THE BEGINNING.
July 1, 2010 was my official resumption date at Cool FM exactly 10 years ago, I recall being excited and nervous that, I had finally gotten my dream job after years of auditioning especially at Cool FM, I had just returned from a nice vacation with my family, almost over a year after we suffered a major loss in my family…my DAD, Navy Commander Christopher Abiodun Oniwo (RTD), passed away in June 2009, he didn’t live long enough to see his baby girl shine, God took him earlier than we hoped but we are grateful. May his gentle soul Rest in peace forever.
Location: Cool FM Production Studio
Its 3:35am here in Lagos Nigeria as I type this, reflecting on how far I have come, a decade, 10 whole years, It has been a journey, one I would dare NOT trade for anything. I am a work in progress when it comes to giving myself a pat on the back, it always feels like I’m never satisfied, always wanting more; while that is fair, it’s definitely one of the greatest lessons I’ve learnt, being fair to myself, but most importantly, saying “well done Kaylah , you are doing well lol (in Mcmacaroni’s voice). I Currently host the drive time show ROAD SHOW LAGOS on COOL FM every weekday from 3-6pm.
I had planned something to mark this milestone but due to Covid 19, plans changed. I was led in my heart to celebrate differently so please keep reading to find out how I intend to go about this . The industry has been kind to me but just as expected, it showed me some tough times ,that pushed me to do better even though there were times it made me feel incompetent.
THE STRUGGLE
In a recent interview, I opened up about not being recognized enough for my work, I felt that I was overlooked a number of times for whatever reason; sometimes I had to work even harder to prove myself, I would be denied a job because I didn’t have a clique(whatever that means), or not being at the “right place at the right time”, I watched jobs being handed to others because I wasn’t controversial enough, I had no backstory, no family name, I was too private with my relationship, I had no accent, I was too conservative, I could go on anD on with the list but that’s life ,and while all of these happened, some amazing brands aligned with me in the most organic way , they said “We like her like that” and I am grateful for them. I am grateful for people who followed my brand from day and are still here urging me to do more.
9 years later
Location : Main Studio , COOL FM
WINNING
Over the span of 10 years, i experienced growth paced as a result of hardwork and Gods divine intervention and grace; it was important that I highlighted my wins. In July 2019, the amazing Public relations expert, Shayo Osinbowale from The VA company created a campaign called “6 Shades of Kaylah” .The aim of the campaign was to showcase 6 different sides of my personality that have evolved over the years from being just a radio girl to someone who enjoys being an MC hosting events, becoming a beauty, fashion, lifestyle and travel blogger and an influencer with major brands.
We shot these images and i worked with an incredible team on this.
SHOOT CREDITS:
CREATIVE DIRECTION: SAYO OSINBOWALE FOR THE VA COMPANY :@Theva.company
PHOTOGRAPHY: OMIDE STUDIOS: @OMIDEPHOTOGRAPHY
STYLING : KANYINSOLA LATINWO : @KANYINL_THEPERFECTIONISTA
MAKE-UP : @CassKoncepts1
HAIR STYLIST : ROYCE SAMUEL: @ceezystyling
HAIR EXTENSIONS : @HAIRSENTIMENTS
ACCESSORIES : @THELUXESHOPPER
LOCATION: THE BOROUGH LAGOS: @THEBOROUGHLAGOS
CAFE JADE :@cafejadelagos
COOL FM STUDIOS: @coolfmlagos
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT : HELEN FUBARA: @helencyrus1
Last year, I set up my hair extensions company , HAIR SENTIMENTS to explore my entrepreneurial side once again with my sister Ifeoma Tolu Oniwo ,out of my love and passion for hair extensions. I wrote about it HERE
GIVING BACK
To mark this incredible milestone, I have chosen to partner with BRMC (BROADCAST RADIO MASTER CLASS) owned by my outstanding Media personality friend ,Fola Folayan, a trained media personality and radio host ,to sponsor 10 aspiring media personalities by paying for their courses, to kick start their career in radio. Due to COVID 19, the classes will be available only online .
To apply for the scholarship, simply click on this link APPLY AT BRMC and fill the form. We will pick the best 10 . Congratulations to my best 10 candidates.
I will also be speaking on Sunday . See details below
LIFE LESSONS
On a final note ,it is often said, “Experience is the BEST teacher”. My 10-year experience in media has taught me many things and I will share them with the hope that it will inspire someone out there. I have a lot but will keep it at 10 just to be cheesy and align with what I am celebrating.
1. BE YOU – The most cliché statement in the history of the world but guess what? It works.
2. NEVER GIVE UP – Because there will be times you will say “I can’t do this anymore ”
3. HAVE A VOICE – This took me a while, but I’m happy I eventually did. You must speak up for what you want , what you stand for, and fearlessly too.
