What happens when you refuse to settle for an ordinary life? You might discover a world of adventure, purpose, and endless possibilities. Victoria Osomo is living proof of that. Osomo, also known as Wandering African Queen, chose a life beyond the predictable, curating experiences.
This Nigerian Virtual assistant began documenting her life for fun. What started as a personal journal of her travels quickly grew into a digital movement, capturing the attention of over 70,000 followers across social media.
In this inspiring conversation with Ashayi, Osomo opens up about her journey documenting the beauty and complexity of Nigeria.
What inspired you to take this path of creativity?
“My inspiration comes from curiosity. I’m a curious person and love to experience different things and cultures. I love to connect with my environment and see new places. I have experienced many cultures, learning how they differ from what I’m used to.”
How did you begin your creative journey?
“I’ve always loved documenting experiences, taking photos, and recording videos. I used to take videos of restaurants that I visited for no good reason. I would keep them on my phone, in my gallery. My first main creative video was when I visited Badagry with Spring Palms, exploring Point of No Return. I needed people to see what I saw with my eyes. I needed people to see that this is an actual place and there’s a story here. I wanted people to see that Spring Palms is a part of Lagos. It is the oldest resort in Lagos and is still standing.
There was no other way for me to pass this information. I decided to take a video of what I was seeing and possibly write about it. That was how I started my journey. Then, I also visited markets. I perhaps had a reason to go to the market, and I shared the hustle and bustle of the market. I also help my audience find cheaper deals. These are some of the ways I started creating videos. It has just stuck with me. I like that my audience can learn from my videos. I enjoy visiting and sharing experiences.”
What was the biggest risk you took in your career, and how did it shape you?
“I think the biggest risk i took was travelling to Owu Waterfalls alone. It’s the highest waterfall in West Africa, located in Kwara State. I didn’t know anyone there, and there were real concerns about safety and access. I didn’t realise the dangers until I arrived at the junction where I had to take the bike for an hour and thirty minutes. That was when it dawned on me. I am a solo traveller, and that can be dangerous. The trip shaped me because it taught me to be resilient. I became more confident in navigating unfamiliar environments, trusting my instincts, and being present.
It also reminded me that the stories I want to tell will often require discomfort, but the reward is always worth it. When people see my videos, i want them to know that they can travel alone as well. They don’t have to wait for anybody to tell their stories; they can experience this for themselves. We have the tallest waterfall in West Africa. It’s unbelievable. Many people do not know this. I want people to know this through the stories I tell. That’s the reward for me.”
Who inspires you?
“I draw inspiration from storytellers, documentarians, and people who are intentional and original. People who create from a place of truth, not just for trends. I’m particularly not one to follow trends. I film and create content from what calls to me. Every day, Nigerians. Those who make the most of what they have, who create beauty from chaos, who live with high spirit and resilience, inspire creatives to keep documenting, exploring, and showing the world the richness of our culture. These are the people who inspire me. Personally, my friends in this creative industry inspire me. It has been amazing getting to know many people online and even offline. The work they do and the extent they go to get stories heard, I learn from their efforts. These things inspire me.”
How do you balance creativity with business strategy?
“I balance both by being intentional. There’s something called creative freedom where I can explore places I want to explore, document cultures that speak to me and tell stories in my voice. I align with brands and collaborations that will interest my audience. I track what resonates, plan content around campaigns or seasons, and think long-term about each piece that builds my brand. How does this build my brand? How does this work for my brand? I wouldn’t want to post anything different from what I am trying to portray. When I’m documenting a remote waterfall or a quiet village, I also consider how it aligns with my vision and the community. When I am filming, I ask myself what information I am passing. Is it safe? Is it legit? Is this true? Did I experience this? I want them to experience something that will benefit them or something that will not put them in danger or lead them astray. This mindset helps me stay inspired without losing focus.”
What does your creative process look like?
“My creative process usually starts with curiosity. I get inspired by a location, a story, or a conversation. Once I decide on a place or idea, I do research. Inquiring from friends with more experience. Then, I go into planning mode. What story angle do I want to pass across? What moments do I want to capture? What do I want my audience to understand from this story? When I’m out there, I film everything. Behind the scenes, candid moments, and details that you could overlook. I make room for spontaneity because some of my best content has come from unexpected moments. After filming, I take time to review, edit, and craft a narrative that feels true to me. Whether it’s 30 seconds for TikTok, one minute for Instagram, or a full YouTube video, I try to make each piece intentional and engaging. My process involves planning, storytelling, and feeling. It has to feel right before I post it.”
What has been your biggest lesson from setbacks?
“One of my biggest lessons from Setbacks is that growth doesn’t always feel like progress. Sometimes, a video flops, a trip doesn’t go as planned, or a collaboration falls through, and in those moments, it’s easy to feel discouraged. A video might get low views. You’re starting to feel bad. “You think you should delete the video, re-edit and repost”. But, i have learned to detach my worth from metrics. Stay consistent even when the results aren’t immediate. Every setback has sharpened my voice, made me more resilient, and reminded me that impact often builds quietly before it is visible. I have learned to see those moments as part of the process.”
What is next for you?
“Blending my love for travel to create meaningful experiences is one of my biggest goals. I am also diving deeper into documenting unpopular destinations, creating content that encourages people to explore beyond the typical tourist spots. Experience history and culture in a way that takes me back to how other tribes and civilisations lived in their everyday lives. I immerse myself in the stories, traditions, and ways of life that have shaped this culture over time and share them with my audience. It’s all about connecting the past to the better. I hope to build more partnerships with brands that align with my vision. It’s all about blending creativity with purpose and building a community that encourages exploration and appreciation.”
2 Comments
She’s inspiring, I love her already.
Hwaiting 💪🔥🔥