Nigerian model and actress Temi Otedola is patting herself on her back as she celebrates a huge milestone.
The younger sister of DJ Cuppy, via her Instagram page, revealed that December 19th marked the 10th anniversary since the stray of her career. She noted how when she started her career at 17, she didn’t have a clue where it was heading but she was determined. She noted how she took every opportunity she could despite the trials and errors on her journey.
Temi revealed that she finds out hard to be proud of her accomplishments because people tend to see careers in online media as glamorous. But, she turned a new leaf this year by looking back at the countless photoshoots, rehearsals, emails, meetings, pitches, auditions, and missed opportunities,s, and she is proud of herself.
“I never post things like this, but December 19th marked the 10-year anniversary since the start of my career. When baby 17-year-old Temi started building jtofashion.com, running between university classes and photoshoots, she didn’t have a clue where this was all heading, but she was determined. I wish I could hug that girl and tell her all the hard work would pay off!! What started as fashion blogging turned into writing, presenting, event hosting, modeling, creative direction, stage acting, film acting, singing, and podcasting – I took every opportunity I could!! There was also so much trial and error in my journey: Failed projects. Imposter syndrome, NO’s, and many bad outfits.
I find it really hard to be proud of my accomplishments because often, careers in online media are seen as only glamorous. Nobody but you sees the 10,000 hours of work behind the scenes. But I am DAMN proud of myself. I never usually give myself the credit but this first week of 2025 I’ve been a bit nostalgic and have looked back over the countless photoshoots, rehearsals, emails, meetings, pitches, auditions, 5am call times, and missed opportunities, I’m proud of myself for never giving up on my dreams and staying consistent throughout my 20s. As a type A introvert, I often found the pace and networking aspect of the industry really difficult, but I’m proud I pushed myself at so many points I could have given up. Ultimate Thanks goes to God. I also couldn’t have done this without all of you guys: my family, partner, team, friends, mentors, teachers, brands, collaborators, and everyone who has supported my dreams so far.
Starting in the Nigerian creative scene in 2014 to representing us on an international level is something I never could have imagined. From being the first African influencer to collaborate with many international luxury brands, to being the first African digital ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. I usually like keeping it mysterious online, lol, but I had to share these moments with my OG fans, who have been following my journey for 10 YEARS!!! And seen my growth as a creative woman. What do u know about JTO FASHION??? to the teddies forever and always”.
