In Nigeria’s ever-evolving creative economy, many young professionals are building alternative career paths and sustainable lives as freelancers, entrepreneurs, and digital creatives. One voice helping shape this movement is Uchechi Ihuomah, a creative entrepreneur and marketing strategist who has transformed her freelance beginnings into a full-fledged agency.
In this conversation, she opens up about her journey building Contently Curated, a thriving Marketing Agency, mindset shifts, the importance of visibility, financial discipline, and how creatives can grow in the Nigerian market, without waiting for permission.
Can you walk us through your journey into freelancing? How did it all begin?
Uchechi:
“My entry into freelancing wasn’t something I planned. Like most people, I started out applying for jobs, but nothing was working out. After months of trying, I told myself, ‘Instead of sitting idle, find a way to make yourself useful.’
I had skills in social media and content, so I started picking up small freelance jobs. It started off as a way to stay busy, but over time, I realized that it could be more than a temporary hustle. Freelancing gave me my first real taste of independence. What I thought was Plan B opened doors I didn’t know I needed.”
That’s incredibly relatable. What mindset changes helped you grow from surviving to thriving in that space?
Uchechi:
“I had to start taking myself seriously. At first, I downplayed what I did—like it wasn’t a ‘real job.’ That mindset affected how people perceived me. When I started showing up with confidence and clarity, everything shifted. You can’t expect people to value what you do if you’re not confident in it yourself.
Also, I had to build a structure. Freelancing gives you freedom, but freedom without structure leads to chaos. I started managing my time better, creating systems, and being more intentional with my work. That discipline was what helped me turn freelancing into a business.”
How did you start building credibility, especially in an industry where creatives are often undervalued?
Uchechi:
“I leaned into visibility. My first big opportunity came from managing social media for a fashion magazine. It wasn’t the biggest paycheck, but it gave me credibility. I used that role to build my portfolio, tell my story, and make strategic connections.
I also networked a lot. I introduced myself boldly, followed up, and stayed top of mind. I didn’t wait for someone to ‘discover’ me—I showed up and put my work out there, even when it wasn’t perfect. People can’t hire what they can’t see.”
What would you say to young creatives who are just starting out and feel stuck?
Uchechi:
“Start where you are, with what you have. Don’t wait until your work is perfect. Share your process. Talk about your growth. Those early steps are what build your brand over time.
Also, work with people who are passionate and building too. I collaborated a lot with small business owners who were just starting out. We grew together. That’s how I built my portfolio and gained confidence.”
When did you know it was time to stop working solo and build a team?
Uchechi:
“I reached a point where I was overwhelmed. I was doing everything—client work, admin, strategy, social media, even sending invoices. It wasn’t sustainable. That’s when I realized I needed help.
My first step was hiring just one person. I focused on finding someone I could trust and who had the right attitude. From there, I built slowly. I always say, hire based on your weaknesses—the areas draining your time or energy. That’s how you scale without losing your mind.”
How do you manage money in your agency, especially with inconsistent income?
Uchechi:
“Financial structure is everything. For every payment that comes in, I split it—50% goes into running the business, paying the team, tools, and subscriptions. The other 50% is set aside for savings or future projects.
One of the best decisions I made was separating business and personal finances. It gives me clarity. I also budget every month and track expenses. I’ve learned that money doesn’t manage itself. As creatives, we need to be as intentional with our money as we are with our ideas.”
How do you build a team you can trust in the creative space?
Uchechi:
“I look beyond CVs. I look for people with the right mindset—people who are teachable, dependable, and hungry to grow. I’ve hired people who didn’t have all the skills at the start, but were committed to learning. That’s more valuable to me than flashy portfolios.
I also invest in creating an environment where people feel safe and inspired. Leadership is not just about delegating work; it’s about setting a tone for collaboration and growth.”
What challenges do you think creatives in Nigeria face, and how can they overcome them?
Uchechi:
“Access is a big one. Many creatives don’t have access to the right tools, mentorship, or even stable power or internet. That makes the playing field very uneven. There’s also the problem of undervaluing creative work. People expect high-quality work but don’t always want to pay for it.
That’s why mindset is so important. You have to build your value and communicate it clearly. And even more importantly, you have to execute at a global standard, even if you’re building from a small room in Nigeria. Let your work speak for you.”
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to any freelancer trying to build something sustainable?
Uchechi:
“Don’t romanticize the struggle. Yes, it’s tough—but that doesn’t mean you can’t build structure, create systems, and make intentional choices. Treat your creativity as a business.
Be consistent. Be visible. Be intentional. And most importantly, pair your creativity with discipline. That’s the combination that leads to growth.”
Conclusion
Uchechi Ihuomah’s story is proof that freelancing can be more than a stepping stone. It can serve as the foundation of a thriving business and a fulfilling career. Through her mindset shifts, leadership journey, and focus on visibility, Uchechi is helping redefine what it means to be a creative professional in Nigeria.
Her advice is practical, honest, and rooted in lived experience, reminding us that with clarity, structure, and courage, creatives can build businesses that last.
Check out the amazing things Uche and her team are getting up to these days. @contentlycurated.com