4. BE PROFESSIONAL – Being professional has kept me going for 10 solid years, I am not perfect but that’s what comes to my mind anytime I have to engage any client.
5. LEARN HOW TO SAY NO – The hustle is real, but you must value your time and craft. When it doesn’t align with your brand and purpose, please decline.
6. NEVER COMPARE YOURSELF TO ANYONE – Comparison never gets you anywhere, this is tough because even people will compare you to others, the media , brands, fans and so on and so forth, you must stay strong and true to who you are .
7. SHOW GRATITUDE AND BE KIND.
8. BE IMPACTFUL – Give your time, craft to a good cause.
9. IT’S OK TO SEVERE SOME FRIENDSHIPS.
10.WORK ON YOURSELF – There is no harm in re-creating/re-inventing yourself.
Bonus – Make mistakes, be ready to fall, laugh at yourself, and NEVER put people down in a bid to get ahead, document the process, take pictures and make videos.
APPRECIATION
I want to say THANK YOU to my mom & biggest fan, Princess Gladys Oniwo, my sister FIFI , my brother, Chris aka Marley,my nephews Damian & Rohan, my friends(my circle), I love you guys so much, I cannot thank you enough , my clients, colleagues, followers on all social media platforms, my listeners, and everyone who has been part of my journey and Thank you COOL FM for giving this young starry eyed girl a chance .I hope my story inspires you to go after your dreams, they are just as VALID as mine . Have an amazing day and cheers to many more years. xoxo
Kaylah Oniwo
July 1, 2020 @ 8:03 am
You’re every man’s dream, Gods gift to earth. Humans like you are very scarce on earth that is why I always thank God for making a bundle of sweetness and an angel like you to grace the face of the earth
What a privilege to have you among us (mere mortals) hardworking…..congratulations❤
July 1, 2020 @ 8:08 am
May God continue to bless your heart. You are really a blessing to us your fans.
July 1, 2020 @ 8:40 am
Congratulations on your anniversary! I know your voice more than your face, I know you!
Your story is inspiring and I have taken notes. I am currently having a degree in broadcast Journalism in other for me to come into the industry trained (to an extent at least 😩)
Congratulations again 🥳
July 1, 2020 @ 8:41 am
Bravo
July 1, 2020 @ 9:09 am
This is a lot. Thanks so much for this great opportunity. God bless you more. Congratulations ma’am
July 1, 2020 @ 10:50 am
This is such a beautiful story. I’m so inpsired. Happy birthday Kaylah. More wins, God bless you more.
July 1, 2020 @ 12:41 pm
Been listening to Gbemi alongside Tosyn Bucknor and I can say for a fact that I have learnt a lot. Your energy, vibe and charisma is worth emulating, you bring another dimension to radio broadcasting. One thing I love is your originality, the way you also address your callers, It’s like you’ve known them from way back. I can say that there’s no dull moment with you. I hope you can help me be the better version of myself. Big ups to you, keep soaring
July 1, 2020 @ 2:38 pm
Congratulations ma’am..many more years in excellence and grace. Thank you for the opportunity 🥰
July 1, 2020 @ 3:41 pm
I will love to learn from you, although I don’t have the educational background of an ISP, but I know it is something I can do because I have been a radio addict for close to 15 years. I would love to be part of the Lucky 10
July 1, 2020 @ 3:51 pm
Congratulations to you Kaylah Oniwo from your story its been a long way and you’re here, your story is indeed an inspiration and more also your personality on air is motivational the brand you work with I will say made me love radio want to be on radio dream of radio land because they have persons like you. Thank you very much for the impact you’ve made and still making in my life as a person cos I will not stop following you for more knowledge.
Congrats once more
July 1, 2020 @ 8:09 pm
I must really say, the ten years experience and lessons that the media has thought you is what i am going through right now and thanks so much for sharing your experience ma. I sometimes look at myself and feel like I’m not good enough but one thing kept me going “I am unique”
That word has been keeping me on my feet, I can’t afford to be any one else because I have my own unique feature
Thank you ma…I’ve also learnt something from you ma
July 1, 2020 @ 8:30 pm
Thank you very much, never forget that !
OAP Kaylah Oniwo Is Celebrating A Decade In Media!🎈 - A Slice Of Naija
July 1, 2020 @ 8:21 pm
[…] Media Gal Kaylah Oniwo is celebrating her 10 years of been an On Air Personality with Cool FM in an article titled A decade in MEDIA , 6 shades of Kaylah & Giving back. […]
July 1, 2020 @ 9:47 pm
As you celebrate a decade in the radio broadcasting industry today, may you continue to excel in all your endeavors and may you also celebrate successes in your private businesses.
Congratulations and God bless you Kaylah💕
Hearty cheers to you
I love you
Warm Regards
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July 2, 2020 @ 12:23 am
You are a Heroine 👑 💪
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