You know how you go to buy stuff and you have to try different vendors till you get one whose price is fair and can deliver to your house without charging exorbitant fees? 

Yes, that’s how it was for me with Selar.

From the moment I joined the team, I knew it was the right place. The culture was inclusive and supportive, and everyone was passionate about the work we do. 

Over the course of the year, I have grown both personally and professionally, learning valuable skills and gaining invaluable experience.

But before I talk about the present, let’s go back to where it all started.

The Genesis 

I joined Selar in March 2022 as a video editor. Before joining I majorly worked as a freelance/contract-based media professional. 

I worked on projects like the Founders Connect show with Peace Itimi and did some work with Smile Identity, Teflon hub, Tetramanor, and Jekalo to mention a few. 

In fact, the way I got to be a part of the team was via a referral. In September 2021, Selar put out an ad that they were hiring a Social Media Manager, and I applied because…. why not? (shout out to Nigerians who apply for jobs they don’t qualify for in hopes that a miracle would happen.) 

Well, as you can tell by now, I didn’t get the role, in fact, I wasn’t even responded to. So I naturally just moved on.

Fast forward to February 2022, My friend Tunkunmi sent me a message that he saw an Ad on his former boss’s (Milton) status, that they needed a Video editor and I should apply. I didn’t even know it was Selar until I clicked the link. 

And I was like oh, you guys that aired me. 

I went ahead to apply for the job and eventually got it. The process was really seamless. 

Video production: A natural passion

I’ve always been passionate about Video production. It started with Photography in secondary school and it blossomed into Videography in 2017. 

I began to teach myself video editing using my elder brother’s laptop (because I didn’t have one at the time). Long nights of Youtube tutorials blossomed into a passion. I picked up Motion graphics along the way and just kept improving.

I didn’t start working professionally until 2019 in my 100 level in University, and my passion slowly transitioned from a hobby into a career that pays my bills.

I bought myself a laptop in 2019, a Mac in 2021, and another Mac in 2023, (yes, give me my flowers). I also moved out of my parent’s house in 2021 all from videos. 

This skill has helped me in so many ways and I’m very grateful that I learned it. 

Looking back now, I can agree that the media landscape is not as well defined as tech in all honesty, but somehow I’ve been able to make it work and I’m so passionate about the future of the Nigerian media space and how I’m going to fulfill my own quota.

Work at Selar

Working at Selar is like working with friends. The company culture is so warm and welcoming, I think it’s because we’re all young people, and we all respect the value that each person brings to the table. 

So we are a team of like-minded individuals. In our individual selves, we are rockstars, and together we’re rocking the Digital Creator Economy in Africa. We do a lot of work, but we also feel heard, listened to, and appreciated.

The company culture is so welcoming and I’m super grateful to be a part of the team. It sets a standard for me on what to expect from other companies.

Working as a one-man video team

I’m the only video guy on the team, so I play the role of video consultant, motion graphics professional, producer, director, editor, colorist, and creative genius all at once. 

It’s a challenging task, but I’ve found a way to creatively express the goals of the company, and meet all the video needs of both the marketing and sometimes support team to “move the needle”. 

The deadlines are also flexible. We’ve established a work structure where I don’t get burnt out and ample time is given to planning and proper execution of video content. 

I totally enjoy my role, not just because I’m passionate about Media, but because I’m passionate about the Digital Creator Economy and I want to see that needle move by all means. 

Generally, Selar is the creative’s friend, and both the staff and merchants can agree.

My best moments at work

I remember when I was robbed sometime last year, and my iPhone was stolen as well as some of my belongings. 

The company gave me a leave of absence and some extra money to replace my stolen device. They didn’t have to, but they did and it just made me shed a tear or two, maybe three, maybe I wept, lol.

My second best moment was the first physical shoot we had, where I got to see my teammates in person. Remote work is good, but nothing beats human interaction. I just loved the vibe and energy that everyone brought. Really cute place to work ngl.

Growing on the job

One major thing I learned here is converting creative ideas into business viable content. It’s not just about how good a video looks, if it doesn’t convert into sales, sign-ups, or overall company growth, it’s not such a great video. 

Working with the marketing team taught me the importance of good copywriting, great captions, action points that move the needle, and how to turn creative ideas into merchants.

My favorite thing about Selar

My favorite thing about working with Selar is ……..

Treasure, Douglas, Milton, Sophia, Lydia, Emmanuel, etc.

The People, Oh my God!!!

I love watching Romoke roast Milton on Slack, disturbing Douglas on Instagram and iMessage, texting Treasure about the next reel idea that she’ll completely hate, mocking Emmanuel’s network issues, accusing Lydia of not posting my videos on time, sending Milton videos of JCole, watching Seyi transform the company into a more connected community, and lots more…

I know, none of these are work-related, right? 

That’s exactly why I love working here. 

I can be my goofy, playful, GenZ self and not have to be someone else…

My Experience at Selar In 5 words

Challenging, Exciting, Rewarding, Fun, People.

Future plans? 

I currently have transitioned from Video Editor to Creative Director, and I want to push the boundaries of video content on the team, more ads, more projects, more videos, more interviews, more and more and more video ideas. Yessss!!!!