Today we’d like to introduce you to Esther Oluwatosin Ajayi.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
For the most part I am an “ordinary girl”, just with an extra-ordinary purpose, extra-ordinary drive and extra-ordinary resilience.
As with all of us it has been my unique joruney and experiences that have shaped me -uniquely. I have always stood out -even amongst my siblings. Standing out early in life translated into being an easy target for bullying which spiraled into me developing many insecurities- a battle I prevail in daily. Nothing ever came easy for me, every acheivement was coupled with an immense amount of work. However, I’ve come to realize the same things about me that made me stand out and experience some negativity are the same things that have opened doors and created platforms for my purpose.
Some days thinking back on my life and experiences like being bullied, I smile so hard feeling both a great sense of accomplishment and also some sadness for I know all of these built my confidence, perseverance and compassion and I am grateful for the lessons.
So how did I work through this…how did I retrieve myself from the rubble of life I found myself through Dance, it helped me communicate and express myself freely in a way that allowed me to be vunerable to the world and connect but it also offered a solice and protection.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
My biggest challenge is one not unique to me. Becoming. Becoming the real me. For example, one of my life goals was to become a medical doctor for my father’s sake. My love for art is second to none, but considering my father’s desire was paramount. This led to me writing the JAMB examination 7 times, in order to make this dream a reality. It was hard for me to accept that no matter how. Much my love and appreciation for my father I had, his dream was not my reality. Despite the time and effort I gave, I found myself stealing away from my studies to attend performing arts exhibitions and dance shows. My heart was where art lives. My first significant career transition came when Beth Model Africa signed me as a model into their agency. Since then, I have been featured in more than 200 music videos, for both Nigerian and international artists. I have also choreographed many videos for some very renown artist, the likes of Davido, Dababy, burna- boy, Mayorkun, wizkid….
I have had the honor of receiving many coveted titles, such as:
Most sophisticated female in the Nigeria Association of Physical and Health Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance 2018.
Female entertainer of the year Nigeria Association of Physical and Health Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance 2019. Miss humanitarian queen Nigeria 2019/2020.
Most recently I garnered the crown of Miss Earth Nigeria 2022 and top 12 finalist with 5 gold medals in Miss Earth world 2022.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I am a movement, teaching and entertainment specialist at large, however I am nurturing a specialty in the union of the performing arts, advocacy, production and education. The love of nature is close to my heart specifically creating awareness among children and youth on the effect of land based pollution to the ecosystem, thus it only makes sense to pair the two passions.
Why: Land pollution is one of the major challenge in Lagos Nigeria where I come from, land pollution often contributes to air and water pollution which affects access to food through agricultural detriment.
This is a race for everyone because, the earth is what we all share in common.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
From my experience, I can say that it can be very tough to focus on all our goals at once.
Which is why I believe one should always prepare, persevere, practice optimism and learn from failure.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
For me, success simply means achieving a goal, I have set for my self, it is a sense of giving back to the world and making a difference.
What’s next for you?
World domination (evil grin) no but in all seriousness the love, passion and experiences I have are bigger than 1 geographic area so I am expanding the Ajayi brand to a few international markets with the tenets still being in play 1. Artivism 2. Performing and Acting 3. Education.
Furthermore, I am getting help lol! I have single handedly self managed and developed my brand and this is not only the choreography and modeling but all the business and technical aspects. This has been exhausting and has limited my ability to maximize my potential as there are only 24 hrs in a day and i only have 2 hands.
I have partnered with a Los Angeles/Hollywood brand management company,
Our Legacy Entertainment Services Organization Incorporated, whose mission and vision is so synergetic to that of my own brand and subbrands. This liberates so much of my time and headspace to really hone in on my passion works of performance, activism and education.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
Social media makes it easier than ever before for strangers around the world to connect with each other through online communities. This has led to support groups that help people in various ways , but my website is where all things Ajayi live.
You can also reach out to me via my social media platforms and get to follow up on my progress.
Instagram – xterberry
Facebook – xterberry
Twitter – xterberry
TikTok – xterberry_