brick by brick. She was a banker, ran a hospitality business, managed a farm, raised six children, was a loving wife, an active member of the Mothers’ Union, and maintained strong friendships, all while looking effortlessly put together.

Growing up, I was convinced there was nothing my mother couldn’t do, and it’s from her example that I learned I am capable of anything and everything. She laid the blueprint for the life I strive to create. She was firm on discipline and instilled in us strong Christian values, lessons I carry with me wherever I go. I admire everything she stands for, and if I can embody even a fraction of the woman she is, I know I would feel truly fulfilled. When counting my blessings, I count my mother twice.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply, and perhaps more than most, is that life is a brief, fleeting journey. There simply isn’t time for half of the things we waste it on: anger, resentment, embarrassment, or worrying about what others think. These emotions drain our energy and distract us from pursuing our dreams and living fully.

I’ve learned to live in the present, embracing the moment for what it is, rather than dwelling on days gone by or anxiously anticipating the future. The present is all we truly have, and it’s in this space that growth, creativity, and joy exist. Life becomes richer when we focus on what truly matters, which is connection, purpose, and the pursuit of our passions and let go of everything that doesn’t serve us.

In essence, I’ve come to understand that time is the most valuable currency we have, and how we spend it defines not just our days, but the legacy of our lives.

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