We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Valentine Chukwuma a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Valentine with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the values instilled in me by my family and the environment in which I was raised. I come from a family where work is not just a necessity but a virtue—something to be approached with commitment and, importantly, with joy. From a young age, I was taught that finding joy in your work acts as a catalyst, enhancing both the quality and speed of what you do.
These early lessons emphasized not only diligence but also purpose and discipline. In our household, discipline wasn’t merely about structure—it was about honoring your responsibilities and finding meaning in them. This mindset has shaped the way I approach my profession and how I interact with others. It has helped me cultivate a sense of integrity, resilience, and empathy in the workplace.
The cultural values of purpose-driven work and community consciousness have remained central to my personal and professional life. They’ve guided my decisions, fueled my growth, and continue to influence how I contribute to any team or organization I’m part of.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Chukwuma Valentine, and I hail from Nigeria. I am a proud graduate of Ebonyi State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Anatomy. While my academic path was rooted in the sciences, it was during my university days that I discovered my deep passion for photography.
To me, photography is more than a skill—it’s a powerful art form that allows me to connect with the universe and with people on a deeper level. Through the lens, I’ve learned to find beauty in everything, even in the seemingly imperfect or overlooked. This perspective shapes not just my art, but also the way I live and relate to the world around me.
I officially began my photography journey in late 2023, after completing my studies, and it has been an exciting, purpose-driven path ever since. You can find some of my work—retouched images and creative expressions—on Instagram at @Valografix, where I continue to document my growth as a visual artist.
In addition to photography, I’ve also developed a strong interest in entrepreneurship and trading. Though I am still in the early stages of building my portfolio in that space, it is a journey I approach with the same dedication and curiosity that guide my creative work. A dedicated trading-focused platform is in the works.
Ultimately, my goal is simple yet profound: freedom. I aspire to live a life where I can pursue my passions freely, support others along the way, and use my gifts to make a meaningful impact. I am a dreamer, a believer, and a firm advocate of working smart. Above all, I walk with faith—God has been the compass guiding every decision I make, and His direction continues to shape my journey.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Professionals in Competitive Fields
For anyone striving to reach the top of their game—whether in a highly competitive industry or as an entrepreneur—there are a few core principles that have guided me and continue to shape my journey:
1. Identify Your Path and Commit Fully
The first step is clarity. Clearly define the field or niche you want to venture into. Once that’s established, invest in it wholeheartedly. This means sacrificing time, comfort, and even sleep when necessary. It won’t be easy, but having a clear goal will keep you grounded and help navigate the challenges ahead. Purpose creates direction.
2. Surround Yourself with the Right Network
Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Connect with like-minded individuals and those already making strides in your field. Strategic networking opens doors, provides mentorship, and accelerates your learning curve. As the saying goes, “your network is your net worth.” Attract value by being valuable—show up, contribute, and build genuine relationships.
3. Invest in Knowledge Relentlessly
To earn, you must first learn. Make personal growth a daily habit. Become obsessed with knowledge—read, research, ask questions, and always stay curious. Even a 1% improvement each day adds up over time. Progress doesn’t need to be fast; it just needs to be consistent.
Success is a journey of discipline, passion, and continuous learning. Keep showing up, stay focused on your vision, and trust the process. With resilience and the right mindset, the top is only a matter of time.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
THE ALCHEMIST, played an important part in my development, it taught me how to handle adversity, here are my favorite quotes
: when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it:
:that people are capable at anytime in their lives, of doing what they dream of:
: discover what your personal legend is:
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valografix?igsh=MTBlemNmMmtpdDB5
- Twitter: https://x.com/valografix?t=mipdUe_zXJg-4IdSjKWhyQ&s=09
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
